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

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

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 (1204)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Saugatuck

About the restaurant

Coast 236 takes reservations for tables of 1-6 guests only. Sorry, service animals only.

TABLES CAN ONLY BE HELD FOR 15 MINUTES FROM ORIGINAL RESERVATION TIME.

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 meaningful ingredients from water and land, we passionately craft approachable coastal inspired fare with unexpected details.

Top review

Ralph

Dined 4 days ago

Beautiful restaurant, beautiful food and an extensive wine list. The Tuna Cruda was spectacular, the scallops were sweet and wonderful and the beef and foie gras was amazing. Sparkling Riesling from Germany, chenin blanc from south Africa, cabernet sauvignon from napa and vin Santo from Italy were perfect pairings If you haven't been, this is a must stop

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4.9

4.9 (901)

$31 to $50

American

Kalamazoo

About the restaurant

Brick and Brine is located on the 1st floor of the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Downtown Kalamazoo. Our restaurant is right off of the Kalamazoo Mall past Old Burdick's Bar & Grill.

Inspired by a natural propensity for classic duos, Brick and Brine isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a space of masterful craftsmanship that represents a strong foundation of social connectedness. It’s an intentionally forged experience speaking to both local and visiting guests’ desire for warm conversation, savory dishes, and exceptional service.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, winding down from a long workday, or spending quality time with loved ones, Brick and Brine provides an experience and atmosphere that will uniquely add flavor to your evening.

Join us and immerse yourself at Brick and Brine.

Top review

Kathleen

Dined 1 day ago

We enjoyed our experience, Very good meal for a special occasion.

Grand Finale

4.9

4.9 (81)

$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

Cindy

Dined 2 days ago

Great spot for amazing food and wonderful service!

The Melting Pot - Grand Rapids

4.8

4.8 (1226)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Melting Pot. We offer a truly unique dining experience created by the art of fondue. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, a long overdue date night, or celebrating with a group, The Melting Pot is perfect for any occasion. Tailor your visit with a four-course dining experience including cheese fondue, salad, entree and chocolate fondue. Or, come by for fondue cheese paired with that perfect glass of wine from our extensive selection. That's not to say we haven't had more than a few stop by to satisfy that chocolate craving after a movie.

Top review

Cameron

Dined on Oct 2, 2024

We had a great time, very attentive staff and the food is always amazing!

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Experience

Standard Reservation

The People's Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (304)

$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

Kristina

Dined on Oct 4, 2024

First time for breakfast and I got the mushroom toast. Unbelievably delicious!!!

The Fields of Michigan

4.8

4.8 (60)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

South Haven

About the restaurant

The Fields Supper Club is culinary magic as chef/sommelier Mindy Trafman offers a 4-course menu paired with a gorgeous landscape amid our blueberry field. Gather at the communal table + connect with nature while sharing a delicious meal with new friends. Share a sense of place + community with each bite as we incorporate fresh garden + local farm ingredients into your experience. May - Mid-September, dinner is served Friday-Tuesday at 6:30 pm. Mid-September-October, dinner is offered on Friday + Saturday only. The dinner price is $65 pp plus tax, gratuity, + beverage, + the menu focuses on fish and local vegetables. Saturday, we serve a more elaborate dinner menu at $85 pp plus tax, gratuity, + beverage. Reservations are required. No substitutions. Please note vegetarian requests on your reservation. Please park in the front parking lot + walk straight up the blueberry fields to get to our table. Bring a basket to pick some blueberries as you return to your car.

Top review

Megan

Dined on Sep 27, 2024

The food is amazing! The ambiance is so great too. Can’t wait to go back!

Tupelo Honey - Grand Rapids

4.6

4.6 (2280)

$30 and under

Contemporary Southern

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Always scratch-made, always responsibly-soured, and always Southern.

Top review

Stephen

Dined 3 days ago

Everything was great except it is very loud for just people talking. Needs baffles or sound boards.

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Experience

A Journey Through Appalachia

Experience

Hoot & Holler Happy Hour

MDRD

4.6

4.6 (1893)

$50 and over

Spanish

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

At MDRD, you’re invited to sample modern Spanish cuisine. 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

Kaylavip

Dined 4 days ago

Went here for my sisters birthday and they made it so special, they gave us a beautiful room to celebrate and the service was awesome

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Experience

Experience La Buena Vista

876

4.6

4.6 (285)

$30 and under

American

Baldwin

About the restaurant

Northern Michigan's newest Chef driven farm to table concept. We offer traditional American fare, with European influences, in a casual but upscale environment. Looking for something unique? You have found the place!

See you soon!

Top review

Lisa

Dined 4 days ago

First time visiting. Food delicious. Service outstanding. Will return.

MeXo

4.5

4.5 (789)

$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

Charissavip

Dined on Oct 1, 2024

The Aquachile Shrimp Ceviche offered a delightful blend of bold, fresh flavors that set it apart as a truly unique dish. I followed it up with the Carne Asada a la Tampiqueña 1939, which was nothing short of exceptional—easily one of the best flank steak dishes I've ever enjoyed. To complement the meal, I had the Palenque Margarita, which was perfectly crafted and ranks among the best Margaritas I've tasted. While the service was a little slow, it didn't detract from the experience, as we weren’t in a rush.

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