Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Northern Michigan

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Northern 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!

Les Cheneaux Culinary School

4.9

4.9 (346)

$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

James

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic food in a relatively remote area. Highly recommend

Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (923)

$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

Susie

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful employees who make sure you have not only a fabulous meal but a fabulous evening.

Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (721)

$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

ScotVIP

Dined 1 day ago

A.T. was our server. She made the evening very enjoyable. Her personality was professional, light hearted with a great sense of humor. Not intrusive at all although attentive to the tables needs. Had lemon blueberry martinis, mussels, grouper and pork tenderloin. All good. Have been going to DLB for years and the only suggestion would be to change the menu up slightly. Other than that the ambiance is great, service is always good and the food is generally consistent.

1852 Grill Room

4.9

4.9 (1115)

$31 to $50

American

Mackinac Island

About the restaurant

When it comes to Mackinac Island dining, 1852 Grill Room is a standout, offering a refined dining experience in a casually sophisticated atmosphere. A live pianist sets the ambiance of an enchanting evening highlighted by brilliant harbor views from the elegant dining room or waterfront terrace patio. Discover exceptional culinary craftsmanship starring chophouse favorites, locally sourced fresh fish, and gourmet desserts. Add a reservation at 1852 Grill Room for a positively memorable evening out.

Top review

BarbaraVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Oscar is the best waiter ever! The food was incredible, definitely worth the hype!

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