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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Grand Rapids

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39 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Leo's restaurant
1. Leo's
4.9
Exceptional(3817)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Grand Rapids
Booked 37 times today
Leo’s is the premier dining destination for exquisite seafood, classic cuisine, decadent desserts, and a world-class wine list. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan since 2004, Leo’s has stayed committed to always sourcing fresh quality ingredients and delivering an extraordinary experience to each and every guest.The dining room at Leo’s offers a sense of style and sophistication in an inviting and elegant setting. A distinctive feature of Leo’s is our bar and lounge area that boasts floor to ceiling windows and a lively, more casual environment from which to enjoy our extensive variety of curated wines, carefully crafted cocktails, and local craft beers.Whether you are having a casual lunch with friends, celebrating a special occasion, having a business meeting, or a large event, Leo's is the best spot in Grand Rapids for elegant dining and superior service.
A photo of Scholar restaurant
2. Scholar
4.5
Awesome(387)
Price: Expensive
• American • Grand Rapids
Booked 19 times today
Scholar is a neighborhood gem, boasting a distinctive menu and an amazing atmosphere. It's been described as 'romantic', 'sophisticated' and 'the best in Grand Rapids'. Reviews rave about the 'stellar service', 'fantastic food' and 'great classic cocktails'. With a 'Mad Men' vibe and a 'gorgeous place', it's no wonder it's a 'new go-to for out of town guests'. The place is 'always willing to try new venues' and 'always willing to make a hit'.
A photo of Tupelo Honey - Grand Rapids restaurant
3. Tupelo Honey - Grand Rapids
4.5
Awesome(2359)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Southern • Grand Rapids
Booked 123 times today
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.
A photo of HopCat - Grand Rapids restaurant
4. HopCat - Grand Rapids
4.8
Exceptional(108)
Price: Moderate
• American • Grand Rapids
Booked 26 times today
The original HopCat location is located in a historical building downtown Grand Rapids. Steps from Van Andel Arena, GLC Live at 20 Monroe, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, our restaurant features a dog-friendly outdoor patio, oversized wooden bar, and comfortable seating. HopCat was founded on the principles of bringing local craft beer a bit closer to the communities we love. We’re known for our award-wining Cosmik fries, which are beer battered, sprinkled with our signature cracked black pepper seasoning, and served with a side of warm cheese sauce. From burgers to tacos, our menu offers a range of delicious options. We live the craft lifestyle - beer, cocktails, and even craft food made from scratch. With a dedication to local breweries sustainability and community engagement, HopCat offers craft beer and great food in a vibrant atmosphere for an inclusive, unforgettable experience. No matter who you are or where you come from, you're always welcome in our community.
A photo of Mertens Prime restaurant
5. Mertens Prime
3.7
Very Good(1578)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Grand Rapids
Booked 8 times today
Mertens Prime, located in the historic 1914 New Hotel Mertens lobby in Grand Rapids, offers locally sourced, in-house hand-cut steaks, chops, and unique takes on classics. Scratch made kitchen where we make all the pastas and desserts. We have a large selection for vegan & vegetarian.Prime features a full-service espresso machine and classic pastries like beignets. Guests can enjoy tableside presentations like filet dinner for two, a weekly curated rolling cheese cart, and bananas fosters and creme brulee.The kitchen is scratch made and we feature many locally sourced products.The bar top is one of the largest in Grand Rapids and seats 18 guests along with lounge tables. Our bar features a daily happy hour from 4pm-6pm 7 days a week for both food and beverage! Seasonal mocktails available along with many other non-alcoholic offerings. Mertens Rooftop offers a full bar and a menu of appetizers. To book a reservation at Mertens Rooftop, select "Outdoor Seating", if available.
A photo of Stella's Lounge restaurant
6. Stella's Lounge
4.6
Exceptional(23)
Price: Moderate
• Burgers • Grand Rapids
Booked 19 times today
Stella's Is For You (And Us)Our menu goes way beyond the typical freezer bag to fryer crap you find at a lot of bars. Our famous giant stuffed burgers were named Best in America by GQ in 2012 and Best in Grand Rapids by Grand Rapids Magazine and On the Town. We even make our own vegetarian and vegan burgers, beer-battered avocados and stuffed tots. We also have over 250 kinds of whiskey for your sipping pleasure. Canadian, Scotch, Irish, American (including some Michigan-made varieties) -- we cover the map.
A photo of MeXo restaurant
7. MeXo
4.6
Exceptional(843)
Price: Moderate
• Traditional Mexican • Grand Rapids
Booked 12 times today
