The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable

Photo credit The Whitney via Facebook

By Lisa Green

July 26, 2023

Trust us, you’ll want to Instagram your dish… And not just because one of these restaurants is called the “most Instagrammed restaurant in the country.”

MICHIGAN—Michigan is a hungry person’s mecca. And the delicious dishes aren’t confined to our biggest cities, like Detroit or Grand Rapids—you can find restaurants across the Mitten that have won major culinary awards.

But what about what you think? What restaurants have Michiganders rated as tops? We wondered, so we sat down with a pen, paper, and the OpenTable app to find Michigan’s most-booked and highest-rated restaurants. We came away with the Great Lakes State’s 42 best restaurants.

BRB, we’re starving.

 

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit Sugar Factory via Facebook

Detroit

Sugar Factory
1000 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Cuisine: American, Dessert, Bar/Lounge/Bottle Service
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Page

This high-energy dining experience is what Condé Nast called the number one “most Instagrammed restaurant” in the country. From the decadent menu items to the decor, every inch of the Sugar Factory is designed for visual appeal. The Sugar Factory originated in the bright lights of Las Vegas, but one of its newest iterations can be found in Detroit’s Campus Martius. 

Enjoy the celebrity-favorite goblet drinks, a colorful beverage like their Pink Unicorn Hot Chocolate or any of their Insane Milkshakes, or chow down on prismatic fare like the signature Rainbow Sliders or Insane Double Stack Rainbow Pancakes.

Check out Sugar Factory at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Giovanni’s Ristorante
330 Oakwood, Detroit, MI 48217
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

The old-world charm of this Italian restaurant has catered to many famous guests, including Frank Sinatra himself. The long-standing Giovanni’s Ristorante is the result of a family of Italian immigrants starting a pizza chain and working it into a “five-star class act” from the ground up. Today, it is a self-described “hidden gem” of Detroit, and a local favorite.

Check out Giovanni’s Ristorante at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Texas de Brazil
1000 Woodward Ave Ste 1B07A, Detroit, MI 48226
Cuisine: Steakhouse, Brazilian
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Texas de Brazil isn’t just a steakhouse. This Texas-based chain invites you to “dine differently” with their signature churrasco-style cooking adopted from Brazilian cowboys of Rio Grande do Sul. Seasoned meat is slow-roasted over an open flame and served alongside gourmet salads and Brazilian side dishes for am unforgettable dining experience.

Check out Texas de Brazil at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Mumma Maria’s House
8122 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
Cuisine: Italian, Comfort Food, Home Cooking
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Page

Detroit’s Historic West Village is home to some of the best homemade pasta sauces, like Mr. G’s sauce and Maria’s Ammoglio Sauce. Mumma Maria’s House is a family-owned Italian restaurant specializing in homemade dishes that emphasize “Sunday cooking, everyday.” Who’s Mumma Maria, though? Owner Carl Giordano’s late wife, whose memory lives on both in the restaurant’s name and in her recipes served fresh every day.

Check out Mumma Maria’s House at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit The Whitney via Facebook

The Whitney
4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Cuisine: American, Steakhouse, Seafood
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Page

This upscale dining destination in Detroit’s Midtown was shaped from a redesigned Motor City landmark. The Whitney is located in a mansion originally owned by a lumber baron and built in 1894, complete with a themed “Ghostbar” named after the spooky occurrences that have happened around the building.

Check out The Whitney at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit Ferlito’s Restaurant via Facebook

Detroit Metro

Cooper’s Hawk (Multiple Locations)
Locations in Clinton Township, Troy, and Kentwood
Cuisine: American
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Pages (Clinton Township) (Troy) (Kentwood)

If wine tastings are your jam, Cooper’s Hawk is where to be. The Illinois-based chain features not only upscale casual dining, but also its own winery, complete with Napa-style tasting room. Every dish on the menu comes with a bin number, so you can pair the perfect wine with your meal. Cooper’s Hawk has two locations in the Detroit Metro, with a third in the Grand Rapids area.

The Troy location in particular earned first place overall for restaurants in the Detroit Metro.

