25 BEST Grand Rapids Restaurants: Must-Try Places to Eat in GR

25 Top Restaurants in Grand Rapids to Try

It may be known as “Beer City,” but there are some seriously good Grand Rapids restaurants.

From upscale dining and fresh-from-the-farm food to small plates and taquerias, you’ll find something for everyone in Michigan’s second-largest city.

With great atmospheres, location, and of course, great food, Grand Rapids will have you leaving happy and satisfied with your dining experience. Your cravings are sure to be cured and your taste buds are in for a treat with these following great places to eat in Grand Rapids.

I’m sharing my take on 25 must-try restaurants in Grand Rapids. You can scroll to the bottom for an interactive map to help you plan your Grand Rapids dining experience.

Leo’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar
60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

For the ultimate fine dining experience, Leo’s is a must. Top-quality seafood is presented in a unique, artistic way that makes for a one-of-a-kind meal that is appealing to both your eyes and appetite. With a pleasant seating area and great service, Leos has been voted the top seafood restaurant in Grand Rapids.

Due to its popularity, it is recommended to reserve ahead of time a spot to dine at Leos. Bring both your appetite and camera to snap some cool shots of luxurious seafood that is plated just for you at Leos in downtown Grand Rapids.

Butchers Union
438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Butchers Union is a great restaurant for all meat lovers and whiskey connoisseurs. With indoor and patio seating available, the setting of the restaurant is a modern, stylish take with dark interior coloring. Known as one of Grand Rapid’s top restaurants, Butchers Union is buzzing with business.

Reservations are available and recommended for this Grand Rapids dining experience. A top-quality drink and meal are awaiting you at Butchers Union located only in Grand Rapids.

MDRD
187 Monroe Ave NW 27th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Also located in the Amway of Grand Rapids, MDRD is a great luxurious experience to dine at in Grand Rapids. Placed on the 27th floor, MDRD has an amazing view overlooking the city of Grand Rapids, beautiful for sunsets and admiring the city lights during the nighttime.

MDRD serves modern Spanish cuisine, with tapas and specialty drinks. MDRD makes for a great evening to celebrate and treat yourself to one of the best fine dining experiences in Grand Rapids.

Reserve Wine and Food
201 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

This modern and elegant Grand Rapids restaurant serves a fresh farm-to-table menu ranging from appetizers, cheese and charcuterie plates, and special seasonal entrées. Be sure to ask the staff for some wine and cocktail recommendations to pair perfectly with your desired meal on the Reserve menu.

The Reserve values simple ingredients for great meals and values the connection food brings to a community. Dine with your friends and family, and make great memories based on great food and great conversation that is created at the Reserve in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Bistro Bella Vita
44 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

This modern twist on French and Italian food is a great spot for going out for a date, meeting up with friends and family, or dining solo. No pairing is better with Italian and French food than a good glass of wine, and the Bistro Bella Vita makes sure to provide just that with their wine cellar, and even has a wine club to join for a variety of benefits and experiences. T

he warm environment provided by the cozy wooded detailing and golden lighting makes for a great ambiance, making the Bistro Bella Vita not only a Grand Rapids favorite restaurant but also a great spot to rent for private events, like weddings or other celebrations.

The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Located right off the Grand River in Grand Rapids, and in the Amway of Grand Rapids, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck is a luxurious experience with great views, settings, and food. The famous world-known chef Wolfgang Puck creates a menu at The Kitchen full of gourmet flavor and ingredients, ranging from firewood pizzas, and freshly made salads, to sizzling noodles and tasty entrees.

Don’t forget to pair your meal with Wolfgang’s signature cocktail or a glass of wine for your ultimate dining experience. A dinner to remember, Wolfgang’s is a guaranteed well-spent evening and will have you coming back for more.

Condado
449 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Who doesn’t love tacos? Easy to eat and easy to like, street-style tacos are climbing the ranks in the world of foodies. Condado is the place to go to for an amazing taco experience in Grand Rapids. These tacos aren’t just your ordinary taco. Prepared with fresh ingredients, the Condado menu is unique and fun, with great-tasting queso and salsa dips, and of course, amazing tacos.

