Our enclosed Solarium, perched above the Lakewalk, offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior. Va Bene features beautiful lake views from our enclosed solarium, open air deck, and outdoor grotto. Va Bene Caffe is a Duluth restaurant serving fresh Italian food prepared with quality ingredients, to be enjoyed in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Directly above the Lakewalk, overlooking beautiful Lake Superior, Va Bene features Duluth's best lake views. Our lunch and dinner menu includes creative salads, signature soup, fresh pasta and gnocchi, grilled panini, and steak and seafood entrees. We serve Italian coffee, sodas, espresso, wine, beer and spirits.
Directly above the Lakewalk, overlooking beautiful Lake Superior, Va Bene features Duluth's best lake views. Our lunch and dinner menu includes creative salads, signature soup, fresh pasta and gnocchi, grilled panini, and steak and seafood entrees. We serve Italian coffee, sodas, espresso, wine, beer and spirits.
Services
In 2006, embracing their Italian culture, Mary Kay and Jim Berarducci founded VA BENE fresh Italian food prepared with quality ingredients, to be enjoyed in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Now in its 14th year, the restaurant is family owned and operated by two long-time managers. We remain committed to our mission of excellence.
We appreciate your comments, and general inquiries can be sent using the form, or to us at info@vabenecaffe.com. We appreciate your support! Va Bene is nominated in several Eat/Drink voting categories for 2021 Minnesota's Best, including Italian, Dessert, On The Water Spot. Open Monday with normal hours.
Our restaurant is located east of downtown Duluth, a short walk from The Lakewalk, two blocks east of the historic Fitger's building. The views from our dining areas are hard to beat, and with our open-air outdoor Grotto, you can be even closer to Lake Superior. Our enclosed solarium allows amazing views of Lake Superior and the Aerial Lift Bridge, with the comfort of indoor dining.
Our menu includes our signature soup, fresh pasta and gnocchi, creative salads, grilled panini, and steak and fish features. We serve Italian coffee, sodas, espresso, wine, beer and spirits. We rotate a large selection of Italian gelato and sorbetto, plus our fabulous house-made desserts. All of our pasta sauces and salad dressings are gluten-free.
Add gift cards to your online take-away order or purchase in-person at the restaurant at 734 E Superior St in Duluth. Price Hints: The average price for pasta and panini is $15 before tax; antipasti and salad $12; steak and fish entrees $27; cocktails $10. Curb-side pickup is available daily 12 noon until 8pm.
Reviews (23)
Stuart H.
Jan 26, 2022
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Had the Tornedos De La Foret (main course). Probably the best prepared piece of meat in easily a year, and the cognac and mushroom risotto was superb. Somehow these folks also manage to get delicious tomatoes in MINNESOTA in JANUARY!! And I don't mean, "oh, that's pretty good for a tomato in January", I mean compared to any time!! Will definitely be back.
Tshiab X.
Jan 19, 2022
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The staff there was very friendly and nice. We made reservations for a lake view table and the view was AMAZING! Getting a lake view table is a must! The food there was also great. I would say overall my experience there was fantastic. It can be expensive but trust me, it's totally worth it. I can't wait to go there again!
I would recommend to book online first before going there so that it's guaranteed you'll get a lake view table.
I would recommend to book online first before going there so that it's guaranteed you'll get a lake view table.
Toniann L.
Jan 18, 2022
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We wanted to have dinner here being we read raving reviews.
We weren't able to make a reservation because they were booked. Luke placed us on a cancellation list. We were on our way to a different restaurant when Luke called and said they had a table.
The atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for. Quiet and nice.
The food was to die for! There were 4 of us. We all had something different but all raved over our dinners.
We started with the Burrata appetizer. A must have!!!!!!
Va Bene Caffe has high standards! Excellent service.
Thank you so much to Luke for working his magic to get
We weren't able to make a reservation because they were booked. Luke placed us on a cancellation list. We were on our way to a different restaurant when Luke called and said they had a table.
The atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for. Quiet and nice.
The food was to die for! There were 4 of us. We all had something different but all raved over our dinners.
