Diners' Choice: Great for scenic views restaurants in Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking restaurants that have the most scenic view 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 (2003)

$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

Shannon

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Outstanding service. Dinner for two was delicious. Great way to spend an anniversary. Will definitely go back.

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4.8

4.8 (1348)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Walloon Lake

About the restaurant

Walloon Lake Inn is a unique upscale restaurant, which was totally renovated in 2014. It is a popular destination for people seeking a distinctive dining experience with a reputation of fantastic food, lovely atmosphere and superb service.

Top review

RichardVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Quality food, awesome view, great service in a quaint setting. Highly recommended.

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Great Lakes Culinary Institute

4.8

4.8 (90)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Traverse City

About the restaurant

At Lobdell's, a Teaching Restaurant, you'll enjoy food prepared and served by Great Lakes Culinary Institute students and beautiful bayside views. Lunch is served regularly during fall and spring, while bakery and coffee service is provided in summer. Special events throughout the year include farm to table and world cuisine dinners, as well as cocktail and charcuterie events.

Top review

Paula

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

Had an amazing lunch. I had the trout which was delicious and was accompanied by shrimp and cheesy grits, the other two diners with me had the chicken and gnocchi and vegetarian pasta. We all loved our meals!

Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois

4.7

4.7 (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

Christian

Dined on Oct 18, 2024

Wonderful! We had an outstanding server, Nashoba, who paced out our meal perfectly. The French soup was amazing and I would absolutely order the filet again. A great bonus is the pianist in the main dining room. Will absolutely be returning the next time we’re on the island!

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Popular dish

Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie

The Dining Room at Arcadia Bluffs

4.6

4.6 (360)

$31 to $50

American

Frankfort

About the restaurant

The Dining Room at Arcadia Bluffs offers full service dining to the public, and our guests. The spectacular views of Lake Michigan and sunsets from The Dining Room and deck make it the most dramatic dining experience on the shore.

The Lakeview Bar offers a more casual dining experience. It includes a bar with multiple flat screens to catch up on the latest leaderboard updates, indoor dining and a uncovered porch with panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Seating for an additional 30 is available in the Lakeview Dining Room, including a private space for that special occasion—all of course with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and Arcadia Bluffs.

The Sunroom offers additional seating with stunning views of Lake Michigan. It is also available as private space that can be sectioned off into two spaces that accommodate up to 45 on each side or opened up to host 90 guests. The Sunroom also has an outdoor glass walled terrace with seating available for use with private events.

Top review

ashley

Dined on Nov 9, 2024

Wait staff was amazing and food was great. It was difficult to get room service, but this may have been an off season issue. Otherwise, great people and food!

The Straits

4.6

4.6 (8)

$50 and over

American

Mackinac Island

About the restaurant

The Straits is the premier fine-dining experience at The Inn at Stonecliffe. Inspired by the Great Lakes and rich in locally sourced ingredients, our signature restaurant balances delectable dishes with bold cocktails and savory desserts – always reflecting that Midwestern charm. Whether you’re inside embracing the warming atmosphere, or on the patio for some al fresco dining with a view, you become part of our fine-dining tradition.

Top review

Julie

Dined on Oct 14, 2024

My first time dining experience at The Straits Restaurant was wonderful! The food, décor & ambiance is elegant, yet fun & unique. As I mentioned to our waiter, concierge & manager, “The Straits is showy, but fun & different. Never a dull time.”

Pier Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (209)

$31 to $50

American

Harbor Springs

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Pier Restaurant, an iconic waterfront dining destination with views of Harbor Spring's yacht basin and Little Traverse Bay. This historic Northern Michigan restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you choose to dine outdoors at the water’s edge or enjoy your meal indoors surrounded by classically designed nautical décor. Our diverse menu features fresh Great Lakes fish, hand cut beef and incorporates locally sourced ingredients. Our extensive wine list and creative cocktail menu will surely enhance your dining experience. Join us for a memorable culinary journey, quite literally on the water.

Top review

LoriVIP

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

We love to dine at any of the Stafford restaurants and the Pier is one of our favorite. We stopped in prior to the Holiday Open House and enjoyed their chowder, pear arugula gorgonzola salad, and Waygu burger. Staff is always awesome and friendly. Lovely atmosphere. Highly recommend dining here.

Round Island Kitchen

4.5

4.5 (261)

$30 and under

American

Mackinac Island

About the restaurant

With our Michigan twist on classic comfort foods, Round Island Kitchen is where families, friends, and couples gather to round out their Mackinac Island experience. When families visit the heart of Mission Point, they leave feeling more connected to the island than before.

Top review

Shibani

Dined on Oct 13, 2024

Very relaxing place with amazing view and great service

Weathervane Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (107)

$31 to $50

American

Charlevoix

About the restaurant

Welcome to Weathervane Restaurant, where you’ll find the best waterfront dining in downtown Charlevoix. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey where attentive service meets the essence of regional cuisine, all while surrounded by breathtaking views of the waterfront.

Choose to dine al fresco on our expansive deck, where you can soak in the refreshing breeze and admire the picturesque parade of boats passing by. Alternatively, embrace the cozy atmosphere indoors, where the focal point is our magnificent stone fireplace.

Top review

LoriVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

We dined here for lunch and enjoyed it very much. Everything was very fresh and well prepared. Excellent service and always love the atmosphere. Highly recommend

Aerie Restaurant & Lounge

4.3

4.3 (1518)

$50 and over

American

Acme

About the restaurant

With panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay and a vibrant, contemporary menu, Aerie Restaurant & Lounge has always been a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Located on the 16th floor of the Tower, inside Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, we have proudly served northern Michigan for more than 10 years. Our acclaimed dining venue favors friendly over formality and has become a mecca for those who love bold, exciting flavors. We feature local wine and beer selections and make a point of sourcing local ingredients to give you a true taste of Northern Michigan. Join us for dinner Wednesday- Saturday, and brunch on Sunday.

Top review

Shelby

Dined on Nov 28, 2024

Wonderful dining experience for thanksgiving! This resort is my second home.

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