If you are like me, you love to go out to eat. Especially on Vacation! The only thing that ruins that is not having a great meal. When on vacation, that is a top priority to a lot of people. To help out with that, we have compiled a list of the 10 best restaurants in Grand Haven and the surrounding area. Grab your knife and fork and lets dig into the list which is in no particular order. This list comes from personal experience, guest feedback, and online feedback.
1.) Our Favorite Date Night Spot: Two Tony’s Italian Kitchen in Spring Lake, MI. When we actually get the chance for a date night (which doesn’t happen nearly enough!), our go-to spot is always Two Tony’s Italian Kitchen in Spring Lake, MI . It’s one of those restaurants that just never disappoints — perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or even just a much-needed night out.
Everything about this place feels special. The food? Absolutely fantastic. We’ve tried so many things on the menu, and honestly, we’ve never had a bad meal. Some of our favorites are the 10-Layer Lasagna (it’s everything you want in comfort food), the classic Spaghetti & Meatballs, the creamy Risotto, and their Signature Pizza that’s always spot-on.
If you like to start with appetizers, don’t skip the house bread with feta spread — it’s kind of legendary — or the Italian Eggrolls, which are one of those “wait, why didn’t I think of that?” dishes. They’ve got a great drink selection too. There’s usually a nice mix of local Michigan beers on tap, plus a well-rounded wine list that pairs perfectly with all that delicious Italian food.
The vibe inside is what really seals the deal for us. It’s a little upscale, but still super comfortable — dim lighting, cozy tables, and just the right energy for a date night. In the warmer months, we love sitting outside on the front porch, enjoying dinner and a drink as the sun goes down. If you’re anywhere near Spring Lake, MI, and you’re craving amazing Italian food in a relaxed but romantic setting, Two Tony’s Italian Kitchen is definitely worth the visit. It’s one of those local gems that keeps us coming back again and again.
2.) One of the biggest perks of where we’re located is having Noto’s at the Bil-Mar just a short walk away — only about a third of a mile down the beach! It’s not only the closest restaurant to us, but also the only restaurant in Grand Haven that’s right on the beach, offering incredible views of Lake Michigan. If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy dinner or drinks with a front-row seat to the sunset, this is it. The outdoor seating area sits right on the sand, so you can literally dig your toes in while you sip a cocktail or share a pizza.
Speaking of pizza — Noto’s is famous for their Brick Oven Pizzas, and you have to try the #27, which was actually chosen as Bobby Flay’s #1 Pizza in Grand Rapids during a blind tasting. The rest of the menu is just as impressive, with something for everyone — from pasta and seafood to perfectly cooked steaks.
Some guest favorites we hear about all the time include the Shrimp & Scallop Pasta, Hazelnut-Encrusted Walleye, and Spaghetti Bolognese. Everything’s fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated — perfect for a beachside dinner you’ll actually remember.
And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. Their lineup is seriously next-level, featuring hand-rolled Cannolis, creamy Cheesecake (my personal favorite), Crème Brûlée, and classic Tiramisu. Honestly, there’s no wrong choice here — the hardest part is picking just one!
3.) If you’re not quite sure what you’re in the mood for — but you know you want something delicious — then The Paisley Pig Gastropub in Grand Haven, Michigan is the place to go. Don’t let the name fool you — while they do serve up some seriously good barbecue, The Paisley Pig is much more than that. It’s a farm-to-table style gastropub that blends comfort food with creativity, and somehow manages to nail every dish on the menu.
Yes, the BBQ is amazing (the ribs and the namesake Paisley Pig sandwich are both winners), but this is one spot where you can confidently order anything and know it’s going to be good. Some of the most talked-about local favorites include the Meatloaf, Osso Bucco, Paisley Pig Mac with Ghost Pepper, and their juicy burgers.
And let’s talk about the Artisan Pizzas — because they’re absolutely worth the trip on their own. Two fan favorites we always recommend are the “I Like Pig Butts and I Cannot Lie” (yes, that’s the real name — and yes, it’s awesome) and “West Philadelphia Born & Raised”, a clever nod to The Fresh Prince that tastes as good as it sounds. To top it off, Paisley Pig also has a great beer and wine selection, featuring plenty of Michigan breweries and wineries, along with some fun local craft options that change with the season.
Whether you’re visiting from out of town or you’re a local looking for something new, The Paisley Pig Gastropub is one of those places that just feels like home — casual, creative, and consistently great.
