14 Lakefront Spots In Michigan Serving Food As Amazing As The Scenery
Michigan’s lakes offer more than breathtaking views. They’re home to restaurants where the food matches the scenery.
From freshly caught fish and hearty local favorites to creative dishes that delight every palate, these lakefront spots turn meals into experiences.
Sitting by the water while savoring perfectly prepared dishes makes every bite more memorable.
Exploring these restaurants shows how Michigan blends natural beauty with exceptional cuisine, creating meals that satisfy both the eyes and the taste buds.
1. The Cove — Leland
Locals call it the best-kept secret of Leland’s historic Fishtown.
Famous for their smoked fish dip and signature Chubby Mary (a Bloody Mary with a smoked chub poking out), The Cove blends quirky charm with serious culinary chops.
Nautical artifacts decorate the walls while Lake Michigan’s breeze drifts through open windows. Grab a seat on their patio for front-row views of fishing boats bringing in the day’s catch.
2. Harbor Haus — Copper Harbor
Perched at the northernmost tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, this German-inspired eatery offers Lake Superior views that stretch to the horizon.
Staff famously rush outside to wave at the Isle Royale Queen ferry each evening. Schnitzels and fresh-caught lake trout share menu space with surprising specialties like elk tenderloin.
The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every table feels prime for watching massive freighters pass by.
3. Stafford’s Pier Restaurant — Harbor Springs
Housed in a historic warehouse dating back to 1900, this Harbor Springs landmark delivers seafood as fresh as its views are stunning. The whitefish dip alone is worth the drive up north.
Summer evenings here feel magical when boats glide into the harbor while you sip local Michigan wines. Their seasonal menu showcases the best of local farms and fisheries.
4. Pink Pony — Mackinac Island
Sailors, celebrities, and island visitors have flocked to this marina-front institution since 1948.
The Pink Pony boasts the longest bar on Mackinac Island, where bartenders mix their famous Rum Runners while trading stories about passing freighters.
Grab a table on the waterfront deck to watch ferries crisscross the Straits of Mackinac. Their planked whitefish, caught from local waters, arrives sizzling and seasoned to perfection.
5. Carriage House Restaurant — Mackinac Island
Tucked behind the iconic Grand Hotel gardens, this refined dining spot offers sweeping views across the Straits of Mackinac.
White tablecloths and impeccable service complement a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Their signature Grand Pecan Ball dessert has remained unchanged for decades for good reason. Listen for the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages passing by as you savor their famous whitefish paté.
6. Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant — Charlevoix
Originally a gristmill built in 1904, this architectural gem spans a narrow channel connecting Lake Charlevoix to Lake Michigan.
The fieldstone fireplace warms diners on foggy evenings while boats parade through the channel just feet away.
Request a window seat to watch the drawbridge rise hourly for passing sailboats. Their famous planked whitefish, served on a maple plank with wild rice, captures Northern Michigan’s essence on a single plate.
7. The Landing Restaurant — Charlevoix
Floating atop the Pine River Channel, this Charlevoix favorite literally moves with the water beneath it. Boats cruise by at eye level while you feast on Lake Michigan perch tacos.
Summer evenings transform into impromptu dance parties when local musicians play on the deck.
Their cocktail menu changes with the seasons, but the Michigan Cherry Mule remains a year-round favorite that pairs perfectly with spectacular sunset views.
8. Cabbage Shed — Elberta
What began as an actual cabbage storage facility in the 1930s now serves as Benzie County’s beloved waterfront hangout.
The weathered wooden floors and graffiti-covered dollar bills stapled to the ceiling tell stories of generations of lake-lovers.
Live music spills out across Betsie Bay most weekends. Their smoked whitefish spread, served with warm pretzel bread, tastes even better when enjoyed on their rustic deck overlooking the water.
9. Snug Harbor — Grand Haven
Front-row seats to Grand Haven’s famous Musical Fountain make this harbor-side restaurant a summertime must.
The three-story building offers different vibes on each level, from casual first-floor dining to the rooftop deck with panoramic lake views.
Arrive at sunset to watch Lake Michigan turn golden while lighthouse walkers return along the pier.
Their walleye tacos, topped with pineapple salsa, have developed a cult following among West Michigan foodies.
10. The Butler — Saugatuck
Generations of sailors have docked their boats at this Saugatuck institution to enjoy burgers and brews after a day on Lake Michigan.
The multi-level deck hangs directly over the Kalamazoo River, where you can watch paddleboarders navigate the current.
Founded in 1961, little has changed about their famous Butler Burger. Sip a cold Michigan craft beer while watching boats of all sizes parade past on their way to Lake Michigan just around the bend.
11. Captain Lou’s — South Haven
Converted from an old bait shop, this casual eatery sits so close to the Black River you could cast a fishing line from your table.
Picnic tables scattered across the sandy riverside lot create a laid-back vibe perfect for post-beach meals. Kids love watching boats motor past while parents appreciate the affordable menu and cold beer selection.
Their perch basket comes piled high with crispy fillets caught by local fishermen who often dock right at the restaurant.
12. The Limberlost — Houghton Lake
Family-owned since 1947, this Houghton Lake landmark has weathered changing seasons while maintaining its charm and legendary prime rib.
Old-timers claim you can set your watch by when the evening pontoon parade passes the restaurant’s sprawling deck.
Weekends bring live music that carries across the water. Their hush puppies, served with honey butter, disappear from baskets almost as quickly as servers can deliver them to hungry lakeside diners.
13. The Library Restaurant & Brew Pub — Houghton
Overlooking Portage Lake from downtown Houghton, this converted Carnegie library serves house-brewed beers alongside hearty meals perfect after Upper Peninsula adventures.
The original library woodwork and massive windows frame stunning water views. Winter brings ice fishermen dotting the frozen lake while summer showcases colorful sailboats.
Their whitefish rueben, featuring locally caught fish with sauerkraut and thousand island on marble rye, perfectly represents the UP’s Finnish-meets-freshwater cuisine.
14. Fitzgerald’s (The Fitz) — Eagle River
Smoke billows from outdoor barbecue pits at this rustic Lake Superior outpost where smoked brisket meets freshly caught fish.
The wooden deck hangs precariously close to crashing Superior waves during storms. Their whiskey selection rivals any big-city bar, with over 100 varieties.
Sunsets here are legendary, with the fading light turning the lake’s surface into a canvas of orange and purple while diners feast on smoked lake trout paired with Upper Peninsula craft beers.