3 Best Restaurants in Traverse City, Michigan

Experience authentic northern Michigan cuisine at this popular spot, named for a fish rescued from the endangered species list. Stuffed fish and wood carvings adorn the walls, lamps are carved in the shape of bears and fishing poles, and there's a great view of the water. On the menu are fresh-grilled or sautéed fish—from locally caught whitefish to flown-in ahi tuna—plus steaks, barbecued ribs, and pasta dishes such as tequila-lime chicken pasta. Sunday brunch service and a curated list of fine wines make this more than a typical waterfront café.

Formerly known as Bowers Harbor Inn, this restaurant reopened under its new name in 2010. Dishes are plated in a contemporary style and crafted using locally grown and artisanal ingredients. Examples on the dinner menu—a mix of small plates, salads, and entrées—include a rabbit salad with Bibb lettuce and roasted cauliflower, pan-seared lake trout in a chowder sauce, or smoked pork jowl with a side of creamy grits. It's a true supporter of Michigan's small farms, and that passion is conveyed by the waitstaff, who are eager to answer questions about the frequently changing menu.

Known for its thick burgers and "moose chips" (a twist on Tater Tots), Sleder's is also a local institution for down-home friendly service. Food has been served in this family-run tavern in the center of the city since the early 1880s; today the menu includes fish baskets and deli-style sandwiches for lunch, a cherry-barbecued chicken that's an ode to the region's cherry crops, and casual Mexican selections, such as three burritos. Deer and elk heads and a bearskin line the wood-paneled walls, and an antique chandelier is suspended above green tablecloths. Outdoor dining is available during summer.