Perched elegantly above Lake Superior on Duluth’s scenic East Superior Street just above the Duluth Lakewalk, Va Bene Duluth Caffe has become a staple for both locals and tourists seeking a genuine slice of Italian cuisine. Since its inception in 2006 by Mary Kay and Jim Berarducci, and continuing today under the ownership of employees-turned-restaurateurs Luke Schmitz and Patrick Moore, Va Bene Duluth has consistently delivered a dining experience that combines traditional Italian flavors with a unique Minnesotan charm.
A Brief History of Va Bene Duluth
The story of Va Bene begins in 2006 with its founders, Mary Kay and Jim Berarducci, who were inspired by their Italian heritage to create a space where high-quality ingredients and home-style cooking met the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of Duluth. The name “Va Bene”, meaning “it goes well” in Italian, reflects a promise to each guest who walks through their doors. And based on my trips to the restaurant, that’s a promise consistently fulfilled.
The restaurant continues to excel since the ownership transition in 2019 (as reported by the Duluth News Tribune) under the passionate management of two dedicated long-time managers, Luke Schmitz and Patrick Moore, who continue to uphold the founding mission of culinary brilliance. Holidays continue to be popular at Va Bene as well, as evidenced on Valentine’s Day 2024 when they had a waiting list with over 75 people waiting in case anyone called to cancel.
Culinary Delights at Va Bene Duluth
At Va Bene, every dish served is a testament to the passion for authenticity. Their culinary philosophy emphasizes scratch-made excellence. From their robust sauces and dressings to their freshly baked breads and handcrafted gnocchi, each recipe is meticulously prepared. The desserts, a must-try for any visitor, are all made in-house, providing that perfect sweet finish to any meal. Walking in to the restaurant and immediately seeing the gelato cooler is always a temptation for this sweet-toothed writer.
Whether your favorites are their made-from-scratch sauces and dressings or the homemade breads, gnocchi, and exquisite desserts, each dish at Va Bene Duluth is prepared to order with the utmost care for every occasion.
A Setting With a View
The ambiance of Va Bene is just as thoughtfully curated as its menu. The restaurant features panoramic views of Lake Superior, which can be enjoyed from both the cozy indoor seating and the vibrant outdoor terrace—ideal during the warmer months. The glass façade offers diners a picturesque backdrop, adding to the overall charm and appeal of the dining experience.
Community and Engagement
Va Bene’s connection to Duluth goes beyond just serving food. The restaurant actively engages with the community, sponsoring local events and contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Their presence on social media, particularly Va Bene’s Facebook page, keeps fans and patrons in the loop about new menu items, special events, and more.
Where is Va Bene Restaurant Located?
Whether you’re a Duluth local or a visitor to the North Shore, Va Bene restaurant offers more than just a meal— it provides a great dining experience along with an incredible atmosphere.
Va Bene Caffe Location
734 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
Va Bene Duluth Reviews
Don’t just take my word for it, either. With overall high ratings on web review sites, Va Bene Duluth is a place that’s enjoyed by both locals and travelers alike. Here are just a few examples of the praise Va Bene has received from customers.
“This place can be hard to get a reservation. But… there is a reason for it. The food is delicious, fresh and well prepared. We went on my bday and the service was excellent. Highly recommend!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paul D.
“Wonderful staff, nice atmosphere. The food was wonderful. The freshness of the bruschetta was something you really could tatste. The honey goat cheese with pear crostini was such a good combination, I could have eaten that by itself. I ate the bistecca which was just the right amount of food. My friends will go here every time they are in Duluth and I 100% understand why. We made a reservation which made it much easier. Also the birthday cake gelato was wonderful, the red velvet (I’m guessing) pieces in it was a nice touch!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jenna L.
“We drove like 3 hours just to have this amazing pasta at Va Bene. Beautiful view but exquisite food. Creamy, warm, cheesy. Also, the affogato at the end of our lunch is a must. The honey goat cheese with pear was delicious. Always happy to be back.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Daniela G.
Private Events Dining Room at Va Bene Duluth
The private dining room at Va Bene Caffe in Duluth, Minnesota, offers a perfect blend of elegance and functionality, ideal for any private event. Named Soffitta, this exclusive space located about the main dining area can accommodate up to 30 guests, making it suitable for a variety of occasions such as business meetings, family gatherings, wedding rehearsal dinners, you name it.
The private dining space features a flexible menu that can be customized to meet the specific culinary needs of your group, ensuring a personalized dining experience. The room provides breathtaking views, adding a picturesque backdrop to your event. Guests can enjoy Va Benes’s renowned Italian cuisine in this private setting, which is equipped with all the necessary amenities to make your event both special and seamless.
A Highly Recommended Italian Dining Experience in Duluth, MN
I may be biased due to my love of all things Lake Superior, and Va Bene Duluth’s spectacular location overlooking the water, but this is always one of my go-to spots when I’m in Duluth. Va Bene is not just a restaurant in Duluth, MN that combines traditional Italian dishes with warm hospitality and incredible ambiance.
The interior offers a lively and inviting atmosphere, complemented by creatively designed indoor and outdoor dining areas. These spaces not only provide a beautiful setting for a meal but also boast unbeatable views of Lake Superior and the Duluth Lakewalk, enhancing the overall dining experience and makes it an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a great place to dine in Duluth.