Check out Cooper’s Hawk at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Buca di Beppo (Multiple Locations)
Locations in Utica and Livonia
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Pages (Utica) (Livonia)

Italian food is always a crowd pleaser, but Buca di Beppo makes that casual dining favorite family style. In this eclectic chain restaurant, dishes are made big enough for the whole table to pass. Each dish is served either Buca Small (for three patrons) or Buca Large (for five patrons) Buca di Beppo has two locations in the Detroit Metro area.

The Utica location earned recognition on OpenTable both in overall score and in service.

Check out Buca di Beppo at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Fleming’s Steakhouse (Multiple Locations)
Locations in Livonia and Birmingham
Cuisine: Steakhouse, Wine Bar
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Pages (Livonia) (Birmingham)

Fleming’s is a contemporary spin on an old American classic. The steakhouse chain started in California and has been committed for nearly 30 years to crafting both excellent quality steaks and impeccable dining experiences. And they’re serious about wine pairings—the wine list, Fleming’s 100, features 100 by-the-glass wine selections.

The Livonia location in particular earned recognition on OpenTable as the second best restaurant for service in both Detroit and the Detroit Metro.

Check out Fleming’s Steakhouse at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page. Fleming’s Steakhouse is owned by Bloomin’ Brands, who also own Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

 

Benihana (Multiple Locations)
Locations in Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Troy, Saginaw, and Midland
Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi, Steakhouse
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Pages (Dearborn) (Troy) (Farmington Hills) (Saginaw) 

Benihana started its cultural roots in New York City nearly 60 years ago. At Benihana, guests are seated around the teppanyaki grill, where chefs cook the food in an elaborate show for guests. Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that combines ancient Japanese cooking techniques and modern performance art. Benihana meals are usually served as five course meals, with choice of protein, shrimp appetizer, soup, salad, vegetables, rice, and dipping sauces. Sushi rolls are also available. Benihana’s iconic mugs are also considered collector’s items.

In Michigan, three Benihana locations serve the Detroit Metro. Benihana is slowly creeping up north as well, with a recently opened Saginaw location and a Midland location on-track to open in March 2023.

Check out Benihana at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Fogo de Chão (Troy)
301 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084
Cuisine: Brazilian, Steakhouse
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Page

Fogo de Chão is an upscale Brazilian steakhouse chain offering meals served using the Brazilian gaucho traditions of churrasco. Guests will find all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside, as well as an extensive salad bar. Fogo de Chão features 17 different cuts of steak, chicken, lamb, and pork, as well as seafood. They also have an all-day happy hour with Brazilian-inspired cocktails and a South American wine list.

Check out Fogo de Chão at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Seasons 52 (Troy)
1000 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084
Cuisine: American, Seafood, Wine Bar
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar that specializes in oak-fired grilled entrees using the freshest seasonal produce. The menu is full of wood-grilled meats and grilled or roasted vegetables. The dining experience is inspired by the classic farmer’s market of local growers.

Check out Seasons 52 at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page. Seasons 52 is owned by Darden Restaurants, who also own Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Eddie V’s, Yard House, and The Capital Grille.

 

Eddie V’s (Troy)
2100 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084
Cuisine: Seafood, Steakhouse, Oyster Bar
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Page

You can’t go wrong with seafood and steaks set to jazz music. The menu at Eddie V’s emphasizes the freshest catch of fish, USDA choice steaks, and an oyster bar. The ambiance of Eddie V’s is truly stylish and creates an exquisite fine dining experience.

Check out Eddie V’s at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page. Eddie V’s is owned by Darden Restaurants, who also own Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Yard House, and The Capital Grille.

 

La Bistecca Italian Grille (Plymouth)
39405 Plymouth Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170
Cuisine: Italian, Steakhouse
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

The family-owned La Bistecca harkens back to the nostalgia era of Sinatra and champagne. The Italian restaurant serves only USDA certified piedmontese beef, a fiber-rich beef originating from the foothills of the Italian Alps. The experience comes together with world class dining with an emphasis on service.

On OpenTable, La Bistecca ranked first for both food and ambiance in Detroit, and second in ambiance in the Detroit Metro.

Check out La Bistecca Italian Grille at their website or Facebook page.

