The lakeside views from the patios have made 6Smith a beloved Wayzata stop for a ideal summer dining. While drinking in the view, there’s also a stellar bar program with lovely wines, tap beers, and cocktails. The menu is abundant with something to please everyone from meat lovers to vegetarians.

A bonafide classic restaurant that brings a welcome reprieve from the sun on hot summer days. The steaks are an obvious go-to, but the sides also shine: hash browns in a golden, lace-edged disk, deeply caramelized French onion soup, and truffled risotto.

This delightful cafe and gourmet grocery spot opened up during the pandemic and still has thrived with just fancy-enough snacks for a long afternoon of wine with a couple of friends, or all the makings to bring a huge spread home to impress a gaggle of guests. The intimate setting is just the right amount of casual-chic for a wandering in post-boating, or making plans for date night.

This cheerful, bright diner in downtown Wayzata, Benedict’s is a local breakfast favorite. A must-order are the eponymous benedicts: from a classic ham and egg to a “Nordeaster” with butter-poached lobster and Old Bay hollandaise, or the “Steak,” with beef tenderloin and smoked onion mustard.

Nestled on first floor of The Landing hotel complex in downtown Wayzata, ninetwentyfive’s space is sunlit and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek, leather-lined booths. Since it’s a hotel, all-day eating is available from breakfast through an elegant, seasonally-sourced dinner. Plus, happy hour runs from 3 to 5 p.m. with $2 oysters and $5 draft beer.

A cool treat after a hot afternoon on the lake. Sushi Fix, tucked inside an unassuming strip mall, serves fresh fish and creative rolls. Order everything to share and don’t miss the impressive sake list.

Vann is the brainchild of Tilia alum Erik Skaar. With Norwegian and Japanese influences and a coastal-focused menu, every visit to Vann leans into a studied simplicity with impressive results. The menu changes daily, ensuring the freshest seafood that’s just-arrived is prepared to highlight the briny beauties.

Refreshed for this, the summer of return to all things good, The Caribbean has partnered with Chanhassen’s Tequila Butcher for a boat up to the bar casual spot with top shelf drinks. Meats come straight off the smoker for a burgers and sandwiches. Since tequila is in the name, fabulous margaritas are a sure thing, but a crisp caprihana demands attention.

Classic Italian has found its home in Excelsior with Red Sauce Rebellion, a neighborhood restaurant full of nostalgic favorites: baked ziti, chicken piccata, beef and veal meatballs draped over spaghetti. Make sure to visit the Rebel Room, the not-so-secret cocktail bar tucked in the basement, for after-dinner drinks and a few rounds of shuffleboard.