Welcome to MeXo ! We offer prehispanic-influenced modern Mexican cuisine featuring Chef Oscars authentic regional cuisine, craft margaritas, and extensive tequila and mezcal selections. We offer private dining areas and rooms for curated chef dinners. MeXo offers scheduled Chef Dinners, Tequila Tastings, and private planned dinners.
A photo of Knoop restaurant
8. Knoop
4.5
Awesome(439)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Grand Rapids
Booked 10 times today
Our upscale rooftop cocktail lounge serves elevated American cuisine. Savor made from scratch sharables and small bites as well as special craft cocktails served tableside with our personalized flair. Delight in a wide variety of local beer and wine while enjoying stunning views of downtown Grand Rapids.
A photo of Social House Kitchen and Bar restaurant
9. Social House Kitchen and Bar
4.1
Excellent(20)
Price: Moderate
• American • Grand Rapids
Booked 3 times today
Our Casual-Pub is for all social gatherings offering Homemade New-American fare, craft beer, made to order spirit free cocktails, sangria, wine, beer, cocktails, and much much more.Our fully equipped bar and restaurant is perfect for private or semi-private events or, set up a corporate event for the holidays in our main dining area with more than enough room for your guests. Book an event to create an evening that becomes an everlasting memory!
A photo of Buffalo Wild Wings - Grand Rapids - Ionia restaurant
10. Buffalo Wild Wings - Grand Rapids - Ionia
3.1
Good(6)
Price: Moderate
• American • Grand Rapids
Since 1982, Buffalo Wild Wings® (or B-Dubs® as our friends call us) has been the ultimate place to watch the game, have a cold beer and eat some great food. At Buffalo Wild Wings, you can always feel comfortable pulling some tables together with your friends and staying as long as you want.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Bryce
    Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Loved our experience at Scholar!! Our 1 year anniversary was well spent here, little pricey but that’s to be expected for an anniversary dinner and for such great food! Braised chicken and the steak was particularly great, as well as the butternut squash soup. Also crème brule for dessert is a must.
    More info
    ScholarPrice: Expensive• American• Grand Rapids
    •
    4.5
  • frank
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The service was very good. However, the restaurant was not crowded, and it took a very long time for us to get served dinner. The steaks were delicious, however, the other dishes were just average. For the price, you would expect all dishes to be high quality.
    More info
    Mertens PrimePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Grand Rapids
    •
    3.7
  • Nina
    Chicago / Illinois •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great place to celebrate your special occasion or any occasion. The food was delicious,great atmosphere and service.
    More info
    Leo'sPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Grand Rapids
    •
    4.9
  • Jennifer
    Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The noise level was loud and made conversation difficult
    More info
    HopCat - Grand RapidsPrice: Moderate• American• Grand Rapids
    •
    4.8
  • Mary
    Cincinnati / Dayton •44 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 13, 2025
    Tupelo Honey is a total win! The vibe is fun and welcoming, and the food? Incredible. The fried chicken was crispy and flavorful, and the biscuits—wow. Definitely get the biscuits. Loved the unique cocktails too (highly recommend the one with the Old Fashion Flight!). Service was friendly and fast, and everything just felt relaxed but still special. Perfect spot for brunch or a laid-back dinner with friends. Can’t wait to go back!
    More info
    Tupelo Honey - Grand RapidsPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Grand Rapids
    •
    4.5

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Grand Rapids

Discover the charm of Grand Rapids with our curated selection of neighborhood gems, offering a delightful blend of local flavors and exceptional dining experiences. Each restaurant in this list stands out for its dedication to quality, unique ambiance, and exemplary service, making them highly recommended spots in the Western Michigan area. Grand Rapids is renowned for its vibrant dining scene, characterized by a mix of innovative cuisine and traditional comforts, often highlighting locally sourced ingredients and creative culinary techniques. Whether you're in the mood for the rustic charm of an industrial chic tavern, the sophisticated allure of French-inspired dishes, or the cozy intimacy of dining in heated river-view domes, Grand Rapids has a neighborhood gem that will cater to your palate. These establishments not only provide delicious meals but also contribute to the community's reputation as a hub for gastronomic excellence. Ideal for both special occasions and casual outings, these restaurants promise an unforgettable dining experience with every visit. Embrace the local spirit and explore the culinary treasures of Grand Rapids, where every meal is served with a touch of hometown pride.

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