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Best Date Night Restaurants in West Michigan

West Michigan offers many amazing options for dining out.  Sometimes so many options can make it hard to choose which one is best for you and your significant other on date night.  We have put together some of the top date night restaurants in West Michigan from Grand Rapids to the Lakeshore to help you find the perfect one for you and your date.  Whether you are just starting to date or have been together for 50+ years you will be sure to have a romantic night out at one of these great restaurants.

Make it a full weekend of fun in West Michigan! Book a hotel in Grand Rapids or Grand Haven! 

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Grand Rapids

MDRD

Located at the top of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel you will find MDRD which serves modern Spanish cuisine.  Enjoy your meal as you look over the Grand River with panoramic views from 27 stories up.  Reservations are highly recommended and can be booked here.   MDRD is the perfect date night restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids.

Palio

Palio features authentic Tuscan Italian cuisine including pizza from a gas-fired stone pizza oven.  You will enjoy re-invented Italian dishes made with herbs cut from their in-house herb garden.  Palio is named after the famous Palio di Siena horse race, and they have incorporated the energy and boldness of the races into everything they do at Palio, making it a great place if you are looking for a fun Italian experience on a date night in Grand Rapids.

Chop House

If you are looking for a formal dining experience for date night in Grand Rapids, you will want to head to Chop House.  Step inside the elegant urban steakhouse and find some of the best USDA Prime beef that is wet-aged for 28 days.  Talk about tender!  Plus check out the premium seafood, and best-rated chicken, pork, and lamb selections.  Whatever your preference, you will have a great meal at Chop House.

Butchers Union

Head to Butchers Union downtown Grand Rapids for a diverse selection of fantastic food – which they strive to source locally, the biggest selection of whiskey around, and some unforgettable craft cocktails.  Butchers Union is a cozy and inviting restaurant complete with tufted leather booths, making it a must-try intimate choice for date night in West Michigan.

House of Wine

House of Wine is a wine bar, as well as a full-service bar with a neighborhood feel in Grand Rapids.  Enjoy your wine with a menu of lighter fare.  House of Wine specializes in charcuterie, but there are many small plates, salads, and paninis to choose from as well. 

Forty Pearl

Forty Pearl is one of the best places to find wine and spirits that are made right here in Michigan.  Enjoy some of the finest Michigan wines and spirits paired with delicious food made from locally sourced seasonal ingredients.  Whether you are just visiting, or a life-long Michigander, Forty Pearl is a must-try for date night in Grand Rapids.

Reserve Wine and Food

Looking to enjoy a HUGE selection of wine with your significant other?  Reserve Wine and Food is the place to be.  Reserve has over 900 wines in their storehouse, so you are sure to find something to please your tastebuds.  Pair your wine with a dish from the menu which features farm-to-table fare.  We highly recommend the create your own charcuterie for your starter.

Margaux

Margaux is located inside of the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids and gives you the feel and cuisine of a classic French bistro with a sophisticated modern feel.  Take a seat inside and have a romantic meal while looking out to the Grand River or step out onto the J-Deck and be right on the river.  The J-Deck is available year-round with igloos in the winter. One of the best places for a date night in West Michigan!

Make it a full weekend of fun in West Michigan! Book a hotel in Grand Rapids or Grand Haven! 

Greater Grand Rapids

Grill One Eleven

Grill One Eleven is in the heart of downtown Rockford and is known for classy casual dining of some of the finest foods.  They work with local farmers to source ingredients for seasonal weekend specials.  Their steaks are hand-selected and hand-cut in-house and their fresh fish is flown in for quality so you know you will be getting dishes from with top quality ingredients.  Grill One Eleven is also known for its awesome selection of craft beer from Michigan as well as around the world.  Take a short stroll after dinner to see all that the town of Rockford has to offer or relax down by the Rouge River.

Flat River Grill

Flat River Grill is in downtown Lowell along the Flat River on the first floor of the Bergin Building.  Step inside the homey dining room or take a seat outside overlooking the river on their four-seasons patio.  The menu features wood-fired meals including line-caught fish, wood-fired pizzas, grass-fed beef, and wood-grilled burgers.

Bostwick Lake Inn

Bostwick Lake Inn sits on Bostwick Lake on the outer edge of Rockford.  When you enter the Inn you will feel like you are in a cozy lake lodge.  Step outside on their four-seasons deck for some fresh air and views of the tranquil Bostwick Lake.  In the warmer months feel like you are on vacation as you enjoy a drink with your toes in the sand on their beach area that is complete with beach chairs.  The Inn’s menu features farm-fresh fare, smoky shareables, and unique takes on traditional American Cuisine.  This is a great option for a date night in West Michigan!

