Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Boathouse Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2013)

$50 and over

European

Traverse City

About the restaurant

The cuisine of the Boathouse, created with distinctive flair is refined and contemporary, with an underlying element that echoes the classical French tradition of Escoffier.

The Boathouse experience begins with a drive along the shores of beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay and its sparkling blue waters.

When you dine with us, you get the best of both worlds: We are both locavores and connoisseurs of what the rest of the world has to offer, so you get the freshest, finest ingredients from near and far. Owner Doug Kosch adheres to the "farm to table" concept.

Top review

Herman and LaurieVIP

Dined 5 days ago

The service Kathleen provided was Stellar. The food Sam Plamondon prepared was Stellar. From the fresh oysters & Asparagus Tempura to the Walleye & Elk dinners are palates were completely satisfied. Have to mention the barman Frank's Sazarac. Also, Stellar. A Stellar experience...

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Bennethum's Northern Inn

4.9

4.9 (2122)

$31 to $50

American

Gaylord

About the restaurant

HERE AT BENNETHUM'S, WARM HOSPITALITY IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. BECAUSE WE ARE FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED, WE PERSONALIZE YOUR VISITS AND ATTEND TO ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS. THE COZY ATMOSPHERE IS RUSTIC YET REFINED. THE FOOD AND DRINK OFFERINGS ARE DIVERSE AND HIGH-QUALITY.

Top review

Carol

Dined 6 days ago

There is never a trip to Bennethums that doesn’t exceed expectations. The wine suggestion on the current menu was wonderful, the Havarti Baked Shrimp and Crab Cake appetizers on point as always. We split a baby back rib dinner and still took almost a half slab home. We never make it to dessert but one day, maybe. The entire wait staff is extremely attentive. Our very favorite Northern Michigan restaurant.

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Popular dish

Kung-Pao Calamari

Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (885)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Petoskey

About the restaurant

We have thoughtfully renovated a historic 1938 log building to a beautiful rustic chic atmosphere. Executive Chef Michael will take great care to provide our Guests a dining experience like no other. Our menu will offer a selection of ala cart steaks, seafood, salads, and shareables. We also offer an array of craft cocktails, beer, and an extensive wine selection. Michael and Maggie Wilp share a passion for quality food and service, careful attention to details, and are determined to treat every person that walks through the door as a welcome Guest.
4653 S. Straits Highway, Indian River, MI, 49749.

Top review

Denise

Dined 5 days ago

Always great food and service! The pork chop was fabulous with the silky mashed potatoes. Save room for desert -the best around!

Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (673)

$31 to $50

Steak

Petoskey / Boyne City

About the restaurant

The Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse, known to locals as the “DLB”, has a rich history of providing great food and service in a rustic log building overlooking beautiful Douglas Lake. The two giant fieldstone fireplaces offer the perfect dining ambiance during the spring and fall seasons. Summer guests enjoy drinks on the outdoor patio and dining on the lakeside deck or the screened-in porch.

Top review

Travis

Dined on Dec 29, 2024

Tess was our waitress and she was great. Food was very good, high quality and well prepared. Service was top notch. Great night out at DLB!

Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie - Bay City

4.9

4.9 (56)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Bay City

About the restaurant

Prost! is a new refreshing experience located in Uptown Bay City! Offering a wide selection of wine and beer from around the globe, along with perfectly crafted cocktails. Our menu encompasses the European culture from imported charcuterie and cheese, shareable plates, salads, paninis and heartier dishes. We are dedicated to ensuring our guests are given a welcoming experience and bringing something new to the community for all to enjoy!

In the summer, our intimate dining space opens to the wonderful outdoors, leading to a lovely patio experience!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

Shelley

Dined 4 days ago

Cory was our waiter and was awesome !! Great attitude and very attentive. Dinner was great as always. Prost is a must visit !

Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois

4.8

4.8 (1464)

$31 to $50

American

Mackinac Island

About the restaurant

Under the direction of Chef Greg Murphy, the Carriage House Dining Room is known island-wide for its fine classic American cuisine. Local seafood selections such as Carriage House whitefish from Lake Superior and prime steaks from a Detroit family butcher are paired with fresh salads, soups and desserts topped with signature Iroquois Hot Fudge.

Directly overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, guests enjoy flawless service in our glass-enclosed dining room or on one of our breezy outdoor waterfront verandas. The restaurant features an extensive wine list, full bar and nightly entertainment at the piano bar.

Top review

Victoria

Dined on Oct 17, 2024

Beautiful space and location. Great atmosphere and food was good. Great place to see the sunset.

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Popular dish

Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie

4.8

4.8 (412)

$31 to $50

American

Petoskey

About the restaurant

About NOMAD.
Located on the waterfront in Bay Harbor, NOMAD. offers a vibrant atmosphere that pairs well with its sharable plates, evolving wine list, and house cocktails.

Our menu was artfully crafted through the senses of a NOMAD, with flavors and influences from across the world.

Recently opened in Spring 2022, our mission is to continuously evolve while always maintaining exceptional quality and creativity.

Please note if booking outside dining, restaurant can't hold inside tables if inclement weather occurs. Thank you for your understanding.

Top review

Holly

Dined 1 day ago

We appreciated the birthday treat. Thank you. Our server was wonderful.

Spring & Porter

4.8

4.8 (634)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Petoskey

About the restaurant

Spring & Porter features modern, globally-inspired cuisine in a refined yet welcoming environment. Chef Tommy Kaszubowski has created a menu for everyone and, when paired with our impressive wine collection, creates an experience you won't want to forget. From the selection of seasonal ingredients; and our emphasis on local purveyors to the thoughtfully crafted cocktail menu, Spring & Porter is humbled to have you as our guest.

Top review

Katie

Dined 6 days ago

Always a great time at S&P. A favorite spot that we wish we were able to get to more often.

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Popular dish

Beef Tenderloin Fillet

Popular dish

Beef Tenderloin Tartare

Popular dish

Bolognese

Chandler's a Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2241)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Petoskey

About the restaurant

Chandler’s opened it’s doors in December of 1999 behind the historical Symons General Store building. It’s a cozy place with only 50 seats in the main dining room & 10 seats at the bar. When real estate is too tough to find - it’s standing room only! For a change of scenery, guests can enjoy dining in the wine cellar where they are surrounded by the 4,000 bottle collection that serves both the restaurant and Symons General Store. In the warmer months, guests can choose to dine outside, on Chandler’s brick courtyard.

Top review

Robert

Dined 3 days ago

Great food and service. I had the fried rice with pork.

Artisan - Traverse City

4.7

4.7 (1209)

$31 to $50

American

Traverse City

About the restaurant

Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern offers a unique and innovative dining experience with magnificent views of Lake Michigan. Our Great Lakes-inspired, New American cuisine has an emphasis on farm-fresh fare from local and regional farms, celebrating the theme of craftsmanship and sustainability.
With booking a table in Artisan please advise your table will be reserved for 2 hours starting at the time of your reservation.
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUTSIDE TABLES ARE RESERVED UPON REQUEST BUT CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.
If you have requested a table outdoors, please be advised that in the case of inclement weather, we will do our best to accommodate your party inside at the same reservation time, however we cannot guarantee a table inside at the same exact time and may need to adjust the reservation time accordingly.

Top review

Rocco

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

Me and my wife celebrated our first anniversary. All the food was amazing and the chefs, front of house staff, and server Melissa made the night very special and memorable for us. Terra also made delicious drinks I wish we could ordered more of them.

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