20 AMAZING Grand Haven Restaurants You Have to Try!

Set on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven is a scenic hamlet known for waterfront views, sandy beaches, and a charming boardwalk. There is an array of things to do in Grand Haven, and plenty of delicious Grand Haven restaurants. From natural attractions to cool cultural sites, Grand Haven is easily one of the best places to visit in Michigan.

Visitors venture from all over Michigan to explore in the city, drawing in ample tourists to this lovely landscape. 

Lucky for these adventurous vacationers, there’s no shortage of delicious restaurants in Grand Haven enjoy during their stays. Eateries serve up classic Midwest comfort foods in all kinds of historic and modern atmospheres, some that have even been around for decades. Here are the best Grand Haven restaurants to taste test while in town. 

The Best Grand Haven Restaurants – Quick Answers
  • Best Grand Haven Restaurant for Date Night: Snug Harbor
  • Best Grand Haven Pizza Restaurant: Fricano’s Pizza Tavern
  • Best Grand Haven Seafood Restaurant: Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar
  • Best Grand Haven Cheap Eat: The Toasted Pickle & Pronto Pup
  • Best Grand Haven Restaurants for Good Vibes: The Paisley Pig Gastropub

The Best Grand Haven Restaurants


Paisley Pig

Paisley Pig / Grand Haven Restaurants

Paisley Pig is a beloved locally owned and operated institution of the Grand Haven culinary scene. The plates here are always creative, making it a unique pick for any meal of the day. All the ingredients are sourced from farms in the area, so you know the food is fresh. 

Build your own artisan pizza or burger for a fun main just the way you like it. The Paisley Pigs Mac with ghost pepper and pulled pork, the Michigan Bison Meatloaf, and the Beet and Goat Cheese Ravioli are just a few of the hearty and nourishing fares to chow down on here. 


Noto’s at the Bil-Mar

Noto’s at the Bil-Mar / Grand Haven Restaurants

Noto’s brings all the savory flavors of Sicily right to the shores of Grand Haven. The lakefront views are simply stunning, perfect for a special evening panorama complete with a sunset.

Choose Noto’s for dinner if you plan on having a romantic weekend in Michigan. The menu contains elevated dishes, from woodfired pizzas to fresh Michigan seafood and handmade pasta. 

The atmosphere is refined, modern, and airy with a subtle nautical flair. The wide-ranging wine list is eclectic, and the full bar has cocktails and craft beers to pair with any meal. There are plenty of vegan options as well. For a fancy feast in Grand Haven, Noto’s is top-notch.  


The Toasted Pickle

The Toasted Pickle / Grand Haven Restaurants

This small-town sandwich shop is packed full of personality and flavor. It’s a fan favorite of the area for fun and casual eats.

With a bright green facade, you can’t miss it and trust us; you won’t want to. The famous Pickle Poppers (pickles fried with pimento cheese) are a must-try, though they can be addictive. 

The sammy creations boast a bold twist on the classics. The Green Goddess Grilled Cheese and Nashville Hottie are popular picks. They also deliver to Odd Side Ales right next door if you need a refreshing adult beverage to boot. We also love to grab one and go for a beach picnic while in town. 


Odd Side Ales

Odd Side Ales / Grand Haven Restaurants

Right near The Toasted Pickle is one of the best breweries in Michigan. If you’re up for an adventure, visit Odd Side Ales. They technically aren’t one of the best restaurants in Grand Haven, mainly because they don’t serve their own food. But I wanted to mention them here because you can enjoy fantastic beers with food delivered to your table at Odd Sides.

Food from The Toasted Pickle, Porto Bello, Kirby House, and Electric Hero are available! So if you’re really craving some Michigan craft beer and want some bar food to go with your brew – head here!


Fricano’s Pizza Tavern

Fricano’s Pizza Tavern / Grand Haven Restaurants

We’re always searching for the perfect slice wherever we travel and are thrilled to find that pizza is a proud tradition in these parts. There’s no shortage of spots to get a tasty cheesy pie in Grand Haven, and Fricano’s is by far one of our favorites. 

Set in a former 19th-century boarding house, the old-school charm still remains. It’s believed to be the first pizzeria in the state, cooking up authentic Italian cuisine since 1949. The original thin crust style simultaneously sets them apart, perfectly crispy and doughy. They have all the classic toppings to try and well-curated choices of beer and wine. 


