Michigan is the Great Lakes State, uniquely surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and offering 3,288 miles of freshwater shoreline — more than any other state except Alaska. From the dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore to the vibrant arts scene of Detroit, Michigan combines stunning natural landscapes with world-class cities, a rich automotive heritage, and a thriving food and craft beer culture.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Selden Standard
Popular American Farm-to-Table restaurant in Michigan.
Known for: Hyper-seasonal farm-to-table cuisine with Michigan producers
3921 Second Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Zingerman's Delicatessen
Popular Deli / Jewish American restaurant in Michigan.
Known for: Legendary Jewish-style deli sandwiches and artisan foods
422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Sleder's Family Tavern
Popular American Tavern restaurant in Michigan.
Known for: Michigan's oldest operating bar and restaurant (since 1882); Great Lakes fresh fish
717 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684
The Apparatus Room
Popular American restaurant in Michigan.
Known for: Sophisticated American cuisine in the historic Detroit Foundation Hotel fire station
250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226
Rose's Fine Food
Popular American Diner restaurant in Michigan.
Known for: James Beard Award-nominated diner with creative breakfast and lunch
10551 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
Grey Ghost Detroit
Popular Modern American restaurant in Michigan.
Known for: Steaks and craft cocktails in Midtown Detroit
47 E Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201
Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Popular German / American restaurant in Michigan.
Known for: Michigan's most famous German-American restaurant; family-style chicken dinners since 1888
713 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Trattoria Stella
Popular Italian restaurant in Michigan.
Known for: Northern Michigan's finest Italian restaurant set in a former psychiatric hospital building
1200 W 11th St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Selden Standard
Zingerman's Delicatessen
Sleder's Family Tavern
The Apparatus Room
Rose's Fine Food
Grey Ghost Detroit
Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Founders Brewing Company Taproom
The Bird Bar & Grille
The Cook's House
Dime Store Detroit
Green Dot Stables
Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery
The Franklin Restaurant (Detroit)
Firefly Restaurant (Grand Haven)
Whitefish Point Bird Observatory Café
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen (Flint)
Mabel Gray
Joe's Gizzard City
Steakhouse
Coney Island
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |