12 Restaurants In Michigan Offering Lakeside Views And Amazing Food

Michigan’s coastline stretches over 3,000 miles, giving you countless opportunities to enjoy fresh food while gazing at beautiful waters.

Dining by the lake transforms an ordinary meal into something special, whether you’re watching boats drift by or catching a sunset over the waves.

I’ve gathered 12 incredible restaurants where you can experience both mouthwatering dishes and spectacular lakeside scenery that’ll make your visit unforgettable.

1. The Cove

Imagine biting into perfectly prepared whitefish while gazing out at islands dotting the horizon.

Located at 111 River Street, Leland, MI 49654, this gem sits right in historic Fishtown among weathered fishing shanties.

You’ll find regional specialties dominating the menu, including their famous whitefish chowder that locals rave about year-round.

Broiled fillets arrive at your table showcasing the area’s maritime traditions passed down through generations.

The restaurant’s windows frame the Manitou Islands like living postcards, changing with every passing cloud.

Fishing boats bobbing nearby remind you that your meal came straight from these very waters.

I recommend arriving before sunset to watch the sky paint itself orange and pink over the harbor.

2. Pier Restaurant

Walking out onto a pier to reach your dinner table creates anticipation before you even sit down.

You’ll discover this unique spot at 102 Bay Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, where the building literally extends over Little Traverse Bay.

Water surrounds you on three sides, making every seat feel like the best one in the house.

Lake perch arrives golden and crispy, paired beautifully with Michigan-raised steaks that satisfy hearty appetites.

Seasonal vegetables from local farms add color and freshness to every plate.

Waves lap gently beneath the floorboards, providing natural background music throughout your meal.

Watching sailboats glide past your window makes time slow down in the most delightful way.

3. Central Park Boathouse

Elegance meets natural beauty when you dine where Bowers Harbor meets West Bay.

Find this sophisticated establishment at 14039 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686, perched perfectly to showcase water views.

Their commitment to local ingredients shines through in every carefully crafted dish that arrives at your table.

Freshly shucked oysters and whitefish caught nearby demonstrate the restaurant’s dedication to regional flavors.

Peninsula farms supply much of the produce, ensuring peak freshness in salads and side dishes.

The dining room feels refined without being stuffy, welcoming couples and families alike.

Sunset reservations book quickly because the view transforms into something absolutely magical as daylight fades.

4. Apache Trout Grill

Cedar-planked whitefish has become legendary at this bay-side favorite where atmosphere meets exceptional food.

Located at 13671 S West Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684, this restaurant captures Grand Traverse Bay’s essence perfectly.

The cooking method infuses fish with subtle smoky flavors that enhance rather than overpower the delicate meat.

Summer evenings bring live music that drifts across the patio, creating a festive vibe you won’t want to leave.

Locals and tourists mingle happily here, united by great food and even better views.

The energy level rises as the sun sets, transforming dinner into an event rather than just a meal.

You might find yourself lingering over dessert just to soak in one more song.

5. The Deck

Sand between your toes and barbecue on your plate creates the ultimate casual lakeside experience.

Find this relaxed eatery at 1935 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441, positioned directly on Pere Marquette Beach’s soft sand.

Slow-smoked brisket and tender pulled pork arrive with classic sides that complement the smoky flavors beautifully.

You can literally walk off the beach and grab a table without changing out of your swimsuit.

Summer brings live music that adds to the already festive beach atmosphere surrounding every meal.

Kids love the informal vibe while adults appreciate the serious attention paid to barbecue techniques.

Sunset dinners here feel like the perfect ending to a day spent playing in the waves.

6. The Lake House Waterfront Grille

Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the water right to your table, blurring the line between inside and outside.

Located at 730 Terrace Point Boulevard, Muskegon, MI 49440, this restaurant sits perfectly positioned on Muskegon Lake’s shoreline.

Marina views mean you’ll watch boats come and go throughout your meal, adding movement to the scenery.

Seafood pastas showcase fresh catches prepared with creativity and skill that elevates simple ingredients.

Steaks and sandwiches round out a menu designed to please various tastes and appetites.

The contemporary dining room feels bright and airy, reflecting light off the water in constantly changing patterns.

