Savor Petoskey’s Global Fare

Craving international cuisine? The greater Petoskey area boasts dozens of restaurants serving up worldwide menus sure to tempt every taste bud…no passport required!

 

Polish

Leg’s Inn, Cross Village – This iconic eatery is as well known for its panoramic views of Lake Michigan and its one-of-a-kind hand-carved wooden décor as it is for its mouthwatering meals. The Smolak family has been welcoming locals and visitors for more than a century, drawn to their old-world offerings like bigos (hunter’s stew), pierogi, kielbasa with sauerkraut, zurek (Polish sour soup), gołąbki (stuffed cabbage leaves), naleśniki (Polish-style crepe), and so much more. Open seasonally along the famed M-119 Tunnel of Trees (note detours due to spring washouts).

 

Polish Kitchen, Harbor Springs – Using only the freshest ingredients, this family-run restaurant opened in 2010 and serves traditional Polish foods, as well as a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, sides and desserts. Goulash is a great hearty meal for a cold autumn day. For something unique, try the pierogi pizza. Give a side-by-side comparison of the turkey Reuben (made with sauerkraut) or Rachel Reuben (with coleslaw). They even offer a Michigan favorite – a pastie – made with kielbasa, pork, carrots, rutabaga and onions topped with gravy! Open year round on the east side of Harbor Springs on M-119 (near the airport).

 

French

Café Sante, Boyne City – Indulge your inner Parisian at this European-influenced bistro, adjacent to Lake Charlevoix. Sharables like pâté maison, escargot and moules marinières (sailor-style mussels in white wine sauce) enhance the French vibe. From benedicts and croque madame to steak & frites and fish & chips, wood-fired pizza, salads, pasta and signature whitefish with dauphinois potatoes, the menu is as diverse as it is tasty. There’s even an impressive wine book (no meager list here), a hefty kids’ menu and decadent desserts like pot de crème, macarons and cheesecake. In addition to its bar and dining area, Café Sante has an enclosed side porch and patio. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live music is also hosted on a regular basis.

 

Italian

Bella Vita, Boyne City – The rural setting between Boyne City and Horton Bay adds to the vibe of this casual, fine dining Italian restaurant. Inside the unassuming exterior, visitors will find scratch-made meals inspired by Northern Italy with specialties like beef carpaccio—thin slices of raw tenderloin drizzled with lemon and olive oil, served with capers, basil, mustard, and Parmigiano Reggiano. There are plenty of pasta options, from meaty bolognese and lasagna to the locally inspired fettuccini alfredo con fungi featuring morel mushrooms. Lamb, chicken, beef, veal, and seafood entrees round out the menu. Bella Vita operates on a seasonal schedule, open from May through mid-October as well as during the December holidays and Fridays and Saturdays in January and February.

 

Leto’s Osteria, Petoskey – The area’s newest Italian eatery, located in the heart of downtown Petoskey, was named one of the “Best New Restaurants” in northern Michigan earlier this year by MyNorth Traverse magazine. The menu features shareable small plate appetizers and salads, with a combination of seasonal favorites and unique spins on popular staples including the shaved brussel sprouts caesar. Housemade pastas like spelt radiatore with roasted hen of the woods mushrooms, artichoke vellutata, lemon pangrattato, and prosciutto are loaded with flavor. The specialty of the house is swordfish en cartoccio—line-caught fish baked in parchment with Sicilian potato salad, lemon and caper sauce. Open year-round.

 

Trovato at Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, Brutus – Perched along the banks of the Maple River, Trovato is a hidden seasonal gem inside Hidden River Golf & Casting Club’s clubhouse, serving a blend of American and Italian cuisine. The thoughtful menu often features wine pairing suggestions like the Christophe Patrice Chablis with the diver scallop risotto or the Mondavi’s Select Cabernet 1966 with the bone-in belly on pork chop. Start your evening with a spread of meats, cheeses and accoutrements with the “Chef’s Charcuterie” board or the meatballs made with bison, boar, elk, and wagyu beef (paired with Brancaia Tre Rosso). Live music is even offered on select nights. Open mid-May through mid-October.

