Eat
Foodies of all walks of life will be impressed by the vast array of dining options across Northern Michigan. From casual family friendly lunch spots, to breweries, to fine dining, to a few nationally renowned dessert places, whatever you are craving, Up North has you covered.
-Casual Dining-
Traverse City
Poppycocks
One of TC’s classic restaurants! Known for its new American cuisine with Gluten Free and Vegan items aplenty, each dish is bursting with flavor. Great cocktail selection as well. Ideal for a gathering with friends or a date night.
Traverse City
Little Fleet
Craving tacos, dumplings and BBQ? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The Little Fleet is not a restaurant, per say, but a selection of food trucks and bar that aims to please all. Come and try a taste of all the trucks and have a specialty cocktail. Live music happens every now and then, which just adds to the whole experience.
Traverse City
The Dish Cafe
Soups, and salads, and sandwiches, (and smoothies), oh, my! For a healthier lunch spot, look no further than The Dish Cafe. The food is always fresh with a great attention to quality. Very laid back atmosphere. Perfect for all.
Glen Arbor
Art's Tavern
​One of my Northern Michigan faves, Art’s Tavern has been dishing out great bar food since forever. Come for the burgers, stay for the beers on tap. Great for all, but be prepared to wait- its very popular among tourists and locals alike.
Elk Rapids
Pearl's
​Let the good times roll at Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen! Swing on in for great Cajun and Creole classics with libations that will make you feel as if you are in the French Quarter. Great for lunch or dinner. For couples or for a place to gather with friends.
Jolly Pumpkin
Old Mission Peninsula
Great beer and food await! Jolly Pumpkin offers up fun for couples and families alike. Enjoy a drink on the patio, or play lawn games in the back, and on special occasions, have a pint around the fire pit. The pub style food is always tasty and pairs great with their own beers on tap. Prepare to wait a bit, this is a popular destination- but worth the wait!
Farm Club
Traverse City
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Just on the outskirts of town, in the middle of the pastoral countryside, you can find this little foodie haven. With a focus on local farm-to-table small plates and appetizers, the food reflects everything local. Pair with their house beer, wine and cider and don’t forget to pick up some local produce from their store on the way out. Perfect for families, couples and friends.
​Bubba's
Traverse City
When you are craving a good burger, look no further than Bubbas. Not a burger fan? Don’t worry, Bubba’s full menu of sandwiches, salads, mouth watering Gumbo, and regional dishes will please even the pickiest of eaters- great place for kids too!
Village Cheese Shanty
Leland
​Nestled in the heart of Fishtown sits the Village Cheese Shanty known far and wide for its amazing selection of cheese and sandwiches. Perfect place to stop by and pick up everything you need for a picnic.
The Towne Plazza
Traverse City
Come for brunch, lunch or dinner to a beloved TC restaurant. Known for its BBQ, The Towne Plaza is always packed with hungry folks for their delicious offerings. Worth the wait!
-Fine Dining-
Old Mission Peninsula
The Boathouse
Nestled in Bowers Harbor, the Boathouse restaurant offers spectacular views of West Bay that is the perfect backdrop for any special occasion. With locally focused American cuisine, expect incredible attention to detail in both food and wine.
Traverse City
​Brasserie Amie
French Brasserie style faire is complemented by a great wine list in the heart of Traverse City. Dine indoors or on the rooftop. Come for dinner, but don’t forget to come back for breakfast- the croissants alone are worth the trip! (Not quite formal dining, but not casual, either.)
Traverse City
Amical
Another local favorite! Amical offers up French and European cuisine with an attention for local ingredients. With a nice selection of locally and global beer, wine and spirits, there is something for everyone. The desserts alone are reason to stop in. Great for lunch or a romantic dinner.
Old Mission Peninsula
Old Mission Tavern
Up North Formal sometimes means a clean button down shirt and boatshoes. This flies at this elegant yet casual restaurant. Attached to the Bella Galleria, you can peruse local artist’s work before you sit down for your meal. Great regional specialties with American and Polish specialties.
Old Mission Peninsula
Mission Table
​As you dine with breathtaking views of West Bay, you will be fully immersed in the best that Northern Michigan dining has to offer. A lovely locally focused menu is created with care in an intimate atmosphere. Perfect for a special date night!
Traverse City
The Cook's House
The Cook’s House is an cozy dining experience in downtown Traverse City. The chefs who hail from Michelin-started kitchens, focus their three, five, and seven course tasting menus on seasonal, local, and sustainable cuisine. One of the best meals you’ll find in the area.
Traverse City
Trattoria Stella
​Tucked away in the lower level of the Grand Traverse Commons, the intimate surroundings of Trattoria Stella feels like you are dining in a wine cellar. Marrying Italian cuisine with an emphasis on locally grown farm-found goodies, you can rest assured that you will have an unforgettable meal.
Acme
Aerie
​Enjoy fine dining with spectacular floor to ceiling views of Northern Michigan. Sitting on top of the tower at The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Aerie offers a worldly menu, fine wine and spirits selection with modern, sophisticated ambiance.