Best Local Restaurants in Traverse City

Experience the best of Traverse City dining when you use our dining guide, highlighting the best local restaurants. Featuring various cuisines, from casual American fare to eclectic Asian fusion, there’s something for everyone’s tastes. Not sure where to start? Our friendly and knowledgeable concierge is always happy to make recommendations, and give you driving directions to all the favorite local spots.

  • The image shows a bowl of seafood pasta, with shellfish including clams and mussels, mixed with spaghetti and garnished with herbs.

Boathouse

Seafood

14039 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686

(231) 223-4030

  • The image shows three sushi rolls with rice, avocado, and a pink filling, wrapped in seaweed and topped with salmon, on a wooden surface.

Firefly

Tapas

Eclectic eatery featuring small, shareable plates including creative sushi & fondue plus happy hour.

310 N Cass St, Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 932-1310

  • A gourmet dish featuring a piece of seared meat, garnished with mashed potatoes and a sprig of rosemary, with a berry sauce drizzled on the plate.

Apache Trout Grill

Seafood & Steak

Known for seafood & ribs, this cozy spot offers a chic hunting lodge feel & bayside patio dining.

13671 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 947-7079

  • A plate of food featuring a burger with toppings, a side of fries, and dipping sauces is shown on a table.

Blue Tractor

American

Hearty, old-school American eats with a local touch served in the old saloon of a historic building.

423 S Union St, Traverse City, MI 4968

(231) 922-9515

  • A freshly baked pizza on a pizza peel is being taken out of a wood-fired oven with flames in the background.

Trattoria Stella

Italian

Italian fare with a farm-to-table philosophy plus a curated wine list in old-world environs.

830 Cottage view Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 929-8989

  • The image shows a bowl of salad with greens and a dish of sliced salmon sashimi garnished with herbs and a creamy sauce, topped with chopsticks.

Red Ginger

Pan-Asian

An upscale, chef-owned spot offers small plates of light Pan-Asian cuisine & signature cocktails.

237 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 944-1733

  • A plate of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and black pepper. The pasta dish is served on a white plate, in focus.

The Flying Noodle

Pizza & Pasta

Relaxed restaurant doling out pasta, pizza & salads in a contemporary, brick-lined space.

136 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 943-1178

  • Two people are toasting with different beers in a casual, indoor setting. One beer is light, the other dark.

The Filling Station

Pizza, Salads, Beer

Flatbreads & salads pair with house-brewed beers at this cozy outpost in a vintage train depot.

642 Railroad Pl, Traverse City, MI 49686

(231) 946-8168