Michigan Location Crowned One of 15 Best Dining Destinations in the World

It's one thing to be named the best foodie city in Michigan. Crowned among the best places to eat in America? Even cooler. But being recognized as one of the best food destinations in the entire world? One Michigan location has just received that honor!

Get our free mobile app

Eater’s Top 15 Global Food Destinations

A new list from popular foodie site Eater names just 15 food destinations worldwide that stand out not only for incredible restaurants, but for the emotional connection people have to them. This isn’t about stars, viral dishes, or who just won the latest award. Eater says their contributors chose places they genuinely love, destinations they know intimately, have lived in, and can’t stop recommending to friends.

👇BELOW: Looking for More Michigan Hotspots? These are the Top Restaurants in the State👇

Michigan Dining Scene on Global Stage

The Michigan location to make this exclusive list is Traverse City. It's being praised alongside culinary hotspots like Milan, Italy and Okinawa, Japan!  According to Eater contributor Stacey Brugeman, chefs and wine pros are being drawn in by the farmland, the cherry and apple orchards, and the wine scene, with talented people from bigger cities choosing to put down roots along the lake.

READ MORE: Just One Michigan Restaurant Makes OpenTable's List of the 100 Most Romantic

That’s led to buzzy newer restaurants like Modern Bird and Supper, with more on the way soon, like Umbo. Longtime favorites like American Spoon, Trattoria Stella, and The Cooks’ House continue to anchor the scene.

What really stands out, though, is how connected it all feels. Farmers talk directly with chefs. Fishermen drop off smelt themselves. Neighbors share what’s fresh. It’s very Northern Michigan, and very Midwest.

Personal Favorites from a Food Lover

And as someone who truly loves Traverse City, this recognition feels personal. I vacationed there as a kid, got married there eight years ago, and my husband and I go back every chance we get.

Over the years, some of our go-to spots have been Apache Trout Grill, Poppycock’s, Sorellina, The Filling Station, Rounds Restaurant, Mama Lu's Taco Shop, and Amical.

UP NEXT: 7 Michigan Rental Homes with Heated, Indoor Pools for the Perfect Winter Getaway

When it comes to wineries it's tough to pick! But I think my top two are Bower's Harbor  and Chateau Chantal. These are the places are as much a part of the experience as Lake Michigan itself!