Marquette is a cute city set right along the waterfront of Lake Michigan. It’s known for its abundance of natural wonders, beautiful waterfalls, delicious Marquette restaurants, and cultural coups, like a rich Northern American history and a thriving arts scene.
Recently, Marquette’s popularity seems to be steadily increasing, with more and more visitors flocking to its scenic shores each year. It’s truly one of the best places to visit in Michigan.
The number of enchanting eateries to enjoy also continues to grow. Today you’ll find a variety of fares, from traditional regional delicacies to inventive globally influenced cuisines. Below are the best restaurants in Marquette, MI.
The Best Restaurants in Marquette
Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery
One of the best things to do in Marquette is eat at Lagniappe. Lagniappe has been concocting all the Creole cuisines you’ve been craving since 2006. It’s a rustic atmosphere serving mainly Louisiana style dishes. It’s such a fun spot to stop in, as they often have local live bands performing blues music. Everything on the very extensive menu is made from scratch in-house.
The fares are known for being packed with flavor, some with serious spice and some without any at all. The Po Boys, Gumbo, and Fried Crawfish are a few of the favorite orders here. Though the craft cocktails and sampling plates are just as good of a reason as any to drop by.
Yoop Coop
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Hand breaded and grilled chicken tenders, comfort food
- Address: 510 W Washington St, Marquette (GPS)
- Website: See menu
It may be one of the most unassuming restaurants in Marquette. Yoop Coop serves comfort food with a little something extra to make it more elevated. Better than the average chicken shack, they’re known for their hand breaded tenders and extremely extensive list of house made sauces.
There are 22 in total, and you’ll want to keep coming back to try each and every one! Our personal top contenders are the Mango Habanero Lime and the Thai Pesto. The service is fast, it’s affordable, and the food is simple yet delicious.
Vango’s Pizza and Cocktail Lounge
Vango’s is a no frills favorite in Marquette. It has the typical bar and grille feel, which to us means ice cold beer and good food. They offer both Italian and Greek cuisines. It’s actually the oldest pizza parlor in the city, and they still make their own dough and sauce all from scratch.
Whether you opt for a pie with the works or a loaded gyro, you’re sure to leave full and satisfied.
Portside Inn
Portside Inn has been a long standing institution in Marquette for lunch and dinner since 1983. Known as the true original eatery of the city, this cozy little enclave has a relaxed, nautical theme. The menu is all classic American pub grub. They’ve got a range of local beers on tap, so you can always find something to hit the spot.
They support a lot of other local purveyors, from bakeries to butchers, by serving all kinds of yummy goodies made in town. The fresh Whitefish is caught daily from one of Michigan’s finest lakes, Lake Superior. Some of the more famous fares here include the breadsticks (a must), the stacked sandwiches, and the fire-grilled burgers.
Rice Paddy
Rice Paddy is a family owned Thai eatery with tasty traditional cuisine. Every sauce is made daily without any MSG. You can build your own Stir Fry here by picking out your protein and toppings.
The menu is simple, but there’s an option for everyone and all the classics have made the cut. The Chicken with Wild Spicy Plum Sauce and the Satay Pork and Peanut Sauce are a couple of the more coveted orders here. Be advised that they are closed on the weekend.
Third Coast Pizzeria
Third Coast Pizzeria is a laidback pizza joint that’s widely beloved by locals and tourists alike. They have a full service bar that offers many beers made in the area and fine wines to pair with any plate. Though the pies made with fresh and delicious topping choices are the main draw, the handhelds here are also quite tasty.
When in Michigan, close to the Canadian border, ordering poutine is almost a mandatory pastime, and the location rarely stops us from partaking.
The Pulled Pork Poutine did not disappoint here. Gluten-free crust is easily available if you build your own creation as well. The menu even includes some more surprising orders, like tacos, and egg rolls.
Donkers
Set in the heart of downtown Marquette, Donkers is a delightful dining destination that everyone can enjoy. They’ve been an integral part of the city since 1896. They’re famous around town for their gourmet sweet treats, but the menu boasts a delicious range of savory bites as well.
Regardless of whether you have a sweet tooth or not, purchasing a few chocolates or pastries before heading out is highly recommended. The house made Mac and Cheese is always a solid choice, especially if the daily special happens to be the Ham and Bacon Deluxe. The Signature Curry Melt is also quite craveable.
Togo’s
Togo’s is the original submarine sandwich shop in the city, first opening almost 60 years ago. It’s become a beloved tradition for everyone from college students to families to stop in, get a 24 inch sub and snap a photo with the epic sandwich.
They offer a variety of healthy and indulgent choices all without having to break the bank. The in-house bakery makes fresh bread for their creations each and every day.
Steinhaus
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: German restaurant
- Address: 102 W Washington St #115, Marquette (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Steinhaus is a neighborhood haunt serving up seasonal German fares. You’ll find plenty of European beers on draft and bottles to pair with traditional plates of bratwurst and schnitzel. The menu is simple but always elevated and they work closely with many local farms to source all the ingredients.
Reservations are recommended here and be advised that they’re normally closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The decor is minimal and there’s a cozy, classic pub feel from the walls covered in flags and other kitschy memorabilia.
The Delft Bistro
The Delft Bistro is a New American outpost in downtown Marquette. The seasonal menu always has something simple yet surprising to try. The ambiance is relaxed and rustic. They always strive to curate a unique dining experience here. The dishes use high quality ingredients that speak for themselves.
