Lavinia's has been many things over the years as the Coe House, etc and others. A number of years ago, the interior was beautifully redone and the menu was quite upscale ( should add "for the Lakes Region" so I don't get hammered, although IMO upscale for anywhere.) The food, service was pretty high end. For whatever reason, it was sold a few years ago and the new owners son was the new chef. ( If you like these discussions, search the Forum for the old, pretty vicious thread).
Regardless, over the past 2 years or so, the menu is much more of a mixed bag. The intent was to provide good food at a price point that would make the restaurant more successful. In my opinion some of the offerings are better than others ( no surprise there ) and it is certainly eclectic with fancy dishes and burgers along with good pasta and really good fish tacos. The setting either inside or out is still lovely.
In summary, a pretty successful business plan. The restaurant is neither a burger joint nor haute cuisine. In an attempt to please everyone, I think they have done a pretty good job in an impossible task.
I have no connection whatsoever with the restaurant going back even to the Underground Railroad days.
