San Chez Bistro Cropped
· · ·

ULTIMATE Guide to 32 Restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan

Grand Rapids Michigan is a city that is bursting with life — and flavor. After a day spent at one of the engaging museums in the city’s glittering downtown, or an afternoon spent on the Grand River, you may find yourself feeling ready for a meal.

Fortunately, there are endless restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere, a family-friendly restaurant, an intimate atmosphere, or dining establishments known for their signature cocktails, you’ll find the perfect place to eat in Grand Rapids Michigan. 

The Sovengard-Grand Rapids
The Sovengard | photo via food.chikks

The Sovengard

Temporarily closed while it moves to a new location

The Sovengard is more than just a locally-owned restaurant with an authentic and distinct menu — it’s a collaboration between the business owners, the agricultural industry, and the community at large.

This restaurant is a farm-to-table restaurant that utilizes fresh, local ingredients to create a sustainable dining experience for everyone in Grand Rapids that highlights the flavor of Michigan.

You will find that the menu changes seasonally, based on what produce is currently available, which means that you are always in for a new experience when you come to this location.

With an indoor dining room with an industrial theme and a spacious outdoor dining space, The Sovengard is a welcoming and comfortable place to dine.

It is considered one of the best local restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan because of its delicious food and commitment to the community.

Butcher’s Union

438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Located on the west side of the city in a renovated building with historic charm, Butcher’s Union is the perfect place for those who are seeking comfort in the basics — meat and whiskey. This restaurant has earned a reputation for offering the best cuts of meat in the city, but that’s not all.

The chef expertly pairs the meat entrees with side dishes that are sourced from local Michigan farms, ensuring that everyone gets a fresh and flavorful meal when they dine at this location.

Of course, the food is only one part of the experience. Each meal is crafted with whiskey in mind — and you can choose from more than 100 whiskey selections.

While its menu is largely rooted in local Michigan agriculture, its whiskey collection hails from all over the world. There is no better place in Grand Rapids to grab a dram and enjoy a hearty meal.

Butcher's Union-Grand Rapids
Butcher’s Union | photo via hungry_danielle

Rockwell Republic

45 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

When you are searching for more than just a meal and craving a true dining experience, Rockwell Republic is the best place to go in Grand Rapids. Self-described as a lively gastropub, this restaurant is famous for its eclectic atmosphere and diverse menu.

You can enjoy a relaxing meal in the indoor dining space, which is anchored by exposed brick walls and warmed by mahogany accents. Or, you can get fresh air in the three-season dining room or elevated outdoor beer garden.

No matter where you choose to eat at this happening restaurant, an exciting menu awaits. Rockwell Republic is particularly well known for its fresh sushi rolls.

But if sushi is not what you are searching for, the dinner menu includes rice bowls, world tacos, and classic American entrees with a twist.

For a made-from-scratch meal with a distinct Grand Rapids flavor, head straight to this innovative restaurant.

San Chez Bistro

38 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

More than 30 years ago, the owners of San Chez Bistro wanted to bring the cosmopolitan experience of big-city dining to the heart of Grand Rapids.

When they established San Chez Bistro, it became an instant hit among locals and visitors alike. And over the years, this restaurant has grown to become one of the most beloved dining spots in the city.

It’s one of the few places in the city to get fresh, authentic tapas and other Spanish-inspired dishes, such as paella.

Also, San Chez Bistro has earned a reputation for being charitable, and its owners are constantly partnering with local nonprofit organizations and businesses to give back to the community.

So when you dine at this famous local restaurant, you are doing more than supporting the city and its business owners – you are supporting the community at large.

Rockwell Republic-Grand Rapids Rapids
Rockwell Republic | photo via freshcoast_foodnbrew

Noto’s Old World Italian Dining

6600 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Those who are searching for a fine dining experience in Grand Rapids should look no further than Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, which has been helping local people in the area celebrate their most momentous occasions since 1997.

Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or simply giving yourself an indulgent night on the town, you will find that this is one of the most elegant dining spaces in the city.

Noto’s Old World Italian Dining has an authentic menu filled with classic dishes that everyone recognizes, as well as innovative, homemade menu items that can’t be found at any other Italian restaurant in Michigan.

