Unique Restaurants in Traverse City: A Taste of Our Food Scene

1— Unique Restaurants

Traverse City is not the place to order your main at a chain. It’s a destination for discovering something new and delicious at one of the many dining options dotted around our region. From farm-to-table eateries like 9 Bean Rows and Farm Club to fine dining in a James Beard nominated gem like The Cooks’ House —and everything in between—there are chef-owned restaurants across our city with creative menus to please any palette. Craving a crepe? Chef Vanessa from Crepes & Co received culinary-training at Northwest Michigan College, and proudly greets guests and serves her authentic French cuisine in Traverse City. The hardest part is making dining decisions when delicious options lie in every direction.

2— Unique Venues

A chef-owned restaurant with a one-of-a-kind menu isn’t the only way to experience unique dining in Traverse City. This city is also home to historic spaces transformed into unforgettable dining destinations. Enjoy “ales by the rails” at The Filling Station Microbrewery, housed in a former Train Depot. Italian cuisine reigns supreme inside the old State Hospital Building 50 at The Village, with PepeNero at one end, and Trattoria Stella at the other. Meanwhile, North Peak Brewing Company feeds hungry guests in a 125-year-old candy factory on Front Street. These unique venues blend history with hospitality, offering a dining experience as rich as their pasts.

3— Multicultural Cuisine 

You don’t have to travel to another country to find authentic cuisine, but we do know a few places that are worth wandering off the beaten path for. The Dojo Sushi Bar, located in a former elementary school off N Long Lake Road, serves up fresh, handmade-from-scratch sushi. NJ’s Grocery in Lake Leelanau is the hidden spot to find some of the best Indian food to grab and go. Tucked off US 31 near Turtle Creek Stadium, Samsara Southeast Asian Cuisine offers bold flavors with spice levels ranging from mild to Cambodian hot—so order wisely. And, on the east end of Front Street in Downtown TC, you’ll find The Good Bowl serving up beautiful Vietnamese dishes with a purpose, donating $1 from every bowl to a charity of your choice. If you’re craving something different, these spots are well worth the wander.

4— Specialty Foods

While Traverse City may be known as the Cherry Capital of the World, there’s so much more grown right here that deserves the spotlight. Savor hive-to-table with Sleeping Bear Farms Michigan Star Thistle Honey, or hive-to-glass with St. Ambrose Cellars’ delicious draft and still meads. Light of Day Organics hand-picks and blends their tea locally from their farm along M72 in Leelanau County. But it’s not all sweet—crunch into Great Lakes Potato Chips where you can indulge without guilt. From the classic original to fun flavors, they even offer purple potato chips! And let’s not forget world-class Leelanau Cheese and their award-winning raclette. From smoked chubs in Leland’s Fishtown to cherry everything in Traverse City, each town has something special. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, there is a locally made delicacy waiting to be discovered.

5— Pop-ups and Food Trucks 

We love it when new flavors roll in—literally. And with Traverse City’s thriving food truck scene, it’s not a rare thing. The Little Fleet is the summer hotspot, with half a dozen unique food trucks rotating each season, there’s always something new to try. Plus, they have great pop-ups inside, like Crocodile Palace, to keep the good food rolling all year round. If you’re headed to Benzie pull over when you spot the yellow truck known as Mary’s Asian Cuisine on US31 in Beulah. Or head towards Frankfort to find Goody’s Lobster Shack, serving up the best lobster rolls this side of Maine. Keep an eye out as food trucks pop up seasonally at many wineries, breweries, and distilleries, making your next sip even more delicious.

6— Diverse Dietary Options

Dining out with food sensitivities can sometimes be more of a challenge than it is a treat. But in a foodie town like Traverse City, it’s an adventure. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for healthier options, there’s no need to settle. Indulge in plant-based baked-goods free from gluten, dairy, and soy but not free from flavor at Third Coast Bakery. Visit the trendy Hexenbelle for a delightful variety of Middle Eastern vegetarian and vegan dishes. Or, enjoy a full vegan menu paired with a draft beer, cider, or wine at Stone Hound Brewing. Craving something sweet? Buchan’s West Bay scoops up creamy vegan ice cream for a dairy-free delight. Whether you need restaurants that cater to special diets or are just on a mission to eat healthy, Traverse City will lead you to plenty of delicious options.

7— Farm Market Fresh

Fall is by far my favorite season to visit the farmers market. Apples, pumpkins, and fresh flowers, oh my! The Sara Hardy Market in Downtown Traverse City runs May through October, offering a mix of seasonal produce and local goods. But, the farm-fresh flavors don’t end there. The indoor farmers market at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons keeps the harvest going year-round with honey, vegetables, and handmade treats. Looking for even more local markets? Taste the Local Difference is your go-to guide to finding fresh, local food throughout the region all year long.

8— Beer, Wine & Spirits

Who likes to eat without something to drink? Access to local fruit, hops, and grains means even our alcohol is locally made. Those pastoral landscapes along Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsula with neatly trained rows of vineyards are a vital component in Traverse City’s tourism draw. But, it’s not just a wine tasting that has travelers keen for a visit. From touring Iron Fish Distillery to discovering craft beer, seltzers, ciders, mead, and even canned wine means visitors are taking home more than a buzz. Many of these small-batch beverages aren’t widely distributed, making them the perfect way to bring home a taste of the region to savor later in memory of your trip.

From award-winning dishes and historic charm to locally crafted beverages and vibrant farmers markets, Traverse City has earned its reputation as a foodie destination. But what truly makes each restaurant so unique is the passion behind every plate, pour, and product. So, here’s to living in a place where good food isn’t just a perk, it’s a way of life. And that’s just one more reason why our food scene is so special.