In recent years, Grand Rapids has emerged as a top destination for foodies from all over the United States! With so many unique hot spots featuring various types of delicious cuisine, its impossible to choose where to eat first. We have put together this list of some of the best foodie destinations in Grand Rapids as well as some of our exclusive experiences perfect to try various food throughout the city. Check it out below!
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House of Wine Tasting Experience
Unwind from your busy day and escape to House of Wine, located in the center of downtown Grand Rapids on Monroe Center. Here you will indulge in an exclusive wine flight tasting and charcuterie experience.
House of Wine is a family-owned wine bar and retail shop with over 300 unique wines from all over the world. Enjoy 2 wine flights (4 samples per person), a friendly SA guide, and a hearty sharable charcuterie board (fruit or meat) to snack on while you indulge in the vast world of wine. Like anything you tasted? Feel free to purchase a bottle – or a case – to split with friends to remember the day.
Our Grand Rapids wine tasting experience is truly an event you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re new to wine or a master sommelier, House of Wine will have something for you.
The advantages to purchasing a ticket for a wine tasting experience through GR BucketList;
- Will have a reserved table for your tasting (exclusive perk to Bucket List)
- You will receive “extra/special” attention from the server -they will be prepared to give detailed information on the wines chosen / pairing lessons
- You will receive a discount off 10% off retail bottles
MDRD
Located at the top of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel you will find MDRD which serves modern Spanish cuisine. Enjoy your meal as you look over the Grand River with panoramic views from 27 stories up. Reservations are highly recommended and can be booked here. MDRD is the perfect date night restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids.
Butchers Union
Head to Butchers Union downtown Grand Rapids for a diverse selection of fantastic food – which they strive to source locally, the biggest selection of whiskey around, and some unforgettable craft cocktails. Butchers Union is a cozy and inviting restaurant complete with tufted leather booths, making it a must-try intimate choice for date night in West Michigan.
Motherland Cooking Experience
Take a trip to West Africa with us in this hands-on, interactive cooking class. We will visit various African countries together by cooking some of the best dishes from each region accompanied by live music and storytelling. Your taste buds, soul, and mind will thank you at the end. This class brings you on a food journey where you will learn how to make Puff puff, and how to prepare fish/meats with legendary African marinade for grilling. While the fish is soaking up all those juicy flavors from the marinade, we will prepare veggies for the flavorful pesto-like sauce. You will also get to take the recipes home with you.
This class takes place at Chef Mirabel’s spacious kitchen, where you will be able to get a first-hand experience of what it’s like to indulge in Africa’s rich and diverse culture. You will pair food, enjoy live music, and drinks using local ingredients from Greater Grand Rapids, MI. Wow your friends at your next dinner party with this beautiful family-style dish!
No experience is required! We provide all the equipment and ingredients, which are easy to find at local markets in case you wish to recreate the dish on your own after the class. Our events are casual and meant to be fun and instructive, not hardcore. This class is designed to be just as fun for the cooking enthusiast who wants to be a part of every step as it is for the first-timer who’s happier observing and assisting (or taste-testing).
Reserve Wine and Food
Looking to enjoy a HUGE selection of wine with your significant other? Reserve Wine and Food is the place to be. Reserve has over 900 wines in their storehouse, so you are sure to find something to please your tastebuds. Pair your wine with a dish from the menu which features farm-to-table fare. We highly recommend the create your own charcuterie for your starter.
Margaux
Margaux is located inside of the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids and gives you the feel and cuisine of a classic French bistro with a sophisticated modern feel. Take a seat inside and have a romantic meal while looking out to the Grand River or step out onto the J-Deck and be right on the river. The J-Deck is available year-round with igloos in the winter. One of the best places for a date night in West Michigan!
The Melting Pot
If you are looking for an exciting dinner or a new atmosphere, come explore four courses of fondue at The Melting Pot. This experience focuses on taste, smell, texture, and sound, as well as promoting the art of conversation.
Rates
- Adults: $75 per person (2 person minimum)
Location
- The Melting Pot located at 2090 Celebration Dr NE #130, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
- After purchasing call (616) 365-0055 to make Reservation
Duration
- 2 hours
Maru Sushi
Maru is the East Grand Rapids restaurant to be for sushi rolls. This restaurant offers creative sushi rolls – Such as the Blue Mango and the Super Mario Roll. They also serve classic favorites that everyone knows and loves. Enjoy your meal inside or take advantage of the outdoor seating on their awesome patio.
Terra GR
Terra is a farm-to-table restaurant in East Grand Rapids. This restaurant sources seasonal, sustainable ingredients from local farms and purveyors to create some great dishes. On the menu, you will find American fare with something for everyone. Be sure to try the Pastrami Rueben – toasted milk bread with smoked pastrami, swiss cheese, 1000 island, and caraway sauerkraut. Terra also serves brunch on the weekends and is a great restaurant in Grand Rapids to support local!
Raise a Glass Wine Tour Experience
Settle in, as we take you and your date on a VIP wine tour to some of the hottest wine and food spots in Grand Rapids!
Our upscale wine tour experience is designed for wine lovers, foodies, or those who are new to both but want to learn more. So whether you’re brand new to wine or you’re a wine connoisseur, we have something special for you! Raise A Glass has partnered with some of the best wine and food venues around to create our own unique experience around wine, food, and culture for our guests.
Included with your reservation:
● All wine tasting fees ● 8 (or more!) different wine tastings ● Small plate pairings at each location ● No Wait / Immediate Seating ● Comfortable and safe transportation in a luxury vehicle ● Our expert tour guide that will escort you to and from each wine tasting location ● Premium wine education from a Sommelier or a Chef ● 10% off retail wine purchases ● Gratuity for servers at each tour stop ●
Three Stops to be selected for Wine Tasting stops include; Forty Pearl, 40 Acres, Bistro Bella Vida, Brass Ring Brewing, GR Noir, and House Of Wine
Grove
Grove is located on Cherry Street in the East Hills neighborhood and features an upscale dining experience of authentic American cuisine. Dishes are thoughtfully crafted from fresh ingredients from local family farmers. Grove’s menu changes to follow the midwestern farm season, so you are sure to find something fresh and new as the seasons change. Grove is a great choice for upscale food in East Grand Rapids.
Paddock Place
A cozy restaurant located in the Grand Old Mansion in East Hills. Guests will enjoy a warm casual environment in either the traditional taproom or the more intimate library. Paddock Place offers contemporary global cuisine and serves both Brunch (on the weekends) and Dinner. If you visit in the warmer months, make sure to grab a seat on their patio. Dogs are permitted on the grassy area outside, so feel free to bring your furry friend with you! A great choice of restaurant in Grand Rapids.
