I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of food. In fact, I usually find a way to eat some food every single day. It’s good stuff!

It’s a big part of any city, region or state’s cultural identity, with West Michigan laying claim to a few iconic dishes like the Olive Burger, Wet Burrito and Windmill Cookies. But we’re also proud of our restaurants, takeout joints and food trucks—the places we’re excited to bring someone visiting from out of town.

While the local food scene has definitely taken a hit recently with multiple restaurants closing—inflation, a rising cost of living, tariff uncertainty, shifting spending habits all play a part—there are also spots opening and expanding!

In this year’s Food Issue, we take a look at those eateries we’re proud of, curating our list of the 10 Best Restaurants in West Michigan. It’s a daunting task (I’m half expecting to receive some death threats), but we’re here to help guide people to what we truly believe are the best experiences in the area. If you don’t like it, you can send your complaints to opinions@realwebsite.com.

We also take a deeper dive into some of our favorite restaurants, looking at how places like Café Mamo and Grove handle highly flexible seasonal menus, and talking to the culinary director for Butcher’s Union/Gin Gin’s about what it’s really like to work in a professional kitchen. Is it just like The Bear? No, not quite.

Also this month, you’ll find interviews with musician Iron & Wine and comedian Sheng Wang, as well as a spotlight on golf (it’s more popular than ever!) and a look at the local film scene.

If there’s one thing putting this issue together has taught me, it’s this: I’m hungry. If there’s a second thing, it’s that I’ve been neglecting some truly fantastic dining experiences in town. Let’s all try this month to get out there and try something new or return to an old favorite. With all the challenges they’re facing, restaurants need our help right now—and with all the challenges I’m facing, I need their food.

'Til next time,

Josh Veal, Managing Editor