The Slider Flights are fun as a starter or a shareable snack. For mains we couldn’t get enough of the Foghorn Leghorn. Go for brunch if you get the chance, and don’t miss out on the Matcha Pancakes. The cocktails are by far the best drinks, all made with fresh herbs, hand squeezed juices, and house made syrups.
Casa Calabria
Casa Calabria is widely known as the best Italian restaurant in the Upper Peninsula and definitely one of the best Marquette restaurants. The hearty plates offer heaping portions of homestyle authentic cuisine. The environment is casual and inviting, with stone walls and a cute cocktail bar.
The signature dish seems to be the Lasagna, though you really can’t go wrong with any of the made-from-scratch pasta.
The stuffed shells and pizza baked penne stood out for us, especially when paired with the perfect glass of wine as recommended by the knowledgeable servers.
The Vierling
This historic eatery is located in the heart of downtown Marquette overlooking the scenic harbor. It’s an old school spot that’s been family owned and operated for over 30 years. The specialty here is fresh Lake Superior Whitefish. The full bar has a long list of fine wines and ten rotating craft beers on tap.
The furnishings are antique and ornate, from the original stained glass fixtures to the oil paintings and framed vintage maps. The menu offers a fairly diverse selection of American cuisine, including pasta, pizzas, and paninis.
Bodega
If you’re looking for the best way to start the day in Marquette, there’s nothing better than breakfast at Bodega. It’s a cute cafe right on Third Street, famous for its early and mid morning eats that are served all day long. Everything is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, from the sauces to the biscuits, in support of the slow food movement.
They also sell local art, wares, and gourmet groceries in the super hip setting. When in doubt order the Yogurt Sundae or Spuds Plate with one of the famous vegan bloody marys.
Iron Bay
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American, bar and grill
- Address: 105 E Washington St, Marquette (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Iron Bay is set inside a historic building that has been beautifully renovated. The refurbished space is super chic, with floor to ceiling windows letting plenty of sun shine on the exposed brick walls. In the winter, the snowy surroundings look idyllic from next to the warm fireplace. In the warmer months, crowds take to the deck to watch the sunset over the sparkling waters. We love the hand crafted cocktails from the bar here.
The food tends to focus on seafood and steak dishes. For something more relaxed, the burger selection is very good as well.
Stuckos
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American pub grub & draft beer
- Address: 900 N 3rd St, Marquette (GPS)
- Website: See menu
This local pub has all the favorite sports bar fixtures. The beer list is good and the vibe is laid back. There tends to be a nice balance between the college crowd and neighborhood families packed in. The cheese curds are the classic order, especially since they go with everything. We also tried and really enjoyed the Buffalo Pulled Pork and the Gourmet Grilled Cheese.
It’s open for lunch and dinner everyday, and the menu is always available until midnight in case you get any late night munchies while in Marquette.
Sol Azteca
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
- Address: 105 E Washington St, Marquette (GPS)
- Website: See menu
For authentic Mexican food in Marquette, Sol Azteca is the top spot. Since they’re on the second floor, there’s a stunning view of the water from inside as well. It’s a low key environment, with a few traditional decorations and exposed brick. There are plenty of vegetarian dishes to try, like the Quesadilla or Taco Salad. Everything is made fresh daily and the servers speak both Spanish and English here.
The menu is so extensive it can be hard to decide on a dish. Go for one of the specials like the Carnitas or Azteca Fajitas, which are served inside of a fresh pineapple!
Digs Gastropub
- Price:$$
- Cuisine: American pub, beers and cocktails
- Address: 154 W Washington St, Marquette (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Digs is a warm and easygoing outpost offering gourmet pub grub. The ambiance is classic Americana with a funky flair. Though newer to the foodie scene here, it’s highly regarded as one of the coolest spots to dine out in town. They offer the big city experience perfectly balanced with small town charm. The bar serves exclusive beers and specialty cocktails.
The menu features seasonal spins on iconic street foods, like wings and hot dogs. It’s great to go in for a snack and drink, with shareable plates ranging from Kimchi Rice Balls to Chicken and Waffles.
Zephyr Wine Bar and Cafe
The claim to fame here is that they have the longest wine by glass list in the whole state! Zephyr is much more than just a swanky spot with well curated varietals. Their Cellar Restaurant offers a four course prefix menu every weekend.
It’s a special culinary experience that’s different every single time, and certainly some of the best fine dining in the city. Keep in mind that it is reservation only and can be pricey, but for a nice night on the town it’s well worth it. The atmosphere is funky and cool.
Where to Stay in Marquette
Things to do in Marquette
There are plenty of things to do in Marquette before or after your meal! If you’re interested in outdoor activities, I highly recommend visiting Presque Isle Park, which offers great hiking trails and stunning views of Lake Superior. Lakenenland Sculpture Park is worth a visit, as it features unique metal sculptures created by a local artist.
If you’re a fan of waterfalls, don’t worry as there are plenty around Marquette! Wagner Falls and Yellow Dog Falls are both beautiful spots to explore and are sure to impress any visitor! Up for a longer hike or bike ride? The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a great option. See the full list here!
READ MORE MICHIGAN TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you enjoyed this guide on where to eat in Marquette. Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few relevant articles for more travel around Michigan.
- Things to do in Frankenmuth
- Things to do in Traverse City
- Things to do in Saugatuck
- Things to do in Petoskey
- Things to do in Mackinac
- Things to do in Ludington
- Things to do in Holland
- Things to do in Grand Haven
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