Finding a great place to eat that’s not a tourist trap can be a difficult task on vacation. Lucky for you, we compiled some of our favorite West Michigan restaurants for you to enjoy on your trip along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Whether you want classic Italian food or contemporary American cuisine, you’ll find it here!
For more places to eat, things to do, and attractions to see on your trip to the Wolverine State, request access to our complimentary Vacation Guide!
Get the Vacation Guide
8 of the Best West Michigan Restaurants
The Stray Dog Bar & Grill – New Buffalo
Location: 245 N Whittaker Street, New Buffalo, MI
Hours of Operation: Daily, 12:00 PM-Late
If you want to enjoy New American fare at a well-lit, waterfront dining room, you’ll want to add The Stray Dog Bar & Grill to your list of West Michigan restaurants. Their menu is full of gourmet burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and pizzas along with an extensive selection of local craft brews. If you visit during the spring or summer seasons, you can even eat on their rooftop dining deck!
Red Arrow Roadhouse – Union Pier
Location: 15710 Red Arrow Hwy., Union Pier, MI
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM; Friday, 5:00 PM-10:00 PM; Saturday, 12:00 PM-9:00 PM, Close Sunday
Red Arrow Roadhouse is less than 10 minutes north of The Stray Dog Bar & Grill and features traditional American food in a rustic setting. Barbeque, steaks, and chicken highlight the menu. If you want to enjoy a taste of local seafood, we recommend trying the Whitefish if it’s available.
Grove – Grand Rapids
Location: 919 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Thursday, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM; Friday & Saturday, 5:00 PM-10:00 PM; Closed Sunday & Monday
Farm-to-table eats are the highlight at this slightly upscale restaurant on the outskirts of downtown Grand Rapids. Savor duck confit, salmon, T-Bone steaks, gnocchi, and other pasta dishes in this quaint establishment. Grove is one of the best West Michigan restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic date night with your special someone.
San Chez A Tapas Bistro – Grand Rapids
Location: 38 West Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Friday & Saturday, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
European, Mediterranean, and Latin American flavors join forces at San Chez A Tapas Bistro. A fun and exciting interior provides a fantastic atmosphere to indulge in a variety of delicious fare, ranging from bacon and shrimp fritters to lobster bisque. They serve breakfast, lunch, and tapas.
Salt of the Earth – Fennville
Location: 114 East Main Street, Fennville, MI
Hours of Operation: Closed Monday & Tuesday; Wednesday & Thursday, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM; Friday & Saturday, 4:30 PM-9:30 PM; Sunday, 4:30 PM-9:00 PM
The charming block of downtown Fennville is home to this rustic-chic eatery. Salt of the Earth offers a delicious selection of seasonally inspired dishes like pan-seared walleye, stuffed chicken, and a variety of wood-fired pizzas. Fresh, local ingredients are one of the not-so-secret recipes to this unique restaurant in West Michigan.
Sandy Point Beach House – West Olive
Location: 7175 Lakeshore Drive, West Olive, MI
Hours of Operation: Monday & Tuesday, 3:00 PM-9:00 PM; Wednesday-Friday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
New American cuisine dominates the menu at Sandy Point Beach House. A large outdoor patio is an excellent place to enjoy brunch on a sunny summer afternoon along the Michigan coast. The contemporary interior also offers a great atmosphere once it gets colder. Brunch is served on the weekend.
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant – Holland
Location: 216 Van Raalte Ave., Holland, MI
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant offers guests the opportunity to dine with incredible views of Lake Macatawa. Located in downtown Holland, this restaurant features New American fare in a newly renovated building and ample outdoor seating under the pavilion. From crab cakes to delicious dessert and craft cocktails, this local favorite is sure to please. You won’t want to miss out on one of the tastiest West Michigan restaurants in the area.
La Cantina – Paw Paw
Location: 139 W Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI
Hours of Operation: Closed Monday; Tuesday-Sunday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
La Cantina is one of the oldest running restaurants in West Michigan. This Italian eatery serves up authentic dishes of baked lasagna, chicken marsala, and spaghetti and meatballs. They also have an extensive wine list and a large outdoor patio.
Find More Great Things to do in West Michigan
Whether you want to relax on the beach or explore the many hiking trails in the Wolverine State, we have the perfect rental that suits your adventure! While you’re at it, take a look at our West Michigan Things to Do page. Here are a few more of our favorite things to do in this region.
Find a Western Michigan Vacation Rental
If you’re planning your getaway to West Michigan, you need to browse through our collection of West Michigan vacation rentals! Freshwater Vacation Rentals offers an extensive list of properties with incredible locations. Ideal for family vacation, couple’s retreat, or best friend getaways, our rental provide a private and comfortable accommodation to call home during your trip.
Start planning your getaway today. We look forward to welcoming you to the Freshwater Vacation Rentals family!