These farm-to-table restaurants are bringing Michiganders high-quality ingredients full of bold flavors and ample nutrients. Have you been to any of them?
Michigan has a rich culinary scene and top-tier farms, and the two collide in beautiful ways in farm-to-table restaurants. These eateries work with farmers and other local producers to use the freshest vegetables, fruits, herbs, dairy, and more to deliver their clientele dishes that are profound in flavor and nutrition alike. As if that weren’t enough, the culinary world is “the nation’s most diverse industry,” with The Great Lake State alone having nearly 20,000 restaurant locations, according to 2023 U.S. Census Bureau data.
Not all restaurants are created equal, though, and some are the cream of the farm-to-table crop. So, without further ado, here are 10 of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Michigan, from easygoing fare to fine dining that won’t kill your bank account.
1. Birch & Maple
Yelp Rating: 4.4
Address: 727 Main St MI, Frankfort, MI 49635
Price: $$
Hours: Thursday-Monday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Birch & Maple sits on Frankfort’s Betsie Bay, which is just about the serenest eating environment, if you ask us. The food will make you feel equally tranquil, too. Blending modern flavors and fusion with classic dishes and techniques, Birch & Maple is one of those farm-to-table restaurants that creates menu items that pop on the page just as much as they do on customers’ taste buds. Of course, everything is made from scratch, and everything is as fresh as possible. Some of these made-with-love items include Crispy Duck Wings featuring Honey Sriracha, Sage Cast Iron Chicken with Cranberry Compote, and a Maple Bacon Club that boasts a “secret sauce.” Color us intrigued!
The Chicken & Waffles dish here is also beloved. “Best chicken and waffles I’ve had, ever,” wrote one Yelp reviewer who gave the restaurant a 5-star rating. Meanwhile, another said, “The food was delicious both times I’ve had brunch there. I would recommend if you are anywhere in the area!” Many reviews also note that you’ll want to join Birch & Maple’s online wait list before you arrive for your best chance of being seated when you want to be, as it’s a popular joint.
2. Wren
Yelp Rating: 4.5
Address: 303 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Price: $$
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday: 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Suttons Bay’s Wren is situated in the Historic Hose House Building, and it’s only open four to five hours a day—but you need to make sure you visit it when you’re in the area. Chef-owner Adam has been working in restaurants since he was just 14 years old, and this expertise shows in his carefully curated menu, which is always changing due to this being a true farm-to-table restaurant. When certain produce items come into season, the menu evolves, and the cycle continues. As such, you won’t find a bespoke menu on the restaurant’s website, but you can see glimpses into what’s being cooked up at the moment on its Instagram and Facebook pages.
The menu always being in flux doesn’t mean certain dishes haven’t become fan favorites. “From the moment we walked in, the service was warm and welcoming, setting the perfect tone,” one 5-star Yelp review reads, later saying, “The food was nothing short of inventive and scrumptious. The highlight? The roasted white pumpkin soup, which was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted.” Seared scallops and an Heirloom Tomato Salad are among other beloved dishes here. Word on the street is that the restaurant will even prepare vegetarian dishes that aren’t currently on the menu for folks who need them. “The chef made a vegetarian entree for me from the veggies they had and it was really well seasoned and had a delicious sauce,” one reviewer wrote after feeling “nervous about going here as a vegetarian because there wasn’t a vegetarian entree on the menu.”
3. Pond Hill Farm
Yelp Rating: 4.3
Address: 5699 S Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Price: $$
Hours: Thursday-Saturday: 12 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Pond Hill Farm contains Harbor Springs’ premier farm-to-table restaurant, but it’s so much more than that. Pond Hill Farm is part winery, part brewery (yes, it does tastings!), part farm (of course!), part entertainment venue, and part restaurant. In fact, the land at Pond Hill Farm has been developing since the ‘90s, though it wasn’t until 2007 that the restaurant portion of the estate started to take shape in the form of a panini grilled cheese. What started as a simple luxury became a gourmet dinner service, and then the dream continued to grow.
Cut to today, and the Pond Hill Farm restaurant is now equipped with a pizza oven that’s largely reshaped what the eatery is known for. With pizzas like the Fun Guy Pizza—which features caramelized onions, mushrooms, and oregano with two types of cheese and marinara sauce—it’s clear to see why these pies have grown so influential. Other delicious menu items include the Kale Slaw, the Spicy Peanut Noodles, and the Pond Hill Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese, which is scooped up and enjoyed with crackers.
Yelp reviewers seem to agree on one key thing when it comes to Pond Hill Farm: The menu is small but mighty. “The pizza was pricier for the size ($20 for a pizza that one hungry person could eat or maybe 2 people could split if they aren’t very hungry). … Everything was yummy though,” one reviewer wrote. The farm’s homemade wines and brews get rave reviews, too. “The cider and wine are delicious! The tasting room is absolutely adorable,” another wrote. We saved the best review excerpt for last, though: “… [T]he resident kitty is about the cutest thing ever.” Now we have to visit!
