Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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 (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 1 day ago

Fantastic food in a relatively remote area. Highly recommend

Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (921)

$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

Kate

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Well staffed, relaxed atmosphere, expedient service. Well done!

Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (718)

$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

Dennis

Dined 3 days ago

Great dining experience. Food & service were excellent

Walloon Lake Inn

4.8

4.8 (1433)

$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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Bennethum's Northern Inn

4.8

4.8 (2206)

$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

Bhru

Dined 4 days ago

The food was outstanding and the drinks were made to perfection.

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4.8

4.8 (313)

$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

Michele

Dined 7 days ago

Food was delicious and out service was great! Good value for quality food.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Mount Pleasant

4.8

4.8 (778)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Mt. Pleasant

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

TERRY

Dined 2 days ago

We chose Ruth Chris for our date night. Upon arrival we were greeted by 2 lovely hostess', we had a reservation that was ready for us. On our way to the table we were asked if it was a special occasion and we said Date Night and offered us a table or booth. Just as we were seated we were served Water and bread and butter by Sidney (not are wait staff) as she stated Joel would be right with us. We could have not asked for a better Waiter to take care of us. Joel made suggestions and did everything with our meal as exact as we ordered. We even had a visit from the Manager Mike and he also asked how everything was. I would recommend the Mt Pleasant location to all.

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Experience

$55 3-Course Menu

Experience

Moët & Chandon TasteMaker Dinner

ONe eighteen

4.7

4.7 (732)

$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

TedVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great food and service as always. Enjoyed the new skirt steak tacos.

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Popular dish

Bistro Tenderloin

Elizabeth's Chop House

4.7

4.7 (804)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Marquette

About the restaurant

Our Story… Heritage, Passion, Love…
Since I was 5 years old, I’ve been in a restaurant kitchen. It is my life.
Cooking is my passion. My love is my wife, Elizabeth. Her passion is service.

This restaurant is a culmination of our passions, devotions and love.
We hope you will enjoy our efforts to bring you that same passion
in the finest quality food and the areas finest service.

Relax, sit back and enjoy a delicious dining experience.

Your Hosts,
Tom and Elizabeth Wahlstrom

Top review

KurtVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Tom and his crew had it going on. Food was as good as I’ve ever had. Alecia was my server and as usual she was extraordinary. So happy to have found this place.

Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (173)

$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

RobinVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We had a group of 8 - 4 were our young granddaughters and it was a wonderful experience in every way! The service was excellent and so was the food!

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