Are you on the search for the very best whitefish in Michigan? If there’s one thing every Michigander loves, it’s a hearty serving of freshly caught fish. While seafood of all sorts has its perks (and there are even loads of amazing seafood restaurants in Michigan), there’s something undeniably special about enjoying a delicious meal that comes directly from our beloved Great Lakes. When your craving for whitefish strikes, you’ll find no shortage of options for enjoying the dish throughout the state. Read on to learn about ten restaurants that serve the best whitefish in Michigan. 

1. Brown Fisheries Fish House (Paradise)
TripAdvisor/Greg G.
Brown Fisheries Fish House, 32520 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768, USA
TripAdvisor/Mark H.
Located in the aptly named town of Paradise, Brown Fisheries is an absolute must-visit for those craving whitefish. Finish up your day at Tahquamenon Falls State Park with a stop at this eatery, which serves up lightly battered fresh catches in a friendly atmosphere. Your mouth will be watering as soon as you arrive -- and it's the perfect place to settle in for a meal after a long day of exploring the Upper Peninsula.
2. Bortell’s Fisheries (Ludington)
TripAdvisor/Todd R.
Bortell's Fisheries, 5510 S Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, MI 49431, USA
TripAdvisor/lindsaylur
Make your way to the delightful waterfront community of Ludington for a one-of-a-kind experience at this longtime favorite Michigan restaurant, which is impossible to miss with its brightly decorated exterior. The process is simple: get in line, select a cut of fish from the display, and wait for it to be cooked on the spot. Add a side of coleslaw and fries and you’re good to go! You'll want to return to Bortell's time and time again.
3. Apache Trout Grill (Traverse City)
TripAdvisor/Dutchkids
Apache Trout Grill, 13671 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, USA
TripAdvisor/ChickPosseeGirl
It’s hard to picture a more stunning location or view than the one you’ll find at Apache Trout Grill, but this visual beauty is just part of the experience. You’ll find a fantastic menu that offers a variety of seafood dishes, included panko-crusted whitefish direct from the waters of Lake Superior. There's lots to love in Traverse City, but Apache Trout Grill is among the top spots to dine. Talk about delicious!
4. Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn (Curtis)
TripAdvisor/Georgia H.
Chamberlin's Ole Forest Inn, N9450 Manistique Lakes Rd, Curtis, MI 49820, USA
Facebook/Chamberlin's Ole Forest Inn
Tucked away within a lovely bed and breakfast, this Michigan restaurant is the epitome of charm. Its welcoming atmosphere is enough to draw in any visitor, and its tasty menu will make you want to stay and dine all day long. The whitefish is fresh, the service is second to none, and the atmosphere is absolutely serene. Whether you're spending the night or simply dropping in for a single meal, you'll be enamored with Chamblerin's.
5. Real Seafood Company Bay City (Bay City)
TripAdvisor/preppygirl56
Real Seafood Company Bay City, 199 Uptown Dr, Bay City, MI 48708, USA
TripAdvisor/Sheryl L.
This restaurant in Michigan is the place to be when you’ve got a hankering for all things seafood. While the menu features fish from across the world, it’s especially proud of its whitefish selection from right here in the Great Lakes region. We recommend the whitefish oreganata for a truly unique flavor experience. Bay City might not be the most famous waterfront town in Michigan, but it sure is worthy of a visit.

