10 Best Places to Eat in Michigan
Michigan has way more than ten glamorous places to eat, but we need to start somewhere, and I thought I’d start with ten of my favorites. Don’t worry, being a true Michigander, born and raised; there will be more blog posts about the hottest spots to eat in our favorite mitten state. I promise.
So it’s no joke, Michigan chefs know what they are doing. They know their way around the kitchen, and they’re quite modest at times. And the food? We have some of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the country, not to mention some of the coolest greasy food dives that make a good Friday night better.
Check out my list below. Are any of these your favorites?
10 Best Places to Eat in Michigan
Mounds of BBQ wings, homemade mac and cheese, and woodfired tastes galore is what you can expect at Slows Bar BQ. Detroit’s favorite Corktown restaurant prepares food the old-fashioned way, over smoky coals. The dishes served offer tastes from Kansas City, Carolina, and Texas, but it’s all made in Detroit.
2. Cliff Bell’s
Located near Grand Circus Park, Cliff Bell’s is a good time. It’s restored Art Deco interior, including the gold leaf ceiling, draws you in as soon as you step in the door. It’s a jazz club that serves delicious meals and classic cocktails at the very same time Detroit’s best jazz musicians swoon the crowd. You won’t want to leave.
After earning two Michelin stars in Chicago, Michigan-born Chef Thomas Lents returned to Michigan with all kinds of goodness to serve. He’s at the Apparatus Room, the fine dining restaurant in the Detroit Foundation Hotel. This cool location is fun just to be in and Chef’s food makes the entire experience one to remember. Formerly the home of the Detroit Fire Headquarters, the Apparatus’ dining room features original ceiling tiles, exposed brick and three fire poles. The restaurant has won many awards and is the talk of the town.
4. The Whitney
Lumber baron David Whitney built this gorgeous mansion in 1894 on Woodward Ave. Guests celebrate special occasions, including weddings, showers, anniversaries, and more. The mansion consists of 52 rooms, 20 fireplaces, and beautiful crystal chandeliers. Are you going for dinner? Be sure to order their most excellent quality steak or a seafood option. If you’re a brunch gal, the Whitney’s weekend brunches are exceptional. Go ahead and wear something pretty!
5. Rugby Grille
The Rugby Grille is one of my secret hiding places. The premier restaurant of Birmingham’s four-star Townsend Hotel is nestled in the corner off the lobby. A cozy fireplace dominates an elegant dining room that features white linens and a staff that aims to please. The Rugby Grille’s menu includes Wagyu steaks, fresh seafood, and foie gras burgers. Their breakfast is also to die for with a large variety of healthy and delicious options.
Baker Warda Bouguettaya’s show-stopping pastries are the sweetest things at Eastern Market. You must try the baked egg and potato tarts with hints of garlic and herbs. Occasionally, Warda Patisserie features specials that you can’t buy anywhere else in Detroit.
Grey Ghost took over Brush Park in 2016 with incredible mixologists and a menu that we’ll drive far for. Chefs John Vermiglio and Joe Giacomino not only make great food but their displays are Instagram gorgeous. Give them a try and order the falafel pancakes and fried bologna. You can even get a mouthwatering cheeseburger or a filet mignon. Want to go for a drink? Mixologists Will Lee and Rudy Leon create intriguing original cocktails in their full handsomeness. My favorites? Ask them to make you an “Oh My Darling” with rum, anisette, clementine, mustard seed, honey, and a touch of lemon.
8. Maru Sushi
Some say this is the best Japanese restaurant in Grand Rapids. The posh dining experience features a full sushi bar and outdoor patio for when the weather is nice. Maru Sushi offers not only fresh sushi but daily drink specials and a fun happy hour from 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm on weekdays and 11:30 am to 3:00 pm on weekends.
Located in Traverse City, Trattoria Stella is situated at the Commons, a place that once was a mental institution. Chef Myles Anton prepares Italian dishes and other delicious creations such as pan-seared swordfish, meats and of course delicious pastas. The food is delicious and the impressive wines are hand-picked by the owner herself.
10. SheWolf
The food at SheWolf makes this restaurant a shiny gem in the city of Detroit! Everything is done right from flavors to presentation, service to decor. Marble tables and a glass wine cellar make the place beyond cozy. When the weather is nice, I love the patio experience too! Be sure to try the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio or the Cacio E Pepe! If you like it and you’re planning a luncheon or private party in the future, please also check this lovely place out for your special event.
