• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to Insula Restaurant

Insula Restaurant, located at 145 E Sheridan St in Ely, MN, is a culinary gem celebrated for its locally sourced menu and exceptional service. Customers rave about the perfectly cooked walleye and tender steaks, while gluten-sensitive diners appreciate the ample choices available. Signature dishes like the pulled pork wonton tacos and wild rice chicken pot pie showcase the restaurant's creativity and commitment to quality ingredients. The bartenders craft impressive cocktails, adding to an inviting atmosphere. With a focus on delightful flavors and generous portions, Insula Restaurant promises a memorable dining experience that leaves guests eager to return.

Insula Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

Mike Holden
Mike Holden

We ate here twice while staying in Ely. Compared to the other restaurants nearby, this was by far our favorite. The staff are very friendly and do an amazing job at everything. The bartenders make some great cocktails and the food is delicious. My steak was perfectly cooked and my girlfriend loved the walleye entree with the cornmeal crust. She’s gluten sensitive and there were plenty of items on the menu for her to choose from. We had a great meal here both times and would come back again if we’re in the area.

Karen Dotta
Karen Dotta

The service was amazing and so quick. The food was the best we have ever had! Especially the Mac and Cheese! Can wait to go back!!

Mary Anne Wangen
Mary Anne Wangen

Staying near Ely with my husband, and we decided to try Insula for dinner because of the great reviews. I'm very pleased to say that we were not disappointed! We ordered the pulled pork wonton tacos for appetizers based on the recommendation of my husband's fishing guide. It was good! I loved the crunchiness of the wonton paired with the pulled pork. For entree, my husband ordered the Canadian walleye with baked potato and salad. He said that was delicious as well. The portion was very generous. Meanwhile, I ordered the catch of the day which was branzoni with Mediterranean salsa and Minnesota wild rice with mushroom. For me, the food was amazing. I loved the salsa paired with the fish. Everything was cooked wonderfully. Given the chance, I will definitely come back here. Highly recommend!

Eliza Beth
Eliza Beth

A really wonderful menu using locally sourced materials. We had a wild rice chicken pot pie, a burger, the sweet potato fry appetizer (can't recommend it enough), and a fish sandwich. All were delicious. Service was a little slow but it was very busy, so that's fine.

Yuliang Hu
Yuliang Hu

We enjoyed everything we ordered. We liked the variety of salad dressing, some of them seemed quite unique. The catch of the day was a branzino. The fish was perfectly done with a crispy skin and the sides were phenomenal. My husband enjoyed his walleye piccata. I don't know if the cheesecake was made in house but it was very good and paired well with the strawberry rhubarb compote.

Sally Dietzenbach
Sally Dietzenbach

Had to have lunch at Insula while I was in town for fishing opener. They have an awesome selection of beers from Northern Mn breweries, plus a full bar with lots of great cocktail options. I ordered the baked goat cheese appetizer and a Caesar salad. Both were SO good. I ate every bite. Service was great, and I am still constantly impressed by how great of a job the owners did with the build out of that restaurant (especially as someone who grew up in town and remembers what that space used to look like). Highly recommend!

Laura Hanneman
Laura Hanneman

The food was EXCELLENT! So good we back twice for dinner over the long weekend. The drinks were also done very well. They don't take reservations, so youu may need to wait alittle while. It will be worth it!.

Josh Toman
Josh Toman

Our server Max was outstanding, super friendly, and a great smile! Our food was all made perfect and delicious. My favorite place to have dinner in Ely, a true gem in the city! Our server Kelly we had on a previous meal is fantastic as well. Thanks for the great staff, service, and excellent dinning experience!

Location

If you're in Ely, MN, the Insula Restaurant is a culinary gem you won't want to miss. Nestled at 145 E Sheridan St, this restaurant stands out for its commitment to exceptional food and warm hospitality, making it a local favorite among residents and visitors alike.

From the moment you step inside, the friendly atmosphere sets the tone for an enjoyable dining experience. Patrons frequently commend the staff for their attentive service and expert cocktail crafting. It's truly a place where you can unwind after a day of exploring the beautiful northern Minnesota landscapes.

The menu at Insula is a delightful exploration of flavors, highlighting fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. One dish that has garnered acclaim is the Canadian walleye, often described as perfectly cooked and paired with sumptuous sides. This signature fish dish exemplifies why guests rave about the menu—each bite is a testament to thoughtful preparation and quality. Don’t miss the wild rice chicken pot pie or the highly recommended pulled pork wonton tacos, which offer a unique twist on traditional comfort food.

For those with dietary preferences, Insula also shines; gluten-sensitive diners can find ample choices, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. The burger and the sweet potato fries are also popular mentions, making for a hearty and satisfying option.

In addition to the food, the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability by utilizing local produce resonates well with health-conscious diners. The attention to detail extends to their diverse selection of salad dressings, each contributing to a distinctive flavor that enhances the dining experience.

To cap off an exquisite meal, you cannot overlook the indulgent cheesecake paired with a strawberry rhubarb compote, a perfect ending to a delightful evening.

Based on various reviews, one theme emerges—Insula Restaurant not only serves food, but it creates memorable experiences. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this establishment promises to satisfy your taste buds and leave you yearning to return.