Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Grand Rapids / Western Michigan

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Grand Rapids / Western Michigan? 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!

Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar

4.9

4.9 (1285)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Saugatuck

About the restaurant

Every coastline brings with it an air of freshness and wonder, an inspiration in every ebb and flow. Coasts can be recognizable and new … predictably unpredictable in a way that can surprise or delight. But no matter the geography, there is a familiarity and a connection. At Coast 236, the rhythm of familiarity and freshness is our inspiration. Sourcing fresh and sustainable ingredients from water and land, we passionately craft approachable coastal inspired cuisine with unexpected details. Coast 236 takes reservations for tables of 1-6 guests only through open table. Sorry, service animals only.

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Absolutely sensational!!!!! Lovely menu, superb staff - tops ion Saugatuck area!

Bistro on the Boulevard - Saint Joseph

4.8

4.8 (655)

$30 and under

American

Saint Joseph

About the restaurant

The Bistro on the Boulevard in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan, located within The Boulevard Inn, consistently fuses local flavors with a new approach to create an unforgettable celebration of cuisine.

Think of our experience as a gastronomical journey. You may either adventure through the diverse menu to one of our feature entrées, or explore the vast list of tapas to create your own memorable meal. Our ingredients are personally chosen for freshness, and our food is a reminder of the simplicity of high-quality cuisine.

From the bar, you may indulge in craft cocktails created in-house by our sensational staff as we let the finest spirits from local distilleries shine. Our draft beer list features a constantly changing lineup of Michigan’s craft brewers which produce some of the finest beers available. Wine Spectator has honored us with its coveted award of excellence for offering “one of the best restaurant wine lists in the world.”

Top review

Matthew

Dined 3 days ago

Service and food are amazing! Highly recommend the elk and antelope!

MeXo

4.8

4.8 (853)

$30 and under

Traditional Mexican

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Welcome to MeXo !

We offer prehispanic-influenced modern Mexican cuisine featuring Chef Oscars authentic regional cuisine, craft margaritas, and extensive tequila and mezcal selections. We offer private dining areas and rooms for curated chef dinners. MeXo offers scheduled Chef Dinners, Tequila Tastings, and private planned dinners.

Top review

Karen

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

This is one of my favorite restaurants now. The menu is so interesting. There are lots of vegan options. The coconut flan was so delicious! Our waiter was the best. Can't wait to return!

Grand Finale

4.8

4.8 (139)

$30 and under

Contemporary French / American

Grand Haven

About the restaurant

We are located downtown Spring Lake, MI on the back side of Epicurean Village Down (facing the dollar general) We are an European inspired Bistro and Café. Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner! Everything from croissants, pain au chocolat, muffins, and scones, to desserts, macrons, and fine pastries. We have selection of coffee, tea, and espresso beverages along with a full bar, classic cocktails, and wine selection. Our menu is French inspired with classics like quiche Lorraine, croque madam, salad Niçoise, and jambon buerre. Our dinner menu rotates seasonally with weekly features. Not to mention the many entrees (starters) like escargot, bone marrow, and oysters to get your evening started. Dine in, curbside, or takeout available

Top review

CyndiVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Always a wonderful experience at this restaurant. The staff and owner/chef know how to take care of their customers. The food is always very good.

Dabney & Co. - Cocktail Bar and Lounge

4.8

4.8 (26)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Southern

Kalamazoo

About the restaurant

Home of the iconic Mint Julep, Dabney & Co. is where Contemporary Southern cuisine meets the energy of Kalamazoo’s cultural heartbeat. Tucked away downtown, our speakeasy-style cocktail lounge offers bold flavors, award-winning cocktails, and a soulful atmosphere steeped in music history.

Our menu features standout dishes like Black Eyed Pea Hummus, Peach Cobbler Cornbread, and Maple-Drizzled Chicken & Cornbread—each crafted with elevated Southern flair. Sip your way through our celebrated cocktail program, twice named City Cocktail Competition Champion, and featured by NPR, TripAdvisor, and Pure Michigan.

With live music every Friday and curated events throughout the month, Dabney & Co. is more than a place to dine—it’s an experience. Whether you’re here for the food, the music, or the vibe, every night at Dabney tells a story.

Top review

Nurah

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

The band was more than what I expected. Just really great vibes all around will come back again.

MDRD

4.7

4.7 (2097)

$50 and over

Spanish

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

At MDRD, you’re invited to sample modern Spanish cuisine in Downtown Grand Rapids. Melt into the lavish vibe of a dining experience where your every need is anticipated. From fabulous furnishings and sounds of the city to a deluge of exciting flavors—all your senses are engaged. Feel the rhythm of Madrid as you enter the seductive atmosphere of this luxurious top-floor tapería. Get swept up. Experience MDRD.

Top review

Carlos

Dined 4 days ago

We had a sunset experience that was fantastic. Service was spectacular and food was above average. Dessert was devine. Cheesecake was outstanding. Sunset was absolutely stunning. Great experience.

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Black Rock - Portage - PRIORITY SEATING

4.6

4.6 (899)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Kalamazoo

About the restaurant

Black Rock Bar & Grill, an award winning steakhouse specializing in certified angus beef steaks served on a sizzling stone.

Due to our high volume and traffic, we cannot hold tables for parties like a reservation system. We have a system called Priority Seating. This system secures a table within our restaurant, however, it does not guarantee an exact seat by time. Priority is placed on your party, and if we are on a wait, your party is placed on top of the wait list as a priority. We will seat you as fast as possible, but cannot guarantee an exact time. If the restaurant is not busy, we will seat the party upon arrival.

Top review

Ashley

Dined 3 days ago

Our waitress was wonderful! Food was great! Wait time was good, not long at all!

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Popular dish

Steak & Scampi

Matchbox Diner and Drinks

4.6

4.6 (102)

$30 and under

American

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Matchbox Diner & Drinks is a neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Eastown in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our modern diner and delicatessen features breakfast all-day, mile-high deli sandwiches, burgers, comfort food, delicious dinners, and a full bar. Matchbox Diner & Drinks is meant to be an extension of our home and our family, so expect good food and good people all year round.

Top review

Carrie

Dined on Jun 13, 2025

The cheese curds, grilled cheese and strawberry spinach salad were amazing!

Allora

4.6

4.6 (63)

$50 and over

Italian

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Nestled near Lyon Square and the Grand River’s edge, Allora brings a coastal Italian spirit to the heart of Downtown Grand Rapids.

Here, every plate begins with a story—of a fisherman’s early haul, a farmer’s quiet devotion, a family recipe passed down through time. Allora’s seafood-forward menu reimagines coastal Italian classics with care, craft, and a sense of occasion.

You’ll also find handmade pastas, bespoke cocktails, heritage chicken, beautifully prepared steaks, and more—each offering its own chapter in the story we’re telling.

We source meticulously—from Michigan’s most passionate growers, Italy’s expert artisans, and trusted purveyors of the sea—ensuring that every bite is rich with intention and flavor.

Located within walking distance of DeVos Place and the Amway Grand Plaza, Allora invites guests to linger a little longer, savor a little deeper, and celebrate the moment, one plate at a time.

Because when words fail, food speaks.

And then… Allora.

Top review

Salima

Dined 4 days ago

Beautiful restaurant, service was amazing and food wonderful!

The People's Kitchen

4.5

4.5 (359)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lansing

About the restaurant

We love making our food from scratch. We could not do it without our local farmers! Fun atmosphere, upscale cuisine, craft cocktails and local artist gallery as decor.

Top review

Jason

Dined 2 days ago

An excellent combination of amazing food and service!

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