Do What You Can to Make Date Night Happen
Single date, double date, or dinner with friends – however you do it, a nice dinner out is a lovely treat.
We’ve combed through the probably hundreds of restaurants in metro GR to find those spots that offer the food, ambiance and quality time with each other that you’re craving. While the GRKIDS team loves restaurants with cultural cuisine and unique flair, we’ve also included old standbys for those wanting something a little more on the beaten path.
No matter your tastes, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect spot on this list. Forks up!
**While we are still in pandemic mode, note that some of these restaurants have outdoor seating, while others are only doing takeout. Call ahead before heading out.
CONTENTS
FEATURED PARTNER
616-233-9160
Comprehensive Therapy Center offers many educational and therapeutic programs throughout the year. Visit our website to learn more about current services and our new Technology Lending Library offering iPads for families to borrow for the duration of a program!
Map of Grand Rapids Date Night Restaurants
Find your next date night with this map of great date restaurants near you! Read on to see what delicious eats each establishment offers.
Here are Our Top 5 Favorite Date Night Restaurants
We went into detail on our top five. Every place on this list is a solid choice for a special night out, depending on your interests.
Ando Wins at Ramen
Butcher’s Union for Clean Plate Club
Max’s South Seas Hideaway for a Polynesian Getaway
San Chez for the Sharing
Zeytin for the Worldliness
The Growing List of Grand Rapids Restaurants for Date Night
Downtown Grand Rapids Restaurants
| The B.O.B. | The Big Old Building is home to four favorite restaurants: Bob’s Brewery, Bobarino’s Pizzeria, Gilly’s Smokehouse, and Judson’s Steakhouse |
| Bistro Bella Vita | Essence Restaurant Group establishment, specializing in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine |
| Brick & Porter | Classic pub food and beer selection |
| The Bull’s Head Tavern | Local restaurant specializing in American fare |
| The Chop House | Prime American steak house, a Mainstreet Ventures restaurant |
| Divani | High end cuisine and cocktails |
| Downtown Market | houses several favorite restaurants like Aperitivo and Pho616 or you can go à la carte choosing from several different vendors |
| Forty Pearl | Oysters, craft cocktails, Michigan wine bar |
| GRNoir | Wine bar serving small plates and hosting live jazz |
| Haute at New Hotel Mertens | Rooftop bar and lounge serving French style small plates |
| HopCat | Grand Rapids born American pub with ultimate deliciousness: Cosmik Fries |
| The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck | Made-from-scratch comfort fare meets authentic global classics in the kitchen of the world’s first celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck located in the Amway Grand Plaza |
| Leo’s | Long-time local restaurant, featuring seafood and classic cuisine |
| Linear Restaurant | Farm-fresh American |
| Lumber Baron Bar | Historic bar serving premium drinks and appetizers: Amway Grand Plaza |
| Luna | Farm-to-table taqueria, specializing in Latin cuisine |
| Margaux | French inspired cuisine in the J.W. Marriott |
| Max’s South Seas Hideaway | A three-story tiki bar (need we say more?) |
| MDRD | Pronounced “Madrid,” this lavish restaurant replaces the iconic Cygnus 27 aloft in Amway Grand’s 27th floor. Enjoy panoramic views and modern spanish cuisine. |
| MeXo | Pre-Hispanic Mexican cuisine with a tequila/mezcal bar |
| one twenty three | American tavern with cozy atmosphere |
| Osteria Rossa | Casual eatery specializing in rustic Italian cuisine featuring local ingredients |
| Reserve Wine and Food | Go-to spot for cheese, charcuterie and exceptional wine |
| ROAM by San Chez | Global street food from the team that created San Chez |
| Rockwell Republic | Gastropub with eclectic, seasonal cuisine |
| Ruth’s Chris | American steakhouse: Amway Grand |
| San Chez | A Tapas Bistro, blending European, Latin American and Mediterranean cuisine |
| Tupelo Honey | Southern cuisine from the Carolina mountains and local craft beer |
| Zoko 822 | Spanish tapas and gin bar |
Eastside Grand Rapids Restaurants
| 7 Monks Taproom | Serving world class beer and fantastic food |
| Bowdie’s Chophouse | Steakhouse with cocktail and wine bar |
| Brewery Vivant | LEED certified micro brewery, featuring Belgian and French inspired beer alongside European fare |
| Carolina Low Country Kitchen | Three local restaurateurs who joined forces to bring the flavors of South Carolina lowcountry to the GR area |
| The Commons | 70’s style lounge |
| Danzon Cubano | Authentic Cuban |
| Donkey Taqueria | Full service bar, serving authentic Mexican food |
| The Electric Cheetah | Local restaurant, serving real food made from scratch using local and organic ingredients |