 

Mexican

Happy’s Taco Shop, Petoskey & Boyne City – A local favorite has expanded operations from its popular food truck into two permanent locations—one in downtown Petoskey across from Pennsylvania Park and the other on M-75 east of Boyne City. Both locations serve mouth-water tacos, burritos, bowls and the famous “Crunchwrap Royale” made with roasted pork, smoked potato, beef, and cheese, crispy shrimp or pinto beans in a folded tostada and grilled in chihuahua cheese along with pickled vegetables, cilantro, macha ranch, lettuce and chile-lime syrup. There’s even a vegan menu available. At the Boyne City location, you can belly up to the shipping-container-turned-bar for a craft mocktail or one of three beers brewed on-site like Happy’s Lager (which can also be found in cans at Toski Sands Market & Wine Shop in Petoskey and Provisions in Boyne City). Open every day in Petoskey and Thursday through Sunday in Boyne City.

 

Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant, Petoskey – If you’re looking for authentic homemade recipes (straight from mom’s kitchen), affordable prices and good-sized portions, you’ll want to check out Jose’s. This family-owned restaurant serves freshly made tamales, tacos, enchiladas, Mexican pizza, nachos, chili rellenos (Mexican-style stuffed chiles) and award-winning guacamole. Located in downtown Petoskey.

 

Libe Lula, Petoskey – Located at the High Five Spirits Tasting Room in downtown and at the Gypsy Distillery on US31 west of town, this eclectic eatery features a Mexican inspired menu, with a twist. In addition to the nachos, quesadilla, tacos, bowls and wraps, you’ll find finger foods like pretzel bites, pickle fries and “Captain Jack Shrimp” wrapped in pepper jack cheese and bacon, baked on a butter herb tortilla. For something sweet, try the churro bites dusted with cinnamon and sugar, served with chocolate for dipping. All menu options are sure to pair well with the crafted cocktails and the respective distillery locations.

 

Rodrigo’s, Harbor Springs – Looking for Mexican fare with a Michigan flair, then stop by Rodrigo’s just north of downtown Harbor Springs for the “Up North Whitefish Tacos” and “Pescado Blano” (grilled whitefish drizzled with white wine and served with rice and mixed veggies). In addition to both hard and soft tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tostadas, chimichangas and fajitas, you’ll find a taco salad served in a crispy tortilla bowl, Mexican hot wings and of course, free chips and salsa before your meal! Rodrigo’s also features a full bar, with margaritas, sangria, tequila and mango paloma, along with other tasty drinks.

Other Mexican eateries worth checking out include Casa Tequilla Mexican Bar & Grill and Red Mesa Grill in Boyne City, as well as Dos Locals Tacos and Mi Tequilla, both in Petoskey.

 

Indian

Aamchi Mumbai Indian Cuisine, Petoskey – Serving a blend of traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine, including a nice selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options (denoted on the menu). The Tandoori Barbeque (marinated in yogurt with spices and roasted inside a tandoor (a traditional, cylindrical clay oven) at a very high temperature) features lamb, chicken, fish, and shrimp selections. Other menu favorites include butter chicken, Mughlai lamb, goat curry, shrimp vindaloo and from scratch naan breads. On Sundays, they even offer a buffet so you can sample a variety of featured items.

 

Asian

Chang Cuisine, Harbor Springs – This fusion restaurant incorporates the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers and specialty markets to create traditional Asian flavors that stimulate all the senses. Start with an egg roll, spring roll, Rangoon or dumpling—or opt for the “Chang Sampler” with two of each. Specialties include Korean beef, egg foo young, kung pao, sweet & sour chicken, and old-fashioned chop suey. You’ll also find Thai cuisine options with tofu, chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp. A lunch buffet is offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (for dine-in or takeout). Located north of downtown Harbor Springs.

 

Indo China Gardens, Boyne City – Family-owned for more than two decades, this mostly take-out eatery (with just a few dine-in tables) serves up dishes from India, China, and Thailand. The full menu of affordably priced, traditional meals includes chicken almondine in a brown sauce, sweet and sour tofu, lo mein with egg noodles, and dozens of other options. Guests rave about the egg drop soup, egg rolls, General Tsao’s chicken, and Thai curry. Don’t forget the fortune cookies!

