The adage “you eat with your eyes first” usually applies to a beautiful plate, but at Michigan eateries situated in the state’s best locations, you’ll also want to ‘eat up’ the incredible view! Check out some of our favorite locations serving up local eats with a side of panoramic vistas.
On-Farm Vistas:
Bistro Polaris, Suttons Bay
Just off M22 on the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula, Bistro Polaris is located on the winery estate of Black Star Farms, making it the perfect stop for those spending a day amongst the vines. Neopolitan-style pizzas, artisan salads and paninis, and of course, great wine, are the focus of their menu, sourced from local farms and on-site. Look beyond your glass for views of the beautiful farm, including entertaining goats! Head over Thursday-Saturday for lunch or dinner, or plan on the three-course Sunday brunch menu with a hike in the lush vineyards. Head to the Bistro Polaris website to see detailed menus and more!
Sylvan Table, Sylvan Lake
Take your seat in a 300-year-old barn, refurbished to house the elevated rustic cuisine of Sylvan Table. Ingredients for their seasonal, multicultural menu are sourced from their “backyard farm” and from local partners, and while you nosh on a Beet Salad or Rabbit Schnitzel, enjoy the views of their Mandala garden beds. Start your plans with a reservation, or peruse their food-focused events!
Up North Fields, Benzonia
Imagine this: you’re digging into a healthy plate of greens, fresh-cut cukes, hummus, and flavorful chicken, and staring at the beauty of a local flower farm. While this may seem like a dream, it’s exactly what you’ll find at Up North Fields, which grows over 100 different flowers, vegetables, and fruits using sustainable methods. Take a U-cut bouquet and some veggies to go! Head to the corner of US 31 and M 115 in Benzonia from May through October to take part!
Coriander Kitchen & Farm, Detroit
Urban farm? Check. Historic canals? Check. Fantastic food? Check. Coriander Kitchen and Bar creates delicious and approachable meals while connecting eaters to the story of their food, all with a view of Detroit’s unique canal system. With many ingredients grown onsite, and others supporting Michigan farmers, Coriander Kitchen and Farm shows just how easy it is to be thoughtful about local food. Try their Farm Marg, which is infused with fresh cilantro and jalapeño when in season on the farm. Start your meal on their site!
Lakeside Locations:
Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island
How does a Mackinac Island view also include local eats? Mission Point Resort’s farm-to-ferry cuisine isn’t done without intention. Their “farm-to-ferry” sourcing includes anything from flights to horse-drawn carriages for every lettuce leaf that makes it onto the plate just days from being picked. This effort is rewarded in an array of great eateries located on-site, from Round Island Kitchen’s classic comfort food to Bistro on the Greens, which embodies island living with live music played most nights. Chianti is the destination for wine lovers, with wine menu labels exclusively produced for Mission Point Resort. In the morning, load up on picnic provisions and fresh coffee at Boxwood Coffeeshop and Cafe, or Strait UP Coffee and head out to the Great Lawn for a scenic start to the day. Explore more on Mission Point’s website!
Artisan Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern, Traverse City
Just steps from downtown Traverse City, the Delamar, and the Artisan located inside it, has spectacular views of West Grand Traverse Bay, with beautiful food to match. Their seasonal, ingredient-inspired summer menu currently includes a Stone Fruit Salad or Cauliflower Steak, and select items can be enjoyed on the patio al plein air during Up North summer evenings. Pining for a menu already? Head to the Artisan website to start!
What’s on your bucket list to take advantage of the rest of the summer’s best views? Be sure to tag us #tastethelocaldifference when enjoying local food!