 

Brighton Bar and Grill (Brighton)
400 W Main St, Brighton, MI 48116
Cuisine: American, Seafood, Steak
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Page

Brighton Bar and Grill is an American Bistro focusing on a family-oriented dining environment. Tye serve eclectic American food with visually appealing presentation. Enjoy choice cuts of meat, fresh seafood, or classic American comfort food in this brick building space.

Check out Brighton Bar and Grill at their website or Facebook page.

 

Ferlito’s Restaurant (Grosse Pointe)
20745 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Page

For over 40 years, Ferlito’s has been providing home-cooked Italian meals to the Grosse Pointe community. The skilled chefs prepare authentic Italian dishes such as chicken parmesan, baked lasagna, and hand-tossed pizzas, with pastas and pizza doughs made fresh from scratch. Enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere even while dining al fresco on the patio.

On OpenTable, Ferlito’s ranks first in service and value in the Detroit Metro.

Check out Ferlito’s Restaurant at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

River Crab (St. Clair)
1337 River Rd M-29, St Clair, MI 48079
Cuisine: Seafood, Steak, American
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

The River Crab provides fresh seafood fare with gorgeous riverfront views of the St. Clair River. The idyllic views of the river also come with a boat launch, allowing guests to dock private watercraft. The River Crab’s fine dining in a casual atmosphere allows you to relax with a craft cocktail while you watch the river drift by. Enjoy a rotating menu of fresh fish and shellfish or try the “turf” of beef or chicken.

Check out River Crab at their website or Facebook page. River Crab is owned by Landry’s Inc.

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit Gandy Dancer via Facebook

Ann Arbor

Gandy Dancer
401 Depot St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Cuisine: Seafood, Steak, American
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Page

The timeless Romanesque building on a street of brick pavers now houses the Gandy Dancer, but this building was formerly home to the Michigan Central Railroad Depot, which operated from the building’s establishment in 1886 until it was sold in 1969. The Gandy Dancer bought the rock-faced building a year later. Today, the Gandy Dancer uses the historic and rustic stone environs to serve up fine cuisine with creative seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes. 

OpenTable ranked Gandy Dancer as the best restaurant in Ann Arbor.

Check out Gandy Dancer at their website or Facebook page. The Gandy Dancer is owned by Landry’s Inc.

 

The Earle
121 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Cuisine: Italian, French, Seafood
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Inconspicuously lodged into downtown Ann Arbor’s streets, the Earle provides French-Italian fare with regular live jazz music for a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere. Their wine list is nationally recognized for over 1,200 unique wines. Some of the fare includes beef tenderloin, salmon, sea scallops, lamb chops, veal, duck breast, and more.

Check out The Earle at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Zingerman’s Roadhouse
2501 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Southern
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

The nationally-renowned Zingerman’s brand may have started from its now-famous sandwich shop, but Zingerman’s Roadhouse shows how the Zingerman’s passion for the best available ingredients can make a fine dining experience truly delicious. The seventh member of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, the Roadhouse specializes in preserving the traditional methods of creating true comfort foods—which shows in the award-winning taste of their mainstays like the Buttermilk Chicken or the Mac ‘n Cheese.

Check out Zingerman’s Roadhouse at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Weber’s Restaurant
3050 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood, American
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Weber’s Restaurant is located inside four-star hotel Weber’s Boutique Hotel, an independently-owned hotel since 1937. The in-house restaurant offers timeless steakhouse fare like prime rib and Maine lobster in a cozy atmosphere. The attached bar, the Habitat, features jazz and dancing and is the perfect place to end the evening with a nightcap.

Check out Weber’s at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Blue Llama Jazz Club
314 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Cuisine: American, Latin American, Bar/Lounge/Bottle Service
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Page

The Blue Llama Jazz Club on Ann Arbor’s prestigious Main Street is renown across the Detroit area for its top-tier atmosphere, created only in part by the talented musicians featured there. Like many of the jazz artists that come through, the Blue Llama Jazz Club specializes in “improvisations” on American cuisine. The menu is exclusive, with each entree created to culinary perfection. Also check out the quality Asian fare at Of Rice and Men, the next-door restaurant jointly owned by parent company Multiverse Hospitality.

OpenTable recognized Blue Llama Jazz Club as the number one restaurant in both Detroit and Ann Arbor for ambiance.

Check out Blue Llama Jazz Club at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit Divani via Facebook

Grand Rapids

Leo’s
60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Cuisine: Seafood, Steak, American
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Leo’s in downtown Grand Rapids may hold the honor of being the city’s best seafood restaurant and best restaurant overall on OpenTable, but they’re not haughty about it—the environment is casual and laid-back enough for everything from your most special of occasions to a lazy Sunday afternoon. Leo’s has carefully crafted its menus since 2004 with award-winning classic steakhouse fare and seafood with the freshest ingredients. You can also enjoy the best of the Grand Rapids craft beer world, a curated wine list, and the finest crafted cocktails, either from your table or the bar and lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Check out Leo’s at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Divani
15 Ionia Ave SW Suite 130, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Cuisine: Contemporary American, Global, International, Cocktail Bar
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Divani delivers globally-inspired menus in an intimate big city atmosphere. Their most delightful creations are the craft cocktails, like the Up in Smoke cocktail served in a mesquite smoke filled chamber. But the cocktails pair well with the dinner entrees as well as small plates like charcuterie, bruschetta, and hummus.

Check out Divani at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

MDRD
187 Monroe Ave NW 27th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI
Cuisine: Spanish
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Page

Considered a top foodie and craft cocktail spot in Grand Rapids, MDRD has the city’s best view from the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. The fare is modern Spanish cuisine like tapas, with Madrid-inspired cocktails. You can even take a virtual tour of the restaurant and its impressive views.

On OpenTable, MDRD ranks first in ambiance for restaurants in the Grand Rapids area.
Check out MDRD at the Amway Grand Plaza website, their Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

The Heritage Restaurant
Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, GRCC, 151 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Cuisine: Global, International, Contemporary American, Contemporary European
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

The Heritage Restaurant is operated by the students at Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. The restaurant serves as the “laboratory” for students enrolled in Culinary Arts and Culinary Management, with supervision by professional chefs. The lunch menu features international cuisine with modern and classical touches, while the dinner menu is more continental cuisine. 

The Heritage Restaurant ranks first in value on OpenTable.
Check out The Heritage Restaurant at the Grand Rapids Community College website, the restaurant’s Facebook page, or Instagram page.

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit The Kirby hotel and J Paul’s Dining Room via Facebook

Grand Rapids Metro

Bowdie’s Chophouse (Multiple Locations)
Locations in Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, and Lansing
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Pages (Grand Rapids) (Saugatuck) (Lansing)

Bowdie’s Chophouse is Michigander-owned and serves up the quality you’d expect from Lower Manhattan or Chicago, right in your backyard. Grand Rapids Magazine recently voted Bowdie’s as Grand Rapids’ number one steakhouse, but you can also find this gem in its original home of Saugatuck, as well as Lansing. Although Bowdie’s has a wide range of options from half chickens to escargot, the best option is their steak, which they describe as a “wonder.”

On OpenTable, Bowdie’s Chophouse ranks first in service for the Grand Rapids area and second in food.

Check out Bowdie’s Chophouse at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Coast 236 Restaurant and Bar (Saugatuck)
236 Culver St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Cuisine: Contemporary American, Fish, Mediterranean
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Page

Coast 236 is an award-winning restaurant serving up coastal-inspired fare in the beach town of Saugatuck. Coast 236 features a special prix fixe dinner featuring six delectable entrees worth trying. The full menu has delectable entrees and appetizers, all with plenty of surf and turf.

Check out Coast 236 at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

J. Paul’s Dining Room at the Kirby (Douglas)
294 W Center St, Douglas, MI 49406
Cuisine: American, Contemporary American, Bar/Lounge/Bottle Service
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

The Kirby is one of Saugatuck’s premier hotels, housed in a historic 1890s Victorian home which is LGBT-owned and operated. The restaurant and bar within the hotel, J. Paul’s Dining Room, brings the best of both worlds with a world-class dining experience in a cozy venue that feels like home. The fresh sustainable menu has hip, modern sensibility.