While many people opt to dine in its sophisticated dining room or peaceful outdoor cafe, a special few can reserve the private chef’s table experience in Noto’s wine cellar.

No matter which dining experience you choose, you are sure to leave feeling completely satisfied as you eat your fill of upscale Italian cuisine.

Forty Acres Soul Kitchen | Cognac Bar

1059 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

At Forty Acres Soul Kitchen and Cognac Bar, diners can do more than simply enjoy the best soul food in Grand Rapids — they can celebrate Black culture alongside people from all walks of life.

Forty Acres Soul Kitchen and Cognac Bar was founded with the intention of being more than a restaurant. It’s also a community space where people from all cultures can come together to learn more about Black culture through food and conversation.

You can seat yourself at this casual, comfortable, and welcoming restaurant, and you are sure to quickly fall in love with the delectable menu. With build-your-own options, a vegan menu, and plenty of shareables, there is something for everyone at this modern restaurant.

The Littlebird-Grand Rapids
The Littlebird | photo via paulas.picks

The Littlebird

95 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The Littlebird is a cafe in downtown Grand Rapids that could be easy to miss — but you won’t want to pass by this restaurant.

Serving both brunch and dinner, you will almost always find plenty of people hoping to dine at this tiny restaurant, but no one has ever regretted the time they spent patiently waiting for a meal.

Every meal is packed full of flavor, and the menu is so diverse — there’s nothing else quite like it in the city. Whether you want to enjoy a classic brunch with modern twists or a distinct meal that you have never experienced before, The Littlebird will satisfy your craving.

Some of its dinner items include unique options, such as Peruvian Bay scallops or grilled squid. Its brunch menu is more traditional, though you will still find some interesting twists. If you are the type of diner who likes to fly outside of your comfort zone, then The Littlebird is the ideal choice.

Grove

919 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

With a sophisticated style and an earthy atmosphere, Grove quickly made its mark on the Grand Rapids food scene after opening in 2007. It is the premier spot for those who are searching for a farm-to-table experience in the heart of the city.

The chefs at Grove are committed to preparing eclectic American cuisine selections, all of which are based on the Midwest’s growing seasons. They believe that a meal is more than just food placed in front of you — they are known for designing artful creations that are as colorful as they are flavorful.

Of course, no meal is complete without the perfect wine pairing, and this restaurant boasts an extensive wine cellar, allowing you to find the variety that best complements your palate.

Roam By San Chez Bistro-Grand Rapids
ROAM by San Chez Bistro | photo via goodvibesgrandrapids

ROAM by San Chez Bistro

250 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

ROAM is one of the few restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan where you can seemingly travel around the entire world — sampling flavors from dozens of cultures — all without ever leaving the heart of the city.

This restaurant is owned and operated by the same owners of San Chez Bistro, which has been a mainstay in the city for decades. They have taken their commitment to the community and combined their love of travel to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Grand Rapids.

ROAM is a street food emporium, where you can select common street foods from around the world. Whether you want to stick with the basic American pulled pork sandwich or take your taste buds on a trip around the globe to Japan for some okonomiyaki.

The options are virtually endless, and there are flavors for every preference, making this one of the most versatile restaurants to visit during your trip to Grand Rapids. No one in your travel party will leave hungry. In fact, most will still be wanting more.

Brick & Porter Pub and Kitchen

47 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, locals frequent Brick & Porter for delicious beer and pub food.

As you may have guessed from the name, this place loves its darker beers and considers them the specialty of the house. But, Brick & Porter also has a selection of at least 20 beers on tap to fit any taste. 

The menu features all of your favorite pub food, including tacos del mar, burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and more.

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen &Amp; Bar-Grand Rapids
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar | photo via michiganfoodadventures

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

140 Ottawa Ave NW STE 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

A trip here will transport you down South for a taste of southern goodness. Whether you’re stopping for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you’ll feel like you’re sitting around the family dinner table as you enjoy a meal with family and friends.

The menu features from-scratch eats like shrimp and grits, Tupelo’s famous fried chicken, po’boy sandwiches, and so much more. If have a hankering for down-home Southern cooking, you can find it right in the heart of Grand Rapids Michigan.

