A Town-by-Town Foodie Guide Near Traverse City Bed and Breakfasts
When you stay at one of our welcoming bed and breakfasts in Traverse City, you’re steps away from exploring Northwest Michigan’s incredible dining scene. From upscale gems to quirky local haunts, the towns of Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Antrim, Benzie, and Charlevoix counties offer something for every palate. Below, we’ve mapped out the best dining spots by town, with extra options in bustling hubs like Traverse City, Petoskey, and Suttons Bay—plus fan favorites in Elk Rapids, Bellaire, Glen Arbor, Leland, and Harbor Springs. Whether you’re craving a fine-dining splurge or a fun, offbeat meal, this guide has you covered to dining in Northwest Michigan!
Why Dining in Northwest Michigan?
Dining in Northwest Michigan is a love letter to the region’s flavors—fresh fish, cherries, farm-fresh produce—all served up in settings that range from elegant to eccentric. Whether you’re sipping wine by the lake, digging into a quirky dish in a historic spot, or enjoying a upscale feast, every meal here is an adventure. Let’s explore the top dining picks, town by town, with plenty of options in the region’s foodie hotspots.
Leelanau County: Dining by Town
Leelanau County’s charming towns are packed with dining options, from upscale to delightfully unique. Maple Lane Bed and Breakfast, Cottonwood Inn, M22 Inn Glen Arbor and Sylvan Inn Bed and Breakfast are located in Leelanau County.
- Leland: The Riverside Inn
The Riverside Inn
This historic inn offers upscale dining with dishes like seared scallops or herb-crusted lamb in an elegant riverside setting—perfect for a refined night out. - Leland: The Cove
The Cove
A fun, waterfront spot known for its “Chubby Mary”—a Bloody Mary with a smoked chub fish garnish. Pair it with fresh seafood in a laid-back yet lively atmosphere. - Leland: Bogey’s 19th Hole
Bogey’s 19th Hole
At Leland Lodge, this quirky spot offers upscale pub fare like prime rib with a golf-themed twist. It’s a hidden gem with a cozy, playful vibe. - Suttons Bay: Black Star Farms Hearth & Vine Café
Black Star Farms
Upscale winery dining with wood-fired pizzas and seasonal small plates, paired with their award-winning wines in a rustic-chic setting. - Suttons Bay: Martha’s Leelanau Table
Martha’s Leelanau Table
A cozy, upscale spot in a cottage serving European-inspired dishes like duck confit or gnocchi—elegant yet homey. - Suttons Bay: VI Grill
VI Grill
A fun, retro diner vibe with upscale twists—think gourmet burgers or lobster mac and cheese. It’s a local favorite with personality. - Suttons Bay: Boone’s Prime Time Pub
Boone’s Prime Time Pub
A lively pub with upscale comfort food like cherry-glazed ribs. The quirky decor and warm service make it a Suttons Bay staple. - Lake Leelanau: Nittolo’s
Nittolo’s
A quirky, family-run spot famous for its wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings like local sausage or truffle oil. It’s a fun, casual gem with a cult following. - Glen Arbor: La Bécasse
La Bécasse
Upscale French country dining with classics like coq au vin from a James Beard-nominated chef—an elegant escape in Glen Arbor. - Glen Arbor: Blu
Blu
A chic, upscale spot with New American cuisine—think seared trout or lamb shank—and stunning Sleeping Bear Bay views. The wine list is a standout. - Glen Arbor: Art’s Tavern
Art’s Tavern
A quirky, iconic dive with a fun vibe—serving hearty burgers and fish fries since 1934. It’s a local legend with character galore. - Glen Arbor: Cherry Republic Public House
Cherry Republic
A playful, cherry-themed spot with upscale twists like cherry BBQ ribs or cherry-glazed salmon. The whimsical decor adds to the fun. - Empire: Joe’s Friendly Tavern
Joe’s Friendly Tavern
Upscale pub fare like seafood risotto or prime rib in a polished, small-town setting—a delightful surprise in Empire.
Check out our Leelanau County guide for more!
Grand Traverse County: Dining by Town
Grand Traverse County’s Traverse City is a dining powerhouse, so we’ve loaded up the options here. Wellington Inn Bed and Breakfast is located right downtown Traverse City within walking distance to most of these restaurants.
- Traverse City: Trattoria Stella
Trattoria Stella
Upscale Italian in the Grand Traverse Commons with handmade pastas and osso buco—a romantic spot with a stellar wine list. - Traverse City: The Cooks’ House
The Cooks’ House
An intimate, upscale tasting menu experience with local ingredients like foraged morels—exclusive and unforgettable. - Traverse City: Red Ginger
Red Ginger
Sleek, upscale Asian fusion with sushi and miso-glazed sea bass—perfect for a stylish night downtown. - Traverse City: PepeNero
PepeNero
Another Commons gem, this cozy Italian spot serves upscale dishes like truffle risotto in an intimate setting. - Traverse City: Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern
Artisan
Upscale dining with bay views—think lobster tail or filet mignon. The white-tablecloth vibe is pure elegance. - Traverse City: Boathouse Restaurant
Boathouse Restaurant
Upscale waterfront dining on West Bay with dishes like duck breast or fresh whitefish—an elegant classic. - Traverse City: Amical
Amical
A downtown bistro with upscale French flair—escargot and tomato soup are fan favorites in a warm, sophisticated space. - Traverse City: The Towne Plaza
The Towne Plaza
A fun, upscale patio spot with creative dishes like smoked brisket tacos or cherry-glazed pork—a lively local hangout. - Williamsburg: Aerie Restaurant & Lounge
Aerie Restaurant & Lounge
Upscale dining on the 16th floor of Grand Traverse Resort—lobster ravioli with panoramic views.
