Holland, Michigan is a postcard come to life, famous for its tulip-lined streets and lakeshore charm. But let’s be real, no great trip is complete without fantastic food.
The dining scene here is a surprising and delicious secret, mixing small-town friendliness with seriously impressive plates.
Get ready to go way beyond the chain restaurants. We’re sharing the inside scoop on the local haunts, the date-night winners, and the family spots that have been serving smiles for generations.
Whether you’re craving a juicy burger after a beach day or an elegant meal that rivals big-city dining, this guide will show you the best restaurants in Holland, MI that you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Butch’s Dry Dock
Imagine the perfect, no-fuss, quintessential beach-town burger joint. That’s Butch’s Dry Dock, a local legend for over four decades. Located right near the iconic Big Red Lighthouse, this is the spot you hit after a morning on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The vibe is pure, unadulterated fun—think nautical decor, a patio buzzing with happy people, and the smell of grilled greatness in the air.
Their menu is a love letter to classic American comfort food. The Beach Burger is the stuff of legend, piled high with all the fixings.
Don’t sleep on their hand-breaded perch or the crispy onion rings that are bigger than your hand. It’s a place where you can show up sandy and salty and fit right in. For a true taste of laid-back lakeside life, this is one of the best places to eat in Holland, MI.
2. The Curragh Irish Pub
Step off the street and straight into the cozy warmth of an authentic Irish pub. The Curragh Irish Pub, nestled in the heart of downtown Holland, is the real deal.
The owners imported the dark wood, the stained glass, and even the bar itself straight from Ireland, creating an atmosphere that’s both lively and deeply welcoming.
Sure, you’ll find fantastic classics like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, but the menu has delightful surprises, too. Their Guinness Stew is a rich, hearty masterpiece. They also have one of the best burgers in town, the Curragh Burger, stacked with Irish bacon and cheddar.
With live music often filling the air, it’s the perfect spot for a festive dinner or a relaxing pint. It’s a cornerstone of the top Holland, MI restaurants for a memorable night out.
3. Seventy-Six
If you’re looking for an upscale, contemporary dining experience that focuses on fresh, local ingredients, Seventy-Six is your destination.
Housed in a beautifully restored historic building downtown, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between refined and relaxed. The open kitchen lets you see the chefs craft each plate with care.
The menu changes with the seasons, showcasing the best of Michigan’s bounty. You might find a perfectly seared Lake Superior whitefish or a tender steak from a nearby farm.
Their commitment to sourcing locally makes every dish taste incredibly fresh and thoughtful. It’s the ideal choice for a special occasion or when you just want to treat yourself to an expertly prepared meal, making it a must-visit restaurant in Holland.
4. Salt & Pepper Savories
For a breakfast or lunch that feels like a hug, head straight to Salt & Pepper Savories. This charming cafe is a local favorite, known for its scratch-made soups, sandwiches, and baked goods.
The vibe is sunny, cheerful, and always bustling—a testament to how much people love it here.
Their menu is full of creative twists on comfort food. The Turkey Cranberry Walnut Sandwich on fresh sourdough is a fan favorite, and their quiche of the day is always a winner.
Save room for one of their giant, homemade cookies or a slice of pie. It’s the kind of spot where the staff remembers your name and the coffee cup is always full.
For a genuinely happy and delicious start to your day, this is a top Holland MI dining spot.
5. New Holland Brewing Company – The Knickerbocker
While famous for its craft beverages, The Knickerbocker kitchen stands firmly on its own as a fantastic place for a meal.
Located in a massive, stunning historic building, the space is impressive with its high ceilings and industrial-chic vibe. The energy is vibrant and communal, perfect for groups.
The menu is designed for sharing and pairs wonderfully with their house-made sodas. Their Wood-Fired Pretzel with beer cheese is a mandatory starter.
For a main, the brick oven pizzas are excellent, with a perfectly chewy crust, and the pulled pork sandwich is a smoky delight. It’s a quintessential Holland experience where great food meets local craft, solidifying its place among the best restaurants to visit in Holland, MI.
6. Mizu Sushi
When a sushi craving hits in West Michigan, Mizu Sushi answers the call with style and freshness.
