Michigan: This is the Most Underrated Restaurant in the State

Local restaurants are always such a special experience. During the pandemic, so many local restaurants shut down, which broke my heart, but thankfully, now I'm seeing a bunch of new, local eateries popping up across Michigan on a regular basis.

Each town as their big, favorite local restaurants that everybody knows about. But, what about those hidden gems- the restaurants that not many people even know exist? Michigan is filled with those, too.

The crew at SpoonUniversity.com has put together a list of the most underrated restaurants in America, and they chose a good one for Michigan. That spot is Noble Fish in Detroit. "Detroit as a whole is an underrated food city, but Anthony Bourdain believes it has food worth noting," they state in the article. "Don't miss Noble Fish, a Japanese market with the freshest sushi Detroit has to offer."

As for nearby states, in Ohio, they recommend Angelo’s Pizzeria, stating, "Angelo's wants you to 'bring your family for a nice dinner and not bust your wallet.' Be sure to check out their cheese ravioli, as it's the best in Ohio." In Illinois, they suggest NEAR Restaurant, stating, "NEAR Restaurant serves Italian cuisine with a modern twist, but because it’s located in Barrington, a suburb, and not the city, it's unfairly underrated." Finally, in Indiana, their pick is Fat Dan's Deli, stating, "It might not exactly be fine dining, but that doesn't mean it's not great food. Fat Dan's Chicago-style deli serves up wings, burgers and more, in addition to catering for tailgates, home or office parties." Find the full list here. Now I'm hungry.

Michigan has some great restaurants and fantastic views, so it makes sense that many establishments combine both. With the Great Lakes and so many inland lakes, there are plenty of Michigan restaurants that overlook water, making that dining experience extra special.

Now that the weather is getting nicer, it's an even better time to explores this state and find some eateries with incredible views. The crew at Michigan.org recently put together a list of 12 Michigan restaurants with beautiful views, and we're sharing it below.

One of the restaurants, The Cudahy Chophouse Restaurant on Mackinac Island, has sadly closed since their article published. In place of that spot, I picked my own favorite Michigan restaurant with a view, which is The Butler in downtown Saugatuck. The Butler has been situated on the water in Saugatuck for more than 60 years and offers fresh seafood, classic American cuisine and more. It's a casual dining restaurant, so no need to get fancy.

One of the spots that made Michigan.org's list is very familiar to me: The English Inn in Eaton Rapids. That was the best spot to go for prom when I was in high school, so I ate at The English Inn at least twice in high school on prom night. "Cozy is the hallmark of this restaurant and inn, where you can warm yourself by a crackling fire while gazing over what feels like the grounds of your private castle estate," Michigan.org states of The English Inn. "The 15-acre property was developed just 30 minutes from Lansing for auto baron Irving Jacob Reuter and his wife Janet, and the view still includes their pergola, swimming pool and gazebo. After a formal meal upstairs, retire to the lower level English pub for a nightcap." Read the full list below and try to visit at least one of these delightful spots this season.

This list is via the fine folks at Michigan.org.

https://www.fitzgeralds-mi.com/menu

https://taborhill.com/restaurant

https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/dining/aerie-restaurant-lounge/

https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/dining/aerie-restaurant-lounge/menus

https://englishinn.com/restaurant-pub/dinner/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/iridescence-detroit

https://www.gayot.com/restaurants/menu/iridescence-detroit-mi-48201_36dt080201.html

https://www.thegilmorecollection.com/roses/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/roses-grand-rapids-3

https://gateslodge.com/restaurant/

https://arcadiabluffs.com/dining

https://arcadiabluffs.com/dining/the-bluffs-dining

https://www.highlandsharborsprings.com/dining

https://www.highlandsharborsprings.com/dining/main-dining-room

http://gh.notosoldworld.com/

http://gh.notosoldworld.com/main-menu/

https://www.michigan.org/property/lakeview-restaurant

https://www.opentable.com/lakeview-restaurant

https://www.allmenus.com/mi/saugatuck/735090-the-butler/menu/