13 Lakefront Restaurants In Michigan Where The Views Are As Good As The Food

Michigan’s lakefront isn’t just for sunset strolls and weekend getaways — it’s also home to some seriously mouthwatering meals with a side of stunning scenery.

Picture biting into fresh-caught fish while waves gently lap nearby or digging into dessert as sailboats drift past.

These restaurants prove that in the Great Lakes State, the view from your table can be just as memorable as what’s on your plate.

It’s waterfront dining done the Michigan way: relaxed, scenic, and absolutely delicious.

1. Apache Trout Grill (Traverse City)

Apache Trout Grill (Traverse City)
© Sleeping Bear Resort

Nestled on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, Apache Trout Grill serves up seafood magic with panoramic water views from nearly every table.

The cedar-planked whitefish—a local specialty—arrives sizzling and aromatic, often upstaging the breathtaking sunset colors dancing across the bay.

Boaters can dock directly at the restaurant, making a grand entrance before diving into their famous parmesan-encrusted walleye.

Summer evenings bring live music to the waterfront patio, creating the perfect backdrop for sipping Michigan craft beers as sailboats glide by.

2. The Boathouse Restaurant (Old Mission Peninsula)

The Boathouse Restaurant (Old Mission Peninsula)
© The Northern Express

Perched on a peninsula that splits Grand Traverse Bay, The Boathouse transforms dining into an event with its storybook setting.

Housed in a converted boathouse dating back to the 1920s, this gem marries Old World charm with New American cuisine. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame vineyard-to-water vistas that change with the seasons.

Chef’s specials feature ingredients from neighboring farms and fisheries, creating true farm-to-table experiences.

Don’t miss their legendary cherry bread pudding—a sweet nod to the region’s famous fruit harvests.

3. Harrington’s By The Bay (Traverse City)

Harrington's By The Bay (Traverse City)
© MLive.com

Maritime charm meets culinary finesse at Harrington’s, where boat-watching becomes an appetizer course.

The sprawling deck hovers so close to West Grand Traverse Bay you can practically hear fish jumping while you dine.

Famous for their seafood tower—a mountainous display of fresh oysters, shrimp, and crab legs—Harrington’s draws crowds year-round.

Summer brings kayakers paddling right up to wave hello. Winter transforms the bay into a snow-globe scene, enjoyed through massive windows while warming up with their signature seafood chowder.

4. The Deck (Clinch Park, Traverse City)

The Deck (Clinch Park, Traverse City)
© mynorthmedia

Barefoot casual defines The Deck, where sandy feet and swimsuits are practically the dress code.

This seasonal hotspot sits directly on Clinch Park Beach, making it possible to go from swimming to sipping in seconds flat.

Frozen cocktails and beach-inspired tacos dominate the menu, perfect for hot summer days. Kids build sandcastles within view while parents relax at umbrella-shaded tables.

Local musicians create the soundtrack most evenings, their melodies competing with the gentle lapping of waves just steps away.

5. West End Tavern (Traverse City)

West End Tavern (Traverse City)
© Traverse Traveler

Hidden from tourist crowds, West End Tavern serves as the local’s lakefront secret.

Fishing boats dock alongside its weathered wooden pier, where captains often sell their morning catch directly to the kitchen.

The tavern’s signature whitefish dip—creamy, smoky, and served with house-made chips—pairs perfectly with Michigan craft beers.

Sports memorabilia and vintage boat parts decorate walls, telling stories of Great Lakes history. Sunset brings a nightly tradition: the chef rings a ship’s bell when the sun touches the water.

6. Dockside (Torch Lake area)

Dockside (Torch Lake area)
© MyNorth Media

Caribbean-blue waters provide the backdrop at Dockside, perched on Torch Lake’s famous turquoise shores.

Boaters arrive in droves during summer months, creating a floating party atmosphere as vessels line up at the restaurant’s expansive dock system.

The menu celebrates lake life with shareable platters perfect for sun-soaked afternoons. Their Torch Lake Platter—featuring smoked fish, artisanal cheeses, and seasonal fruits—feeds a crowd.

Watch for the legendary sandbar parties visible from the restaurant’s wraparound deck, where shallow waters turn into impromptu dance floors.

7. Knot Just a Bar (Bay Harbor Marina)

Knot Just a Bar (Bay Harbor Marina)
© Marinas.com

Yacht-spotting becomes a competitive sport at Knot Just a Bar, where million-dollar vessels parade past the windows daily.