| The Green Well | Essence Restaurant Group Gastro Pub |
| José Babushka’s | A fun fusion of Polish and Mexican fare (trust us, it works) |
| Matchbox Diner & Drinks | Old school diner and delicatessen serving classic dinner food and drinks and a handful of seasonal entrees |
| Palio | Authentic Tuscan-style cuisine, Mainstreet Ventures Restaurant |
| Rose’s | Casual American, Gilmore Collection restaurant |
| Terra | Local farm-fresh American |
| Vander Mill | Pub fare and Michigan crafted hard ciders, live music |
| WikiWiki Poke Shop | Funky, fun mix of Hawaiian and Asian flavors |
Westside Grand Rapids Restaurants
| Ando | sushi and ramen heaven |
| Blue Dog Tavern | pub fare in a historic building |
| Butcher’s Union | American, exquisite food, inspired cocktails and an unrivaled whiskey collection |
| The Jolly Pumpkin | pizzeria and brewery |
| The Knickerbocker | Brewpub and distillery serving fresh-made beer-centric food |
| The Mitten Brewing Co. | Wood-fired pizza and beer selection |
| One Bourbon | Diverse menu and bourbon tasting room |
| Salvatore’s | Italian, family-run business with old-Italian favorites |
| The Søvengård | Scandinavian, biergarten and kitchen featuring hyper-local and seasonally based cuisine and drinks |
Kentwood/Cascade/SE GR Restaurants
| Blue Water Grill | Healthy dining can also be both inspiring and delicious. Guest favorites include the Mahi Mahi Tacos, Blu Bar Egg Rolls and Lobster Club Sandwich. |
| The Cheesecake Factory | A vast menu of dinner options as well dozens of dessert options |
| The Electric Cheetah Cascade | Soup City USA! Grilled Cheese, salads, breads, spreads |
| Emonae | Korean BBQ |
| FireRock Grille | Gourmet American fare with outdoor dining options in season |
| Irie Kitchen | Authentic Caribbean street food |
| Ju Sushi & Lounge | Sushi Lounge, featuring traditional Japanese entrees and a unique dining experience |
| Shang Hai Ichiban | Family-run Asian fine dining, featuring a Japanese Steakhouse, Chinese Dining and Sushi Bar |
| Shiraz Grille | Authentic Persian |
| Tokyo Grill & Sushi | Bringing the best Japanese sushi and cuisine to the area |
Knapp’s Corner Restaurants
| Bravo Cucina Italiana | Fresh, Mediterranean Italian |
| Fuji Yama Japanese Steakhouse | Hibachi grill and sushi bar |
| JAKU | Specializing in Japanese and Korean food along with a vast sushi menu |
| Licari’s | Sicilian pizza kitchen |
| Melting Pot | Dinner and dessert fondue |
| Shesko | Authentic Mediterranean |
| Thai Chef | Family owned Thai restaurant |
Rockford/NE GR Restaurants
| Amore Trattoria Italiana | Italian, award-winning, family-run business |
| Mill Creek Tavern | American food and spirits |
| Perrin Brewing Company | Brewery serving pub fare |
| Ramona’s Table | Farm-to-table food in the heart of downtown Rockford |
| Red’s at Thousand Oaks | Modern American fare with wine bar |
| Third Nature Brewing Co | Brewery with beer inspired menu |
Hudsonville/Jenison/Grandville/Wyoming Restaurants
| Hudsonville Grille | American, locally owned, family-friendly |
| Licari’s | Sicilian pizza kitchen |
| Lindo Mexico | Fresh Mexican fare with signature cocktails and live music |
| Rush Creek Bistro | American, casual dining atmosphere |
| Sonder Eatery | American, local, farm-fresh |
| The Win Tavern 33 | Specializing in Michigan craft beers, pub fare accelerated |
Walker/Standale NW GR Restaurants
| The Latin House | serving authentic Peruvian, Argentinian, and Colombian cuisine |
| Stan Diego | Delicious baja style tacos with a fun, casual atmosphere (also they have board games to play while you dine) |
| Walker Roadhouse | Casual, yet an intimate atmosphere, with a diverse American menu |
| Westside Social | American tavern style food |
CAN’T WAIT TO TRY THESE UP-AND-COMING DATE NIGHT EATS:
These restaurants aren’t open yet, but already are on our list of spots we think will make fantastic date nights.
| Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge | Cajun infused American cuisine with a tasting room | Opening spring 2021 |
| K-ROK Korean Barbecue & Karaoke | Korean bbq + karaoke = a wild good time downtown GR | Opening 2021 |
| Condado Tacos | Build-your-own tacos chain will boast colorful decor by local artists. | Opening spring 2021 |
| Stan Diego | The beloved baja tacos in Standale is coming downtown to the old Wheelhouse kitchen location. | Opening 2021 |
Is your favorite on this list? Or do you have another special spot that you like to hit up with your date? Let us know in the comments so we can check it out, too!
Sheshco I in Knapp’s Corner is AMAZING! Mediterranean food. And the service is fantastic.
North Area – Bostwick Lake Inn – one of our favorite places. Food is great and view is wonderful!
We went to Amore Trattoria Italiana!! It was amazing!! Thanks for the idea!!
Six.one.six @j JW Marriott is pretty fantastic for a date night!