Best Restaurants in Grand Rapids, MI

On those nights when you just don't want to make dinner yourself, you need to know where the best restaurants in Grand Rapids, MI are! Whether you're interested in going out with friends, are looking to avoid cooking, or you're just eager to try all the best restaurants in town, Grand Rapids residents should be familiar with all the good eats in the area. We love so many restaurants in Grand Rapids, so we wanted to introduce you to a list of the best spots in town. By the end, you'll be ready to go on a food tour of Grand Rapids, because there are so many great restaurants to visit. Here's the list:

Butcher's Union

If you're in the market for drinks and brunch, then Butcher's Union is the spot for you. Although Butcher's Union provides Grand Rapids residents with more than just brunch, the restaurant is known for its top notch brunch menu. Try out the Wagyu Steak and Eggs, the Huevos Rancheros, the French Toast, or the BLT Quiche. To drink, have a BU Bloody Mary or a Felix Felicis, made with Four Roses Bourbon. If you come to Butcher's Union for dinner, have the New York Strip, the Barbeque Ribs, the Sea Scallops, or the Salmon.

Rose's

Rose's is one of the most popular restaurants in the Grand Rapids area, and it's so popular for a reason! Located in the popular downtown East Grand Rapids area, it's is a great spot to walk around, and it's also right on Reeds Lake, so you will have beautiful views as you eat. The food is delectable, and we're a fan of Rose's for its lunch, dinner, and dessert options. The dinner menu is packed full with tasty dishes, like the Chef's Burger, the Grilled Chicken Salad, the Escargot with Mushrooms, the Cajun N.Y. Strip Steak, and more. Don't forget a drink when you visit Rose's—you can get a Soft Drink (that comes with a refill!), Espresso Coffee, Hot Chocolate, IBC Root Beer, and more.

Bistro Bella Vita

Bistro Bella Vita is a fancier restaurant, and it's known for its modern French and Italian Cuisine. On those nights when you just want to get an upscale meal with someone you love, visiting Bistro Bella Vita is a great option for you. The menu is robust. You'll find dishes such as the Tomato-Basil Bisque, the Rigatoni Bolognese, the Bistro Burger, the Saffron Risotto, the Rustica Pizza, the Prosciutto and Pear Pizza, and more. As you can tell, there are fancier dishes on the menu, and dishes for people who want to keep things simple. You'll find something you love no matter your palette at Bisto Bella Vita.

Littlebird

We love Littlebird for its healthy and sustainable approach to cuisine. Littlebird is known for its sustainably sourced ingredients, and you'll find tasty dishes on the menu, like the Tartine, Watermelon Salad, Poached Scallop Crudo, Shishito Peppers, Pho Brisket, Smashburger, Bone-in Sakura Pork Chop, Rye Fettuccine, and more. This list of food (which doesn't even encompass the whole menu) is long, but the dessert menu at Littlebird is a little bit shorter. Although there are only two desserts on the menu, the House Made Ice Cream and the Buttermilk Donut Holes, both are delectable—so try them out after your meal!

The Green Well

The Green Well is another health-focused restaurant, so if you're in the market for food that comes from sustainable sources, you've got to try out The Green Well. Our favorite dishes on the menu include the Nashville Hot Fried Mushroom, the Cuban, and the Green Well Burger (all these dishes are sandwiches). Some other dishes we love include the Chicken and Waffles, which is served all day, the Steak and Eggs, the Green Well Curry, and the Seared Sea Scallops. If you're in the market for Gluten Free or Vegan food, then The Green Well is the spot for you—they can usually meet your dietary needs.

MDRD

MDRD is an upscale restaurant housed within the Amway Grand Plaza, but whether you're staying at the hotel or not, you can visit this restaurant and enjoy the upscale Spanish food that is served here. On date nights, outings with close friends, or dinner with your family who's in town, you're going to want to visit MDRD. On the menu, you'll find top-notch dishes like the Mejilones Y Chorizo, which is served with mussels, pepper, and squid ink toast. You'll also find dishes like the Ora King Salmon Al Horno, which is served with rosemary citrus rice, beets, marinated tomatoes, and mojo de ajo. This restaurant is fancy, and a little bit pricier than the other options on this list, but it's delicious.

Move Close to Some Tasty Restaurants and Sign a Lease at the River Oaks Apartments

Whether you're moving to Grand Rapids from near or far, you're going to love the area, especially because it is home to all of these amazing restaurants. The River Oaks Apartment Homes is the perfect place for you to live, so if you're ready to move into comfortable apartments in the Grand Rapids area, then we're ready to welcome you home. For more information about living with us, please contact our leasing team.

Testimonials

Great apartments I've ever lived in. Pleasant and responsive management. Good community and neighborhood. Maintenance responses are very rapid! Good locations! Near some restaurants and beverage store! I recommend River Oaks to all.
- Google Review

I love living at River Oaks! Very spacious apartment with in unit laundry. The complex seems well maintained and the staff is very friendly. Will always recommend River Oaks.
- Apartments.com Review

Living here has honestly been such a great experience. One thing I really appreciate is how creative the team is when it comes to building community. Whether it’s small resident events or fun ways to connect with neighbors, it really feels like they care about making this more than just a place to live. The complex is always clean and feels super safe, which gives me peace of mind—especially as a parent. And anytime something comes up, they handle it with care and actually follow through.
- Apartment Ratings Review

Amazing Place to stay,Office and maintenance have amazing response time.Amazing community.Many Amenities!
- Google Review

I’ve been at River Oaks for almost a year now, and it's been pretty great. Management's solid with communication, which is a big plus. Our apartment's been smooth sailing, and when we've had minor issues, they're fixed super quick, like within a day. The grounds are clean, the amenities are well-kept, and everyone's friendly. They always have something fun like food trucks and events going on. I’ve enjoyed living at River Oaks more than anywhere else I have lived.
- Google Review

Very nice people, really good service, haven’t had a single problem for almost a year, the pool is always clean the workers are very helpful and nice, overall a very good place to live, they have activities with a lot fun.I would highly recommend living at River Oaks 10/10
- Google Review

I’ve been living at River Oaks Apartments for 5 years and absolutely love it! The office and maintenance teams are always helpful and responsive. They host fun community events throughout the year that make it easy to meet neighbors. Great place to live!
- Google Review

Best place I have ever lived in. It's quiet, safe and the workers are great!!
- Google Review

Best place to live. Great people! Great atmosphere! We have enjoyed the staff and maintenance team! We enjoy our wonderful home here! When our friends and family come visit we have plenty of space to share. The community within the complex are amazing.
- Google Review

This is the best place to live in Kentwood and all Grand Rapids area. We are so happy to found this beautiful place to call home, with greay facilities, excellent amenities, the kids area is so nice and my kids really enjoy it. The staff are kind and gentle, really nice, so great and supportive. Our maintanance man is to attent and kind too. This is why I really recommend you live in River Oaks; if you are looking for a great place to live, this is your place.
- Google Review