Restaurants near John Ball Zoo

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexicanSpanish

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

24 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Leo's

4.9

Exceptional(3754)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Grand Rapids

Booked 59 times today

Leo’s is the premier dining destination for exquisite seafood, classic cuisine, decadent desserts, and a world-class wine list. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan since 2004, Leo’s has stayed committed to always sourcing fresh quality ingredients and delivering an extraordinary experience to each and every guest.The dining room at Leo’s offers a sense of style and sophistication in an inviting and elegant setting. A distinctive feature of Leo’s is our bar and lounge area that boasts floor to ceiling windows and a lively, more casual environment from which to enjoy our extensive variety of curated wines, carefully crafted cocktails, and local craft beers.Whether you are having a casual lunch with friends, celebrating a special occasion, having a business meeting, or a large event, Leo's is the best spot in Grand Rapids for elegant dining and superior service.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Grand Rapids restaurant

2. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Grand Rapids

4.8

Exceptional(2667)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Grand Rapids

Booked 30 times today

Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Right inside the Amway Grand Plaza, Ruth’s Chris Steak House serves only the best steaks, hand-selected from the top 2% of the country’s beef and broiled to perfection at 1,800 degrees so that every last bite stays as hot and delicious as the first. Enjoy the freshest seafood, classic sides and homemade desserts that satisfy any craving. Whether it’s a business meeting or private event, a guys’ night out, or just the girls, we will accommodate your every need in our warm and inviting atmosphere. Scroll down to take virtual tours of our restaurant and private dining rooms!

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Grand Rapids restaurant

3. Tupelo Honey - Grand Rapids

4.6

Exceptional(2348)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Grand Rapids

Booked 42 times today

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Always scratch-made, always responsibly-soured, and always Southern.

A photo of The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck restaurant

4. The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck

4.7

Exceptional(2182)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Global, International • Grand Rapids

Booked 16 times today

The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck is located inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel downtown Grand Rapids with a one-of-a-kind-view along the Grand River. Specializing in a global cuisine with Wolfgang Puck's signature recipes using only the freshest, local ingredients. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from our extensive wine list or one of our local craft beers on tap. Outdoor patio seating along the Grand River is first come first serve and private dining rooms are available through our Private Dining Office. Located next to DeVos performance hall and DeVos convention center and connected to direct access via skywalk to the VanAndel Arena!

5. Scholar

4.5

Awesome(367)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Grand Rapids

Booked 32 times today

History, specifically America’s culinary history, is the central focus of our food and cocktail programs here at Scholar. Situated downtown on Grand Rapids’ iconic red brick road at 11 Ionia SW, Scholar honors previous residents of the same address while striving to achieve our goal; to earn the title of the city’s best restaurant.

6. MDRD

4.7

Exceptional(2005)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Grand Rapids

Booked 21 times today

At MDRD, you’re invited to sample modern Spanish cuisine. Melt into the lavish vibe of a dining experience where your every need is anticipated. From fabulous furnishings and sounds of the city to a deluge of exciting flavors—all your senses are engaged. Feel the rhythm of Madrid as you enter the seductive atmosphere of this luxurious top-floor tapería. Get swept up. Experience MDRD.

A photo of Margaux at JW Marriott Grand Rapids restaurant

7. Margaux at JW Marriott Grand Rapids

4.4

Awesome(882)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Grand Rapids

Booked 10 times today

At Margaux, a classic French bistro meets the sophistication and luxury of the JW Marriott brand. Here, crisp aprons and select wine lists complement chic design and contemporary flair. Our menu marries tradition with innovation, bringing the best in French cuisine to a modern American audience. Impeccable service, distinctive dishes, inspiring atmosphere. Bienvenue à Margaux.While our main dining room is open for dinner service between the hours of 5:00pm and 10:00pm, our Lounge invites you to join us between the hours of 11:30am and 11:00pm Sunday through Thursday, with a limited menu offered between 2:00pm and 5:00pm. Hours for the Lounge extend through midnight on Friday and Saturday.Connected by skywalk to the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, Downtown Courtyard Marriott, DeVos Place, DeVos Performance Hall and Van Andel Arena.