Blue Dog Tavern

638 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Established in 2014, the Stockbridge that the Blue Tavern calls home is a Grand Rapids icon. It was once home to the Kopper Top, which was in business for more than 40 years.

Now it’s home to the Blue Dog, which offers great food and a welcome atmosphere that gives customers a place to make new friends or reconnect with old friends.

If you come to the tavern hungry, try one of its namesake dogs. There are seven options, including the bacon, grilled onion, and cheese sauce-topped Blue Dog. You can also nosh on burgers, sandwiches, and tots, of which the tavern offers seven mouthwatering options.

The Electric Cheetah-Grand Rapids
The Electric Cheetah | photo via carry_on_britt

The Electric Cheetah

1015 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

What sprang from the fun of a backyard birthday party has become one of the most well-known restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan with delicious dishes and its own line of tasty root beers.

The menu features an eclectic mix of offerings, featuring everything from green cuisine (salads), homemade macaroni and cheese options, soup and sandwich offerings, and much more.

Speak EZ Lounge

600 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Speakeasies have a history of being the best-kept secrets in town, but this awesome Grand Rapids eatery is well known among locals for its scrumptious array of offerings.

Stop in and sample a little bit of everything from premium salads with fresh ingredients, grilled sandwiches, signature sauces and dressings, a dozen craft beers, and a signature cocktail menu.

If you’re thirsty for a drink, try a cocktail like a Stranger in the Alps, the Doom of Valyria, and Squid & the Whale. Plus, Speak EZ Lounge offers brunch, lunch, and dinner, so it’s always a good time to stop in.

One Twenty Three Tavern-Grand Rapids
One Twenty Three Tavern | photo via fleur_de_vino

One Twenty Three Tavern

123 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Located in Grand Rapids’ entertainment district, One Twenty Three Tavern promises tasty twists on your favorite foods. Make sure to get here early because dining is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Come with friends and family, and split an app, such as an order of cauliflower tacos filled with vegan cauliflower “chorizo.” Or, try a spinach artichoke skillet with a grilled pita.

If you’re looking for a meal, try the fried chicken with spicy maple bacon glaze, the shaved beef dip with haystack onions and white cheddar, or even a breaded walleye sandwich.

Brooklyn Bodega-Grand Rapids
Brooklyn Bodega | photo via food_drinkandtravel

Brooklyn Bodega

10 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

If you’re looking to get the experience of eating a New York bagel in Western Michigan, this is the perfect spot to do it. The bagel options here number at least a dozen with all the classic toppers offered for you to put the perfect schmear on your bagel.

If you’re craving something heartier, pick your favorite bagel and order a breakfast sandwich. Or you can load it high with your favorite deli meat. No matter what you choose, the bagels are delicious and make for the perfect grab-and-go option for breakfast or lunch.

Papa Chops Eatery

2222 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

If you’ve been searching high and low for gluten-free food options, look no further. The head chef at Papa Chops Eatery strives to create a great dining experience for those with food sensitivities.

No matter if you’re craving a juicy burger, your favorite sandwich, or a few slices of pizza, the entire menu is gluten-free, so you can enjoy the experience with no worries.

Papa Chops even has a kid’s menu, so this is a place where the whole family can pick their favorite foods and have a yummy meal.

Garage Bar &Amp; Grill-Grand Rapids
Garage Bar & Grill | photo via j0eats

The Old Goat

2434 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Since 2015, The Old Goat has offered simple, homemade fare that’s delicious. Its lineup includes a rotation of homemade soups, Neapolitan pizza, sandwiches, salads, and more.

If you want the best of everything, try the combination station. This allows you to try any of The Old Goat’s daily soups, three kinds of salad, three kinds of 1/2 sandwiches, as well as chips and dips, and fries.

Those in the mood for pizza can try a classic pepperoni, Margherita pizza, the Tutta Bella, and even the stuffed bougie bread.

Grand Rapids Garage Bar & Grill

819 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

If you’re looking for a chill, party atmosphere, and great food, this is the place to be. At the Garage Bar & Grill, good times mean cold beer, handcrafted cocktails, and tasty food with the freshest ingredients.