Whether you build your own or order one of the suggested titles listed on their menu, Condado will serve you one of the best-tasting tacos you can get located in downtown Grand Rapids. Order a drink from their drink menu to pair perfectly with your meal and marvel at the art decorated on the walls while you enjoy your dining experience at Condado.

Donkey Taqueria
665 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Another great Mexican-street food-inspired restaurant, Donkey Taqueria has a great tasting menu with equally great tasting cocktails. Built from a former 1920’s service station, this restaurant is cute and trendy with a friendly atmosphere.

It is important to note that Donkey Taqueria does not take reservations, structured as first come first serve. Located on the Wealthy Street of Grand Rapids, there is a lot to look at and walk around during your potential wait. The food is popular and is a must-visit restaurant if you are looking for some appetizing and unique Mexican-inspired food.

Terra
1429 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Another great farm-to-table option, Terra makes for a hip and cute date night or a great place to get some good food and catch up with friends. Earthy tones and golden lighting make for a relaxing evening, while their unique menu consists of flavorful and fresh ingredients. Keep an eye out for their happy hour from 4 pm-6 pm Monday through Friday for great deals on some great drinks.

More Top Grand Rapids Restaurants You Must Try

The Social Misfits
1429 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

When it comes to The Social Misfits, there are no rules. Their menu of special waffles, cocktails, and coffee makes them one-of-a-kind, just like the representation in their restaurants for all the social misfits of the world.

Waffles are served all day along with their specialty bar of both cocktails and coffee. Choose a waffle and drink that’s just as unique as you are, and celebrate individuality with The Social Misfits located in Grand Rapids.

San Chez Tapas Bistro
38 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

San Chez in Grand Rapids makes for a special experience, serving breakfast, lunch, and tapas (small plates of food). Sanchez makes for a great place to grab a little something when you’re out venturing into the city of Grand Rapids. San Chez’s tapas originated from Spain, usually served with drinks.

Tapas at San Chez are served to create an inviting and creative atmosphere, with artistically served plates that cover the rainbow of all great flavors. Make a stop at Sanchez for a fun dining experience in Grand Rapids.

Little Bird
95 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The Little Bird in Grand Rapids is a quaint café that serves brunch, dinner, and quality wine. Their modern menu keeps up to date with all the trending foods, from Overnight Oats and avocado toast to unique entrees such as their Duck Liver Mousse and Squid Ink Pasta. The Little Bird has flavors and food for everyone all the while adding their special touch, creating a great café to visit when in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Old Goat
2434 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

This gastropub fare with a full bar and available outdoor seating is a go-to place to eat in Grand Rapids. All cooked from scratch, The Old Goat has great-tasting dishes and a fun environment that includes live performing music. The Old Goat will have you coming back for more to try multiple things on their wide variety of a menu, creating an exciting experience no matter how many times you go.

Electric Cheetah
1015 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Part of the same ownership as The Old Goat, The Electric Cheetah is another downtown classic must-visit. The menu is just as its name; electric. The unique flavors blended perfectly together will have your tastebuds doing a happy dance as you explore the food that The Electric Cheetah has to offer.

Some honorable mentions include their mac and cheese with provolone and thick-cit bacon, and a wide variety of specially made sandwiches. You really can’t go wrong when ordering from the Electric Cheetah menu, which makes it one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids. Be sure to check the other family chain of Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop which is their specific supplier of sandwiches and soups. Quick easy, and tasty, your lunch or dinner is a promised enjoyable experience.

Hancock
157 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Hancock is a brand new, must-visit during the warmer months to use their cool outdoor patio space. Located in a remodeled gas station, Hancock brings Nashville flavors to Grand Rapids Michigan with great-tasting fried chicken sandwiches and classic sides such as baked beans, biscuits, mac and cheese, and more, Hancock holds that special southern charm that has grown its business, with classic southern food and fun cocktails.

Still, want to visit indoors? The remodeled gas station provides cool modern seating so you can get your fried chicken at any time. This great pit spot makes for great unique fast food in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Tacos El Cuñado
455 Burton St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

You’ll find Mexican street food done right at this casual eatery with multiple locations throughout the Grand Rapids area, including the Downtown Market. There’s a full menu of favorites like burritos, tortas and fajitas, but it’s the tacos that keep me coming back. Try the Pastor (marinated pork) tacos or the fish tacos…definitely some of the best in west Michigan.

