TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Yet another tip of the cap is being made at the Traverse City food scene, as Eater’s list of the Best Dining Destinations for 2026 puts our Grand Traverse Bay city squarely in the mix.
And it’s a heady list, with destinations like Milan, Italy and Scotland’s Isle of Skye making the cut, too.
With its backdrop of orchards and vineyards, Traverse City has long been known for being home to innovative chefs. But their number has expanded noticeably in recent years – and more are coming.
Knowing this, the regional tourism team has been leaning into the foodie narrative, finding ways to celebrate not just the national award-winners, but the entire community of local restaurants, wineries, bakeries and breweries that have become such a draw.
Last year’s inaugural Traverse City Food & Wine event was a multi-day success. It drew nationally-known chefs offering cooking demonstrations that not only packed the downtown, but sent visitors out to farms and agritourism destinations. The event is back on the calendar for this August.
Eater’s nod recognizes that energy. It put Traverse City on its list of the Top 15 Food Destinations for 2026, saying it was recommended as a “new dining powerhouse.”
“Diverse local ingredients paired with exceptional culinary talent deliver unique and memorable flavors in Traverse City,” Trevor Tkach, president/CEO of Traverse City Tourism, said of the region’s inclusion on the list. “Our epicurean scene is being recognized like never before, drawing the attention of those who share our passion.”
Tyler Florence does an open-air cooking demonstration at the Traverse City Food & Wine event.Photo provided by Traverse City TourismHere are Eater’s highlights in recommending Traverse City:
“Drawn to bucolic farmland, endless cherry and apple orchards, and increasingly respected wine regions, chefs and wine pros are relocating from major cities to this lakeside Arcadia.”
Namedropping list includes:
- Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart of Modern Bird, which was just named a semifinalist for the James Beard Awards and also recently made the New York Times 50 best restaurants list
- Bos Wine in Elk Rapids
- Supper at The Mill in Glen Arbor
- Chefs Sarah Welch and Cameron Rolka, who are opening Umbo soon on Front Street.
- Trattoria Stella
- Cooks’ House
“Despite growing hype, the community remains low-key,” the Eater list said. “Farmers review seed lists with cooks before placing orders, fishermen meet restaurant owners to hand off buckets of smelt, and neighbors knock on kitchen doors to share fresh favas. They foster a collaborative energy that’s only possible in the friendly Midwest.”
9 Bean Rows bakery and farm market in Suttons Bay is as close as you’re going to get to European pastries without using your passport.Photo courtesy of 9 Bean RowsLove the people behind Traverse City’s foodie scene? So do we. Here are some stories that showcase the personalities behind the plates:
Amazing Northern Michigan bakery, café hits the sweet spot with European flair
High-end smashburgers, thick shakes create buzz for this tiny Traverse City restaurant
Dreaming of Loamstead: Northern Michigan winery could be reinvented as agritourism destination
Specialty smashburgers line the menu at Oakwood Proper Burgers in Traverse City. Photo provided by Leslie Bilbey.Oakwood Proper Burgers