Diners' Choice: Great for scenic views restaurants in Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking restaurants that have the most scenic view 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!

Les Cheneaux Culinary School

5.0

5 (345)

$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 1 day ago

Fantastic food in a relatively remote area. Highly recommend

1852 Grill Room

4.9

4.9 (1112)

$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

Tom

Dined 5 days ago

Best food on the island, the dishes were amazing and drinks were great

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4.9

4.9 (2100)

$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

JonVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Food is always great at the boathouse along with the service. Thanks Kathleen for taking great care of us!!

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Great Lakes Culinary Institute

4.9

4.9 (127)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Traverse City

About the restaurant

At Lobdell's, a Teaching Restaurant, you'll enjoy food prepared and served by Great Lakes Culinary Institute students and beautiful bayside views. Lunch is served regularly during fall and spring, while bakery and coffee service is provided in summer. Special events throughout the year include farm to table and world cuisine dinners, as well as cocktail and charcuterie events.

Top review

Don

Dined on Apr 23, 2025

Unfortunately my wife and I were only able to make two reservations this quarter and we had to cancel one because of a funeral. We always enjoy our lunches at Lobdell’s. The food is always outstanding and a good value. Merrill is always a great server and she is pleasant to talk to. My wife had a Thai chopped salad I believe, and the “grown up” grilled cheese. I had the gumbo and pastrami sandwich. Everything was delicious.

Walloon Lake Inn

4.8

4.8 (1432)

$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

TamiVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent meal and service, thank you for a wonderful evening.

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4.8

4.8 (470)

$31 to $50

American

Petoskey

About the restaurant

About NOMAD.
Located on the waterfront in Bay Harbor, NOMAD. offers a vibrant atmosphere that pairs well with its sharable plates, evolving wine list, and house cocktails.

Our menu was artfully crafted through the senses of a NOMAD, with flavors and influences from across the world.

Recently opened in Spring 2022, our mission is to continuously evolve while always maintaining exceptional quality and creativity.

Please note if booking outside dining, restaurant can't hold inside tables if inclement weather occurs. Thank you for your understanding.

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great food and great service. Excellent cocktails as well.

Trovato at Hidden River

4.7

4.7 (293)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Brutus

About the restaurant

Casual fine dining with a contemporary Italian influence. Enjoy cocktails and creative dishes while taking in the beautiful Maple River.

Top review

Rhonda

Dined 2 days ago

We had a wonderful dinner last night at Trovato! Our server,Tom was outstanding along with his assistants and other staff. This was our second time dining there this summer season and both times were great. We were a party of eight and everybody loved their meal. The asparagus soup was the best we’ve ever had. We wanted to take a gallon home with us. The oysters and shrimp cocktail ceviche appetizers were fresh and delicious. The entrées we all had were rigatoni Bolognese, halibut, chicken piccata, veal chop marsala, vegan pasta of the day . We all had great meals! It was such a beautiful setting on the Maple River. We can’t wait to go back

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Popular dish

Meatballs

Barrel Back Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (14)

$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

Morgan

Dined 1 day ago

Everything was amazing. Our waiter Phil was very attentive and made our experience even better. Will always recommend barrel back.

Aerie Restaurant & Lounge

4.4

4.4 (1566)

$50 and over

American

Acme

About the restaurant

With panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay and a vibrant, contemporary menu, Aerie Restaurant & Lounge has always been a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Located on the 16th floor of the Tower, inside Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, we have proudly served northern Michigan for more than 10 years. Our acclaimed dining venue favors friendly over formality and has become a mecca for those who love bold, exciting flavors. We feature local wine and beer selections and make a point of sourcing local ingredients to give you a true taste of Northern Michigan.

Top review

Phyllis

Dined 7 days ago

The view, ambience, service fantastic. The menu is limited, food average. I had higher expectations for an upscale dining experience.

Weathervane Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (139)

$31 to $50

American

Charlevoix

About the restaurant

Welcome to Weathervane Restaurant, where you’ll find the best waterfront dining in downtown Charlevoix. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey where attentive service meets the essence of regional cuisine, all while surrounded by breathtaking views of the waterfront.

Choose to dine al fresco on our expansive deck, where you can soak in the refreshing breeze and admire the picturesque parade of boats passing by. Alternatively, embrace the cozy atmosphere indoors, where the focal point is our magnificent stone fireplace.

Top review

Kelly

Dined 5 days ago

Our waiter was excellent. Food delicious. We loved the bread and French butter

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