Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Straits

4.6

4.6 (8)

$50 and over

American

Mackinac Island

About the restaurant

The Straits is the premier fine-dining experience at The Inn at Stonecliffe. Inspired by the Great Lakes and rich in locally sourced ingredients, our signature restaurant balances delectable dishes with bold cocktails and savory desserts – always reflecting that Midwestern charm. Whether you’re inside embracing the warming atmosphere, or on the patio for some al fresco dining with a view, you become part of our fine-dining tradition.

Top review

Julie

Dined on Oct 14, 2024

My first time dining experience at The Straits Restaurant was wonderful! The food, décor & ambiance is elegant, yet fun & unique. As I mentioned to our waiter, concierge & manager, “The Straits is showy, but fun & different. Never a dull time.”

Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie - Bay City

4.9

4.9 (50)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Bay City

About the restaurant

Prost! is a new refreshing experience located in Uptown Bay City! Offering a wide selection of wine and beer from around the globe, along with perfectly crafted cocktails. Our menu encompasses the European culture from imported charcuterie and cheese, shareable plates, salads, paninis and heartier dishes. We are dedicated to ensuring our guests are given a welcoming experience and bringing something new to the community for all to enjoy!

In the summer, our intimate dining space opens to the wonderful outdoors, leading to a lovely patio experience!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

Diane

Dined 3 days ago

Very nice place for a holiday get together with neighbors. Service was excellent, food and drinks were great. Highly recommend!

Great Lakes Culinary Institute

4.8

4.8 (90)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Traverse City

About the restaurant

At Lobdell's, a Teaching Restaurant, you'll enjoy food prepared and served by Great Lakes Culinary Institute students and beautiful bayside views. Lunch is served regularly during fall and spring, while bakery and coffee service is provided in summer. Special events throughout the year include farm to table and world cuisine dinners, as well as cocktail and charcuterie events.

Top review

Paula

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

Had an amazing lunch. I had the trout which was delicious and was accompanied by shrimp and cheesy grits, the other two diners with me had the chicken and gnocchi and vegetarian pasta. We all loved our meals!

Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois

4.7

4.7 (1464)

$31 to $50

American

Mackinac Island

About the restaurant

Under the direction of Chef Greg Murphy, the Carriage House Dining Room is known island-wide for its fine classic American cuisine. Local seafood selections such as Carriage House whitefish from Lake Superior and prime steaks from a Detroit family butcher are paired with fresh salads, soups and desserts topped with signature Iroquois Hot Fudge.

Directly overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, guests enjoy flawless service in our glass-enclosed dining room or on one of our breezy outdoor waterfront verandas. The restaurant features an extensive wine list, full bar and nightly entertainment at the piano bar.

Top review

Victoria

Dined on Oct 17, 2024

Beautiful space and location. Great atmosphere and food was good. Great place to see the sunset.

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Popular dish

Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie

Les Cheneaux Culinary School

4.7

4.7 (334)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Hessel

About the restaurant

Simplicity is the essence in good taste... In the world around you, and in food.
Experience the almost seamless setting of “up north” blue waters and pure air. Delight in the breathtaking sunsets while sipping finely crafted cocktails. An unforgettable experience in dining, with the freshest of local produce, fish and game, prepared in carefully understated fashion to respect the wonderful specialness of original flavors.

Top review

AafernVIP

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

First time there - will be back. Loved it. Great service, great food, great atmosphere.

Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (875)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Petoskey

About the restaurant

We have thoughtfully renovated a historic 1938 log building to a beautiful rustic chic atmosphere. Executive Chef Michael will take great care to provide our Guests a dining experience like no other. Our menu will offer a selection of ala cart steaks, seafood, salads, and shareables. We also offer an array of craft cocktails, beer, and an extensive wine selection. Michael and Maggie Wilp share a passion for quality food and service, careful attention to details, and are determined to treat every person that walks through the door as a welcome Guest.
4653 S. Straits Highway, Indian River, MI, 49749.

Top review

glorya

Dined 4 days ago

Our favorite up north restaurant - food excellent, as always!

Boathouse Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2003)

$50 and over

European

Traverse City

About the restaurant

The cuisine of the Boathouse, created with distinctive flair is refined and contemporary, with an underlying element that echoes the classical French tradition of Escoffier.

The Boathouse experience begins with a drive along the shores of beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay and its sparkling blue waters.

When you dine with us, you get the best of both worlds: We are both locavores and connoisseurs of what the rest of the world has to offer, so you get the freshest, finest ingredients from near and far. Owner Doug Kosch adheres to the "farm to table" concept.

Top review

Shannon

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Outstanding service. Dinner for two was delicious. Great way to spend an anniversary. Will definitely go back.

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4.8

4.8 (1348)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Walloon Lake

About the restaurant

Walloon Lake Inn is a unique upscale restaurant, which was totally renovated in 2014. It is a popular destination for people seeking a distinctive dining experience with a reputation of fantastic food, lovely atmosphere and superb service.

Top review

RichardVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Quality food, awesome view, great service in a quaint setting. Highly recommended.

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Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (662)

$31 to $50

Steak

Petoskey / Boyne City

About the restaurant

The Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse, known to locals as the “DLB”, has a rich history of providing great food and service in a rustic log building overlooking beautiful Douglas Lake. The two giant fieldstone fireplaces offer the perfect dining ambiance during the spring and fall seasons. Summer guests enjoy drinks on the outdoor patio and dining on the lakeside deck or the screened-in porch.

Top review

Jim

Dined 7 days ago

Great evening. Three of us had steaks. All were perfect. Marnie did a great job taking care of us. We love going when they open for the holidays

Cafe Zinc

4.8

4.8 (923)

$31 to $50

Café

Midland

About the restaurant

Please Note: Any OpenTable Reservations made for Café Zinc are for our indoor dining only, and are not for our Outdoor Dining Pods. To make reservations for our H Hotel Dining Pods please visit https://www.opentable.com/r/h-hotel-dining-pods-midland

The world of chemistry works on an elemental level. Now experience what happens to your world when the elements work for you. A modern, 40 seat casual dining restaurant - Café Zinc is designed and themed to represent a French bistro setting. Our French pastry Chef prepares a daily assortment of house made pastries and breads for use in the restaurant as well as retail sale.

Top review

Gary

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Had a really nice dinner as Zinc, the service and food were both excellent. The dining area is very nice and cozy with the fireplace being that it was a cold snowy night. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if they had some holiday lights or greenery.

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Popular dish

Avocado Toast

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