We started with the Burrata appetizer. A must have!!!!!!
Va Bene Caffe has high standards! Excellent service.
Thank you so much to Luke for working his magic to get
Nicole Everson
Jan 09, 2022
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Lee Witte
Jan 05, 2022
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Priscilla Anjos
Dec 26, 2021
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Amanda Lerom
Dec 19, 2021
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Va Bene was recommended to us by a friend. We made a reservation for 5pm and requested the lake view. We were sat immediately, our server was friendly, and food came out fast. Incredibly cozy ambience. Espresso martini was delicious. Also highly recommend the Roasted Red Pepper Spread for an appetizer. I had the Pasta Alla Zucca Violina (incredible) and my husband had Gorgonzola Al Peperoncino. There isn’t anything I would change about this experience. It was a memorable night, thank you Va Bene!
Bah M.
Dec 19, 2021
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I was sold on the view before I went here as I’m sure you’re checking it out on these reviews as well? The view is great as you can see in my photo, but and there’s a big BUT, you are packed into a very small box like space to have that view. You’re on top of the next table which is no different than if you’re eating in Manhattan. I’ve been to New York City countless times and this is the type of Little Italy close proximity dining space you’ll encounter, if you want that lake view.
The table next to you could reach over and grab the pepper off your table, it’s that close. You
The table next to you could reach over and grab the pepper off your table, it’s that close. You
Molly M.
Nov 30, 2021
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We stopped in early one evening, thinking we were beating the dining crowd. Whoa! We were wrong. Reservations are recommended! We opted to just enjoy some of their latte & coffees to go (my coffee snobs rated them ***** stars & they are discerning!) Next time we are in Duluth-we make early reservations!
Alex Hatzenbuhler
Nov 16, 2021
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Va Bene was delicious! Everything is mode-made and super fresh, and they have a wide variety of choices. I highly recommend the chocolate cake to finish off your meal. They also have a section of seating that has a beautiful view of the lake! Reserving a time slot for the sunset makes for an awesome meal. The staff were very friendly as well!
Kyle Thompson
Nov 11, 2021
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Barrett N.
Oct 28, 2021
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When you walk into this place, don't let first impressions throw you off. It is NOT a typical, fine-dining, low-lit Italian restaurant. When they say cafe, they mean it. BUT, it IS fine dining, believe me. The variety of authentic dishes is refreshing, the quality of the food excellent, and the ability to get your dessert à la their gelato parlor as unique as it is comforting.
I'd recommend getting a seat on their patio in the back (it has a great view of the lake/harbor), or sit adjacent to their charming fireplace if you need some warming up. Try something on the menu that is outside
I'd recommend getting a seat on their patio in the back (it has a great view of the lake/harbor), or sit adjacent to their charming fireplace if you need some warming up. Try something on the menu that is outside
Sarah Sue
Oct 18, 2021
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HIGHLIGHT of our Duluth trip!!! We got lucky being seated in the Grotto, what a stunning view of lake Superior! The Bistecca, Preferto Della Casa, Alfredo, Honey goat cheese with pear crostini and Gelato were to DIE for. Fresh made pasta is made with so much love. They were out of the gnocchi which was devastating but only means I'll have to go back to try it!!
Rod S.
Oct 17, 2021
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Erin G.
Oct 13, 2021
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Natalie Hatoum
Aug 26, 2021
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Great location and food tasted very authentic! We sat in the indoor patio with the lakeview. Go during lunch when they are slightly less busy. We reserved our spot around opening time (11am) when no one was there yet. The ambience, the scents, the food, and the view were what really made this place special and romantic.
Remember to reserve your spot so you can get a good view!
In addition, we were surprised by how full we got even with the moderate portion sizes.
For parking, we parked in front of the Hartley office building next door and only paid $1 for an hour.
Remember to reserve your spot so you can get a good view!
In addition, we were surprised by how full we got even with the moderate portion sizes.
For parking, we parked in front of the Hartley office building next door and only paid $1 for an hour.
Madeline B.
