Eating great food with a stunning view is about as good as it gets and these four Northern Michigan restaurants offer up waterfront dining experiences you won’t forget.
Douglas Lake Bar
7314 Douglas Lake Rd., Pellston, 231-539-8588
Fresh Great Lakes fish come deliciously ashore between North and South Fishtail Bays, but the DLB earns most of its ooh’s from the carnivore crowd who flock to the pristine shoreline of Douglas Lake for some of the finest steaks north of the 45th parallel. Savor the signature steak au poivre or spice-rubbed sirloin with Romesco sauce. douglaslakebar.com/
Café Santé
1 Water St., Boyne City, 231-582-8800
A jewel of Boyne City’s new waterfront development, Café Santé offers open-air bistro dining beside the glittering expanse of Lake Charlevoix. Classic continental comforts like moules frites and cassoulet find synergy with a creative and affordable international wine list.
Blu
5705 South Lake St., Glen Arbor, 231-334-2530
Mari and Randy Chamberlain have made Glen Arbor’s slice of shoreline nirvana a Mecca for foodies Up North. The ultra-contemporary menu follows the flow of seasonal produce and is matched by a wine list sprinkled with local and international trophies. glenarborblu.com/ (WATCH CHAMBERLAIN MAKE MALTED CHERRY ICE CREAM WITH LOCAL INGREDIENTS)
The Boathouse
14039 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, 231-223-4030
Dine blissfully on contemporary French cuisine beside an intoxicating view of sailboats tethered in Bowers Harbor and the silver contours of West Bay. Chef Eric Nittolo’s menu is precise and seasonally inspired, featuring Kobe beef and exquisite seafood. boathouseonwestbay.com/ (WATCH NITTOLO COOK MAKE RACK OF LAMB WITH LOCAL INGREDIENTS)