The 10 Best Restaurants In Uptown Grand Rapids Michigan

The Uptown neighborhood of Grand Rapids has an eclectic collection of restaurants and an assortment of cuisines, from Italian to Japanese to Ethiopian to Caribbean to American. No matter what the craving is, there’s a good chance that there’s something to satisfy it. Check out these top spots in Uptown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

1. Little Africa Cuisine

Restaurant, Ethiopian, African, Vegetarian

Little Africa offers deliciously authentic Ethiopian food in a friendly neighborhood restaurant. There is no other restaurant like it in Grand Rapids and Little Africa holds onto its privilege proudly. The dishes include many lentil and curry bases, each served with a homemade Ethiopian flatbread called injera. The menu also offers group platter options, ranging for two to six people. All the food is vegetarian and the restaurant only takes cash.

2. Brick Road Pizza Co

Brick Road Pizza Co

Brick Road Pizza Co. does pizza a little bit differently. This family owned business attempts to bring the healthiest and freshest ingredients in order to make the best product. They only use healthy organic butter, soy milk and tofu options as well as making their dough fresh on the premise everyday. The menu includes lots of vegan options and allergy sensitive dishes. They also have great salad, sandwiches and pasta dishes for something other than the classic Italian pie.
Address: Brick Road Pizza Co, 1017 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, +1 (616) 719-2409

3. Mangiamo!

Diner, Restaurant, Cocktails, Italian

Mangiamo!

Mangiamo! brings fine dining to the Uptown neighborhood. The restaurant is housed in a converted 19th century Wurzburg mansion and the restaurant holds on to the elegance and tastefulness of this classic landmark. The menu brings out the best of Italian dishes, from pizzas, to pastas, soups and other delicious options. The wine and drink menu is full of great options and even some signature cocktails that promise an extra kick. During the summer months, Mangiamo opens up some outdoor seating in their picturesque back patio area.
Address: Mangiamo! 1033 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI, +1 (616) 742-0600

4. Trattoria di' Stagione

Restaurant, Italian

Puzzle Bathroom Electric Cheetah Restaurant

Another delicious Italian restaurant, Trattoria di’ Stagione brings great food to this friendly neighborhood spot. More so, they offer a simply great Italian menu at an affordable price. The dishes are made fresh and with the best local ingredients. They serve classic Italian dishes with an original touch, like their spiced spaghetti, eggplant parmesan with goats’ cheese, and gnocchi al forno. There is also the Chef’s Selection; a new dish made daily that adds something fresh and exciting to the al la cart mix.

5. The Electric Cheetah

Bar, Restaurant, American, Cajun, BBQ

The Electric Cheetah brings something new and exciting to Grand Rapids. The menu is an eclectic collection of American meals, like mac and cheese and club sandwiches, but Electric Cheetah doesn’t make anything boring or traditional here. They put their own creative twists to each meal, including inventive names. Like their macaroni dish called the Justin Wilson Macawhoooooo, made with their seven-cheese blend, kielbasa, Cajun shrimp, spicy barbecue and a few other delicious additions.

6. Terra

Restaurant, American

Terra strives to nurture the body and the community with their use of only local and organic ingredients and as healthy as possible creations. They are a farm to table restaurant, taking away any unnecessary middlemen and creating a symbiotic relationship between the farmer and the restaurant and the customers. Terra serves fresh dishes like wood fired pizzas, grass-fed beef burgers and delicious fish and meat options. They also have a great wine list filled with local and international labels.

7. Wolfgang's Restaurant

Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

Wolfgang’s Restaurant has been a local favorite for over 20 years. Known for being one of the best brunch spots in town, Wolfgang also offers a delicious lunch menu. The breakfast menu has dozens of both sweet and savory favorites, like their pancakes, omelettes, skillet dishes, French toast and eggs Benedict. Each of these are offered with an assortment of delicious toppings and additions.

8. Chez Olga

Restaurant, American, Caribbean, Vegetarian, Vegan

Chez Olga brings the taste of the Caribbean right to a customer’s plate. The restaurant is found in a beautifully and enchantingly designed wood building that looks like something out of Hobbiton. Started by a Haitian businesswomen, Chez Olga brings a little piece of Carib home to Grand Rapids. The menu has many traditional Caribbean dishes, like the gumbo, ragu, fried plantain and creole chicken and tilapia. There’s also oodles of spice for that extra kick to the tongue.

9. Yesterdog

Diner, Restaurant, American, Fast Food

Yesterdog has been making the best hotdogs in Grand Rapids since it opened 1976. This iconic diner has only six hotdogs on the menu but that’s because Yesterdog only serves the finest it can find. Everything on the menu is under $10 so patrons can fill up for next to nothing. This spot is decorated like a 1930s diner with vintage posters, an old-time cash register, antique jukebox and even a gramophone as a tip jar.

10. Maru Sushi & Grill

Restaurant, Sushi, Japanese, Asian, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

This hip restaurant is great for a date night or just a fun night out with friends. Maru Sushi & Grill has authentic and delicious sushi that is made fresh to order. They have many of the traditional favorites, like nigiri, sashimi and maki, as well as thier Maru signature rolls that each have their own unique taste. The menu has lots of different options and allows customers to pick and choose different combinations to create their own personal sushi experience.

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