Timbers Inn Restaurant & Tavern

Get a cozy up a north feel for date night when you dine at Timbers Inn Restaurant & Tavern in Rockford.  Timbers reminds you of an up north hunting cabin complete with a huge stone fireplace and trophy mounts.  They also offer seating on their patio which includes a lounging space with couches and an outdoor fireplace.  The menu offers many familiar favorites as well as wild game options such as Elk steaks and buffalo burgers.  Timbers is an awesome spot for a cozy date night meal.

The Lakeshore

The lakeshore has tons of great places for the perfect date night in West Michigan. Make it a full weekend of fun in West Michigan! Book a hotel in Grand Rapids or Grand Haven! 

Finn’s Chophouse

Finn’s Chophouse is in downtown Spring Lake and is a Chicago-style chophouse and speakeasy.  Enjoy a unique dining experience when you step back into the elegant speakeasy-themed chophouse.  Finn’s specializes in hand-cut USDA prime-aged beef and a unique overall atmosphere and experience. Reservations are required and can be booked here.

Sandy Point Beach Club

Sandy Point Beach Club is a hidden gem in West Olive that features a casual fine dining experience of New American Cuisine. You will enjoy a beach house atmosphere as you dine on some of their prime burgers and seafood which they are known for. In the warmer months take a seat on their patio complete with a big screen tv and bocce courts.

The Kirby House

The Kirby House is in a historic building that used to be a hotel.  The old-world charm carries over into the restaurant making it a cozy spot to dine.  Kirby is an American Grill and has a wide range of choices on its menu.  After dinner take a walk in downtown Grand Haven or down to the pier to catch a sunset as a couple over Lake Michigan.

Noto’s at Bil-mar

Noto’s at Bil-Mar is in Grand Haven looking over Lake Michigan which makes it a great spot for date night.  The Noto family has brought their Sicilian roots to a contemporary restaurant that offers something for everybody.  Reservations are accepted from Labor Day until Memorial weekend and seating is first come first served in the warmer months.

Butch’s Dry Dock

Butch’s Dry Dock is in Holland and serves locally sourced American fare, fine wine selections, and a full bar.  Their menu changes seasonally so you will be sure to find something new every time you go back.  Want to know a secret?  Step back in time and continue your date night at Ondergrond – if you can find it.  Shhhh you didn’t hear it from us!

Seventy Six

Located in downtown Holland, Seventy Six is a cozy modern restaurant with a unique menu of high-end modern American fare.  The restaurant represents a celebration of a love story, which creates the perfect atmosphere for date night.  If you need some conversation starters or something to break the ice on a first date, make sure to check out their House Rules!

Poquito

Poquito is a tapas restaurant located in Holland.  Enjoy a relaxing meal that features dishes that originated in Spain and then found their way into Latin cultures.  Take your taste buds on a journey as you make your way through small plates which are meant to be shared and spark conversation, making it a perfect choice for date night.

Boatwerks

Head to Holland for a date night at Boatwerks.  Boatwerks overlooks the beautiful Lake Macatawa which you can enjoy on their huge patio during the warmer months.  If you prefer indoor seating, you will still be able to enjoy beautiful views from elevated seating in the indoor dining room.  Boatwerks menu has an option for everyone, we highly recommend the perch!  Plan a dinner near sundown to enjoy a great sunset over the lake on date night.

Hearthstone Bistro

Hearthstone Bistro is in Muskegon and has a classic bistro feel.  This staple of the community has been serving the area since 1975 and has won many awards for its food.  Food features include some of the lakeshore’s most innovative entrees as well as gourmet soups, sandwiches, and salads.

Dockers Fish House

If you are looking for somewhere to have a date night in the warmer months you want to check out Dockers Fish House in Muskegon.  Dockers overlook Muskegon Lake and have some of the best seafood in the area.  Dockers is open seasonally, so get it on the calendar because you won’t want to miss it.  Once you are done with your meal make sure to check out their milkshakes for dessert!

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Corissa Moore
Content Creator

Corissa is a wife and mother of two cute kiddos, Ari and Lola.  She is currently a stay-at-home mama with a background in hospitality. Corissa loves spending time with her family and exploring the West Michigan area!

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