Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Northern Michigan

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

Trattoria Funistrada

4.9

4.9 (1228)

$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

Cliff

Dined 2 days ago

We thoroughly enjoy this restaurant every year. Food is fabulous and the service is fantastic. Looking forward to next years visit.

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Bennethum's Northern Inn

4.9

4.9 (2219)

$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

Dawn

Dined 2 days ago

The food is always outstanding and the service is always great, however, I think you should consider having another bartender.

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4.9

4.9 (314)

$30 and under

American

Midland

About the restaurant

Welcome to a dining experience that’s as unique as you are. Our restaurant is more than a place to eat—it’s a journey into culinary artistry. Every dish is a story told through hand-selected, locally sourced ingredients, crafted with a creative twist that transforms tradition into something truly extraordinary. Step into an ambiance where modern elegance meets a warm, inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for unforgettable moments. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply exploring new tastes, every reservation opens the door to exceptional service, innovative flavors, and a community of food lovers. Discover your next favorite culinary destination—your table awaits.

Top review

Rachelle

Dined on Jul 11, 2025

You can’t go wrong here, everything is fantastic - no notes. We always get the smoked whitefish hush puppies. This time we tried the pajun, coq au vin, and whitefish and they were all fantastic. Do not skip dessert, we had a deconstructed strawberry rhubarb pie that was to die for. The staff are so kind and knowledgeable about the menu and helped us with wine pairings for our entrees. There are other restaurants I want to try, but I keep finding myself back here for good reason.

Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (739)

$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

Jim

Dined 4 days ago

Another great Sunday evening at DLB. Great food. Great service. Best place to go on a Sunday evening.

Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie - Bay City

4.9

4.9 (99)

$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

Mitch

Dined 6 days ago

Good upscale casual dining with unique menu items and selection of wines and beers.

ONe eighteen

4.8

4.8 (738)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Midland

About the restaurant

ONe eighteen is a locally owned tavern serving quality American Cuisine in a lively setting inspired by Mid-Century Modern Design in Midland. With a focus on genuine and approachable service, we look to connect family, friends and colleagues through an authentic food and beverage experience. At ONe eighteen we are proud to celebrate the history of our region, showcase our place in downtown Midland and reinforce our commitment to the well-being and growth of our community! We offer two private rooms with seating up to 28 guests. Events held in our private dining rooms include a dedicated event planner, access to basic audio visual and group dining menus.

Top review

LoriVIP

Dined on Jul 16, 2025

Excellent Food and service! Our meals came to our table super hot Excellent flavor Get price point for the quality of food. We ordered the walleye and crabcakes

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Popular dish

Bistro Tenderloin

Pierson's Grille & Spirits

4.7

4.7 (225)

$30 and under

Dining Bar

Harbor Springs

About the restaurant

Pierson’s Grille & Spirits is an après-ski themed restaurant with a lively and casual atmosphere. Join us for a warm meal with a dose of nostalgia inside or on our heated dog friendly patio. We are open 365 days a year for lunch and dinner with brunch served on weekends. Pierson's is located in the historic Juilleret's building in Downtown Harbor Springs. Pierson's offers sushi, salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and an assortment of entree's including our famous Ribs!
Bring the kids and let them be entertained in the game room while you enjoy the game on one of our many TV's

Top review

Jessica

Dined 3 days ago

Our server was amazing. The food was so good and it was juat perfect for what we were looking for. We will definitely be back.

Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (179)

$31 to $50

American

Petoskey

About the restaurant

1911 Restaurant serves a variety of artfully prepared entrees, appetizers, and salads. All items are prepared in-house by our talented culinary team and feature the best fresh local produce. Enjoy your meal in our charming historic dining room, or on the beautiful terrace overlooking a peaceful park with peaks of Little Traverse Bay.

Open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 8:30 pm

Join us for happy hour from 4 pm to 5:30 pm
$5 off appetizers
$2 off all cocktails
plus $5 off any bottle of wine

We look forward to serving you!

Top review

robVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Very nice restaurant with good views, food and overall atmosphere.

NoBo Riverside

4.6

4.6 (49)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Traverse City

About the restaurant

Perched above the historic Boardman River in the heart of Traverse City, NOBO Riverside offers a distinctive culinary journey where Northern Michigan's natural splendor meets contemporary dining excellence.

We believe the world's truly great restaurants don't chase fashions—they capture moments. Each dish tells the story of its origins: the season's harvest, the region's bounty, the landscape visible just beyond your table.

Top review

KerryVIP

Dined 3 days ago

All dishes very good … great tomato and pepper soup, carpaccio was good too

Barrel Back Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (19)

$30 and under

American

Walloon Lake

About the restaurant

Barrel Back is located next to Hotel Walloon and is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. The restaurant is named after “Barrel Back” boats commonly found on inland lakes in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The outside of the restaurant is surrounded by glass garage doors, which can be opened up on a beautiful Northern Michigan day. In the cooler months, you can enjoy the crackling fireplace located in the center of the dining room. The restaurant offers an expansive bar that features over 23 beers on tap and a patio for guests wishing to dine outdoors.
Similar to the atmosphere, the food at Barrel Back is unmatched by other restaurants in the area. The wood-fired rotisserie smoker, oven and grill creates an intoxicating aroma of smoked chicken, brisket and wood-fired pizzas throughout the Village and gives the food a one of a kind flavor.

Top review

TomVIP

Dined 7 days ago

The view is outstanding. The food was average. Service was exceptional.

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