Every year, West Michigan’s food scene gets even better.
While a few beloved eateries didn’t survive the pandemic, we’ve also seen an incredible amount of restaurants, take-out joints and food trucks arrive on the scene. And while being in the dining industry isn’t easy by any means, the situation has clearly improved—as evidenced by the fact all of last year’s dining winners are still around and thriving.
Of course, one of the most competitive categories each year is best New Restaurant, especially because you only get one shot to win it. Last year’s winner was Social Misfits, an outrageously creative waffle restaurant which has only grown its following since opening.
This year, the winner is Black Napkin, a burger and soda joint that took over Rinaldi Pizza & Sub’s old spot at the corner of Fulton and Diamond. This tiny takeout spot can be seen with a line out the door year-round, but don’t let that dissuade you; it moves fast! If you love crispy, lacey smash burgers and fried chicken sandos with creative, flavor-packed toppings and sauces, this is the place for you. Not to mention the fries, which can be elevated (in my opinion) with different seasonings like Salt-n-Red Wine Vinegar, alongside revelatory housemade sodas, like Pistachio Orange Blossom.
In second place, we have Kawa Sushi and Grill, a new Japanese eatery that’s quickly grown a following in Rockford. The fresh, modern menu pairs a massive selection of sushi rolls and Japanese entrees with a gorgeous natural view of the Rogue River. Fans appreciate the freshness, consistency and great location—not to mention their appreciation for the local Rockford community.
And in third is The Unicorn Tavern, a new Belgian-inspired bar and restaurant in Grand Haven. After years of traveling the world and working in various concepts throughout the Midwest, owners Garry and Kristal Boyd created The Unicorn Tavern to provide fun, family-friendly dining as well as a local watering hole. Their unique approach includes Belgian dishes like the Mitraillette, a traditional sandwich with ham, fries, Trappist cheese sauce, house pickles and Monk’s mustard. They also have large Family meals that can be ordered in advance, a wide menu of Spritzes and other cocktails, smoked prime rib dishes on weekends, and more.
*Each category lists the winner with two finalists listed alphabetically below.
BAKERY
Nantucket Baking Co.
nantucketbaking.com
Field & Fire
Rise Authentic Baking Co.
BBQ
Two Scotts Barbecue
twoscottsbbq.com
Daddy Pete’s BBQ
Slows Bar BQ
BREAKFAST
Real Food Café
realfoodcafe.com
Lucy’s
Wolfgang’s
BRUNCH
San Chez Bistro
sanchezbistro.com
Lucy’s
SpeakEZ Lounge
BURGERS
Stella’s Lounge
stellaslounge.com
Black Napkin
One Stop Coney
CHINESE
First Wok
firstwokgr.com
Gaslight Kitchen Asian Cuisine
Red Bowl
COFFEE
Madcap Coffee
madcapcoffee.com
Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge
Morning Ritual
DESSERTS
Nantucket Baking Co.
nantucketbaking.com
Chartreuse Sisters
Mokaya
DINER
Choo Choo Grill
choochoogrill.com
Grand Coney
Matchbox Diner & Drinks
FOOD TRUCK
Patty Matters
pattymatters.com
Dune Buggy
Street Chef Shaw
FRIED CHICKEN
Hancock
hancockgr.com
Cousins Tasty Chicken
The Southerner
FRIES
HopCat
hopcat.com
Black Napkin
One Stop Coney
HOT DOGS
Yesterdog
yesterdoggrandrapids.com
One Stop Coney
Rockford Corner Bar
ICE CREAM/FROZEN TREATS
Frosty Boy Grand Rapids
frostyboygr.com
Double Dip Depot
Furniture City Creamery
INDIAN
Palace of India
palaceofindiarestaurant.com
Pal’s Indian Cuisine
PIND Indian Cuisine
MEDITERRANEAN
The Pita House - Sami’s Gyro
pitahousegr.com
Sheshco Mediterranean Grill
Zivio
MEXICAN
Tacos El Cunado Bridge St.
facebook.com/Tacoselcunadobridgestreet/
Donkey Taqueria
Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano
MOST INNOVATIVE CUISINE
The Unicorn Tavern
theunicorntavern.com
grove
MDRD
NEW RESTAURANT
Black Napkin
blacknapkingr.com
Kawa Sushi
The Unicorn Tavern
PIZZA
The Mitten Brewing Co.
mittenbrewing.com
Martha’s Pizza
Quarantino’s
SANDWICH/DELI
Two Beards Deli
twobeardsdeligr.com
Boardwalk Subs
Schnitz Deli
SEAFOOD
Leo’s
leosrestaurant.com
Beacon Corner Bar
Fish Lads of Grand Rapids
SOUP
Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop
unclecheetahs.com
Horrocks Market
Russ’
STEAK
Butcher’s Union
butchersuniongr.com
Bowdie’s Chophouse
The Chop House
SUSHI
Maru
marusushi.com
Ginza Sushi and Ramen Bar
Jaku Sushi & Grill
THAI
Bangkok Taste Cuisine
grbangkoktastecuisine.com
Lai Thai Kitchen
Little Bangkok
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN
Gaia House Café
gaiahousecafe.com
Stella’s Lounge
The Unicorn Tavern
WINE BAR
Reserve Wine & Food
reservegr.com
GRNoir
House of Wine
WINGS
Rockford Brewing Co.
rockfordbrewing.com
Mike’s Wings
Wing Doozy