Every seat offers water views, so you won’t feel like you missed out regardless of where you’re seated.

7. The Butler

History seeps from the walls of this harbor-facing restaurant where the deck literally becomes part of the boardwalk.

You’ll find this charming spot at 68 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, where Lake Kalamazoo harbor provides constant entertainment.

Boats gliding past your table create a parade of watercraft throughout your dining experience.

The menu balances seafood freshness with hearty steaks and creative sandwiches that satisfy diverse preferences.

Historic ambiance doesn’t mean stuffy service—the atmosphere stays welcoming and comfortable for everyone.

Sitting on the deck feels like being part of the harbor action rather than just observing from afar.

I love how the restaurant honors its past while keeping the food and service thoroughly modern.

8. Grand Traverse Pie Company

Homemade pies and lake views combine to create comfort food experiences that warm your heart.

With multiple locations throughout Michigan including waterfront spots, you’ll find their signature pies near beautiful shorelines.

Savory pot pies arrive steaming hot with flaky crusts that shatter perfectly under your fork.

Sweet dessert pies showcase Michigan cherries and apples in ways that honor traditional recipes.

The casual atmosphere welcomes families, solo travelers, and everyone in between without pretension.

Generous portions mean you’ll likely leave with leftovers to enjoy later in your hotel room.

Watching the water while eating genuine homemade pie feels like visiting a friend’s lakeside cottage for lunch.

9. Bowdie’s Chophouse

Premium cuts of beef meet spectacular water views at this upscale establishment that takes dining seriously.

Located at 967 W Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456, near the shores where Spring Lake meets Lake Michigan.

Dry-aged steaks arrive perfectly seasoned and cooked exactly to your specifications every single time.

The chophouse atmosphere feels sophisticated without being intimidating, striking that perfect balance for special occasions.

Seafood options provide alternatives for those who prefer fish over beef, all prepared with equal care.

Large windows frame the water beautifully, making your meal feel like dinner theater with nature as the star.

Plan ahead for reservations because this combination of quality food and views keeps tables filled nightly.

10. West Shore Cafe and Inn

Neighborhood charm defines this casual spot where locals gather for consistently good food and familiar faces.

Find this welcoming cafe at 5999 Murray Road, Ludington, MI 49431, positioned perfectly for Lake Michigan views.

Breakfast here means watching morning light dance across the water while enjoying perfectly cooked eggs and crispy hash browns.

Lunch brings sandwiches and salads that taste fresh and satisfying without breaking your budget.

The relaxed vibe encourages lingering over coffee refills while chatting with friendly servers who remember regular customers.

You won’t find fancy presentations here, just honest food served with genuine hospitality.

Sometimes the best meals happen in unpretentious places where the focus stays on flavor rather than flash.

11. Dockside Bar and Grill

Boats bobbing at the dock create the soundtrack for meals that celebrate Michigan’s fishing heritage.

Located at 302 River Street, Manistee, MI 49660, where the Manistee River meets Lake Michigan in beautiful convergence.

Fresh catches appear on the menu daily, prepared simply to let natural flavors shine through without heavy sauces.

Families appreciate the kid-friendly menu and relaxed atmosphere that doesn’t stress parents with formal dining expectations.

The deck becomes the place to be during warm months when sunshine and fresh air enhance every bite.

Watching fishing boats return with their daily haul reminds you exactly where your dinner originated.

Reasonable prices make this spot accessible for frequent visits rather than just special occasion splurges.

12. Palette Bistro

Art and food merge beautifully at this bistro where every plate looks like an edible masterpiece.

Find this creative space at 302 E Main Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, just steps from Little Traverse Bay’s sparkling waters.

The menu changes seasonally to showcase whatever’s freshest, keeping repeat visitors excited about new discoveries.

Small plates encourage sharing and tasting multiple dishes rather than committing to one large entree.

Wine pairings receive careful attention from knowledgeable staff who genuinely enjoy helping you find perfect matches.

Local artwork decorating the walls reinforces the connection between culinary and visual creativity throughout the space.

Dinner here feels like attending an intimate gallery opening where the food itself becomes the featured exhibition.