10 restaurants in Michigan with jaw-dropping views

These restaurants in Michigan serve up spectacular sights alongside your meal.

Michigan is a state known for its stunning landscapes, so it only makes sense to combine those beautiful views with a delicious meal, right? Whether you’re looking for an outdoor meal by the water or something a little more secluded indoors, these Michigan restaurants can serve up sights and sips. 

Many of our picks include views of the water—a Michigan specialty—but if city scapes are more of your thing, some of these restaurants also feature colorful and vibrant downtown scenes. 

1. Aerie Restaurant and Lounge 

Traverse City, Mich.

Located on the 16th floor of the Grand Traverse Resort, the Aerie restaurant lounge offers panoramoic views of the Grand Traverse Bay and what it calls a “contemporary” menu. Diners are also treated to the best Northern Michigan wines and beers. 

Some of Aerie’s unique offerings include elk chops, snicker martinis, and a gem salad with fig vinaigrette. There is also a delightful Sunday brunch starting at 10 a.m. and running through 2 p.m. 

2. Apache Trout Grill

Traverse City, Mich.

The Apache Trout Grill is also located in Traverse City and features a view of Grand Traverse Bay, although not from as high as the Grand Traverse Resort tower. The restaurant was created by a Michigander with a passion for the outdoors and fly fishing, which comes across in the food and design. 

For instance, the design of the restaurant evokes the northern log cabin design, and guests can sit indoors or outdoors to enjoy the water. Many of the signature dishes are, of course, seafood, such as Lake Superior Walleye, rainbow trout, and shrimp and scampi alfredo. If you’re a meat lover, however, do not fear—there are plenty of carnivore offerings like ribs and steak on the menu, too. 

3. Kamper’s Rooftop Bar

Detroit, Mich.

Kamper’s is a luxury, upscale restaurant and rooftop bar with Barcelona-inspired vibes. The website explains that the restaurant is perched atop the Book Twoer, which sounds lovely in and of itself, doesn’t it? The views are of the expansive Detroit skyline, which guests can enjoy both indoors and outdoors. 

The menu is also Spain-inspired, with offerings such as Croquetas de Jamón, Chistorra con Huevos, and Tortilla di Patate. Don’t forget to end your meal with xiuxos, a chocolate custard with cinnamon sugar. 

4. The Waterfront Wyandotte

Wyandotte, MI

Detroit is full of fine dining, and the Waterfront Wyandotte is no exception. It offers amazing views of the Detroit River and a fluctuating menu that can both surprise and delight. The Wyandotte is currently undergoing renovations and is opening more space with even more waterfront views. The menu will also be updated, so guests can enjoy new offerings along with the new view. 

Waterfront dining along the Detroit River. (The Waterfront Wyandotte)

5. Experience Zuzu 

Detroit, Mich. 

Zuzu markets itself as a venue for mixing business with pleasure, so while it may not be a family-friendly establishment, it can be the ideal restaurant for the right crowd. The restaurant offers valet parking, a “smart, cool dress code” (no athleisure allowed), and Asian fare. 

The downtown Detroit views are stunning, no doubt, but I would also argue that the views inside are just as spectacular. When Zuzu says dining there is an experience, they mean it—the meals are presented like an interactive experience, blending food and an event. 

6. Joe Muer Seafood 

Detroit, Mich.

This nearly 100-year-old restaurant serves seafood delicacies in a sophisticated setting overlooking the Detroit River and the Windsor skyline. The Joe Muer brand started in Detroit in 1929 and now includes three different locations. The Detroit location features lunch and dinner and a full sushi menu and was voted HOUR Detroit’s best restaurant with a view. 

If oysters are your jam, you’re in luck, because along with your view, you can enjoy a full plate at the Raw Bar. There is a dress code of professional attire for dining in the restaurant. 

Patio tables overlooking the water. (Joe Muer Seafood)

7. Highlands Detroit

Detroit, Mich. 

With a sweeping view of the Detroit skyline, the Highlands is another iconic D-town restaurant. The upscale steak restaurant is located on the 71st floor of the Detroit Renaissance Center and features “top of the tower” dining. In addition to dinner, the Highlands also hosts wine dinner events and a High Bar, where you can enjoy craft cocktails and the best views in the area. 

We recommend the cheeseboard as a starter before your steak dinner. Reservations are required, and larger groups can rent a private dining room.

Interested in just the views? You can also take the elevator and visit the observation deck on the 72nd floor of the Renaissance Center for a view without the dinner. (But we’re still big fans of the dinner!) 

8. The Windjammer Bar & Grill

Lexington, Mich.

The beachfront town of Lexington, Mich. is one of my favorites in the state, and whenever I’m there, I have to include a stop at the Windjammer bar and grill. The year-round restaurant offers spectacular views of Lake Huron, whether you’re dining indoors or out. (Although the patio seating is my personal preference.) The Windjammer offers tantalizing dining events, like themed dinners, wine-tasting dinners, pizza-making classes, and even Igloo dinners overlooking the lake during the winter. 

Guests can enjoy traditional lunches and dinners, and the Sunday morning brunches are an experience you won’t want to miss—they come complete with all meal options, a chef-attended carving station, ice cream sundae station, and a blood Mary or mimosa bar add-on. And when you’re done eating, you can stroll along the marina and the famous Lexington pier. 

View of Lake Huron from the pier near the restaurant. (Windjammer Bar & Grill)

9. Fort Mackinac Tea Room

Mackinac Island, Mich.

It might be a rite of passage for any Michigander to visit Mackinac Island and when you do, don’t miss a chance to see the best views on the island via the Fort Mackinac. The Fort can be accessed by walking up the trail (warning: it can be a hike!) or for those who need assistance, there is an elevator available. 

Once you’re in Fort Mackinac, you can grab lunch at the Fort Mackinac Tea Room, which is located on the outside of the Fort. The restaurant isn’t fine dining, but the fresh air and views are more than any expansive menu could offer. You can see across the island and Mackinac Harbor and I can attest that it’s 100% worth it. To access the Tea Room, you’ll need to pay admission to Ford Mackinac, which costs $17 for adults and $10.25 for children. The menu is lunch only and also has a kids’ menu. 

10. Arcadia Bluffs

Arcadia, Mich.

For a taste of Scotland in Michigan, visit Arcadia Bluffs, which pays homage to Scotland with sweeping views, rolling hills, and even live bagpipers. The Bluffs is a hotel and renowned golf course, but the on-site restaurant is open even if you’re a non-golfer. 

The restaurant provides some of the best views of Lake Michigan on the west side of the state. Word on the street is that the sunset views from the Deck are worth waiting for (after desert, of course). 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.