Check out J. Paul’s Dining Room at the Kirby’s website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit Mitchell’s Fish Market via Facebook

Lansing

Mitchell’s Fish Market (Multiple Locations)
Locations in Lansing, Livonia, and Rochester Hills
Cuisine: Seafood, Steak, American
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Pages (Lansing) (Livonia) (Rochester Hills)

Mitchell’s Fish Market serves upscale-casual seafood in a stylish venue. Some of the premier fresh seafood catches include salmon, sea bass, cod, trout, tuna, swordfish, and more. The restaurant also features a raw bar, open kitchen, and fish case displaying the catch of the day. The Lansing location can be found in the Eastwood Towne Center, but there are also two locations in Metro Detroit.

Check out Mitchell’s Fish Market at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page. Mitchell’s Fish Market is owned by Landry’s Inc.

 

Capital Prime Steaks and Seafood
2324 Showtime Dr, Lansing, MI 48912
Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Capital Prime is Lansing’s premier steakhouse, with a casual vibe perfect for Michigan’s capital city. The award-winning steaks are made from hand-cut USDA Prime and Certified Angus Beef, with a prime rib special on Sundays. Capital Prime is also committed to using fresh, handpicked Michigan ingredients.

Check out Capital Prime at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

The People’s Kitchen
2722 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Cuisine: Contemporary American, Breakfast, Fusion/Eclectic
Price: $30 and under
OpenTable Page

Lansing folks are offbeat and creative, and there’s no restaurant that better represents this vibe than the People’s Kitchen. This eclectic restaurant features colorful industrial decor in addition to its creative comfort food fare. In particular, the dessert menu is different every time you pop in—giving plenty of reason for return visits!

Check out The People’s Kitchen at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit Cafe Zinc via Facebook

Mid-Michigan

Bennethum’s Northern Inn (Gaylord)
3917 Old 27 North South, Gaylord, MI 49735
Cuisine: American
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Bennethum’s is a longstanding rustic establishment featuring classic steak, seafood, and upscale pub-style food. The family-owned establishment changes the menu every month to use seasonal and specialty items for a northern Michigan experience you won’t forget. The homemade house bread is baked up fresh and served with every signature dish.

Check out Bennethum’s Northern Inn at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Café Zinc and ONe eighteen (Midland)
111 W Main St, Midland, MI 48640
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price: $31 to $50 (Cafe Zinc), $30 and under (ONe eighteen)
OpenTable Pages (Café Zinc) (ONe eighteen)

The H Hotel in downtown Midland features two of the best dining experiences in town, as well as luxurious dining pods. Café Zinc takes inspiration from European cafés, with delectable soups, salads, bakery items, and larger plates like steaks and chicken. Café Zinc’s offerings can also be enjoyed in the dining pods, which come with heaters, dimmable lighting, and Bluetooth speakers. ONe eighteen is an “American Tavern” featuring their take on pub favorites like bone-in pork chops and slow-roasted chicken.

Check out Café Zinc and ONe eighteen at the H Hotel website, Café Zinc’s Facebook page and Instagram page, and ONe eighteen’s Facebook page.

 

Station 100 (Frankenmuth)
100 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Cuisine: European, Steakhouse, Wine Bar
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Page

Frankenmuth, also known as Little Bavaria, already has plenty of delicious food options, but the modern European cuisine of Station 100 stands out above the rest. Formerly known as Old Christmas Station, the restaurant rebranded during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a 100 to the name to represent their desire for 100 percent satisfaction. Many of the restaurant’s recipes come from family recipes originating from Switzerland. Station 100 combines the best offerings of steak and seafood that you have come to expect from a steakhouse while also extending into European options such as Wiener Schnitzel.

Check out Station 100 at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit Pepenero via Facebook

Traverse City

Artisan (Traverse City)
615 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686
Cuisine: American, Farm-to-Table
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Traverse City is a culinary destination all its own, but Artisan is a unique experience. Artisan is located in the Delamar Hotel and features seasonal, sustainable, and locally-sourced fare with waterfront views of Lake Michigan. Casual fine dining is available throughout the restaurant and on its patio, which is a delight in the summer.