4. Selden Standard
Yelp Rating: 4.3
Address: 3921 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Price: $$
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Chef Andy Hollyday lights up Detroit’s Selden Standard with energetic passion, flavors that pack serious fervor, and a communal air that’s equal parts fine dining and campfire storytime. It’s precisely this mission to unite people not only with food but also with each other that dictates Selden Standard’s menu. Here, you’ll find small plates-style portions, which are aimed to share with those around you.
Of course, as one of Detroit’s premier farm-to-table restaurants, the menu items employ ample local foods, which extends the goal of uplifting the community outside of the restaurant’s four walls. What’s on the menu, you ask? Well, you can find Blackened Walleye served with grits; Seared Halloumi paired with apple butter, za’atar, and pickled fennel; and Duck Breast with mole blanco, pomegranate, and duck skin crumble. These are just a tease, though—the menu is a treasure trove of tantalizing dishes.
Detroit natives and visitors alike love Selden Standard for its precise preparations and flavor palettes. “10/10 dinner. … Everything we ordered was phenomenal …. If you’re looking for a nice night out in Detroit, I would really recommend checking this spot out,” one Yelp reviewer wrote after dining at Selden Standard. “I came here for my birthday and absolutely fell in love with the food,” wrote another review, adding, “I ordered the duck, the onions, and a pasta (I forgot which one) but everything melted in my mouth and was extraordinarily delicious.” Essentially, everything here appears to be mouthwatering and worth your hard-earned moolah.
5. Marrow
Yelp Rating: 4.4
Address: 8044 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
Price: $$$$
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.-8:45 p.m.
Marrow is about as farm-to-table as it gets. Many farm-to-table restaurants source their ingredients from local suppliers (think farmers), but Marrow takes it one step further and actually breaks down its own meat in-store. This is because Marrow is both a restaurant and a butcher shop, so you always know you’re getting fresh, high-quality meat when you order here. This woman-founded and women-led restaurant even educates folks about eating more ethically and sustainably. And you’ll want to listen to the brilliant chefs at Marrow—executive chef Sarah Welch was a finalist on the 19th season of “Top Chef,” and the restaurant has been nominated for the James Beard Award four times.
Some of the mesmerizing menu items here include Maitake Mushroom Dumplings featuring corn butter and corn relish; a Baklava Donut featuring orange cream, candied nuts, and spiced honey; and Braised Michigan Short Ribs served with a root vegetable mousse, pork lardons, and beech mushrooms. Just note that some menu items are available à la carte, while others are only available in a comprehensive tasting experience, where no modifications can be made to the dishes.
At Marrow, there’s no sorrow—every dish seems to come with a smile. “Consistently top tier lunch experience,” one pleased Yelp reviewer wrote. “Someday I’ll stop ordering the mushroom dumplings (when they stop making them??) but that butter corn on the bottom sends it over the top.” Meanwhile, another said, “Marrow offers something truly unique and special. While their ala carte menu is excellent, I highly recommend doing the tasting menu,” adding, “You don’t go to Marrow just for a meal – you go for the experience.” On the flip side, some reviewers have said they weren’t “wowed” by Marrow, while others wished the portions were bigger. In any case, this is a restaurant you need to experience for yourself, and its high cumulative Yelp rating shows that it’s standing the test of time quite well.
6. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
Yelp Rating: 4.6
Address: 15 E Kirby St D, Detroit, MI 48202
Price: $$$
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday: Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails is a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, and its colorful dishes and drinks show exactly why. In fact, it’s this colorfulness that makes Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails what it is. The restaurant’s dishes are meant to put you in high spirits (and we don’t just mean the spirits in the cocktails), and eating high-quality local food with those you care about will do just that.
What kind of colorful dishes can you expect here? Well, it changes from day to day, even if only slightly, based on what’s available, but some menu items you might see include the Smoked Whitefish Johnnycakes featuring lump crab, avocado, pepper jelly, and cilantro aioli; the Jerk Sweet Potato featuring kale, leek, chorizo, and habanero honey; and the Grilled Quail featuring fried grains, cranberry, squash, fennel, roasted grape, and smoked apple sauce.
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails’ high Yelp rating is due to not only the taste and quality of the food but also the commendable service. The Twice Cooked Egg is a standout among reviews, though every menu item, down to the seasonal butter, gets high praise. “The food here is AMAZING. … Every bite had us saying ‘wow’ literally,” wrote one reviewer. Another said, “Incredible food and wonderful atmosphere. I’m … having a hard time putting my experience here into words; the food ranged from ‘very good’ to ‘best I’ve ever had’ and the cocktails were delicious.” In particular, folks seem to love the citrusy drinks here. Overall, this is a farm-to-table restaurant die-hard foodies can’t afford to miss!
7. Grove
Yelp Rating: 4.6
Address: 919 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Price: $$
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
“At grove, we are conscious about every aspect of our craft—from where we source our ingredients to the cuisine we prepare,” writes this restaurant’s owner, James Berg, in its Yelp “About the Business” section. Grove’s menu reflects this mission, highlighting seasonal produce and making sure that each dish is satisfying to the mind and body alike. For example, the Golden Beets come with persimmon, brie, puffed farro, and pickled apple, while the Confit Duck Leg features cashews, shishito peppers, cipollini onions, and a luscious jus. Like some other hot spots on this list, Grove also offers a multi-course tasting meal for two, allowing you to savor every moment with your special someone. Just don’t leave here without ordering dessert. The Spiced Cheesecake is simply too enticing, with its pear jam, spiced pear caramel, cranberries, and hazelnut dacquoise being oh-so dreamy.
