Michigan Restaurant Named One of the Top 50 in America

Michigan has some fantastic restaurants. I really believe the Mitten has some gems that are often overlooked, but maybe part of their charm is that they are hidden diamonds in the rough.

Now, the New York Times has released its annual list of the best restaurants in America. One Michigan spot made the cut. "We traveled widely and ate avidly as we built the annual list of our favorite restaurants in America," the publication states. "From Oklahoma City to Juncos, Puerto Rico, to Orcas Island off the coast of Washington State, our food reporters, editors and critics found revelatory Ethiopian barbecue, innovative Haitian cooking and possibly the most delicious fried pork sandwich in the United States."

They added, "While we love to see a dynamic new dining room open its doors, we’re equally impressed by kitchens that are doing their best work years in. So while some of our picks debuted just this summer, others have been around for decades. The one thing they do have in common: The food is amazing. These are the 50 restaurants we love most in 2022."

So, which Michigan spot made the cut? Freya in Detroit. Of the spot, the publication station, "Located in a neighborhood where the bones of the city’s past economic might are still visible, Freya’s resourcefully repurposed building is a sign of more recent resilience. Inside, the soundtrack is chosen by diners from a collection of vinyl records listed in a bound volume, like bottles of wine; Motor City artists are well-represented. And still the thing that feels most Detroit about the place is its food. Douglas Hewitt, an owner, and the chef de cuisine Phoebe Zimmerman execute the four separate prix fixe menus — the vegan one is particularly impressive — with cool confidence, producing gorgeous, skillfully balanced dishes that deserve to be sources of hometown pride." 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/