Situated in the upscale Bay Harbor Marina, this nautical-themed eatery delivers harbor views that rival those of Monaco or Saint-Tropez.

Lobster rolls and champagne flow freely on the umbrella-dotted terrace. The restaurant’s lower deck sits just inches above the water, creating the illusion of dining on a luxury liner.

Evening brings a glow as boat lights reflect on the harbor waters, creating a twinkling backdrop for their famous key lime pie.

8. Webber’s Waterfront Restaurant (Lake Erie area)

Webber's Waterfront Restaurant (Lake Erie area)
© Tripadvisor

Ferry horns and lighthouse views create the soundtrack at Webber’s, where Lake Erie stretches endlessly from the restaurant’s windows.

Family-owned for three generations, this unpretentious spot specializes in perch sandwiches that locals swear are worth driving hours to taste.

Fishing boats bob in the adjacent marina, many captained by the same families who’ve supplied Webber’s kitchen for decades.

The restaurant’s famous walleye chowder—thick, creamy, and loaded with fresh fish—becomes especially popular when autumn winds whip across the lake.

Sunrise breakfast service draws photographers and early birds alike.

9. Mike’s on the Water (St. Clair Shores)

Mike's on the Water (St. Clair Shores)
© www.mikesonthewater.com

Boat culture rules at Mike’s, where nautical flags flutter above a two-story deck overlooking a forest of sailboat masts.

Located in a working marina on Lake St. Clair, this beloved spot embodies Michigan’s boat-to-table dining scene.

The lobster roll—overflowing with sweet meat and minimal filler—has achieved cult status among Detroit-area seafood lovers.

Freighter-watching becomes a pastime here, with massive ships passing so close you can wave to crew members. Their rooftop deck offers 360-degree water views rarely found outside coastal states.

10. Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant (Holland)

Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant (Holland)
© boatwerksrestaurant.com

Dutch heritage meets lakefront luxury at Boatwerks, where Lake Macatawa provides a constantly changing backdrop.

The restaurant’s stone and timber construction gives a nod to Holland’s European namesake, while floor-to-ceiling windows showcase pure Michigan scenery.

Seasonal outdoor seating spills toward the water’s edge, where diners can watch boats navigate the channel connecting to Lake Michigan.

Their acclaimed walleye with Michigan cherry sauce perfectly represents the region’s flavor profile.

During Tulip Festival, boats decorated with flowers parade past the windows in a uniquely Dutch-Michigan celebration.

11. The Deck (Muskegon)

The Deck (Muskegon)
© Visit Muskegon

Shipping channel drama provides endless entertainment at Muskegon’s version of The Deck, where massive Lake Michigan freighters pass within photographing distance.

Built on stilts directly over the water, this seasonal hotspot vibrates with energy from May through September.

Beach volleyball courts sit adjacent to the open-air dining area, creating a resort-like atmosphere.

Their famous whitefish tacos—lightly battered and topped with pineapple salsa—pair perfectly with Michigan-brewed wheat ales.

Sunset brings a nightly ritual as diners pause mid-bite to applaud nature’s colorful show over the lake.

12. Plank’s Tavern on the Water (St. Joseph)

Plank's Tavern on the Water (St. Joseph)
© Tripadvisor

Lighthouse views and harbor activity create the perfect backdrop at Plank’s, where St. Joseph River meets Lake Michigan in dramatic fashion.

The restaurant’s glass-enclosed dining room and wrap-around porch offer year-round waterfront dining regardless of Michigan’s famously changeable weather.

Named for the wooden planks that formed the city’s first streets, this tavern honors local history while serving contemporary cuisine.

Their legendary perch tacos—featuring fish caught daily—come garnished with microgreens from nearby farms.

During summer, watch for the daily parade of sailboats returning to harbor as the dinner hour approaches.

13. The Lake House Waterfront Grille (Muskegon)

The Lake House Waterfront Grille (Muskegon)
© MLive.com

Industrial-chic design meets natural beauty at The Lake House, where Muskegon Lake stretches toward Lake Michigan just beyond the restaurant’s walls of windows.

Reclaimed wood and metal accents honor the area’s manufacturing history while creating a modern dining space.

Seasonal ingredients shine in dishes like their famous blueberry BBQ salmon—a sweet-savory celebration of Michigan’s agricultural bounty.

Fire pits dot the waterfront patio, allowing for three-season lakeside dining. Watch for resident bald eagles that nest nearby and often swoop over the water during dinner service.