 

Thai Orchid Cuisine, Petoskey – Once described as “the jewel of Southeast Asia” for its flavorful and aromatic exotic menu, this award-winning eatery has been welcoming diners since 2008. Start your meal with a cup of tom kha kai (traditional spicy and sour soup), cucumber salad, shrimp wrap, or dive right in with the curry duck, salt and pepper squid, or sesame chicken. You can also build your own noodle, fried rice, curry, or pad dishes by choosing your protein and spice level. There’s even dessert like house-made coconut ice cream and sweet sticky rice with banana and red beans, steamed in a banana leaf. You’ll find a selection of wine and beer to pair with your meal. The culinary team at Thai Orchid hosts cooking classes through Crooked Tree Art Center for those interested in learning some recipes.

 

Hiro Sushi & Steakhouse, Petoskey – The region’s only Japanese steakhouse offers entertaining hibachi tables and a sushi bar—so bring your family and friends, and your appetite(s). Sharing is a key strategy, giving everyone a chance to sample various appetizers, sushi, and sashimi. Start out with crispy calamari, dumplings, or scallion pancakes, then scroll through the massive list of sushi options and try to make a decision. If your group is game, consider the Love Boat which is loaded with 10 pieces of sushi and 15 sashimi, as well as a California roll, rainbow roll and hidden dragon roll. Or, leave the decisions to the chef with the Sashimi Pandora Box—a selection of the freshest assortment of sashimi, each paired with the appropriate sauce. On the hibachi side, for those who have never experienced this grill-top table show, you’ll be asked to select a protein (chicken, shrimp, steak (as well as filet mignon), and/or lobster (you can pick more than one, for an added price) which will then be cooked up alongside chunky vegetables and fried rice. If you’re really hungry, opt for the Samurai Dinner (steak, chicken and shrimp), Shogun Dinner (filet, chicken and shrimp), Seafood Combination (shrimp, scallop and lobster), or the five-meat Fuji Dinner (filet, lobster, shrimp, scallop and chicken). A wise tip – choose something different than others at your table…remember, sharing is the way to go (although the leftovers are also great). Located south of Petoskey off US-131.

 

Mediterranean

Mim’s Mediterranean Grill, Petoskey – Located on US-31 northeast of downtown Petoskey, this whimsical and colorful eatery is a great place to grab a gyro, kebab, shawarma, or other flavorful Greek cuisine. Tasty sides include pita chips with tzatziki or hummus, spanakopita (a traditional savory Greek pastry made with flaky phyllo dough, spinach, feta cheese, and fresh herbs), tabbouleh salad, stuffed grape leaves, and falafel balls. Cod, shrimp, and clam baskets with fries are always available, and on Thursdays and Fridays, there is also hand-battered lake perch. Don’t forget the baklava—a mouthwatering sweet treat made of crispy phyllo dough stuffed with honey and nuts. Sit in the dining room or the back patio, weather permitting. Mim’s Mobile Grill food truck also serves its gyros in downtown Petoskey’s The Back Lot, seasonally.

 

Palette Bistro, Petoskey – Overlooking Little Traverse Bay at the edge of Petoskey’s Historic Gaslight District, this upscale restaurant boasts a Mediterranean-inspired menu and a curated European-centric wine list, along with select Michigan beers, Belgian brews, and craft cocktails. A specialty is the paella—either seafood- or vegetable-based- stone-fired Greek chicken or classic margherita pizza, kofta (lamb meatball muhammara whipped feta) and dolmas (stuffed grape leaves with hummus, rice and tzatziki), along with a selection of American favorites like sea scallops, short rib, pork tenderloin and salmon. Save room for dessert as the baked chocolate pudding with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce is worth the calories! If weather permits, grab a seat on the patio or the second-story open-air covered porch facing the downtown area. Open seven days a week, year-round.

 

About the author: Dianna Stampfler is the founder of Promote Michigan and the author of Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses and Death & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes.