15 Best Restaurants In Grand Rapids MI You Must Try

Are you looking for the best restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Did you know that Grand Rapids has one of the top culinary schools in the country!?

That means that the foodie scene in this Michigan city is super unique, diverse, and constantly growing and changing.

You will quickly find that one of the best things to do in Grand Rapids is to explore the city’s restaurant scene.

Because the restaurant scene is growing in Grand Rapids so rapidly, there are also companies that offer food tours throughout the city.

One thing is certain, there are tons of amazing restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan.

On this list, I’ve tried to include a little bit of everything. From vegetarian to soul food, I guarantee there is a Grand Rapids restaurant on this list you’ll love.

So, let’s take a look at some of the best restaurants in the vibrant Midwest city of grand Rapids Michigan that you absolutely have to try!

15 Best Restaurants In Grand Rapids MI You Must Try

Butcher’s Union Is A Unique Gastropub In Grand Rapids

Butcher’s Union is one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids if you are looking for a unique atmosphere.

This gastropub is full of big leather booths, an old-fashioned bar, and a mixture of ornate wallpapers and exposed brick walls.

It’s an eclectic mixture of modern industrial and an old-world pub, all in one restaurant.

Their menu is very meat-heavy, partially because that is what pairs best with their over 100 whiskey options.

On their menu, you’ll find dishes like Wagyu Sirloin, Sea Scallops, Peppercorn Slab Bacon, and English Pea Falafel.

While their menu is meat-heavy, they do have a small number of vegetarian options available.

Along with their food, they have over 100 different kinds of whiskey available for you to try with your meal.

They are open from Tuesday through Saturday for dinner only.

You can add yourself to their waitlist before you head out to the restaurant, but they do not take reservations.

Little Africa Cuisine Is One Of The Best Restaurants In Grand Rapids

If you like Ethiopian food, then you’ll love this Grand Rapids restaurant.

Little Africa Cuisine is known for having some of the best Ethiopian food in Grand Rapids.

However, you wouldn’t know that by looking at it.

This restaurant in Grand Rapids MI is very unassuming. It is a small, cash-only, restaurant with a small storefront.

Looking at it, you wouldn’t think it’s one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids, but it is!

They serve vegetarian and vegan Ethiopian dishes, near the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market.

Their menu includes classic Ethiopian dishes like Shiro, Ferfer, Tomato Salad, Red Lentils, and fresh juices.

The menu items are served family-style and in the traditional Ethiopian style, which means no silverware.

Instead, you use the bread to scoop up your food.

Little Africa Cuisine has some of the best Ethiopian food in Grand Rapids.

Head To The Old Goat For Brunch In Grand Rapids

No city can call itself a foodie city until it has some amazing brunch spots.

So, it should be no surprise that brunch in Grand Rapids is delicious.

Especially if you head to The Old Goat!

The Old Goat is a gastropub with an industrial interior and a beautiful patio you can sit on when the weather is nice.

They are open Monday through Saturday, from 11 am to 9 pm.

On Sundays they have a special brunch from 10 am to 3 pm.

This Grand Rapids brunch spot is pretty popular on Sundays.

You’ll find menu items like Old Fashioned French Toast, Chicken and Donuts, Ratatashish, and even a Brunch Board.

You can go wrong with having brunch in Grand Rapids at The Old Goat.

Littlebird Is A Classic Cafe In Grand Rapids MI

If you’re looking for something a little more casual but with still a unique twist, you need to check out Littlebird.

Littlebird is a classic cafe that has counter and booth seating throughout the charming restaurant.

Where it’s different from other cafes, is that it serves a bit more unique and upscale fare.

They are open Wednesday through Saturday and they offer dinner and a limited brunch.

On their dinner menu, you’ll find items like Grilled Squid, Pan Roasted Halibut, Roasted Eggplant, and Chicken Ramen Noodle.

Their brunch menu includes items like Overnight Oats, Sweet Potato Hash, and Avocado Smash Sandwich.

You can’t go wrong with trying Littlebird, one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids MI.

Try Luxury Dining At Margaux

Margaux is a luxury restaurant in the JW Marriot in Grand Rapids.

It is in the hotel, but you don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy this amazing Grand Rapids Michigan restaurant.

Margaux is a French restaurant that is an upscale dining experience.

However, the dress code is still casual. So you don’t have to get too dressed up to dine there either.

They are open every day for dinner and Friday through Monday for breakfast.

On their menu, you’ll find items like Scottish Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Beet Salad, and French Onion Soup.

They also have an extensive wine list with something that pairs perfectly with every menu item.

Enjoy A Unique Atmosphere At Stella’s Lounge

One of the most unique restaurants in downtown Grand Rapids is Stella’s Lounge.

Stella’s Lounge is probably best known for its fun and unique atmosphere.

Inside you’ll find bright murals that are reminiscent of 1980s arcade games.

That’s because they have a large collection of 1980’s arcade games that you can play for only $.25 a game.

They also play classic 1980s music that ranges from Lionel Richie to AC/DC.

Along with that fun atmosphere, they have some amazing food.

On their menu, you’ll find dishes like Cheddar Jalapeno Poppers, Avocado Nuggets, the Sweet Potato Burrito, and a wide variety of Burgers.

They offer a wide range of meat and vegetarian dishes.

So, everyone can find something to enjoy at this cool restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids.

Try Farm To Table Dishes At Terra GR Restaurant

Terra GR Restaurant is a Grand Rapids restaurant that specializes in farm-to-table dishes.

They aim to have a majority of their ingredients sustainably and locally sourced.

So if you want a real taste of Grand Rapids, this is the place for it.

On their menu, you’ll find a unique variety of dishes.

Try their Lamb Meatballs, Chorizo Torta, Wood-Fired Pizzas, Mushroom Risotto, and Potato Gnocchi.

They also have delicious desserts like Lemon Bars, Chocolate Espresso Creme Brulee, and Terra Misu.

If you want to taste locally grown food in Grand Rapids, then head to Terra GR Restaurant.

Gaia House Cafe Has Some Of The Best Vegetarian Food In Grand Rapids MI

One of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids for vegetarian cuisine is Gaia House Cafe.

Gaia House Cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch. They close in the early afternoon, so you won’t be able to have dinner there.

However, if you’re looking for a great Grand Rapids restaurant for breakfast or lunch that is completely vegetarian, this is a great option.

Their menu includes a Mediterranean Platter, Miso Caesar Salad, Cornbread French Toast, and the Portobello Beet Bread Burger

You can enjoy any of these menu items with a side of fresh fruit, seasoned steamed veggies, housemade cornbread, or corn chips and salsa.

Gaia House Cafe is easily one of the best places to eat in Grand Rapids!

Rose’s Is A Historic Grand Rapids Restaurant

One of the best places to eat in Grand Rapids is Rose’s.

Rose’s is a historic restaurant with beautiful lakeside views.

If you want to visit Rose’s, you can stop by daily for lunch and dinner.

They serve a variety of Italian, Mediterranean, and American cuisine.

So, on their menu, you’ll find items like roasted pork, Artichoke Linguine, Potato Crusted Walleye, and roasted acorn squash.

While they aren’t a vegetarian restaurant, they do have quite a few vegetarian options along with their meat options.

Rose’s has some of the best food in Grand Rapids and you won’t regret enjoying a meal there.

One Twenty Three Tavern Is In the Heart Of Downtown Grand Rapids

If you are on a romantic getaway in Michigan, you’ll want to check out one of the best restaurants in downtown Grand Rapids.

One Twenty Three Tavern is known for its hip industrial-chic decor and elevated American fare.

They specialize in taking classic American dishes and adding their own unique flare.

So, you’ll find menu items like California Garlic Fries, Teriyaki Steak Egg Rolls, Fried Chicken Sandwich, NY Strip Steak, and Brown Butter Fruit Cobbler.

You can stop by One Twenty Three Tavern daily for lunch or dinner, and try one of the best restaurants in downtown Grand Rapids.

Enjoy Comfort Food At The Electric Cheetah

The Electric Cheetah is a great Grand Rapids Michigan restaurant if you’re looking for some delicious comfort food.

This restaurant in Grand Rapids MI is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

They also offer brunch on Sundays.

In fact, it’s one of the best places for brunch in Grand Rapids!

Along with their meat dishes, they also have a good-sized vegetarian section on their menu.

Those vegetarian menu items include the Thai Town Salad, Vegetarian Macaroni, and the Sloppy Popinski Sandwich.

For the meat-eaters, they have The Thanksgiving Sandwich, Ze Meatloaf Mac, Top Sirloin Steak and Fries, and Bangers and Mash.

Electric Cheetah is a great restaurant in Grand Rapids because it has something for every type of diner.

Try Elevated Soul Food At Forty Acres Soul Kitchen And Cognac Bar

Forty Acres Soul Kitchen and Cognac Bar is a unique restaurant in Grand Rapids.

This Black-owned restaurant specializes in traditional American soul food.

Their menu celebrates Black culture through elevated cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere.

You’ll find dishes like the Catfish Po’Boy, Southern Style Grits, Vegan Gumbo, Fried Okra, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Hush Puppies.

While most of their dishes do contain meat, they have quite a few vegetarian and vegan takes on classic soul food as well.

So, if you don’t eat meat, you can still enjoy soul food at Forty Acres.

Along with their soul food, they also have a full cognac bar.

They offer cognac pours, mixed drinks, beer, and wine at the bar.

If you want to support a Black-owned business, you must try the amazing food at the Forty Acres Soul Food Kitchen and Cognac Bar.

Sample Local Wines At Forty Pearl

Forty Pearl is another excellent restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids.

While they do serve food, the main aim of Forty Pearl is to highlight the amazing local wines available in Michigan.

They do this by pairing wines with adventurous dishes.

Their menu includes items like Mushroom Toast, Cherry Chicken Salad Sandwich, Seared Walleye, and Yellow Belly Lake Perch.

You can also enjoy their wine selection with one of their desserts, like Oreo Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, and Triple Chocolate Mousse.

If you want to try a unique restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids, then you’ll want to enjoy a meal at Forty Pearl.

The Green Well Is An Eco-Friendly Gastropub In Grand Rapids

One of the more unique restaurants in Grand Rapids is The Green Well.

The Green Well is an eco-friendly gastropub.

They are eco-friendly because they aim to use only fresh and local ingredients.

On their menu, you’ll also find local Michigan beer and wine available.

Their menu changes quite a bit and is dependent on what sort of produce they can source from local farms.

But, you’ll often find items like Green Well Curry, Kung Pao Broccoli, Beef Bulgogi, the Quinoa Falafel Sandwich, and Beet Salad.

They are open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, and I highly suggest stopping by for a meal.

Try Amazing Mexican Dishes At Luna, One Of The Best Restaurants In Grand Rapids

You’ll find Luna restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids.

Luna is a Mexican restaurant that has become increasingly popular.

However, you may find the dishes a little more unique than what you’ll find at your traditional Mexican restaurant.

That’s because Luna’s menu is a blend of Latin American and West Michigan cultures.

They are open Sunday through Thursday for dinner as well as Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Reservations are not required, but they are highly suggested if you plan on visiting on the weekend.

On their menu, you’ll find dishes like Tacos Arabes, Tortas, Chicken Flautas, and Elote.

If you want to try one of the best restaurants in downtown Grand Rapids, I suggest trying Luna.

Because it is home to one of the top culinary schools in the US, there are tons of amazing restaurants in Grand Rapids MI, making this one vibrant Midwest city you do not want to miss out on.

This, combined with the unique culture that’s in the city, means it’s easy to enjoy a delicious meal at any one of these best restaurants in Grand Rapids.

If you’ve had the opportunity to try any of these restaurants, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!