Why Michigan doesn’t have Michelin Stars (+ 10 restaurants that deserve one)

Michigan doesn’t have official Michelin star restaurants, but that doesn’t mean the Mitten State doesn’t boast restaurants worthy of them.

I have never had the pleasure of dining at a Michelin star restaurant, but as a lifelong Michigan resident, it turns out that’s not just because I’m not fancy enough—it’s also because Michigan does not have any restaurants that have been awarded a Michelin star.

Why doesn’t Michigan have Michelin star restaurants? You might be thinking it’s due to the fact that Michigan is famous (infamous?) for cuisine like Upper Peninsula pasties and Faygo pop, but the truth is pretty simple: Michigan does not have a Michelin chapter, so there is no one to award a Michelin star to any Michigan restaurants.

And honestly, now that I know that the history of Michelin stars was basically one giant marketing scheme to sell tires, I’m not that impressed by Michelin stars anyway. If tire-inspired dining isn’t your thing, here are some Michigan restaurants that would totally be worthy of a Michelin star, but keep shining even without the distinction.

1. Prime and Proper

1145 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

According to the restaurant, Prime and Proper is a modern interpretation of the classic American steakhouse born out of the Detroit Renaissance. You’ll find fine dining detail and a contemporary culinary experience. The entire restaurant was even named after the refined concept of being “prim and proper,” with a twist on one of its most famous offerings: a Prime beef, of course.

Led by Executive Chef Sam Trick, diners can enjoy dishes like foie gras, shaved truffles, caviar, and the most expensive meal on the menu: a nearly $200 tomahawk ribeye steak. Reservations are available 30 days in advance and are taken online only. Jackets, ties, and dresses are not required, but overly casual dress is not permitted (and the restaurant can deny entry to anyone dressed inappropriately).

2. Mabel Gray Kitchen

23825 John R Rd., Hazel Park, MI 48030

With no official menu and a revolving experience of tastes and flavors, Mabel Gray receives high marks from Michigan locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Rigato, who decides his weekly menu based on fresh and local produce and fare, serving diners a handwritten menu upon their visit. Rigato calls his restaurant a “commitment to complex contrast,” an homage to the Michigan food scene.

The restaurant is only open on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings for “tastings,” and a visit will run you $92/person, plus an additional $55/person if you opt for a beverage pairing. You can request reservations for up to 6 people online or email the restaurant with specific requests. Reservations open up at 8 a.m. every day, 30 days in advance.

3. Modern Bird

541 W. Front St., Traverse City, MI

Michigan may not have a Michelin star chapter, but it does have two Michelin-restaurant-trained chefs in the wife-and-husband pair who run Modern Bird in Traverse City. Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart trained in Chicago Michelin star restaurants, got married, and decided to open their own restaurant right here in Michigan. Stewart even grew up working her summers in Traverse City, so in a way, the chefs are returning home.

The menus change seasonally based on local offerings and chef preference, but diners can look forward to dishes such as Wagyu Denver steak, rabbit tagliatelle, and a cucumber salad with mint, almonds, and white beans. The restaurant is in a historic downtown TC restaurant that was once an 1890s pharmacy, and reservations can be made online.

4. Spencer

113 East Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104

Diners looking for a specialized dish need not look at Spencer’s in Ann Arbor, as the fine dining establishment does not accept modifications or special requests. You can, however, view the restaurant’s seasonal rotating menu online to see what your meal will be before you arrive. For example, some of their spring offerings include pork schnitzel, lemon cake, candied buckwheat, and crushed beets with farm cheese.

The restaurant also houses a wine shop, so you can expect fine wine offerings to accompany your meal. The menu is set and charges $80/person with a 20% service charge. Reservations are made online for indoor dining—some seating is communal, and all tables require a minimum time seating.

5. Echelon Kitchen & Bar

200 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Also located in Ann Arbor, Echelon offers a seasonal and vegetable-forward dining experience with wood-fired proteins and a large wine and cocktail list. When you make your reservation online, you can choose between a chef’s counter or dining room tasting experience. The bar is open for walk-in seating from 4 p.m. until close. (The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.)

The reservation dinners are 6 or 7-course meals curated by Executive Chef Joe VanWagner and cost $125/person plus an additional $70/person wine pairing fee.

6. Pacific Rim

114 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

We’re clearly seeing a theme in Ann Arbor offerings on our list, but we’re adding some Asian fare flair with Pacific Rim, which offers contemporary pan-Asian cuisine and creative innovation to traditional Asian foods. The chef of Pacific Rim, known only as “Duc,” has the most fascinating backstory I’ve ever heard, from leaving Vietnam as a refugee to making his way to California and graduating from Yale University with a degree in Biochemistry. Following his undergrad studies, he earned a graduate degree in Theology and Biblical Studies at Regent College in Vancouver, then worked as an inner-city high school teacher and an outreach social worker, serving the homeless population in New York City.

He finally ended up in Ann Arbor, having never set foot in a formal restaurant setting, but used his clear motivation, work ethic, and natural instincts to create a restaurant that has set the community abuzz. Now, anyone can enjoy his handiwork with offerings such as Unagi Terrine, Saigon Spring Rolls, Japanese-Style Sablefish, and 5-Spice Duck. You can make reservations online or order takeout as well.

7. Houndstooth

132 Pipestone Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Opened in 2019 (what a year to open an in-person restaurant, right?) by sibling chefs James and Cheyenne Galbraith, this Southwest restaurant features an open bar and kitchen concept, inviting diners to feel like family. Because that’s what the owners believe—food is about togetherness.

Diners can enjoy creative appetizers, such as sunflowers and burrata, or chili jam shrimp, and large plates, including potato-crusted halibut and green garlic lamb ribs. Reservations can be made online.

8. Chop House

322 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104

While not everyone agrees the Chop House is Michelin star level, at least one diner dubbed his steak dinner from the Ann Arbor steakhouse the best he had ever had, adding that the quality and service were also superb.

As you may imagine, the Chop House serves only USDA Prime beef, which is graded for its superior marbling and texture. According to the restaurant, only 2% of all beef raised is awarded Prime status. The prime meat is also aged 28 to 34 days for superior flavor and texture.

9. Le Suprême

1265 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Need a little French fare in your life? Head over to Le Suprême to get your fix of Parisian specialities like Moules Frites, Soupe à la Oignon Gratinée, Steak Au Poivre, and handmade pastries.

From French-inspired decor and ambience to full French cocktails and wines, the experience of Le Suprême will leave you saying, Oui, Oui! Reservations can be made online, and the restaurant is open for day dining and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

10. Forrest, a Food Studio 

408 S Union St, Traverse City, MI 49684

You just know the food is going to be an experience when you dine at an establishment that has dubbed itself a “food studio.” As a food studio, the eatery explains that the dining experience is more of a communal dinner party than a traditional restaurant, so if you manage to snag a reservation, prepare to get cozy with your dinner mates.

Menus and reservations are released one month in advance, on the first of the month at 8:00 a.m. for the following month. You can book online, where you’ll also get to view that month’s dinner menu and wine pairings. Prices are set at $85/person, excluding beverages. To give you an idea of the dishes served here, the May menu included rosemary focaccia, halibut confit, steak Oscar with morel mushroom, and a seasonal rhubarb cobbler with hints of basil, orange, and vanilla.

Related: The 10 best farm-to-table restaurants in Michigan, according to Yelp