Check out Artisan at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Boathouse Restaurant (Traverse City)
14039 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686
Cuisine: European
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Page

Located along the Old Mission Peninsula, the Boathouse restaurant is focused on locally-sourced ingredients. Many of the restaurant’s ingredients come right from the peninsula itself, from the owner’s 10-acre family farm. These local ingredients make all the difference in their delicious entrees like Lake Michigan walleye served with wild mushrooms. Gorgeous waterfront views are the final piece of what makes this dining experience absolutely perfect.

OpenTable recognized the Boathouse Restaurant as having the best food in the northern Michigan region.

Check out the Boathouse Restaurant at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page. The Boathouse Restaurant is owned by Landry’s Inc.

 

PepeNero Ristorantino Italiano (Traverse City)
700 Cottageview Dr Suite 100, Traverse City, MI 49684
Cuisine: Italian, Sicilian, Lounge
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Page

PepeNero is an upscale restaurant and lounge located within the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, formerly the Traverse City State Hospital. PepeNero is located where the hospital’s chapel once was in the Kirkbride building. The airy windows of the former chapel still create charming atmosphere for PepeNero. The menu is Italian, but emphasizes Southern Italian flavors specifically, especially those from Sicily. 

Check out PepeNero at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit Pour Kitchen and Bar via Facebook

Petoskey

Chandler’s a Restaurant (Petoskey)
215 1/2 Howard St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Cuisine: Global, International
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Located in Petoskey’s Historic Gaslight District, Chandler’s serves both American fare and sushi in an intimate dining room. Of particular note is the 4,000-bottle wine cellar, giving guests a wide variety of options to pair with their meal. The dining room has a cozy vibe lending to a chic European feel, but guests may also dine in the courtyard or in the cellar.

OpenTable ranked Chandler’s the best restaurant overall in the northern Michigan region.

Check out Chandler’s at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Spring and Porter (Petoskey)
887 Spring St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

This new Italian-inspired restaurant just opened in 2022, taking over the Villa Ristorante Italiano space. Despite how new it is, it’s already getting rave reviews on OpenTable. The fine dining establishment carries an impressive collection of wines, some coming from the owners’ personal collections. Aside from the great food, Spring and Porter’s best quality is the atmosphere, with warmly-lit rustic environs that still keep the spirit of Villa Ristorante Italiano alive.

Check out Spring and Porter at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

 

Pour Kitchen and Bar (Petoskey)
422 E Mitchell St Suite 5, Petoskey, MI 49770
Cuisine: Global, International, Contemporary American, Farm-to-Table
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

Pour Kitchen and Bar brings a delightfully modern vibe to the Petoskey’s classic downtown. The from-scratch restaurant uses local and seasonal ingredients to recreate flavors from all over the world, like sushi, Australian lamb, wagyu beef, and more. All sauces, stocks, and marinades are made in house. Pour also offers what is arguably Petoskey’s most extensive beverage list, with more than 50 by-the-glass wines, more than 200 spirits, and labor intensive craft cocktails.


Check out Pour Kitchen and Bar at their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.

The 42 Best Restaurants in Michigan, According to OpenTable
Photo credit 1852 Grill Room via Facebook

Upper Peninsula

Elizabeth’s Chop House (Marquette)
113 S Front St, Marquette, MI 49855
Cuisine: Steakhouse, Fine Cuts, Seafood
Price: $50 and over
OpenTable Page

The Upper Peninsula’s largest city of Marquette is also known for an impressive steakhouse—Elizabeth’s Chop House. The Chop House is truly a labor of love, as it is owned by a married couple who love cooking, service, and each other. They offer standard steakhouse fare with top-notch flavors, an extensive wine list, and some of the best atmosphere in the Upper Peninsula. The art deco bar is particularly appealing.

Check out Elizabeth’s Chop House at their website or Facebook page.

 

1852 Grill Room (Mackinac Island)
6966 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Cuisine: American, Contemporary American, Bar/Lounge/Bottle Service
Price: $31 to $50
OpenTable Page

When you’re on Mackinac Island, one of the best dining experiences you can get is located inside the Island House Hotel. The 1852 Grill Room offers refined dining in a casually sophisticated atmosphere with a waterfront terrace patio. Enjoy the finest cuts of beef, locally sourced fresh fish, and other delicious entrees to the accompaniment of live piano music.

Check out the 1852 Grill Room at their website or Facebook page.

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