The Best Restaurants in Traverse City Michigan

Welcoming to Traverse City (TC)! There are so many things to do in this Northern Michigan town, but the most important thing is where to eat.

The Traverse City restaurant scene has a lot to offer. From trendy dining options in downtown Traverse city, to chic eateries in outlying areas such as Sleeping Bear Dunes or Suttons Bay. It is quickly becoming a popular destination for Michigan foodies.

You’ll find plenty of delicious food options to please even the most picky eaters, whether it’s street food or pizza restaurants, cornish pasties, Latin American fusion, or street food.

This post will help you enjoy great food in Grand Traverse County, whether you are traveling to Traverse City as a family vacation, quick getaway, or holiday event like the National Cherry Festival.

I have been living in Traverse City for a long time and can now share my favorite restaurants with you.

Continue reading for my favorite Traverse City restaurants.

Traverse City has Family-Friendly Restaurants

Bubba’s
428 E Front St. Traverse City, MI 489686
The Traverse City eatery on East Front Street is the perfect spot for a burger, beer and delicious appetizers. You can also get boozy shakes for those over 21. Happy Hour: Enjoy 1/2 off all alcohol and appetizers

Don’s Drive-In
2030 US 31, Traverse City MI 49685
You can order milkshakes, burgers and fries right from your car. This classic 1950’s diner is the perfect place to eat carhop-style. This is a great place to eat, no matter what your age.

Blue Tractor
423 S Union St. Traverse City, MI 489684
Old Town’s mouth-watering BBQ. This is the ideal spot for the whole family to enjoy a wide selection of Michigan-made beers and a complete kids menu. For live music, check out the beer garden at the back.

Agave Mexican Restaurant
851 S Garfield Ave. Traverse City, MI 489686
Double the deliciousness in two locations! Look no further for authentic Mexican food in Northern Michigan. This casual, family-friendly restaurant is located at South Airport Road. location.

Round’s
1033 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49686
Perfect diner breakfast. Friendly staff with quick service and delicious food. They’ve been in business for more than 60 years and will continue to be open for many more.

Favorite Traverse City Restaurants for Fine Dining

Boathouse
14039 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686
Enjoy fine waterfront dining on the Grand Traverse Bay. This is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or simply enjoy a memorable meal in Traverse City. Reservations strongly advised.

Cooks’ House
115 Wellington St. Traverse City, MI 489686
This is a unique experience that will delight your taste buds. You won’t find a better tasting menu than this one.

Aerie
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Acme, MI 49610
This beautiful restaurant is located on the 17th Floor of Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. The dining room has a stunning view of the East Bay. You can enjoy delicious cocktails, wines and starters while enjoying the sunset. You will want to save room for one the delicious entrees.

Red Ginger
237 E Front St. Traverse City MI 49684
This is the perfect spot for a romantic date in downtown. You can either share one of the many small plates, or grab sushi to go.

Top Spots to Get Quick Bite in Traverse City

Brew
108 E Front St. Traverse City, MI 489684
This cozy spot is located in downtown T.C. You can get coffee, a beer and light breakfast/lunch options at this place. It’s the perfect spot to stop, no matter what hour of the day. This is my favorite coffee shop in Traverse City.

Centre Street Cafe
1125 Centre St #3404, Traverse City, MI 49686
There is no better wrap or sandwich anywhere. Although the hours are restricted to lunch, it is a must-visit spot. My absolute favorite is the Campfire Wrap!

Hexenbelle
144 Hall St Suite107, Traverse City MI 49684
The Warehouse District’s coffee shop offers unique, creamy and addictive espresso drinks. The delicious menu includes only vegetarian and vegan small plates.

The Little Fleet
448 E Front St. Traverse City, MI 489686
This is a must-see downtown spot with outdoor seating! Little Fleet has a variety of food trucks and a taco shop that is open all year. Everyone can find something here! Grab a drink at their bar, and a place on the large patio or inside. Food trucks are available May-Sept

Slabtown Burger
826 W Front St. Traverse City, MI 489684
The #1 burger spot in Northern Michigan and a local favorite. You can choose from a variety of hand-made burgers and fresh cut fries. Don’t forget a shake! You can grab it to go, or you can enjoy it outside on the patio.

Best Pizza Restaurants in Traverse City

Charles & Reid Detroit Pizza Co
113 E State St. Traverse City, MI 489684
This delicious spot is located in an alley off Front Street. There are many options for lunch and dinner, including homemade pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and even desserts. You can also keep an eye on their weekly specials, as there is always something delicious and new!