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6. Dockers Fish House (Muskegon)
TripAdvisor/AlbenBrewder
Dockers Restaurant, 3505 Marina View Point, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
TripAdvisor/AlbenBrewder
The fun tiki bar vibe is only half the appeal at this Muskegon eatery. Open seasonally, Dockers Fish House overlooks the lovely Harbour Towne Marina and serves up some of the most delicious eats imaginable. Sip on a cocktail as you indulge in an order of broiled whitefish or breaded lake perch. Are you hungry yet? When you're done dining, venture out for an adventure along the nearby shores of Lake Michigan.
7. Keyhole Bar and Grill (Mackinaw City)
TripAdvisor/Heidi-ready-2-travel
Key Hole Bar, 323 E Central Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, USA
TripAdvisor/Heidi-ready-2-travel
When you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned diner experience, make your way to downtown Mackinaw City. This Michigan restaurant is beloved for its whitefish dinners, friendly service, and fun, no-frills atmosphere. Whether you’re a tourist or a longtime visitor, you’ll have an incredible meal (or two!) at Keyhole.
8. Joe Muer Seafood (Detroit)
TripAdvisor/Elsie M.
Joe Muer Seafood, 400 Renaissance Center #1404, Detroit, MI 48243, USA
TripAdvisor/Cris R.
This longtime seafood giant in Michigan has been revived within the Motor City’s Renaissance Center, and its tasty dishes are as incredible as ever. When you’re ready to enjoy your favorite fish dishes with a twist, all while appreciating an upscale atmosphere, Joe Muer is the place for you. We recommend the broiled whitefish, served with a side of fresh lemon to sweeten the deal. Whether you're a Detroit or an out-of-town visitor, you'll undoubtedly enjoy this classic Motor City locale.
9. Scalawags Whitefish & Chips (Mackinaw)
Scalawags Whitefish & Chips - Mackinaw / Facebook
226 E Central Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, USA
Scalawags Whitefish & Chips - Mackinaw / Facebook
This iconic Michigan eatery has long served up fresh whitefish in a fun, upbeat environment. Try an order of whitefish chowder; enjoy a classic plate of fish and chips with the eatery’s delicious tartar sauce, and round it all out with a few hush puppies. You’ll be enamored in no time -- and your taste buds will be just as happy. Don't miss your chance to dine at this seasonal restaurant!
10. The Vierling Restaurant (Marquette)
TripAdvisor/Pat C.
The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery, 119 S Front St, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
TripAdvisor/management
This Upper Peninsula classic eatery is renowned for all sorts of incredible dishes, and its whitefish selection is no exception. Start off with an order of whitefish bites to whet your appetite, then move on to an entree made using only the freshest Lake Superior catches. No matter what you order, you’ll never leave hungry. The Vierling might be the last spot listed in our piece, but that certainly doesn't reflect its quality. Dig in!

Now that you’re a bonafide expert in where to find some of the best whitefish in Michigan, you’ll certainly want to get out and start chowing down! We know that our list only scratches the surface when it comes to naming spots throughout the Great Lakes State with incredible seafood dishes — in fact, there are loads of other amazing waterfront restaurants in Michigan. We’d love to hear from you: are there any eateries we should have included on our list? Share your suggestions for the best whitefish in Michigan by leaving us a Facebook comment or recommend another wonderful place to dine in Michigan by completing our official nomination form.

Feeling hungry after reading about the best whitefish in Michigan? Be sure to check out our pie shop road trip through Michigan.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Whitefish In Michigan

Sophie Boudreau | May 31, 2022

Are there any other must-visit restaurants in Michigan?

If you love great whitefish, you might just consider yourself a foodie -- and you'll be glad to learn that there are loads of other amazing restaurants in Michigan. Some of the state's most exceptional dining destinations are situated along our Great Lakes, rivers, and inland bodies of water. When you're ready to combine the natural beauty of our region with amazing fare, check out some of the best beachfront restaurants in Michigan. From Mackinac Island to the quaint town of Saugatuck, there's an eatery in every corner of the state to strike your fancy. A few options that will please:

  • The Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois on Mackinac Island
  • Freighters Eatery & Tap Room in Port Huron
  • Boatwerks in Holland

 

Where can I learn more about fishing in Michigan?

Are you fascinated by the maritime legacy of our state? Whether you're an expert fisherman or simply an admirer of the process, there's one charming fishing town in Michigan that will easily capture your heart. A bit about the charming town of Leland:

  • Leland is an enchanting village that truly seems to be stuck in time
  • It's complete with long-standing fishing shanties
  • There's a beautiful waterway
  • And rustic touches galore

You'll want to visit this small town in Michigan when the urge for adventure along Lake Michigan strikes.

Are there any museums dedicated to Michigan's maritime history?

Fishing, boating, shipping, and more have all played an important role in our state's past. After all, it's impossible to deny the all-encompassing influence of Michigan's location along the Great Lakes -- and this maritime heritage is so worth exploring. If you're seeking a unique look at some of the challenges associated with maritime ventures, there's a shipwreck museum in Michigan that absolutely must be added to your bucket list. If you find yourself in the far reaches of the Upper Peninsula, make a pit stop here for a day of history and natural beauty along Lake Superior.

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