4.) Next up on our list is something a little more casual — but every bit as delicious. If you’ve spent any time in Grand Haven, Michigan, you’ve probably heard about The Toasted Pickle. This isn’t your average sandwich shop — it’s a local favorite that’s earned national attention, having been featured on Seaside Snacks & Shacks and Road Trip Masters.
The Toasted Pickle is one of those small-town gems where everything on the menu is good, and plenty of things are great. The vibe is laid-back and fun, with a small indoor seating area that fills up fast. They’re also a top pick for carryout, especially if you’re heading to Odd Side Ales next door. (Yep — they’ll actually deliver your sandwich right to your table at the brewery!)
If you’re staying put, definitely grab one of their flavored lemonades to go with your meal — they’re the perfect sweet-and-tangy combo.
Now, let’s talk about the stars of the show: the sandwiches. Locals rave about the Green Goddess, Nashville Hottie, and their take on the Cuban, all packed with flavor and creativity. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Italian Bomber — it’s a must-try if you love a hearty sandwich.
Don’t skip the sides either! The Pickle Poppers (pickles wrapped in thin dough with pimento cheese and fried to perfection) are every bit as good as they sound, and the Truffle Fries are absolutely addictive.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch for the beach, a quick bite before exploring downtown, or want food delivered to Odd Side Ales while you enjoy a local craft beer, The Toasted Pickle is a must-stop in Grand Haven.
5.) Okay, this next one isn’t about a single restaurant — it’s about an entire food group that deserves its own spotlight: PIZZA! 🍕
Grand Haven has so many great pizza places that it’s almost impossible to choose just one favorite. In fact, we love it so much that we wrote an entire post dedicated to it — our Top 9 Best Pizza Places in Grand Haven. (Trust us, you’ll want to check that one out!)
Let’s start with the most legendary spot of them all: Fricano’s Pizza Tavern. This local icon has been serving up pizza since 1949, when Cosimo “Gus” Fricano opened what’s believed to be Michigan’s very first pizzeria right here in Grand Haven. Their pizza is thin, crispy around the edges, yet still soft in the center — and completely addictive. For a lot of people, a trip to Grand Haven isn’t complete without a stop at Fricano’s.
But Fricano’s isn’t the only name in town when it comes to great pizza. Some other local favorites include Mr. Scrib’s (they even deliver to Looking Glass!), Clover Bar, Two Tony’s, Paisley Pig, K2 at Kirby, and Lombardos. Each spot brings its own unique twist, from classic tavern-style pies to gourmet brick-oven creations.
Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with any of them — and that’s exactly why pizza as a whole earns a spot on our list of must-try eats in Grand Haven.
🍕 Click here to check out our full blog post on the Top 9 Best Pizza Places in Grand Haven — because one slice is never enough!
6.) Next up on our list of the best restaurants in Grand Haven is a spot that locals absolutely love — and for good reason. JW’s Food & Spirits is one of those places that just gets everything right. The food, the service, the atmosphere — it’s the kind of restaurant that keeps both visitors and locals coming back again and again.
JW’s has something for everyone, with a menu full of crowd-pleasers and local favorites. Two dishes that always get mentioned are their famous White Chicken Chili (creamy, flavorful, and perfect on a cool day) and their Lake Perch Dinner, which is light, crispy, and a true Michigan classic.
And we can’t forget about their burgers — whether you go for a classic cheeseburger or one of their specialties like the Chimichurri Burger, you really can’t go wrong. Every one we’ve tried has been fantastic.
Another big plus? JW’s has an excellent beer and wine selection, thanks to the wine and beer shop next door. Their list features plenty of local Michigan brews and wines, along with great picks from across the country and beyond.
If you ask any local where to eat in Grand Haven, chances are JW’s Food & Spirits will come up in that conversation — and once you try it, you’ll see why. Just a heads-up: it’s a popular spot and tends to fill up quickly, so making a reservation is definitely recommended!
7.) Okay, this next stop on our list isn’t exactly a “restaurant”… it’s a stand — but not just any stand. It’s the one and only Pronto Pup in Grand Haven, Michigan! What do they serve? Simple: Pronto Pups (aka corn dogs) and pop — because yes, we’re in Michigan, and it’s pop, not soda. That’s it. And honestly, that’s all they need.
