Upscale Dining in Traverse City: 4 Must-Visit Restaurants
Traverse City is known for its vibrant food scene, featuring exceptional dining options that blend fine cuisine with the breathtaking beauty of Northern Michigan. If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, these four restaurants should be at the top of your list.
Red Ginger
Location: 237 Front St, Traverse City, MI
Phone: 231-944-1733
Parking: Nearby parking available between Park and State Streets
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 4:30-9 PM, Friday & Saturday: 4-10 PM
Located in a historic downtown building, Red Ginger offers an upscale Asian-inspired dining experience. Founded in 2007 by Dan & Pam Marsh, it is now led by Chef Jordan Apsey and Manager Oana Neacsu, who have continued to uphold its reputation for excellence. Red Ginger is perfect for those looking to indulge in refined Asian flavors with a contemporary twist. There is plenty of sushi to go around but their other flavors are out of this world! This is a local favorite and due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended. You can reserve online or call.
Specialty Dishes:
- Starters: Beef Ishiyaki, shishito peppers with sake glaze, and panko-crusted dragon wings.
- Salads & Soups: Asian Noodle Salad and Clam Miso Soup.
- Entrees: Thai Curry with chicken and shrimp, Vietnamese Shaking Beef, and Indian Curry with organic tofu.
Red Ginger offers private dining for up to 55 guests in their Lotus Room. This is great for any special occation or gathering providing a sophisticated, private dining experience with views of downtown Traverse City. Please keep in mind while everyone is welcome, they do not have amenities for children. CLICK HERE for more information about this restaurant.
The Boathouse Restaurant
Location: 14039 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI
Phone: 231-223-4030
Parking: On-premises
Nestled along the Grand Traverse Bay on Old Mission Peninsula, The Boathouse Restaurant offers fine dining in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Owner Doug Kosch, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry, believes that dining should be a joyous and fulfilling experience. With its charming cottage-style decor and a wall of windows overlooking Bowers Harbor & Marina, The Boathouse provides an extraordinary ambiance to accompany its exquisite menu.
Specialty Dishes:
- Starters: Grilled octopus, yellowfin tuna tartare, caviar, Wagyu carpaccio with black garlic, and Morel Chanterelle Bisque.
- Salads: Winter Salad with arugula, pears, celery root, golden beets, chèvre, spiced walnuts, and lemon vinaigrette.
- Entrees: American Wagyu filet or Manhattan strip, chickpea cakes with roasted red pepper coconut curry, and rack of elk with celery root purée and coffee crust.
- Dinner for Two: Surf & Turf featuring tenderloin and lobster tails or Chateaubriand with morel mushroom cream and black truffle demi-glace.
The Boathouse also offers special events such as Date Night with a set three-course meal, Bourbon Dinners, and an exclusive Chef’s Table experience where guests enjoy a five-course meal in the kitchen. CLICK HERE for more information about this restaurant.
The Tasting Room
Location: 155 Garland St, Traverse City, MI
Phone: 231-525-0555
Parking: Limited on-premises
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4-9 PM, Friday & Saturday: 4-10 PM
Opened in 2021 in the Breakwater Development near the Warehouse District, The Tasting Room is a culinary collaboration by Derek & Carolyn Weeks and Christine & David Skiboski, with Chef Steve Blalock at the helm. With a warm dining room, inviting bar, and a stunning patio along the Boardman River featuring retractable garage doors and outdoor fireplaces, this restaurant is perfect for an elegant night out.
Specialty Dishes:
- Starters: Wellington Bites with tenderloin beef, wood-fired meatballs, and ahi tuna tartare.
- Salads & Soups: Riverside Salad with Nueske’s ham and Morel Bisque.
- Entrees: Kurobuta pork chop with bourbon apple sauce, Cajun Lobster Boil, and Osso Buco Ragu.
- Craft Cocktails: Signature drinks include Lady Lavender, Espresso Eclipse, and Smoke Show.
Reservations are recommended to ensure a seat at this premier destination for fine food and expertly crafted cocktails. The also offer a private room for up to 20 people or semi-private room for up to 40 people. CLICK HERE for more information about this restaurant.
Harrington’s by the Bay
Location: 13890 S West Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI
Phone: 231-421-9393
Parking: Private lot on-premises
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 9 PM
Established in 2011 by a team of experienced restaurateurs, Harrington’s by the Bay offers exceptional dining with fresh, creative cooking in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. With an outdoor seating area overlooking Grand Traverse Bay and a daily Happy Hour menu, this restaurant is a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Specialty Dishes:
- Starters: Flash-fried calamari with pickled veggies and bacon-wrapped shrimp.
- Salads & Soups: Butternut Squash Bisque and Grilled Tenderloin Salad.
- Entrees: Parmesan-crusted whitefish, Creole shrimp pasta, red wine-braised short ribs, and Great Lakes walleye with basil risotto.
No reservations are necessary unless dining with a large group, making Harrington’s a convenient and upscale choice for any occasion. CLICK HERE for more information about this restaurant.
Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience with waterfront views, an intimate date night spot, or a place to explore bold, unique flavors, these four upscale restaurants in Traverse City are sure to impress. Next time you’re in town, make a reservation and treat yourself to a world-class culinary experience.