This Michigan Spot Has the Best Italian Food in the State

There's something simply comforting about a fantastic Italian meal, especially if it comes from a beloved local eatery. Growing up, one of my favorite things was when my family went to a local Italian restaurant, which sadly isn't in business anymore. We would always order the breadsticks, which came piping hot and with a side of spicy Italian sauce.

Michigan has plenty of incredible Italian restaurants, so it would be difficult to pick a favorite. That said, the crew at Eat This, Not That! has put together a list of the best Italian restaurants in America and named the No. 1 spot in Michigan.

"Whether you want to treat yourself to a pizza after a long day of work or want to treat some friends to a nice dining experience, Italian restaurants provide the perfect ambiance mixed with a cuisine anyone can enjoy," they state in the study. "This popularity has caused many Italian eateries to pop up across the U.S., but trying to pinpoint the best ones might seem impossible. Luckily, the search for the best Italian restaurant in your state now has a clear answer thanks to Yelp."

Their methodology was based on Yelp data. "All the businesses on this list are in the 'Italian' category on Yelp," they state. "'Best' is measured using an algorithm that looks at the number of reviews and star ratings for a business."

So, which Italian restaurant came out on top in Michigan? Eataliana in Shelby Charter Township. "For some of the best Italian food in the Midwest, Eatliana not only dishes out homemade Italian favorites in a homey atmosphere but also gives you an incredible variety to choose from," the publication states. "Whether you go with a dish from their extensive pasta menu or one of their chicken cutlet dishes, you can't go wrong. With so many great options to choose from, finding the right entree will be the only problem you have to face when you visit!" Find the full list here.

Michigan has some great restaurants and fantastic views, so it makes sense that many establishments combine both. With the Great Lakes and so many inland lakes, there are plenty of Michigan restaurants that overlook water, making that dining experience extra special.

Now that the weather is getting nicer, it's an even better time to explores this state and find some eateries with incredible views. The crew at Michigan.org recently put together a list of 12 Michigan restaurants with beautiful views, and we're sharing it below.

One of the restaurants, The Cudahy Chophouse Restaurant on Mackinac Island, has sadly closed since their article published. In place of that spot, I picked my own favorite Michigan restaurant with a view, which is The Butler in downtown Saugatuck. The Butler has been situated on the water in Saugatuck for more than 60 years and offers fresh seafood, classic American cuisine and more. It's a casual dining restaurant, so no need to get fancy.

One of the spots that made Michigan.org's list is very familiar to me: The English Inn in Eaton Rapids. That was the best spot to go for prom when I was in high school, so I ate at The English Inn at least twice in high school on prom night. "Cozy is the hallmark of this restaurant and inn, where you can warm yourself by a crackling fire while gazing over what feels like the grounds of your private castle estate," Michigan.org states of The English Inn. "The 15-acre property was developed just 30 minutes from Lansing for auto baron Irving Jacob Reuter and his wife Janet, and the view still includes their pergola, swimming pool and gazebo. After a formal meal upstairs, retire to the lower level English pub for a nightcap." Read the full list below and try to visit at least one of these delightful spots this season.

This list is via the fine folks at Michigan.org.

https://www.fitzgeralds-mi.com/menu

https://taborhill.com/restaurant

https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/dining/aerie-restaurant-lounge/

https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/dining/aerie-restaurant-lounge/menus

https://englishinn.com/restaurant-pub/dinner/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/iridescence-detroit

https://www.gayot.com/restaurants/menu/iridescence-detroit-mi-48201_36dt080201.html

https://www.thegilmorecollection.com/roses/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/roses-grand-rapids-3

https://gateslodge.com/restaurant/

https://arcadiabluffs.com/dining

https://arcadiabluffs.com/dining/the-bluffs-dining

https://www.highlandsharborsprings.com/dining

https://www.highlandsharborsprings.com/dining/main-dining-room

http://gh.notosoldworld.com/

http://gh.notosoldworld.com/main-menu/

https://www.michigan.org/property/lakeview-restaurant

https://www.opentable.com/lakeview-restaurant

https://www.allmenus.com/mi/saugatuck/735090-the-butler/menu/