A photo of HopCat - Grand Rapids restaurant

8. HopCat - Grand Rapids

4.6

Exceptional(102)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Grand Rapids

Booked 11 times today

The original HopCat location is located in a historical building downtown Grand Rapids. Steps from Van Andel Arena, GLC Live at 20 Monroe, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, our restaurant features a dog-friendly outdoor patio, oversized wooden bar, and comfortable seating. HopCat was founded on the principles of bringing local craft beer a bit closer to the communities we love. We’re known for our award-wining Cosmik fries, which are beer battered, sprinkled with our signature cracked black pepper seasoning, and served with a side of warm cheese sauce. From burgers to tacos, our menu offers a range of delicious options. We live the craft lifestyle - beer, cocktails, and even craft food made from scratch. With a dedication to local breweries sustainability and community engagement, HopCat offers craft beer and great food in a vibrant atmosphere for an inclusive, unforgettable experience. No matter who you are or where you come from, you're always welcome in our community.

9. Mertens Prime

3.6

Very Good(1560)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Grand Rapids

Booked 5 times today

Mertens Prime, located in the historic 1914 New Hotel Mertens lobby in Grand Rapids, offers locally sourced, in-house hand-cut steaks, chops, and unique takes on classics. Scratch made kitchen where we make all the pastas and desserts. We have a large selection for vegan & vegetarian.Prime features a full-service espresso machine and classic pastries like beignets. Guests can enjoy tableside presentations like filet dinner for two, a weekly curated rolling cheese cart, and bananas fosters and creme brulee.The kitchen is scratch made and we feature many locally sourced products.The bar top is one of the largest in Grand Rapids and seats 18 guests along with lounge tables. Our bar features a daily happy hour from 4pm-6pm 7 days a week for both food and beverage! Seasonal mocktails available along with many other non-alcoholic offerings. Mertens Rooftop offers a full bar and a menu of appetizers. To book a reservation at Mertens Rooftop, select "Outdoor Seating", if available.

10. MeXo

4.6

Exceptional(838)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Traditional Mexican • Grand Rapids

Booked 7 times today

Welcome to MeXo ! We offer prehispanic-influenced modern Mexican cuisine featuring Chef Oscars authentic regional cuisine, craft margaritas, and extensive tequila and mezcal selections. We offer private dining areas and rooms for curated chef dinners. MeXo offers scheduled Chef Dinners, Tequila Tastings, and private planned dinners.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KurtVIP
Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our server Kurt did a phenomenal job, Kurt helped us navigate the menu and also order a “special cocktail” He was attentive even while handling a large group during our visit. 10/10 for service, thanks to Kurt and the team.
More info
Ruth's Chris Steak House - Grand RapidsPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Grand Rapids
•
4.8
M
MicahVIP
Indiana •55 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
The service was great. The food was good, but not great, especially for the cost. The sides were excellent. The food just needed more flavor. The location was perfect..
More info
The Kitchen by Wolfgang PuckPrice: Moderate• Global, International• Grand Rapids
•
4.7
J
James
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Very nice, the staff was outstanding the food very good
More info
Leo'sPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Grand Rapids
•
4.9
T
Theresa
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
We had a reservation, so we were seated on time and received excellent service. The food was good, a bit pricey, but everywhere is like that now. Would have preferred a booth seat as we were seated at a table it the middle of the room so there was noise and traffic surrounding us.
More info
Tupelo Honey - Grand RapidsPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Grand Rapids
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The experience was top notch! The hostess was lovely. We were seated at a table with a phenomenal view. Our waitress was informative and engaging. The food was delicious and the presentation outstanding!
More info
MDRDPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• Grand Rapids
•
4.7

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