These little golden-brown beauties are warm, crispy, crunchy, and absolutely delicious. You’ll know you’re getting close to the waterfront when you start spotting people strolling by holding one… or two… or sometimes five Pronto Pups at once, fanned out like a bouquet of fried perfection. At just about $1.75 each, they’re an affordable (and addictive) local tradition. The line is almost always long, but don’t let that scare you — it moves quickly, and it’s 100% worth the wait. Pro tip: grab a few, because one is never enough!
Pronto Pup has been a Grand Haven staple for over 75 years, and it’s truly one of those “must-visit” spots when you’re in town. There’s just something special about standing along the channel, Pronto Pup in hand, taking in the lake views and enjoying a bite of pure Michigan nostalgia.
So go ahead — get in line, grab a Pup (or three), and taste a piece of Grand Haven history. here. So get in line, enjoy views of the channel and enjoy a part of history.
8.) Next up on our list of the best restaurants in Grand Haven is a true local legend that’s been serving the community since 1960 — Ray’s Drive-In. This place is all about keeping things simple, classic, and downright delicious — just the way things used to be.
Ray’s is your go-to spot when you’re craving old-school drive-in vibes and comfort food that never goes out of style. Think small, perfectly cooked burgers, crispy crinkle-cut fries, and creamy milkshakes in all kinds of flavors. It’s the kind of meal that just makes you happy. For me, it’s all about the Triple with Cheese Deluxe, a side of fries, and a Peanut Butter Shake — and the best part? The whole meal costs around $9. You really can’t beat that.
You can eat in your car, grab it to-go, or bring it to the beach or a nearby park. However you enjoy it, Ray’s is the definition of a classic Grand Haven experience. And if you’re in the mood for something fried (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you’ve got options. The menu includes Perch, a crispy Fish Sandwich, Shrimp, Onion Petals, and Deep-Fried Pickles — all golden, crunchy, and delicious.
So next time you’re in town and want a taste of nostalgia served with a side of fries, make sure you stop by Ray’s Drive-In. Some things never need to change — and this is one of them.
9.) Craving Mexican food while you’re in Grand Haven, Michigan but don’t want to spend a lot of time? Then you’ve got to stop by Arturo’s Tacos — a local favorite that serves up big flavor from a small, no-frills spot. Whether you’re after tacos, burritos, or a little bit of everything, this place hits the spot every time.
Arturo’s offers all the classics: Tacos, Burritos, Tostadas, Enchiladas, Tortas, and Taco Salads — each made with fresh ingredients, homemade salsa, and tons of authentic flavor. You can order your tacos Mexican-style (with cilantro and onion) or American-style (with lettuce, tomato, and cheese), depending on how you like them.
Their burritos are legendary — and come in two sizes: large or huge. Each one uses a 14-inch tortilla stuffed to the brim with your choice of fillings. Choose from Steak (Carne Asada), Chicken (Pollo), Ground Beef (Picadillo), Marinated Pork (Al Pastor), or Mexican Sausage (Chorizo). It’s the kind of place that feels just right for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or takeout meal by the beach. They’ve got a small dine-in area, offer carryout, and even deliver (with a small order minimum).
Whether you’re a local regular or just visiting the lakeshore, Arturo’s Tacos is one of those hidden gems you’ll be happy you found — and you might just end up coming back twice. 🌮
From their crispy Belgian frites to their croquettes (think fancy tater tots, for us Americans), every dish is made with care and packed with flavor. The Schnitzel is perfectly cooked and comforting, and the Burgers are juicy, creative, and satisfying. If you’re a fan of fish, the Fish n Frites is a must-try — golden, tender, and exactly how it should taste.
Of course, no Belgian-inspired tavern would be complete without a great beer list, and Unicorn Tavern doesn’t disappoint. They offer an expansive selection of Belgian beers, both bottled and on tap — including some hard-to-find brews that will make any beer enthusiast (myself included!) very happy. But if you prefer something familiar, they’ve got plenty of classic options too. To wrap up your meal, don’t skip dessert — the Limoncello Cheesecake Brûlée is the perfect sweet finish to an already amazing dining experience.
The Unicorn Tavern is a welcome new addition to Grand Haven’s restaurant lineup, blending European-inspired comfort food with local charm. Whether you’re going for dinner with family, drinks with friends, or just want to try something a little different, this spot is sure to impress.
