What are the best restaurants in Traverse City?

Whether you're looking for lakeside dining, farm-to-table, family friendly, or a tasting menu paired with local wines, Traverse City has it all. We recommend browsing our places to eat page where you can find an extensive list of dining options in the area.

What food is Traverse City known for?

Traverse City is best known for its cherries. The region produces a significant share of the country's tart cherry crop, and you'll find them in everything from pies and jams to cocktails and sauces. Beyond cherries, the area is celebrated for its farm-to-table dining culture, fresh Great Lakes whitefish and perch, locally produced wines from the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas, and a growing craft beverage scene. Summer and fall bring abundant local produce, making Traverse City the ideal setting to showcase the bounty of our Great Lakes.

Are there waterfront restaurants in Traverse City?

Absolutely, dining on the water in Traverse City is one of its signature qualities. Whether you're watching the sun set over West Bay or enjoying a meal steps from the Boardman River, you can be sure waterfront is in no short supply throughout the Great Lakes state.

What are the best kid-friendly restaurants in Traverse City?

Traverse City is a popular family destination with plenty of dining options to keep even the pickiest eaters happy. You'll find everything from pizza and pasta spots to casual taverns with full kids' menus, plus no shortage of ice cream destinations to end the day. Browse our full guide to kid-friendly dining .

Places to Eat

Food. It’s a passion for some and an afterthought for others. For Traverse City -- it’s a passion.  With an agricultural history and a commitment to creating menus that showcase the region's ingredients, the area has become a culinary destination. If you find yourself asking, "Is Traverse City a great foodie destination?", the answer is a clear yes! But don't just take our word for it, listen to the experts. Traverse City was named Midwest Living's 2026 Food City of the Year and one of Food & Wine's Top 10 Small US Cities for Food and Drink in 2026.

Traverse City restaurants range from the simple to the swanky. Some are best suited for breakfast; others for lunch or dinner. Types of food vary, too. Asian, Greek, Italian, American and Mexican are all on the list, along with a handful of other categories.

Our unique cuisine borrows freely from other regional styles and relies heavily on imagination, boldness and spunk. Capitalizing on fresh ingredients from nearby farms and orchards our restaurateurs seem to be on a mission to showcase the best of what the area has to offer.

Many of our area's restaurants, wineries and breweries are open for in-person dining (at limited capacity). There are also plenty of takeout options, as well as places to enjoy meals or drinks outside.

Places to Eat

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