Local Food
Good food has deep roots here. The farms are down the road, the farmers' markets are on the weekend, and the restaurants putting it all together are doing it with real intention.
Whether you're grabbing breakfast supplies at a farm stand, having dinner on a lakefront patio, or splurging on a special occasion meal, our local food scene is worth exploring.
From the Farm
There's no better way to taste northern Michigan than by exploring its farms. Pick up a jar of maple syrup, wander through rows of lavender, or grab produce straight from the source.
Maple Moon Sugarbush — See how Michigan maple syrup is made, from tree to bottle.
Lavender Hill Farm — One of Northern Michigan's most scenic stops, in full bloom all summer.
Coveyou Scenic Farm — A working farm with views to match the produce.
Pond Hill Farm — Farm, winery, and event space rolled into one.
Hit the Markets
Northern Michigan's farmers markets are a weekend ritual worth building your schedule around. Find local vendors, fresh produce, baked goods, and a real sense of community.
Boyne City Farmers Market
One of the most beloved markets in northern Michigan, held on Saturday mornings in downtown Boyne City. Local farms, artisan food producers, flowers, and more.
Petoskey Farmers Market
Held in downtown Petoskey, the Petoskey Farmers Market brings together local growers and makers from across the region. A great excuse to spend a morning in town before heading to the waterfront.
Harbor Springs Market
Running Wednesdays & Saturdays from late May through August, and Saturdays only through October, this is one of the liveliest markets in the area. With up to 40 vendors at peak season, the market brings together local farmers, artisans, and more.
Grab A Bite
From the closest spot to the resort to a lakeside dock bar, these are the casual restaurants worth knowing.
The Whi-Ski Inn
Boyne FallsThis whiskey-forward BBQ smokehouse has been a local institution since 1930, serving award-winning brisket, smoked meats, and over 100 bourbons and whiskeys in a casual Up North atmosphere.
Lake Street Pub
Boyne CityAn iconic American pub right in the heart of downtown Boyne City with a view of the lake from the patio. Simple food made with care using local ingredients — smash burgers, peel-and-eat shrimp, house-made beer cheese, and 26 craft and domestic beers on tap. Family friendly, consistently good, and a reliable Boyne City staple.
Red Mesa Grill
Boyne CityRed Mesa changed Boyne City when it opened in 1997, and it's been a local favorite ever since. All the flavors of Latin America are served in a festive, colorful setting right downtown. The largest tequila selection in northern Michigan, and a menu full of bold, fresh flavors.
Barrel Back
Walloon LakeNamed for the classic barrel-back boats that cruised Walloon Lake in the 1930s and 40s, Barrel Back is the go-to waterfront restaurant in the Village of Walloon Lake. Open for lunch and dinner daily, with a second-story open-air dining room, a dock bar open to boaters in summer. Named a top waterfront restaurant by Eater Detroit.
The Back Lot
PetoskeyA beer garden with a full bar and a rotating cast of food trucks tucked in downtown Petoskey. Grab a drink from the bar and a bite from whichever trucks are open: tacos, pizza, fish and chips, and more. Dog friendly, kid friendly, and always lively.
Worth Getting Dressed For
When the occasion calls for something more, these are the restaurants that deliver.
Walloon Lake Inn
Walloon LakeOne of the most celebrated fine dining destinations in Northern Michigan, the historic Walloon Lake Inn has been welcoming guests to the shores of Walloon Lake since 1891. It offers a refined yet warm vibe with sweeping lake views, a seasonal menu built on locally sourced ingredients, and sommelier-selected wine pairings. Reservations strongly recommended.
Bella Vita
Boyne CityTucked into a quiet wooded stretch along Boyne City Road, and easy to miss if you're not looking. Bella Vita is a casual, fine-dining Italian restaurant with handmade pasta dishes that have earned a devoted following among locals and visitors alike. The owners and staff treat every guest like a regular.
Spring & Porter
PetoskeyOne of Petoskey's newest and most exciting fine dining additions, Spring & Porter brings globally inspired New American cuisine to a welcoming, polished setting. Chef Tommy Kaszubowski crafts a seasonal menu built on locally sourced ingredients, with an impressive wine collection and craft cocktails to match. Reservations recommended.
Chandler's
PetoskeyA downtown Petoskey institution since 1999, Chandler's is tucked behind the iconic Symons General Store. Three intimate dining areas — the main room and bar, a seasonal brick patio, and a Wine Cellar surrounded by 4,000 bottles. One of the most consistently excellent restaurants in northern Michigan. Reservations recommended, especially in summer.