Ray’s Drive-In

Ray’s Drive-In / Grand Haven Restaurants

One of the best restaurants in Grand Haven is this lowkey haunt that’s been feeding the hungry masses since 1960. Take a trip back in time for a simple but delicious side with a heaping side of nostalgia. 

There’s nothing better than a good old-fashioned burger, fries, and milkshake, and Ray’s does it right. There are a few other fried fares on offer, from pickles to perch. A trip to this local legend is worth your while, and so is the food coma you’re sure to endure after. 


Cumin Fresh Indian Kitchen

Cumin Fresh Indian Kitchen / Grand Haven Restaurants

Cumin Fresh Indian Kitchen is the spot for amazing authentic curries in Grand Haven. The cuisine includes traditional Indian choices, all with a modern twist. The ambiance is easygoing and intimate, making it all about the flavor. They also partner with local community organizations to give back. We love to do a good deed while we eat! The Chana Masala and Aloo Gabi are especially superb here, and don’t forget to have a side of the samosas. 


Arturo’s Tacos

Arturo’s Tacos / Grand Haven Restaurants

This local hole in the wall serves the most mouthwatering Mexican food around. Partake in all the traditional staples from tacos to tortas to tostadas. The salsa is made fresh in-house. Get it to go or stay and enjoy the intimate eating area. 

We love when the burrito options come in, either big or large, with plenty of filling options like carne asada or chorizo. If you’re finding a daring food outing, take the burrito challenge. This is where you try to finish a whopping six-pound behemoth for a free t-shirt and tacos on the house anytime you wear it, plus bragging rights up on their wall of fame. 


The Kirby House

The Kirby House / Grand Haven Restaurants

The Kirby House is located inside a former hotel. The facade was built in 1873 and has always functioned as a hub for the community in some fashion. Within the space are two other adjoining restaurants, K2 Pizzeria and the Grill Room, and a nightclub called Dark Room. Come for a cocktail hour or a full feast with family and friends. 

From the second floor, you’ll find sweeping waterfront views. Cooking up new American cuisine, the plates here are both fresh and simple. Often live music performances are happening for a fun show to enjoy as you dine. There are many vegetarian options to choose from, like the Cauliflower Steak, and the Jerk Salmon Bowl is highly recommended for carnivores. 


Pronto Pup

Pronto Pup / Grand Haven Restaurants

Pronto Pup is a long-standing fixture of the charming boardwalk in Grand Haven. It’s a seasonal shack and cash-only corn dog stand, but the dough is made with a special secret recipe. Keep it simple and get them slathered in either mustard or ketchup. As the name implies, plenty of people bring a furry friend along to share their bites with as well. 

You can’t beat the price, as these are likely the cheapest eats in the city. There can be a line for these time-honored treats, but it’s always worth the wait. It’s a quaint summertime tradition among locals and visitors alike. No trip to Grand Haven is complete without a Pronto Pup. 


Morning Star Cafe

Morning Star Cafe / Grand Haven Restaurants

To start any day off right in Grand Haven, breakfast at Morning Star Cafe is the best bet. The atmosphere is vibrant and colorful for a cheery way to wake up. Everything is made from scratch with local and fresh ingredients, so it’s easy to see why it’s always packed with locals who treasure this tasty routine. 

Many dishes are classic American, though some invoke a Southwestern flair. The Cornbread Scramble, Shrimp Avocado Eggs Benedict, and the Mocha Java Pancakes are sure to satisfy. It offers a quaint mom-and-pop feel we always enjoy when visiting an adorable small town like Grand Haven. 


Butch’s Beach Burritos

Butch’s Beach Burritos / Grand Haven Restaurants
  • Price: $
  • Cuisine: Burritos
  • Address: 726 S Harbor Dr

West Michigan’s best burritos are right here at Butch’s in Grand Haven. This easy-going joint has been family owned and operated since 1987. They use original family recipes for cooking up some seriously delicious Mexican eats. Besides burritos, you’ll find tacos, enchiladas, and nachos. 

Nothing goes better with a day of fun in the sun than a burrito from Butch’s. It’s a tiny spot right across from the channel to Lake Michigan and only a short walk from the scenic sandy shores. Try the Original Beef and Bean for their most famous offering. 


Porto bello

Porto bello / Grand Haven Restaurants

Nestled in a historic piano factory building in downtown Grand Haven, Porto Bello is a go-to for good food. They serve superb Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. They often host live music, which only adds to the ambiance inside and on their picture-perfect outdoor patio space. Perfect for a beautiful fall day in Michigan.