Jul 11, 2021
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We go here at least once a month and have never had a bad experience. During COVID, we ordered pick up a couple of times and the food was still phenomenal and thoughtfully packaged to maintain freshness.
We love the goat cheese and pear or burrata appetizers!
You cannot go wrong with their pastas either. Everything we've had has been good enough that we'd order it again.
If you want outdoor seating on the enclosed patio or deck overlooking the lake, make reservations 1-2 days ahead. You'll be glad you did!
We love the goat cheese and pear or burrata appetizers!
You cannot go wrong with their pastas either. Everything we've had has been good enough that we'd order it again.
If you want outdoor seating on the enclosed patio or deck overlooking the lake, make reservations 1-2 days ahead. You'll be glad you did!
Mickensie W.
Jul 03, 2021
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I was looking most forward to trying Va Bene when we went up north a few weeks ago. I booked the reservation a couple days in advance on the solarium. The view was lovely, but the tables were so packed together. I had higher expectations, and left disappointed. I mentioned while booking we were celebrating our anniversary and a birthday, but this wasn't that special. Our server was meh not very friendly or excited to be there. They didn't accommodate or discount anything for being out of so many ingredients. They didn't have gnocchi and then in another dish that I ordered they were
Subhransu Nanda
Jun 20, 2021
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Absolutely breathtaking views. Very windy too. The best place to sit is at the back of the restaurant. Very hospitable staff. Food is a bit expensive as compared to the quantity. Authentic Italian though. Taste was amazing. Really fantastic for romantic dates or friendly get together. Parking could be a tiny hassle as less spots are available out front.
Miki H.
Jun 17, 2021
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Had a delicious experience at my favorite Va Bene Caffe! Haven't been up to Duluth for a few years so we made reservations for dinner to for a table in the Enclosed Solarium (definitely recommend making reservations).
The food was as wonderful as I remember... maybe even better? Started with the Rosemary foccacia (initial slices are complimentary with olive oil and Balsamic).
I had my go-to Carbonara with rich, creamy sauce, pancetta, and sweet peas. Hubby ordered the Salciccia e Panna pasta with flavorful and tasty sausage. So delicious, I forgot to even take a photo before we devoured
The food was as wonderful as I remember... maybe even better? Started with the Rosemary foccacia (initial slices are complimentary with olive oil and Balsamic).
I had my go-to Carbonara with rich, creamy sauce, pancetta, and sweet peas. Hubby ordered the Salciccia e Panna pasta with flavorful and tasty sausage. So delicious, I forgot to even take a photo before we devoured
Tom F.
May 19, 2021
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Patti I.
Oct 23, 2020
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Charming, friendly restaurant with safe, friendly service.
Two friends and I stopped here for lunch on our way to Lutsen. They had safety protocols in place but that didn't preclude friendly, helpful service and really good food. We shared two plates of pasta: carbonara and pear/walnut/blue cheese that we all agreed was unique and delicious. The complimentary rosemary focaccia was memorable. We wanted to sample their gelato but were just too full to do so. Something to look forward to next visit!
Two friends and I stopped here for lunch on our way to Lutsen. They had safety protocols in place but that didn't preclude friendly, helpful service and really good food. We shared two plates of pasta: carbonara and pear/walnut/blue cheese that we all agreed was unique and delicious. The complimentary rosemary focaccia was memorable. We wanted to sample their gelato but were just too full to do so. Something to look forward to next visit!
Kelsey K.
Jul 07, 2020
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A lovely experience here! The food really hit that pasta spot in our hearts. We stopped in Duluth on our way home from apostle islands and wanted a nice lunch to end the trip. We came here based on yelp reviews (thanks yelp!). We had some time to kill so we first explored canal park and walked there from the aerial lift bridge. It was a little over twenty minutes along the board walk to get there but it was well worth the walk. Otherwise, there seemed to be some street parking around the cafe.
The inside has an older, smaller, cafe-feel to it. We were seated on the balcony and what a view! Beautiful
The inside has an older, smaller, cafe-feel to it. We were seated on the balcony and what a view! Beautiful