Yelp reviewers love everything from individual items to the dinner-for-two option. “The servers were so friendly, and my husband and I ordered the ‘Tasting for Two’ with bread and dessert for $150, which was totally worth the price,” one reviewer shared. On the individual items side of things, one reviewer said of one of their favorite dishes, “I mean who thinks up Beef Carpaccio inspired by Banh Mi?! I’m still thinking about that incredibly fragrant shallot aioli.” Ultimately, just take it from this reviewer: “If you’re trying to impress, treat yourself, or just experience top-tier dining, this is where you need to be.” With hype like that, Grove might just be one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids!
8. Butcher’s Union
Yelp Rating: 4.6
Address: 438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Price: $$$
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Friday: 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m.; Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Some farm-to-table restaurants are gastropubs, but not all gastropubs are farm-to-table restaurants. Luckily, Butcher’s Union is both, and it’s serving up sick dishes and drinks to the Grand Rapids community seven days a week. As its name suggests, Butcher’s Union makes meaty dishes, so this isn’t an ideal destination for vegetarian and vegan folks—even the Brussels sprouts here have some bacon for good measure. There is one certified vegan-friendly salad (the Kale & Strawberry) on the menu, but you’d be hard-pressed to find other options. On the meaty side of things, the dishes include Pappardelle Bolognese, Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, Roasted Bone Marrow, and Shrimp & Burrata. Of course, you can also order classic steak cuts, as well as fried chicken sandwiches and meatballs.
All of the dishes at Butcher’s Union have critical acclaim on Yelp, with folks specifically saying that it’s hard to choose just one item to order. “Delicious food and great service, we enjoy trying something new every time we get the chance to go,” one reviewer shared. What’s more, the food is so beloved that most folks’ only critiques are that they wish they could have more of it—or more spice. “I got the best smoked [old fashioned]. … For dinner, I ordered the chicken with gnocchi and mushrooms. The sauce was so flavorful but I wished it had a little bit of heat,” a second reviewer wrote.
9. Littlebird
Yelp Rating: 4.6
Address: 95 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Price: $$
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. & 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. & 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. & 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Littlebird might have “little” in its name, but its flavors are anything but. This is a farm-to-table restaurant that offers both brunch and dinner services, and with brunch on the menu every day, there’s never a bad time to support a family-owned business. Speaking of the menu, Littlebird has you covered with everything from a Sweet Potato Hash and Shrimp & Grits for brunch to Smoked Pork Chops and Ora King Salmon for dinner. On the sweeter side, you can indulge in Bread Pudding French Toast for brunch or Chocolate Buttermilk Cake for dessert. Just don’t discount the burgers here—everything else on the menu might sound too enticing to get a burger, but folks simply rave about them.
Yelp reviewers, in particular, adore the burgers at Littlebird. “Best burger I’ve ever had. The smash burger is cooked to perfection and the buns are the best you’ve ever tasted. Like a cloud covered in deliciousness,” one reviewer wrote. What’s more impressive is that Littlebird has gluten-free buns for its burgers, too. “I’m gluten free so I had the smash burger and their gluten free bun was excellent. Like sooo good, definitely a top gf burger bun,” another reviewer shared. Some reviewers even go so far as to say that Littlebird is their “new favorite restaurant” for the burgers alone. If that’s as intriguing to you as it is to us, you need to check out farm-to-table restaurant pronto.
10. The Green Well
Yelp Rating: 4.3
Address: 924 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Price: $$
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
The final entry on our list is another one of Grand Rapids’ stunning farm-to-table restaurants: The Green Well. This restaurant touches on techniques and flavor profiles from around the world, taking guests on a trip to Sweden with its iconic Swedish Meatballs and then to Italy via a luscious Mushroom Lasagna—but not without making a pit stop in the United Kingdom thanks to perfectly flaky and crispy Fish & Chips.
Even this restaurant’s desserts are delightfully diverse: Where the Dilley’s Butterscotch Pudding serves classic Southern American flavors, the German Chocolate Brownie takes us back to Europe, and the Lemon Tres Leches imbues a classic Latin American dish with Mediterranean flair. At the end of the day, you go to The Green Well for an experience, and your mouth essentially leaves with an extra passport stamp or two.
The classic items are amazing here, too, as evidenced by many Yelp reviews. “I’m obsessed with the truffle fries with the garlic aioli dipping sauce. The fries were hot and perfectly crisp,” one reviewer wrote after their visit. “The service is impeccable and the food was so fabulous that I can’t stop dreaming about it and now I want to move to Grand Rapids and eat there every day,” another wrote. Some reviewers have mentioned wanting more seasoning on the burgers and more sauce on the mac and cheese, but overall, this seems to be a solid and affordable farm-to-table restaurant that everyone can find something they like at.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