Specializing in handcrafted pasta and pizzas, the Florentine Ravioli is a phenomenal pick. It’s a great place for a romantic night or special occasion in the city. Who knew Grand Haven would offer such a lovely little slice of Italian life? 


Snug Harbor

Snug Harbor / Grand Haven Restaurants

Snug Harbor has one of the best settings to enjoy a relaxing meal in Grand Haven. Set right on the riverfront, you can sit outside on the banks and watch the boats float as you indulge in a gourmet bite. The spacious upper and lower decks are charming choices for dining al fresco. 

The menu is carefully curated, offering succulent seafood such as Pan Seared Scallops and an entire sushi menu. They have some of the best rolls anywhere around, from spicy tuna to tempura shrimp. They’ve been cooking here since 1989, and the space is a refreshing breath of fresh air. 


Clover Bar

Clover Bar / Grand Haven Restaurants

As we’ve said, Grand Haven is home to many pizza places, and in our books, it’s never enough. Clover Bar was first established in 1963 and is famous for making one-of-a-kind pies. 

They have a few house wines to pair with, along with some pasta and sandwiches. It’s a no-frills space with some old-school attitude. There are even vintage arcade games in the back to play while you wait. 


Lucy’s Deli and Market

Lucy’s Deli and Market / Grand Haven Restaurants

This adorable fresh market has everything you need for a tasty lunch or lakefront picnic. Hit the deli counter for a gourmet selection of meats and cheeses to pack and snack. Of course, don’t forget to pick out the perfect bottle of wine or craft six pack to pair from their impressive selection. 

The Sandwich Shoppe has cold and grilled options and even a slew of sammies on their new favorite pretzel buns or rosemary focaccia. The salads are all made fresh daily from family recipes, and the chicken salad is especially scrumptious. The Lighthouse and the Perfect Ten were both winners in our book. 


Stanz Cafe

Stanz Cafe / Grand Haven Restaurants

Stanz is a down-home haunt that everyone loves. Some specialties are Cajun and other Polish, for a real eclectic environment full of hearty fares. You can’t go wrong with this menu – from pierogies and kielbasa to gumbo and jambalaya, it’s all authentic and flavorful. 

It’s a long-running institution in the area and has that real Midwest charm. The breakfast menu is just as enticing, with Biscuits and Gravy and the Stanz Scramble to start your day. Market cuts of meat are also grilled to order for any carnivores out there. 


The Copper Post

The Copper Post / Grand Haven Restaurants

The Copper Post is a fun and vibrant American eatery located right on the gorgeous Grand Haven waterfront, and one of the best Grand Haven restaurants with a view. The spacious outdoor patio fills up fast, so be sure to get in early for an extremely enjoyable experience. There are classic cocktails and craft beer on tap to relax and let loose a little. 

The atmosphere is clean and modern, and the menu has a little bit of everything. You’ll find some elevated pub grub starters like fried ribs and nachos. Many smash burgers and there’s an entire smokehouse section with choices such as pulled pork and Jamaican jerk chicken. 


Voyage Bowls

Voyage Bowls / Grand Haven Restaurants
  • Price: $$
  • Cuisine: Health food
  • Address: 1 Y Dr

Voyage Bowls is the first and only acai-based eatery in the state, ideal for all the health food fanatics and one of the best Grand Haven restaurants. Sometimes fresh fruit is just what the doctor ordered, and you’re sure to find your fill of it here. Trust us when we say you’ll be compelled to photograph whatever you order. 

The Pitaya (dragon fruit) and Blue Magick (spirulina) bases boast bright colors and are topped with seeds, flowers, granolas, and more. They operate out of an adorable tiny truck, and it’s a great way to support a small business in town. 


Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar

Leo's Seafood Restaurant & Bar / Grand Haven Restaurants

Leo’s strives to provide high-quality, individual, and interactive service for fine dining. This isn’t a Grand Haven restaurant, but rather you’ll have to drive to Grand Rapids to experience eating here. We promise it’s well worth it!

They use all fresh ingredients and traditional and modern culinary techniques to create a distinctive handmade product produced with love. They often serve fresh seafood and fusion fares, taking inspiration from around the globe. 

They are open to guests by reservation, but it’s well worth the plan ahead prep to make one.


Where to Stay in Grand Haven?

Sunset In Grand Haven

Plan For Your Trip


READ MORE MICHIGAN TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best Grand Haven restaurants. Here are a few relevant articles for more travel around Michigan.

Natasha Alden

Natasha Alden

Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Reader’s Digest. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page.