When I help clients buy or sell in White Bear Lake, Dellwood, Mahtomedi, Shoreview, Minnetonka, or North Oaks, I always emphasize one truth:
Real estate isn’t just about the home — it’s about the life you get to live around it.
Over the years, I’ve seen how lifestyle shapes decisions for families, professionals, and relocation clients. From waterfront dining to local vineyards, cozy coffee shops, and community favorites, the Northern Suburbs offer some of the best lifestyle amenities in Minnesota.
If you’re exploring these areas or preparing to list a home, here are the local gems I personally recommend.
Top Restaurants in White Bear Lake
Acqua Restaurant & Wine Bar
Upscale Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a lakefront patio. A standout for date nights, celebrations, or entertaining out-of-town buyers.
Mizu
Fresh sushi, sashimi, and ramen served in a laid-back modern atmosphere. Ideal for casual dinners after a day of showings.
Brickhouse Food & Drink
Comfort food in a historic downtown building. Great for brunch or lunch while exploring White Bear Lake’s vibrant community.
Rudy’s Red Eye Grill
A lively, approachable spot for burgers, sandwiches, and cocktails. A dependable favorite for clients new to the area.
Washington Square Bar & Grill
A warm neighborhood staple offering inventive cocktails and classic American fare. Great for families or business dinners.
Manitou Grill & Event Center
A reliable, relaxed spot near the lake with a large menu and a welcoming feel — ideal for client lunches.
Don Julio Authentic Mexican Restaurante
A fun, vibrant atmosphere with fresh Mexican dishes and family-friendly energy.
Carbone’s Pizzeria & Pub
A Minnesota classic. Easygoing, family-friendly, and consistently good.
Bear Town Bar & Grill
Sports-bar energy with wings, burgers, and big screens — the perfect match for game nights and casual outings.
Margaux’s Table
Chef-driven, seasonal, and intimate. A go-to for clients who appreciate refined dining tucked inside a cozy downtown space.
Local Vineyards & Lifestyle Favorites
7 Vines Vineyard (White Bear Township)
A scenic, upscale winery offering tastings, events, and sunset patios. A favorite stop during client tours.
2 Silos Winery (Mahtomedi)
Hand-crafted wines made in a beautiful countryside setting — great for relaxed evenings or meeting clients new to the area.
Dougherty’s (Dellwood)
A local staple for breakfast, lunch, or coffee. Perfect for casual meetings or starting a day of showings.
Dellwood Grill & Bar
A family-friendly neighborhood spot with consistent food and welcoming atmosphere.
Benson’s Lake House Café (Mahtomedi)
A lakeside café offering sandwiches, salads, and coffee with lake views — ideal when touring homes nearby.
Why Lifestyle Matters in Real Estate
When I guide buyers through the Northern Suburbs, we don’t just talk square footage or finishes — we walk the neighborhoods, talk schools, explore the lake access, grab coffee, and visit the places that make each community feel like home.
Because for high-end buyers, lifestyle is often the deciding factor.
For sellers, showcasing the best of the community helps buyers emotionally connect with the home — especially for lakefront and executive properties.
The spots listed above — 7 Vines, 2 Silos, Acqua, Brickhouse, and others — aren't just great places to eat or relax. They’re part of the story of the Northern Suburbs. They help buyers envision their life here and help sellers communicate the full value of the neighborhood.
At Ornell Group, we specialize in more than pricing strategy or negotiations. We help clients understand the full Northern Suburbs lifestyle so they can make decisions with clarity and confidence.
Ornell Group Real Estate | Tim Ornell
Tim Ornell | Real Luxury | Ornell Group Real Estate
Northern Suburbs Luxury, Lifestyle & Waterfront Specialist
$200M+ Sold | 200+ Transactions | GUILD Certified | Real Luxury Division
[email protected] | ornellgroup.com
Content and insights provided by Ornell Group. Real estate services brokered by Real Broker. Luxury lake properties and lifestyle guidance marketed through Ornell Group | Real Luxury. Content enhanced with AI support for clarity and accuracy. All market data, pricing, and property information subject to change.
