Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Grand Rapids / Western Michigan

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Grand Rapids / Western Michigan? 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 Heritage Restaurant

5.0

5 (608)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

The Heritage is one of the many classroom/laboratory facilities operated by the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. The restaurant is staffed by students in the culinary programs and is under the direct supervision of Chef and Dining Room Professors.

During lunch, your meal will be prepared and served by first year students. The meals represent International Cuisine with modern and classical touches. In the evening, The Heritage reopens to feature a relaxed atmosphere, more Continental Cuisine, and our second year students will serve and prepare your meal.

The Secchia Institute for Culinary Education restaurants and kitchens are classroom settings. We take pride in them. Our students prepare our meals daily with the finest seasonally available ingredients including freshly baked artisan bread.

Top review

Chelsea

Dined on Nov 20, 2024

Me and my daughter came here for lunch today. The attention to detail was impeccable. She had such a fantastic time and so did I. Thank you for making our day so special!

Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar

4.9

4.9 (1225)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Saugatuck

About the restaurant

Every coastline brings with it an air of freshness and wonder, an inspiration in every ebb and flow. Coasts can be recognizable and new … predictably unpredictable in a way that can surprise or delight. But no matter the geography, there is a familiarity and a connection. At Coast 236, the rhythm of familiarity and freshness is our inspiration. Sourcing fresh and sustainable ingredients from water and land, we passionately craft approachable coastal inspired cuisine with unexpected details. Coast 236 takes reservations for tables of 1-6 guests only through open table. Sorry, service animals only.

Top review

Anne

Dined 3 days ago

We chose Coast for our wedding anniversary dinner and it was perfect. We booked early (5:30 pm) as we hoped for a quiet meal.we were the first guests to arrive and got a table for two in front of the fireplace. We both loved our meals - scallops for me and salmon for my husband - and were grateful for outstanding service!

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4.8

4.8 (326)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lansing

About the restaurant

We love making our food from scratch. We could not do it without our local farmers! Fun atmosphere, upscale cuisine, craft cocktails and local artist gallery as decor.

Top review

Clark

Dined on Dec 17, 2024

First time eating here and I found the food delicious (Barbacoa Sammy and Caluliflower and Guoda Cheese soup)! Service was great, ambiance is top notch.

The Melting Pot - Grand Rapids

4.7

4.7 (1231)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Melting Pot. We offer a truly unique dining experience created by the art of fondue. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, a long overdue date night, or celebrating with a group, The Melting Pot is perfect for any occasion. Tailor your visit with a four-course dining experience including cheese fondue, salad, entree and chocolate fondue. Or, come by for fondue cheese paired with that perfect glass of wine from our extensive selection. That's not to say we haven't had more than a few stop by to satisfy that chocolate craving after a movie.

Top review

Amy

Dined 6 days ago

We had a fantastic Christmas Eve dinner! The food and service were amazing as always.

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Experience

Standard Reservation

Experience

New Year's Celebration!

MDRD

4.7

4.7 (1953)

$50 and over

Spanish

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

At MDRD, you’re invited to sample modern Spanish cuisine. Melt into the lavish vibe of a dining experience where your every need is anticipated. From fabulous furnishings and sounds of the city to a deluge of exciting flavors—all your senses are engaged. Feel the rhythm of Madrid as you enter the seductive atmosphere of this luxurious top-floor tapería. Get swept up. Experience MDRD.

Top review

James

Dined 1 day ago

Dining at MDRD is a very special experience. The service upon arrival, throughout our meal, and as we were leaving was top notch. This was our second visit and we will definitely return for future special occasions We had a very fun and patient server who guided us through menu options and selections for a truly enjoyable meal!

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Experience

New Year's Eve Pre-Fixe Menu Experience

Experience

Experience La Buena Vista

The Fields of Michigan

4.6

4.6 (61)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

South Haven

About the restaurant

The Fields Supper Club is culinary magic as chef/sommelier Mindy Trafman offers a 4-course menu paired with a gorgeous landscape amid our blueberry field. Gather at the communal table + connect with nature while sharing a delicious meal with new friends. Share a sense of place + community with each bite as we incorporate fresh garden + local farm ingredients into your experience. May - Mid-September, dinner is served Friday-Tuesday at 6:30 pm. Mid-September-October, dinner is offered on Friday + Saturday only. The dinner price is $65 pp plus tax, gratuity, + beverage, + the menu focuses on fish and local vegetables. Saturday, we serve a more elaborate dinner menu at $85 pp plus tax, gratuity, + beverage. Reservations are required. No substitutions. Please note vegetarian requests on your reservation. Please park in the front parking lot + walk straight up the blueberry fields to get to our table. Bring a basket to pick some blueberries as you return to your car.

Top review

Jay

Dined on Oct 12, 2024

We we’re staying on site at the fields and had reservations, but as dinner time approached so did a rainstorm and we weren’t much in the mood for socializing. Staff went above and beyond and delivered our dinner to our tent!! we offered to come pick it up, but they were so kind to bring it to us to enjoy the privacy of our own tent!

Gypsum Grill and Event Center

4.6

4.6 (29)

$30 and under

American

Walker

About the restaurant

Gypsum Grill is located 2 miles from the heart of Grand Rapids. Take in breathtaking views of the surrounding golf course while enjoying elevated American cuisine. Our polished casual environment is perfect for any occasion whether it is date night, game night, or family night!

Top review

Gayle

Dined 7 days ago

Great new restaurant on the west side. I recommend the Tinga but everone in our group of six enjoyed their meal. Our server Ian was attentive, informative and even brought us a plate of complimentary cookies.

Tupelo Honey - Grand Rapids

4.5

4.5 (2312)

$30 and under

Contemporary Southern

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Always scratch-made, always responsibly-soured, and always Southern.

Top review

Amanda

Dined 2 days ago

We had a great time, the service was great, and the food was amazing!!

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Experience

Holiday Brunch

Experience

Hoot & Holler Happy Hour

Matchbox Diner and Drinks

4.3

4.3 (92)

$30 and under

American

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Matchbox Diner & Drinks is a neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Eastown in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our modern diner and delicatessen features breakfast all-day, mile-high deli sandwiches, burgers, comfort food, delicious dinners, and a full bar. Matchbox Diner & Drinks is meant to be an extension of our home and our family, so expect good food and good people all year round.

Top review

Patricia

Dined on Oct 5, 2024

Upon deciding to try a local establishment for dinner, Matchbox caught our eye. We knew parking would be an issue, especially in a densely populated neighborhood coupled with little to no parking availability near the restaurant. The walk about 1.5 blocks was invigorating and after our meal was a needed trek. The server was super friendly, but appeared to become totally overwhelmed with the amount of tables which quickly filled her station. Overall, our food was delicious. Simple but very tasty. Seating was an issue for us, as my partner was sticking out in the middle of the walkway in such a way that the distance from. the corner of the bar top and his chair only left wiggle room to pass, He felt 'inundated' with the traffic pattern. If anyone has sat in the first 3-seater row expanded from a 2 seater row on an airplane can attest to the inconvenience and interruptions that occur. Same with this particular table. It appeared to be that other tables were not affected. Would we return - probably - to see if things just might be a bit better.

Bobcat Bonnie's - Lansing

4.1

4.1 (17)

$30 and under

American

Lansing

About the restaurant

🍸Happy Hour M-F 3-6PM, TH 3PM-CL
🍾 Weekend Mimosa + Bloody Mary Bar

Top review

Melissa

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

We did brunch with Santa in the traincar. It was a great experience