Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Northern Michigan

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in Northern Michigan? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Trattoria Funistrada

4.9

4.9 (1425)

$31 to $50

Italian

Glen Arbor / Maple City

About the restaurant

Italian-American neighborhood dining in the heart of downtown "Burdickville."

Please visit our website for further information, sample menus & directions. Online reservations are limited, please call if you do not see the availability you want. We look forward to having you as our guest!

*We do not have a children's menu; young children are strongly discouraged. We are a small space ~ limits are in place for larger parties.

Top review

SteveGold

Dined 2 days ago

Angie was an incredible server. The food here never disappoints. Always a great dining experience!

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Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (1111)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Always a wonderful dining experience at Michael’s. Great food, great service, great ambiance.

Mimi & Pipi's Casa Italiana

4.8

4.8 (357)

$31 to $50

Italian

Grayling

About the restaurant

A tavola non s'invecchia: At the table one does not grow old. At Mimi and Pipi's the rich traditions of Italy come alive. Enjoy a one of a kind dining experience marked by exquisite wine offerings and fine Italian cuisine—the shared dream of Christine and Matt LaFontaine to create an authentic destination in Grayling. Mimi and Pipi's is proud to offer a comprehensive carryout experience complete with its own exclusive entrance for easier, faster ordering.

Top review

Chuck

Dined 2 days ago

As usual our dining experience at Mimi and Pipi's was outstanding. We got to try a new entree on the menu and found it fantastic. (Porcini Mushroom Ravioli) Our server, Naomi, has waited on us at least 3 times now and she is outstanding. And, as always Jacob came around to ensure that our experience was enjoyable. We are very appreciative to have such a fine dining venue in Grayling with a high-quality product and service and a down-to-earth atmosphere.

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Reflect Bistro inside Cambria Suites

4.7

4.7 (742)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Traverse City

About the restaurant

Modern Diverse Cookery, Reflect Bistro, inside Cambria hotel & suites
Rated #1 In Traverse City by Trip Advisor.

Top review

Ken

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food and expansive wine list. Service excellent as well

Leto's Osteria

4.7

4.7 (46)

$31 to $50

Italian

Petoskey

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of downtown Petoskey, Leto's Osteria is a modern Italian destination dedicated to the art of handmade pasta and seasonal storytelling. Our kitchen focuses on quality and consistency, serving elevated classics like Cacio e Pepe and Spicy Crab Capellini alongside a curated selection of premier Italian wines and craft cocktails. Whether you’re joining us for an intimate date night or a gathering of friends, Leto's offers a refined yet warm atmosphere where authentic flavors and house-made craftsmanship take center stage.

Top review

steveGold

Dined on 13 Oct 2026

Sat at the bar, had the cauliflower starter and the shaver Brussel sprouts salad, both good size portions and absolutely delicious. The two of us split the rock shrimp pasta dish, also amazing. Favors were spot on. Highly recommend Leto’s. It was a great find!

ONe eighteen

4.6

4.6 (861)

$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

Diane

Dined on 16 Oct 2026

Arian was a great server. The food was outstanding. In particular the lamb shank pot pie. The peach upside down cake was delicious.

Paper Station Bistro

4.5

4.5 (89)

$30 and under

American

Harbor Springs

About the restaurant

** If you are aving a problem booking a reservation, call us at 231-242-4680**. Located in downtown Harbor Springs, Paper Station Bistro is a locally owned eclectic bistro known for scratch-made comfort food, creative specials, and some of the best burgers in Northern Michigan. Family owned and operated since 2015 by Mike & Tawna Naturkas, Paper Station has become a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The menu features everything from fresh salads and house-made pastas to signature dishes like ABC Chicken and Freshwater Fish & Chips, all crafted with quality ingredients sourced from trusted Michigan purveyors. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, plus weekend breakfast, Paper Station blends laid-back Harbor Springs charm with bold flavors, friendly service, and a lively downtown atmosphere. Whether dining inside, grabbing carryout, or enjoying Main Street in the summer, Paper Station Bistro delivers an unforgettable Northern Michigan dining experience.

Top review

RobGold

Dined on 6 Oct 2026

Perfect meal. Food was delicious. Andrew was a wonderful server. A+++

Pierson's Grille & Spirits

4.4

4.4 (319)

$30 and under

Dining Bar

Harbor Springs

About the restaurant

Pierson’s Grille & Spirits is an après-ski themed restaurant with a lively and casual atmosphere. Join us for a warm meal with a dose of nostalgia inside or on our heated dog friendly patio. We are open 365 days a year for lunch and dinner with brunch served on weekends. Pierson's is located in the historic Juilleret's building in Downtown Harbor Springs. Pierson's offers sushi, salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and an assortment of entree's including our famous Ribs!
Bring the kids and let them be entertained in the game room while you enjoy the game on one of our many TV's

Top review

RobGold

Dined 7 days ago

Standing room only when we arrived. Thank goodness for Opentable having our table moving us to the front of the line. Barb our server was great. Food was perfect.

The Pointe Fish and Grille at Sommerset Pointe

4.4

4.4 (231)

$31 to $50

American

Boyne City

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Pointe Fish and Grill at Sommerset, located on beautiful lake Charlevoix. Come and enjoy an amazing dinner in a casual elegant atmosphere. We are currently open Wednesday through Sunday evenings for dinner service.

Top review

KatieGold

Dined on 12 Sept 2026

Really a lovely experience every time. The food is quite good and a departure from the typical food up north. The staff is amazing.

Beach House on Deer Lake

4.2

4.2 (52)

$31 to $50

Contemporary European

Boyne Falls

About the restaurant

Beach House on Deer Lake at Boyne Mountain is open Wednesday thru Saturday 11a-9p, Sunday 11a-2p.
We are closed on Monday and Tuesday. We will close for the season At 2pm on Sunday August 31st 2025.

Thank You so Much!

Top review

CindyGold

Dined on 12 Aug 2026

Sat outside and the setting was beautiful. Enjoyed looking out toward Deer Lake watching people having a perfect day on the lake. The food was so delicious and the drinks even better. You have to try the French Margarita. You won’t just have one. Lovely place!

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