Nothing beats going out to eat at a place that serves delicious food. To help you decide which eatery to go to next, we’ve featured 10 of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids, Michigan below.
1. Forty Pearl
Right in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Forty Pearl is a self-described “sensory Pure Michigan experience.” Initially owned by Ed and Robert Brengman as a tasting room for their award-winning wines, Forty Pearl has since proliferated thanks to Executive Chef Taylor Boeschenstein. Forty Pearly is open from 12-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, from 12-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.
Forty Pearly strongly recommends you make a reservation on weekends, and for a good reason – seats go fast. They’re known for their fine dining entrees with excellent wine pairings. You’ll find crispy brussels sprouts and asparagus, seared salmon and perch, or even a venison burger. All in all, if you want a taste of the finer things in life, swing by Forty Pearl.
Go to Forty Pearl’s contact page to book an appointment.
2. Butcher’s Union
Those who love the “manly man” trope will love Grand Rapids’ Butcher’s Union. They’re known for whiskey and meat – a simple, straightforward menu. Founded in 2017, they’re open from 4-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday-Saturday, and are closed Sunday-Monday.
Unsurprisingly, you’ll find loads of meaty entrees at the Butcher’s Union. From steak and fish to ceviche and pork belly appetizers, there are snacks for everyone here. And if you’re a whiskey person, you’ll be pleased to know that the Butcher’s Union carries an extensive whiskey menu. All in all, Butcher’s Union is an excellent stop for meat and drinks.
Go to the Butcher’s Union’s contact page to get in touch.
3. Wolfgang’s Restaurant
Not to be confused with the many Wolfgang Puck restaurants across the globe, Wolfgang’s Restaurant is owned by the Wolfgang family (no relation) and has been around since 1977 in the form of “Just Breakfast.” Since then, this family business has grown exponentially. Wolfgang’s Restaurant is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Wolfgang’s Restaurant has a clear focus on breakfast. They’re only open in the morning and early afternoon hours for one reason. You can’t make breakfast food this good 24/7! While the menu’s specialty lies in skillets and benedicts, you’ll also find all of the American breakfast classics – eggs and bacon, biscuits and gravy, and more.
Go to Wolfgang’s Restaurant’s “Tell My Wife” (contact) page to reach out.
4. San Chez: A Tapas Bistro
San Chez is (as the name implies) a standout in this list, primarily a tapas lounge. They specialize in small plates to be shared with friends, creating a sense of community and tasty food (duh). San Chez is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday for brunch and 9-9 for tapas, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday-Saturday for brunch and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. for tapas, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for both on Sunday.
You’ll find both brunch and tapas here. From luxurious benedicts and omelets to cinnamon rolls and cinnamon French toast, they’ve got a bangin’ brunch menu. And the tapas – oh, the tapas. If you want mouthwatering flavor and small plates for sharing over drinks, San Chez is the stop in Grand Rapids for you.
Go to San Chez’s contact page to get in touch.
5. The Chop House
The Chop House is a Midwest family-owned chain that’s the self-described “ultimate prime dining experience.” They pamper guests at every step, providing the highest quality of meals and drinks, but it’s fine dining – what more can you expect? The Chop House (in Grand Rapids) is open from 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. They’re closed Sundays.
The Chop House has a bit of everything. Gluten-free options, a full bar, and loads of excellent entrees in all forms. From steak to seafood, appetizers to dessert, The Chop House is absolutely loaded with top-notch meals in every niche imaginable. All in all, The Chop House is an excellent stop for a world-class steak and drink.
Go to The Chop House’s contact page for more information.
6. Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar
For those with more of a taste for the surf than the turf, Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar is a great stop. They repeatedly win the best seafood in Grand Rapids awards from numerous publications and offer great food for pretty reasonable prices! Leo’s is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
You’ll find all of the usual suspects at Leo’s. Crispy shrimp, seared salmon, and chef’s specials offer tasty options at every turn, and the cocktail menu is loaded with winners. But if you want something more exotic, say escargot or sashimi – they’ve got you covered, too. All in all, Leo’s is a classy, tasty experience that all seafood lovers in Grand Rapids should experience at least once.
Go to Leo’s Restaurant & Bar’s reservation page to get your table.
7. Maru Sushi & Grill
Another Midwest small chain, Maru Sushi & Grill, is one of the best spots in the area to experience actual Japanese food. Founded by Robert Song in 2010, Maru has formed a friendly, luxurious environment, and the menu is loaded with incredible fish in countless forms. Maru Sushi & Grill in Grand Rapids is open from 4-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, closing an hour early on Sundays.
You’ll find loads of sushi (duh) here, fried tofu, toasty gyoza, and all sorts of shellfish dishes. Maru Sushi & Grill also has nigiri and sashimi, a fantastic selection of signature sushi rolls, and even a (minimal) hibachi menu! All in all, you really can’t find better Japanese food in Grand Rapids (or the Midwest, for that matter) than at Maru.
Go to Maru Sushi & Grill’s online ordering page to reach out.
8. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
While the name may seem a bit off, there’s a story to Ruth’s Chris Steak House. As many know, women couldn’t do a great deal in old-school America. But Ruth Fertel had a different idea – mortgage her home and buy a small steak house in the mid-1960s that would become a national chain in the coming four decades. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is open from 4:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, closes an hour early Tuesday-Thursday, and is open from 4:30-9 p.m. on Sunday. Ruth’s is closed on Mondays.
As a large chain, the menu at Ruth’s Chris Steak House is quite broad. You’ll find the usual steaks, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, countless appetizers and sides, and loads of desserts at Ruth’s. They even have specialty diet options for those who are keto or gluten-free! If you want time-proven consistency, head to Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
Go to Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s contact page to get in touch.
9. Little Bird
Little Bird is one of Grand Rapids’ best brunch and dinner spots for wine lovers. They’ve developed a reputation as the best intimate meal place for couples in the area through dedication to their craft, an excellent menu, and friendly staff. Little Bird is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch and 4-10 p.m. for dinner Wednesday-Thursday, closes an hour late on Friday-Saturday, and opens an hour early for brunch on the weekends. Little Bird is closed on Mondays.
Do you want duck fried rice, overnight oats, and sweet potato hash all on the same menu? Swing by Little Bird for brunch. Or maybe you prefer squash blossoms, local sockeye, or Colorado lamb ribs? Head to Little Bird for dinner. And no matter the time of day, Little Bird is an excellent stop for wine lovers.
Go to Little Bird’s Facebook page to reach out.
10. MDRD
And finally, we have MDRD – a unique standout on this list. Located closer to the clouds than the ground, MDRD is on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza and boasts “lavishly Spanish” meals. MDRD is open from 4:30-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, from 4:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.
You won’t find much to reveal their offerings beyond a single online menu online. But the menu is chock-full of Spanish classics you won’t find anywhere else. From Salmorejo (tomato, pepper, cucumber, oil, and egg) to Trucha (whole rainbow trout with tapenade, clarified butter, and serrano peppers), there are flavors for every palate. Reservations are strongly advised, as seating is minimal.
Go to MDRD’s reservation page to get your table today.