Grove
919 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

With a focus on seasonal produce and locally-sourced meats, dining at the Grove is an experience worth having. You’ll find a unique menu with unforgettable flavors like fresh melon with ginger and sweet pepper (delicious) or duck leg with corn, blueberry and shishito peppers. The cocktails are pretty inspiring, too: the House of Glass is Bloom gin, Chareau, grapefruit and elderflower liqueur.

New Holland Brewing Company: The Knickerbocker
417 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

This sprawling brewpub features both indoor and outdoor beer garden as well as venue spaces for events, and it’s a very comfortable spot. They’ve taken a typical brewpub menu and kicked it up a `few notches with must-try’s like roasted brussel sprouts and tots with smoked pork and white barbecue sauce. craft beer takes center stage here, though, with special releases throughout the year bringing amazing flavors every season.

Mitten Brewing Co.
527 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Mitten Brewing Company made a big splash when Oprah visited a few years back while checking out the Grand Rapids beer scene. That was all it took for the world to discover the delicious gourmet pizzas at this microbrewery. You’ll find appetizers and sandwiches, I always opt for a pizza flight where I can sample six specialty pizzas like the Heater, The Hog Heaven and the Pesto Chicken.

Rockwell Republic
45 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

This gastropub and beer garden in downtown Grand Rapids is one of my favorite spots. With a menu that features a mix of Asian and American foods, made with local ingredients. It’s a comfortable spot with a full menu featuring everything from sandwiches and tacos to sushi and steak, but it’s the saute bowls I like best. Sticky fried rice? Yes, please.

Rose’s Restaurant on Reeds Lake
550 Lakeside Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506

This romantic lakeside eatery has long been an East Grand Rapids favorite. You can dine indoors overlooking beautiful Reeds Lake, and you can sit on the lakefront patio in the warmer months. You’ll find a mix of Mediterranean, Italian and American fare, as well as an amazing dessert menu with a fabulous peanut butter pie.

Downtown Market Grand Rapids
435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Calling this sprawling space in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids a “food hall” doesn’t do justice to this inviting space featuring 20+ indoor food merchants and full service restaurants. there’s both indoor and outdoor seating available for food purchased from vendors at the market, and you’ll also find indoor dining. Restaurants include Aperitivo, Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate, Slows Bar-B-Q, and Tacos El Cuñado.

Forty Acres Soul Kitchen
1059 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

This upscale American soul kitchen celebrating the tradition of African American cooking offers some of the best food in Michigan, in my opinion. You’ll find a mix of build-you-own plates, with items like brisket or blackened catfish, mac and cheese and delicious cornbread, as well as shareables and vegan offerings. Save room for the peach cobbler soul roll and or the pecan pie. Just amazing.

Noto’s Old World Italian Dining
6600 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

This casually elegant restaurant and banquet space is a go-to for Old-World Italian favorites like gnocci with gorgonzola, spaghetti with bolognese and even wood-fired pizzas. It’s a comfortable spot with a great wine list, too.

Sundance Grill
5755 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

The thing about Sundance is that it’s hard to pick one meal…you’ll find delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a long menu, with favorites like homemade cinnamon rolls alongside avocado toast with pumpkin seeds, and michigan cherry chicken salad and a fabulous bacon and chorizo taco.

Map of Top Grand Rapids Restaurants

Favorite Restaurants in Grand Rapids

Where’s your favorite place to eat in Grand Rapids MI? Do you have a favorite spot we need to add to our list? Use the comment section below to tell us!

More Great Places to Eat in Michigan

About the Author–
Ella Graber is a Content Writer for My Michigan Beach. She grew up in the Grand Rapids area of Michigan and is currently attending Grand Valley State University, majoring in writing. Creative writing has been an interest of Ella’s ever since middle school, and she continues to be inspired by reading and writing. She is excited to share her love of the great state of Michigan. Outside of writing, Ella can be found enjoying the outdoors on runs and walks, exploring new coffee shops, and visiting the beautiful Michigan beaches with friends.