12 Restaurants In Michigan Offering Lakeside Views And Amazing Food

Calm waters and wide horizons set the stage for dining that feels both relaxed and memorable. Across Michigan, lakeside restaurants blend the richness of local flavors with settings where the shoreline becomes part of the experience.

From harborside patios to historic inns perched above the waves, each meal carries the rhythm of the water. Fresh-caught fish, seasonal produce, and regional specialties come together in places where sunset light lingers on the surface of the Great Lakes, turning an ordinary dinner into something quietly remarkable.

1. Boatwerks – Holland

Nestled along Lake Macatawa, this beloved Holland destination combines waterfront charm with exceptional cuisine. Guests can watch boats drift by while savoring locally-inspired dishes.

The spacious outdoor deck offers beautiful sunset views as the colors reflect off the water. Their famous whitefish and seasonal cocktails perfectly complement the serene atmosphere that keeps locals and tourists coming back.

2. Mike’s On The Water – St. Clair Shores

Boat up or drive in to this lively nautical-themed hotspot where the party atmosphere matches the stunning Clinton River views. The sprawling deck buzzes with energy all summer long as boaters and locals mingle over drinks.

Famous for their lobster rolls and fish tacos, Mike’s embodies casual waterfront dining at its finest. The tiki bar vibe and live music create the perfect summer escape, creating a relaxed setting that feels like an easy getaway.

3. Bowers Harbor Inn (Mission Table / Jolly Pumpkin) – Peninsula Township

History and flavor blend beautifully at this restored 1880s manor house overlooking Bowers Harbor on Grand Traverse Bay. The property houses two distinctive dining experiences: upscale Mission Table and the more casual Jolly Pumpkin Brewery.

Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, the historic building’s wraparound porch offers tranquil water views. Their farm-to-table approach showcases the peninsula’s bounty, with many ingredients harvested from the on-site garden.

4. Harbor Haus Restaurant – Copper Harbor

German heritage meets Lake Superior splendor at this charming northernmost restaurant where servers sometimes step outside to wave at passing Isle Royale ferries. The Bavarian-inspired building offers unobstructed views of Copper Harbor’s lighthouse and the vast lake beyond.

Their European-influenced menu features schnitzel alongside fresh-caught lake trout. Sunset dinners here feel particularly special, as the dining room’s massive windows capture nature’s nightly color show.

5. The Wander In – Manistee

Locals treasure this unpretentious waterfront establishment where fishing tales grow taller over plates of perfectly fried perch. The vintage knotty pine interior preserves decades of Manistee River history, while picture windows frame the channel where pleasure boats and fishing charters parade by.

Their affordable menu celebrates Great Lakes classics without fancy frills. Morning breakfasts here are particularly special, as misty river views complement steaming coffee and hearty omelets.

6. Fitzgerald’s Restaurant – Eagle River

Tucked away in Michigan’s remote Keweenaw Peninsula, this rustic gem sits so close to Lake Superior you can hear waves crashing during dinner. The casual, wood-paneled interior creates a warm contrast to the wild beauty outside.

Their smoked meats and craft beer selection have earned a cult following among locals and visitors alike. During summer, the outdoor patio becomes one of the most coveted dining spots in the Upper Peninsula, especially when northern lights dance above the lake.

7. Supper At The Mill – Glen Arbor

Housed in a converted historic sawmill, this enchanting spot offers dreamy views of Glen Lake’s crystal blue waters through original timber-framed windows. The renovated industrial space balances rustic charm with elegant dining, creating a uniquely Michigan atmosphere.

Their seasonally rotating menu showcases the bounty of Leelanau County farms and orchards. Summer evenings on their waterside patio feature string lights reflecting on the lake with occasional live acoustic music.

8. Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island

Grandeur reaches its peak at this iconic Victorian hotel where dining becomes an elegant affair with sweeping views of the Straits of Mackinac. The formal main dining room, with its soaring ceilings and crisp white tablecloths, epitomizes old-world luxury.

Their five-course dinners feature artistic presentations and locally-sourced ingredients. For a truly special experience, request a window table at sunset when the Mackinac Bridge glows golden against the darkening water, providing a scenic backdrop for a fine dining experience.

9. Stafford’s Pier Restaurant – Harbor Springs

Maritime history infuses every corner of this converted boathouse where Little Traverse Bay’s sparkling waters lap directly beneath the dining room. The nautical-themed interior showcases vintage photos and artifacts from Harbor Springs’ golden era of wooden boats.

Their signature whitefish chowder and fresh-caught lake trout draw diners from across the state. Summer evenings make the wraparound deck a popular spot for dining in northern Michigan, especially when sailboat races create a moving canvas against the sunset.

10. Dockside – Torch Lake

Famous for its Caribbean-blue waters, Torch Lake creates a stunning backdrop for this casual lakeside eatery where boaters can pull right up to the dock. The laid-back atmosphere perfectly matches northern Michigan’s summer vibe, with most guests arriving in swimsuits and flip-flops.

Their legendary burgers and fresh-cut fries have fueled generations of lake-goers. The outdoor deck is especially scenic at sunset when Torch Lake’s waters shift from turquoise to shades of gold and purple.

11. Riverside Inn – Leland

Victorian elegance meets riverside charm at this historic white clapboard inn nestled along the Leland River as it flows toward Lake Michigan. The garden patio, draped with flowering vines, offers tranquil water views where ducks paddle past and pleasure boats glide toward the harbor.

Their farm-to-table menu changes with the seasons, always highlighting Leelanau Peninsula’s agricultural bounty. Evening dining feels particularly enchanted as string lights illuminate the riverside garden and the gentle sound of flowing water creates nature’s perfect soundtrack.

12. Terrace Inn & 1911 Restaurant – Petoskey

Step back in time at this beautifully preserved historic inn where the covered veranda offers sweeping views of Little Traverse Bay through a canopy of mature trees. The Victorian-era charm extends throughout the restaurant with period details and antique furnishings.

Their menu balances classic favorites with modern Michigan cuisine. Summer evenings on the veranda become magical as bay breezes carry the scent of nearby gardens while diners enjoy regional wines and watch distant sailboats glide across the horizon.