Michigan’s 10 Must-Try Waterfront Restaurants With Food as Good as the Views

Michigan’s shorelines offer some of the most breathtaking views in the Midwest, perfect backdrops for an unforgettable meal. From the Great Lakes to inland waterways, waterfront restaurants combine fresh local flavors with spectacular scenery. These 10 restaurants deliver exceptional dining experiences where the food rivals the stunning water views that make Michigan such a special place to eat.

1. Fitzgerald’s Restaurant, Eagle River

Perched on the shores of Lake Superior, Fitzgerald’s serves up mouthwatering smoked meats and craft beers in a rustic setting that celebrates the Upper Peninsula’s rugged beauty. The restaurant’s famous brisket and ribs are slow-smoked to perfection.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the endless blue horizon, while the outdoor deck puts you just steps from the lapping waves. During summer sunsets, the sky blazes with colors that seem to set the water on fire.

The house-made barbecue sauces and locally-sourced ingredients showcase the owners’ commitment to quality that matches the magnificent surroundings.

2. Pier Restaurant, Harbor Springs

Family-owned since 1985, The Pier sits literally above Little Traverse Bay on sturdy wooden pilings. Waves gently rock beneath the dining room while boats glide by your table, creating a sensation of floating on water while you dine.

Their famous whitefish – caught fresh daily and prepared three different ways – has earned a reputation throughout Michigan. The restaurant’s nautical decor features vintage boating memorabilia and weathered wood that tells stories of generations on the water.

Early risers love their breakfast service, where morning light dances across the bay as you enjoy fluffy blueberry pancakes.

3. Plank’s Tavern on the Water, St. Joseph

Named after James Plank, one of St. Joseph’s founding fathers, this sophisticated tavern blends historical charm with modern culinary excellence. The restaurant anchors the Inn at Harbor Shores with its wrap-around porch offering 180-degree views of the St. Joseph River meeting Lake Michigan.

Chef-driven menus showcase Michigan’s agricultural bounty with seasonal ingredients that change throughout the year. Summer brings vibrant salads topped with local berries, while fall features hearty dishes with squash and apples.

Mixologists craft spectacular cocktails using Michigan spirits that complement both the food and the changing scenery outside the windows.

4. Watermark Bar & Grille, St. Clair Shores

Boaters flock to Watermark’s 120 slips where they can dock and dine along Lake St. Clair. The massive outdoor patio becomes the summer social hub of the Nautical Mile, with live music creating a festive atmosphere as the sun goes down.

Seafood dominates the menu with Great Lakes perch and walleye prepared with simple, flavorful techniques that let the freshness shine. The restaurant’s signature lobster mac and cheese has developed a cult following among locals and visitors alike.

During winter months, the glass-enclosed dining room keeps the water views coming while fireplaces create a cozy atmosphere against the stark beauty of the frozen lake.

5. The Boathouse on the Bay, Caseville

Situated on the shores of Saginaw Bay where Lake Huron stretches to the horizon, The Boathouse captures the laid-back spirit of Michigan’s Thumb region. The converted boathouse retains authentic character with wooden beams and vintage fishing gear adorning the walls.

Famous for their perch baskets and hand-pattied burgers, this unpretentious spot draws a mix of tourists and locals who appreciate straightforward cooking and generous portions. Children love watching for eagles that nest nearby while parents enjoy Michigan craft beers.

During the town’s quirky Cheeseburger Festival, The Boathouse creates special tropical-themed concoctions that honor Jimmy Buffett and Michigan’s own “Key North” vibe.

6. The Windjammer Bar & Grill, Lexington

A local treasure since 1966, The Windjammer’s multi-level decks cascade down to Lake Huron, providing every table with unobstructed blue water vistas. Sailboat races fill the horizon on summer weekends, creating a constantly changing panorama as you dine.

The kitchen specializes in classic American fare with a Great Lakes twist – their famous fish tacos feature whatever’s running fresh that week. Regulars swear by the perfectly balanced Bloody Marys garnished with pickled vegetables from nearby farms.

The restaurant preserves its nautical heritage with salvaged ship parts and navigation instruments that harken back to Michigan’s maritime history, creating a museum-like quality to the cozy interior.

7. The Lake House Waterfront Grille, Muskegon

Architectural brilliance defines this contemporary glass-walled restaurant jutting out over Muskegon Lake. Floor-to-ceiling windows create the illusion of dining on water, with views extending to the channel where Muskegon Lake connects to Lake Michigan.

The menu celebrates Michigan’s agricultural diversity with farm-to-table offerings that change with the seasons. Their signature walleye with local morel mushrooms exemplifies the chef’s commitment to showcasing regional flavors.

The restaurant transforms throughout the day – bright and airy for lunch, golden-hued during sunset dinners, and romantically lit at night when the moon casts a silver path across the water visible from every table.

8. Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, Holland

The sprawling patio at Boatwerks has become Holland’s summer gathering place, where Lake Macatawa provides a stunning backdrop for casual dining. Strings of lights twinkle overhead as evening falls, reflecting in the gentle waves lapping just feet from your table.

Dutch heritage influences the menu with surprising touches like Gouda cheese croquettes alongside fresh-caught fish specials. Their perch sandwich – lightly breaded and served on a pretzel bun – keeps locals coming back year after year.

Winter transforms the experience as ice boats and skaters replace summer boaters, while heated outdoor igloos allow guests to enjoy the frozen landscape in comfort with steaming bowls of their famous white chicken chili.

9. The Cove, Leland

Housed in a 100-year-old fishing shanty in historic Fishtown, The Cove embodies northern Michigan’s maritime heritage. Weathered wooden walls tell stories of generations of Great Lakes fishermen who once used the building to process their daily catch.

Now those same fish appear on plates – whitefish, trout, and perch prepared with simple respect for tradition. The restaurant’s famous Chubby Mary – a Bloody Mary garnished with a whole smoked chub fish – has appeared on national food shows as one of America’s most unique cocktails.

Outdoor tables sit alongside the Leland River where it flows into Lake Michigan, providing a front-row seat to working fishing boats still bringing in the day’s catch.

10. Harbor Haus Restaurant, Copper Harbor

Marking Michigan’s northernmost fine dining experience, Harbor Haus offers front-row seats to Isle Royale ferries departing across Lake Superior. The German-influenced restaurant honors the area’s European mining heritage with schnitzel and spätzle alongside fresh-caught lake trout.

A long-standing tradition has the entire staff rushing outside to wave at the returning Isle Royale Queen IV ferry each evening, often with diners joining in. The restaurant’s interior features hand-carved wooden details and massive windows that frame the protected harbor.

Adventurous winter visitors find the dining room transformed into a cozy haven where lake effect snow creates a dramatic backdrop for comfort food and local ghost stories shared by longtime servers.