Pangea’s Pizza
135 E Front St. Traverse City, MI 489684
This is the coolest place to grab pizza, with a rooftop area to eat! There are so many artisan pizzas to choose from, it is hard to choose my favorite.

Taproot Cider House
300 E Front St #104 Traverse City, MI 489684
Downtown cider-house with tasty flatbreads, salads and other appetizers. You can find a wide range of craft cocktails and ciders at this establishment. You will find something for everyone here, with the locally sourced ingredients as well as a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options on their menu.

The Tasting Room
155 Garland St. Traverse City, MI 489684
This restaurant is a new addition to Traverse City, 2021. It offers a wide variety of small plates and woodfired pizzas. You can also enjoy a Sunday brunch!

Traverse City Breweries/Wineries With Food

North Peak Brewing Company
400 W Front St. Traverse City, MI 489684
This brewery is located in Traverse City’s Warehouse District. You can find a wide range of handcrafted beers, appetizers and entrees. You can enjoy this inside or outside on their patio.

Rare Bird Brewpub
229 Lake Ave. Traverse City, MI 489684
This is my favorite restaurant in Traverse City! This was my favorite place to eat even before I moved to TC. The atmosphere, food, and brews are all delicious. Their year-round patio is a great place to enjoy a drink. Be prepared to wait during peak hours, but it’s well worth it! If you love blonde ales, you can try Rose the Riveter if you stop by!

Workshop Brewing Company
221 Garland St. Traverse City, MI 489684
Another great brewery and restaurant is located in the Warehouse District. Archie’s Food Truck offers delicious burgers, mac & cheeses and other side dishes. You can also find a wide selection of beer, as well as events such open mic nights, trivia, and live music.

Traverse City’s Best Ice Cream/Dessert Spots

Grand Traverse Pie Co.
525 W Front St. Traverse City, MI 489684
There are two locations in the city and a food truck, so you can find delicious homemade pies and desserts made from local ingredients.

Moomers
7263 N Long Lake Rd Traverse City, MI 489685
You didn’t visit Traverse City if your only stop was Moomers Ice Cream Cones. Famous homemade ice cream shop that offers endless varieties of delicious ice cream. The main location is closed during winter, but you can still find delicious ice cream at many other locations throughout TC.

Milk & Honey
240 E Front St. Traverse City, MI 489684
Delicious and original ice cream, with vegan ice cream! They can make any flavor or dessert you want with an endless array of ingredients!

Traverse City: More Restaurants You Should Not Miss

Mama Lu’s
149 E Front St. Traverse City, MI 489684
The perfect modern-day taco shop. Delicious and original tacos are served with tasty sides and margaritas. You should end your night with one their delicious chocolate drizzled churros.

7 Monks Taproom
128 S Union St. Traverse City, MI 489684
The perfect spot to grab a burger or a Michigan-made beer. Start with the homemade pretzel bites. This is also the official MSU bar at TC (Go Green!).

H&L
263 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684
You won’t want to leave this rooftop bar, which offers exceptional cocktails and small plates. You can enjoy your food and drinks while looking out over the bay from the top of Hotel Indigo, Warehouse district.

Red Spire Brunch House
800 Cottageview Drive Suite #30 Mercato, Main Entrance, Traverse City, MI 49684
My favourite Sunday brunch spot in TC! This charming brunch spot is located in the Village of the Grand Traverse Common. It offers delicious breakfast. It’s also very affordable, which is a bonus! Stop in and get a cinnamon roll made from scratch. It’s large enough to share, but it might be too big for you to eat all by yourself.

Favorite restaurant in Near Traverse City

Marthas Leelanau Table at Suttons Bay
413 N St Joseph St., Suttons Bay MI 49682
This charming Suttons Bay farm to table restaurant serves lunch and dinner. It never disappoints. You’ll find the best European cuisine in the area at this bistro, located in a century-old red farmhouse.

Explore More Traverse City Restaurants

Sleder’s Family Tavern
Trattoria Stella
Firefly Restaurant
Taqueria T.C. Latino
Filling Station Microbrewery
Jolly Pumpkin Brewery & Cafe
Omelette Shoppe
Apache Trout Grille
Harringtons by The Bay
Green House Cafe

Traverse City Michigan Restaurants Map

Northern Michigan Gluten-Free Restaurants

Red Mesa Grill and Prost are just two examples of restaurants that offer gluten-free options. For more information about GF menus, see our guide to Gluten-Free Dining in Michigan.