Grab a shareable like loaded garage fries or squeaky wheels (cheese curds). Entrees include burgers, sandwiches and wraps, chicken and waffles, brisket tacos, and much more.

Noto's Old World Italian Dining-Grand Rapids
Noto’s Old World Italian Dining | photo via grcitylife

Bestside Bar & Grill

1645 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Pull up a chair at Bestside Bar & Grill, and order one of your favorite comfort foods, like a burger and a beer.

But if you’re looking for something a little more extraordinary, stop in for one of the weekly specials. These options aren’t your typical bar food, but they’re delicious and packed with flavor.

Previous specials have included everything from roasted pork chops to scotch eggs to shepherd’s pie and whitefish dip.

You never know what might be served next, so do yourself a favor, and treat yourself to an enjoyable (and maybe even surprising) meal here.

Rocky’s Bar & Grill

633 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Situated near Devos Place in the Grand Rapids business district, Rocky’s is the perfect place to stop in and unwind after a long day of work. It has Happy Hour on weekday afternoons and offers beer and wine deals.

Rocky’s menu is packed with all of your American comfort food classics, like chicken wings, pizza, and burgers. You can also come in for any of the daily specials, which include cheap tacos, sliders, and burgers.

No matter when you come by, you’re in for a good meal that will put you in a good mood even on the toughest of days.

Forty Acres Soul Kitchen-Grand Rapids
Forty Acres Soul Kitchen | photo via treehugger_theresa

Big Bob’s Pizza

661 Croswell Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into the perfect slice of pizza, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at Big Bob’s.

Craft your own pie from dozens of possible combinations, or try one of the signature creations. The legendary pizzas include the taco pizza, the deluxe, BBQ chicken, and the margarita.

If pizza isn’t your thing, choose from a menu of sandwiches, wraps, calzones, or even a briazzo — a deep-dish Chicago-style pizza filled with your choice of toppings. For some hungry customers, this is a go-to order.

On top of that, Big Bob’s has a daily happy hour, so you can order your favorite pie and pair it with your favorite beer. That combo is hard to beat!

San Chez Bistro-Grand Rapids
San Chez Bistro | photo via hungry_danielle

Fratelli’s Pizza

435 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

For those who favor Italian food, Fratelli’s Pizza offers delicious, modern interpretations of Sicilian classics. Bold flavors and fresh ingredients plus an inviting atmosphere add up to an enjoyable experience.

The pizza menu includes classics — like the meat lovers and original Sicilian — and specialties — like BLT, papa’s favorite, and spicy chicken. The rest of the menu includes an impressive list of sandwiches, salads, pasta, and wings.

Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza

654 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Since 1976, this Grand Rapids Italian eatery has made customers feel like they’ve traveled to Italy as they dig into delectable Italian dishes.

This is a family business, and you can taste the quality and care in every dish as you dig into classics like chicken Parmesan, chicken marsala, veal Parmesan, and more.

Having trouble deciding what to order? Try one of Salvatore’s combos, such as the Parmesan platter, the ravioli combo, or the manicotti combo. This menu is packed with deliciousness, and you’ll feel like you’re sitting down to a family meal while you’re eating.

The Green Well-Grand Rapids
The Green Well | photo via grand.rapids.girl

The Green Well

924 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Head over to Grand Rapids’ east neighborhood to this eatery, which offers some very unique options. Start with an app, such as warm goat cheese dip, avocado toast, and truffle fries.

Order a meal from the rest of the eclectic menu, which includes sandwiches — like the roasted beet Reuben or Michigan turkey — or plated meals — like mushroom spaetzle or the Green Well curry.

Also, the restaurant offers daily specials during the week, cooking up fan favorites for a good price. If you love food with a creative twist and a friendly atmosphere, The Green Well has both of those in spades.

Real Seafood Co.

141 Lyon St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Add this place to your Grand Rapids Michigan food bucket list if you’re craving a taste of real seafood from around the nation. This particular location is new on the local scene, but it stands out as a high-quality eatery with tasty offerings and a fully stocked bar.

With vegetarian and gluten-free options, the menu features dishes like yellowfin tuna, walleye, Atlantic salmon, swordfish, fish and chips, and more. There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh oceanic or freshwater seafood, and that’s exactly what you’ll get here every time.

Monsoon Vietnamese Cuisin-Grand Rapids
Monsoon Vietnamese Cuisine | photo via truettglen

Monsoon Vietnamese Cuisine

55 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

If you’re looking for the freshest and most delicious Vietnamese restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan, Monsoon Vietnamese Cuisine is the place to go.

Monsoon prides itself on serving tasty Vietnamese dishes with local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The menu includes favorites like banh mi, bo ham ribs, bun thit nuong, and many more.

No matter the occasion, Monsoon is a welcoming neighborhood spot with flavorful food, and it may just become your new favorite spot.

Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey

37 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

If you love food, you definitely need to know an amazing taco spot, and Barrio is one of the best in the area.

Try some of the chef’s specials, which include mac’n on you queso, the el pastor bowl, or one of the specialty tacos — like the el gringo, which is a combination of ground sirloin, cheese, lettuce, pico de Gallo, and chipotle sauce.

Want to make your own tacos? No problem. The build-your-own-taco menu includes seven shells, 15 proteins, three kinds of cheese, and a wealth of toppings and sauces. You can literally build the most out-of-this-world taco your mind can create.

Pair your tacos with your favorite mixed drink or draft beer, and you’ll have a match made in heaven!

Two Scotts Barbecue-Grand Rapids
Two Scotts Barbecue | photo via sassysustenance

Two Scotts Barbecue

536 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

What began as a partnership between two guys named Scott with a love of barbecue has turned into one of the go-to restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan for high-quality ‘que.

Whatever your favorite BBQ dish is, Two Scotts has you covered. You can order 1/2 pound of your favorite meat and one of nine sides, including pimento mac and cheese and coleslaw.

Or, you can order your favorite barbecue sandwich. The sandwich menu includes delights such as the sloppy Scott — a burned ends sandwich with slaw and onions — or the French Canadian dip.

GoJo Ethiopian Cuisine

East Building, 421 Norwood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Lovers of Ethiopian food will love this Grand Rapids eatery, which serves authentic Ethiopian dishes. The menu includes several options for vegetarians, and all of the dishes are served with Ethiopian flatbread called injera.

Whether you’ve been here before or you’re trying Ethiopian cuisine for the first time, enjoy the experience.

If you really want to make it memorable, ask about the coffee ceremony, where you can watch coffee beans roasted over a fire and ground by hand before being served. It’s the perfect way to start your visit here and is fun to watch while you wait for your food.

Grove-Grand-Rapids
Grove | photo via devinacook

Mithu Srilankan & Indian Cuisine

4309 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

If you’re a foodie who loves trying different foods from different regions of the world, you have to stop in and give Mithu a try. The menu features a wide variety of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines, including curry, dosa, biryani, and thali served with your choice of meat.

Stop by for a tasty lunch special or come for the weekend lunch buffet on Saturdays. One thing is for sure, you definitely won’t leave hungry.

Sheshco Mediterranean Grill

2121 Celebration Dr NE #700, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

This eatery serves all of your Mediterranean favorites and will have your mouth watering.

If you’re craving classics like pita and garlic spread, shawarma, ghallabah, and shish kabobs, or you’re looking to experience Mediterranean food for the first time, prepare to delight your tastebuds when you visit.

Speak Ez Lounge-Grand Rapids
Speak EZ Lounge | photo via gr8vaca

Explore Beyond the Restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan

No matter what type of food you might be craving, you are sure to find a local Grand Rapids restaurant that provides you with a mouthwatering meal, quality food, and a welcoming experience.

No matter if you’re seeking casual eateries or an elegant restaurant with fresh seafood, the best ethnic cuisine, or decadent desserts, the Grand Rapids food scene has something for everyone!

If you visit any one of these restaurants in Grand Rapids Michigan, you will leave feeling relaxed, replenished, and rejuvenated — but you may still need additional refreshments. Fortunately, in Beer City U.S.A., you will find dozens of craft breweries in town.

Finish off your day with a stop at one of the best breweries in Grand Rapids, and then get ready for another day of adventure in this iconic West Michigan destination.

One Comment

  1. I appreciate that you seem to have explored more than the five main restaurants downtown. I wish more critics would visit restaurants other than the top ten google results.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *