Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants 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!

Bennethum's Northern Inn

4.9

4.9 (2047)

$31 to $50

American

Gaylord

About the restaurant

HERE AT BENNETHUM'S, WARM HOSPITALITY IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. BECAUSE WE ARE FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED, WE PERSONALIZE YOUR VISITS AND ATTEND TO ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS. THE COZY ATMOSPHERE IS RUSTIC YET REFINED. THE FOOD AND DRINK OFFERINGS ARE DIVERSE AND HIGH-QUALITY.

Top review

Terri

Dined 5 days ago

We made a reservation for Bennethum's on Open Table and mentioned that it was our anniversary. The restaurant was fully booked when we arrived but our table was ready and we were seated right away. The hostess wished us a happy anniversary, and there was a hand-written note at our table with best wishes from "the Bennethums". We enjoyed an excellent meal starting with the crispy parmesan Brussel Sprouts, followed by one of the daily entree specials, Waygu beef sirloin in mushroom aujus. It was perfection! Bennethum's offers an outstanding wine selection, too. We paired our meal with a very nice Pinot Noir. After dinner we were presented with a complimentary dessert to top off our anniversary celebration! Unfortunately, I do not remember the name of our server. She was excellent, as well. Overall, we enjoyed a wonderful evening and would highly recommend Bennethum's to anyone looking for an outstanding meal served in a relaxed, yet classy atmosphere.

Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie - Bay City

4.9

4.9 (24)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Bay City

About the restaurant

Prost! is a new refreshing experience located in Uptown Bay City! Offering a wide selection of wine and beer from around the globe, along with perfectly crafted cocktails. Our menu encompasses the European culture from imported charcuterie and cheese, shareable plates, salads, paninis and heartier dishes. We are dedicated to ensuring our guests are given a welcoming experience and bringing something new to the community for all to enjoy!

In the summer, our intimate dining space opens to the wonderful outdoors, leading to a lovely patio experience!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

Sandy

Dined 1 day ago

Food has always been good, but on this visit, our server was exceptional! Extremely knowledgeable and pleasant.

Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (839)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Petoskey

About the restaurant

We have thoughtfully renovated a historic 1938 log building to a beautiful rustic chic atmosphere. Executive Chef Michael will take great care to provide our Guests a dining experience like no other. Our menu will offer a selection of ala cart steaks, seafood, salads, and shareables. We also offer an array of craft cocktails, beer, and an extensive wine selection. Michael and Maggie Wilp share a passion for quality food and service, careful attention to details, and are determined to treat every person that walks through the door as a welcome Guest.
4653 S. Straits Highway, Indian River, MI, 49749.

Top review

Robert

Dined 4 days ago

Best steak house in northern Michigan. Never disappoints!

Trattoria Funistrada

4.9

4.9 (1075)

$31 to $50

Italian

Glen Arbor / Maple City

About the restaurant

Italian-American neighborhood dining in the heart of downtown "Burdickville."

Please visit our website for further information, sample menus & directions. Online reservations are limited, please call if you do not see the availability you want. We look forward to having you as our guest!

*We do not have a children's menu; young children are strongly discouraged. We are a small space ~ limits are in place for larger parties.

Top review

danielvip

Dined 1 day ago

Had a fantastic time great service very friendly and Lily knew the menu and made for a great dinner

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Les Cheneaux Culinary School

4.8

4.8 (332)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Hessel

About the restaurant

Simplicity is the essence in good taste... In the world around you, and in food.
Experience the almost seamless setting of “up north” blue waters and pure air. Delight in the breathtaking sunsets while sipping finely crafted cocktails. An unforgettable experience in dining, with the freshest of local produce, fish and game, prepared in carefully understated fashion to respect the wonderful specialness of original flavors.

Top review

Melinda

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

The Thai scallops and the rye breaded white fish were both super yummy!

Walloon Lake Inn

4.9

4.9 (1306)

$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

Jamesvip

Dined 1 day ago

Worth the drive. Beautiful outdoor seating. Food and service was excellent. Great evening celebrating an anniversary and be able to take sunset pictures. Food outstanding!

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4.8

4.8 (1938)

$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

Patricia

Dined 1 day ago

We love coming here when we visit Traverse City. The food was excellent and we always get our favorite table by the corner window. Darius is a wonderful server!

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The Dining Room at Arcadia Bluffs

4.8

4.8 (344)

$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

Danvip

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent service, delicious food, and stunning views!

Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois

4.8

4.8 (1426)

$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

Danny

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing food, service, and atmosphere. 5 out of 5 highly recommend.

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Popular dish

Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie

Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (619)

$31 to $50

Steak

Petoskey / Boyne City

About the restaurant

The Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse, known to locals as the “DLB”, has a rich history of providing great food and service in a rustic log building overlooking beautiful Douglas Lake. The two giant fieldstone fireplaces offer the perfect dining ambiance during the spring and fall seasons. Summer guests enjoy drinks on the outdoor patio and dining on the lakeside deck or the screened-in porch.

Top review

Tony

Dined 4 days ago

Awesome food! Awesome staff! Awesome Service. Definitely a place you’ll want to eat at time and time again!

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