Explore our Grand Traverse County guide for more!
Antrim County: Dining by Town
Antrim County’s towns offer a mix of upscale and fun dining with small-town charm. Country Hermitage Bed and Breakfast is located in Antrim County near Elk Rapids.
- Elk Rapids: Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen
Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen
Upscale Creole with shrimp and grits or blackened redfish—a vibrant, elegant taste of the South. - Elk Rapids: Town Club
Town Club
A quirky, old-school supper club vibe with upscale comfort food like prime rib or lake perch—a local classic with charm. - Elk Rapids: Chef Charles’
Chef Chucks
A fun, chef-driven spot with creative dishes like cherry BBQ chicken—small but packed with personality. - Bellaire: The Lakeview at Shanty Creek Resort
The Lakeview
Upscale dining atop Schuss Mountain with crab-stuffed walleye and stunning views—pure luxury. - Bellaire: Bella Vita
Bella Vita
A quaint, upscale Italian spot with handmade pasta and osso buco—elegant yet approachable in downtown Bellaire. - Bellaire: Short’s Brewing Co. Pub
Short’s Brewing
A fun, quirky brewpub with upscale pub fare like the White Pepper sandwich—a pulled pork masterpiece. - Bellaire: The Chief Grill
The Chief Grill
At The Chief Golf Course, this spot offers upscale casual dining with dishes like grilled salmon—a hidden gem with a view. - Alden: Alden Bar & Grille
Now know as: Torch Lake Beer Co.
Upscale grille fare like filet mignon in a polished setting near Torch Lake—a small-town surprise. - Central Lake: Blue Pelican Inn
Blue Pelican Inn
Lakeside upscale dining with seafood pasta or herb-crusted lamb—elegant with water views.
See our Antrim County spotlight for more!
Benzie County: Dining by Town
Benzie County’s towns serve up dining with rustic charm and refined touches. Canfield Inn Bed and Breakfast is approximately 3 miles south of Benzie County.
- Glen Arbor: The Manor on Glen Lake
The Manor on Glen Lake
Upscale seasonal dining with roasted duck or fresh trout and Glen Lake views—sophisticated and serene. - Frankfort: Birch & Maple
Birch & Maple
Upscale brunch and dinner with truffle eggs or seared scallops in a chic, modern space—a Frankfort gem. - Beulah: Ursa Major Dining Room at Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain
Upscale resort dining with wild mushroom risotto or braised short ribs—elegant and cozy.
Upscale pub fare like grilled ribeye or seafood linguine in a refined, resort setting. - Honor: The Cherry Hut
The Cherry Hut
A quirky, cherry-themed icon with upscale comfort like cherry-glazed pork tenderloin—nostalgic and delicious.
Check out our Benzie County guide for more!
Charlevoix County: Dining by Town
Charlevoix County’s towns mix upscale dining with fun, quirky vibes, with extra options in Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
- Charlevoix: Grey Gables Inn
Grey Gables Inn
Upscale Victorian dining with cherry-crusted salmon or beef tenderloin—an elegant classic. - Boyne City: Café Santé
Café Santé
Upscale European bistro with bouillabaisse or filet mignon in a sleek, modern space—Boyne City’s finest. - East Jordan: The Landing Restaurant
The Landing Restaurant
Upscale waterfront dining with pan-seared walleye or lamb shank—a refined Lake Charlevoix spot. - Petoskey: Chandler’s
Chandler’s
Upscale seasonal dining with roasted quail or seared scallops in an elegant setting—a Petoskey must. - Petoskey: Palette Bistro
Palette Bistro
Upscale Mediterranean with lamb chops or seafood paella—chic with bay views. - Petoskey: City Park Grill
City Park Grill
A historic, upscale spot with prime rib or whitefish—Hemingway’s old haunt with a fun, classy vibe.
Upscale steakhouse at Stafford’s Bay View Inn with dry-aged steaks and lake views—pure luxury. - Harbor Springs: Stafford’s Pier
Stafford’s Pier
Upscale waterfront dining with prime rib or lobster tail—Little Traverse Bay views add elegance. - Harbor Springs: The New York Restaurant
The New York
Upscale dining in a historic building with duck confit or filet mignon—a timeless Harbor Springs gem.
Dive into our Charlevoix County guide for more!
Plan Your Dining Adventure
Dining in Northwest Michigan is a delicious journey—upscale feasts, quirky haunts, and everything in between. With extra options in foodie hubs like Traverse City, Petoskey, and Suttons Bay, you’ll find endless flavors to explore. Book your stay at Traverse City Bed and Breakfasts and let us help you taste the best of the region!