This sleek, modern spot in downtown Holland offers an extensive menu of both traditional rolls and inventive creations that are almost too beautiful to eat. The fish is consistently fresh, and the presentation is artful.
Beyond sushi, their kitchen puts out excellent teriyaki bowls, tempura, and noodle dishes. The Mizu Dragon Roll, with eel and avocado, is a consistent winner.
The atmosphere is calm and contemporary, making it a great choice for a date night or a quiet dinner. For high-quality Japanese cuisine in an unexpected place, Mizu is a standout Holland Michigan restaurant.
7. DeBoer Bakkerij
You can’t talk about Holland’s food scene without celebrating its Dutch heritage. DeBoer Bakkerij is a family-owned institution where the smell of freshly baked goods will stop you in your tracks. This isn’t just a bakery; it’s a portal to a sweet, buttery tradition.
Their Dutch Letters, filled with almond paste, are legendary. So are the fluffy cream puffs, the flaky apple turnovers, and the giant, buttery cookies. Go early for the best selection, as popular items sell out fast.
Pair your treats with a good cup of coffee for a perfect morning ritual. A visit here for authentic Dutch pastries is a non-negotiable part of any best food in Holland, MI itinerary.
8. Crazy Horse Steakhouse & Grill
Sometimes you just need a classic, hearty American steakhouse meal. Crazy Horse Steakhouse & Grill has been satisfying that craving for locals and visitors for years.
Located just outside the downtown core, it offers a spacious, lodge-like setting with a menu focused on quality and generous portions.
Their hand-cut steaks are the main event, cooked to order and full of flavor. The prime rib is a weekend specialty that draws a crowd.
The menu also features plenty of other options, like fall-off-the-bone ribs and fresh seafood.
With its reliable, satisfying fare and friendly service, it’s a dependable choice for a family dinner or a celebratory feast, earning its reputation as a great restaurant in Holland, MI.
9. The Biscuit
Welcome to the home of the giant, fluffy, scratch-made biscuit. The Biscuit is a bright, modern eatery that has taken a humble staple and turned it into a culinary star. Their entire menu is built around their incredible, pillowy biscuits, and the creativity is contagious.
You can go sweet with a biscuit topped with local jam and whipped cream, or savory with their famous B.E.C. (Biscuit, Egg, and Cheese) sandwich loaded with your choice of additions.
They also offer fresh salads and grain bowls for a lighter option. It’s a uniquely delicious and affordable breakfast or lunch that you won’t find anywhere else, making it a true unique place to eat in Holland.
10. Hops at 84 East
For a sophisticated yet approachable gastropub experience, find your way to Hops at 84 East.
Tucked away in a business park, this gem is worth the seek. The atmosphere is upscale casual with a sleek bar and cozy seating, perfect for anything from a business lunch to a weekend dinner date.
The menu is globally inspired and executed with finesse. Shareables like the Korean BBQ cauliflower are a must-try. Their burgers are gourmet affairs, and their pasta dishes are always a hit.
The focus is on bold, clean flavors and high-quality ingredients. Discovering this hidden spot feels like finding a secret, placing it high on the list of best Holland, MI restaurants for foodies.
11. Captain’s Galley (Bonus: A Local Secret)
For a true, old-school, family-owned diner experience, the Captain’s Galley is a treasure.
This no-frills spot has been serving heaping plates of comfort food since the 1970s. The decor is charmingly dated, the booths are well-worn, and the service is fast and friendly.
Come hungry. Their breakfasts are massive, featuring fluffy pancakes and perfectly cooked eggs. For lunch, the menu is full of classic sandwiches, soups, and dinner plates that feel like home cooking.
It’s affordable, authentic, and embodies the genuine, unpretentious heart of the community. For a taste of real, local life, this is a can’t-miss restaurant in Holland, MI.
Conclusion
See? Holland’s charm isn’t just skin deep—it’s baked into every pie, grilled into every burger, and stirred into every soup.
This town serves up personality and flavor on every plate, from the lakeside shacks to the elegant downtown kitchens.
Your table is waiting. Don’t just read about that perfect biscuit or that legendary Dutch letter. Make your plan, pick a few spots from this list, and go taste the genuine warmth and flavor of Holland, MI for yourself.