11 Unassuming Restaurants in Michigan To Add to Your Dining Bucket List

You know the old saying: Don’t judge a book by its cover. This phrase rings true in many facets of life, and restaurants are no exception. An eatery's exterior doesn’t necessarily tell you everything there is to know about the quality of its food, and simple doesn’t always mean bad.

If you’re looking for a list of modestly designed restaurants with out-of-this-world food in the Great Lakes State, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 11 unassuming restaurants in Michigan that are well worth the visit.

1. Taste of India Suvai, Ann Arbor

Taste of India Suvai on State Street may be a hole in the wall, but it's home to some of the best Indian food in the state. For 13 years, the restaurant has been serving up authentic Indian cuisine, including a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meat options, customizable spice levels, and delectable drink and dessert options. Stop in for the lunch buffet or order tandoori chicken, masala, and warm naan to go.

Taste of India is open every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Address: 217 S. State St. Ste. B, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

2. Hill District by North Pier, Benton Harbor

What was once the North Shore Inn on Higman Park Road is now Hill District by North Pier—a brewery and restaurant owned by North Pier Brewing Company. The new place features some of the same classics the Inn had, like hearty burgers, but also modern BBQ, artisan cocktails, and of course, plenty of craft beer. The modern, laid-back atmosphere brings the space to a whole new level.

Hill District is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Mondays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Address: 107 Higman Park Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022

3. Bentley’s Cafe, St. Ignace

If you're looking for a classic diner vibe on the inside and out, look no further than Bentley's Cafe in St. Ignace. Stop by on your way to the Upper Peninsula for a juicy burger and fries, spaghetti bake, fried chicken, a crisp soda, or a slice of homemade pie. You'll come for the food but stay for the charming 50s diner atmosphere.

The diner is closed on Sundays, but open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Address: 62 N. State St., St. Ignace, MI 49781

4. Rounds Restaurant, Traverse City

This beloved stop in Traverse City is known for its generous portions and classic breakfast food options. Rounds is hard to miss with its iconic outdoor sign, art deco lighting, and architecture, and all of its friendly charm. While they serve fairly traditional diner meals, like corned beef hash, burgers, and grilled cheese, you'll be hard-pressed to find more delicious biscuits and gravy in the area.

Rounds Restaurant is open Sunday to Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Address: 1033 E. 8th St., Traverse City, MI 49686

5. Latitudes Tavern, Alpena

Latitudes Tavern in Northeast Michigan is the perfect place to stop in for a drink or two, but it also boasts a tasty food menu, too. Order from a collection of signature sliders and hot dogs featuring Koegel Viennas, or go-to bar snacks like onion rings, tater tots, and jalapeño poppers. Finish out the night with a game of pool or listening to live music.

The tavern's open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Address: 307 W Chisholm St., Alpena, MI 49707

6. Rasa Ria, Kalamazoo

If you’re a fan of Malaysian or Indonesian cuisine, Rasa Ria is the place to be in Michigan. Stop by for some roti (fried dough) or a classic meat and rice dish mixed with a variety of Southeast Asian spices. It's a small space—you might have to order takeout—but each dish packs a flavorful punch that will have you returning again and again for more.

Hours are not posted online. Address: 1921 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, MI 49006

7. Clique Restaurant, Detroit

The Clique Diner in Detroit may be attached to the Rivertown Inn and Suites, but it has some serious breakfast options and super affordable prices—that locals and visitors alike appreciate. Whether you're ordering a specialty omelette, classic skillet, or pile of crispy, fresh bacon and creamy grits, this quaint spot in the heart of Detroit will not disappoint.

The diner is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Address: 1326 E Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48207

8. Hiawatha Pasties, Naubinway

It’s hard to choose just one pasty restaurant in the Upper Peninsula, but Hiawatha is certainly worth checking out. Stop by this modestly decorated eatery to indulge in a few out-of-this-world pasties—a savory, handheld baked pastry filled with meat and veggies. While the shop is only open for business from May until late October, you can still order online and have them delivered from October to May.

Hiawatha Pasties is open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Address: 11644 US-2, Naubinway, MI 49762

9. Athens Souvlaki, Detroit

At the bottom of the Penobscot building in downtown Detroit lives Athens Souvlaki, a charming and delicious authentic Greek restaurant. This is the second location opened by the Antonopoulos family (the first, tucked away in a strip mall in Southfield, Michigan, opened in 1966), but both spots are equally irresistible. Stop in for homemade pita bread, gyros, and kebabs, or a classic, crisp Greek salad.

This location is open Monday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Address: 645 Griswold St., Suite 137, Detroit, MI 48226

10. Fricano’s Too, Holland

At first glance, this pizza parlor in Holland blends into its surroundings. But inside, you’ll find an impressive menu that specializes in thin-crust pizza. It might just become your new favorite. While the sign pictured above is for the original and well-known location, Fricano's Pizza Tavern in Grand Haven, the family's hole-in-the-wall spinoff is just as friendly, cozy, and, of course, delicious.

Fricano's Too is open Monday through Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Address: 174 S. River Ave., Holland, MI 49423

11. Pablo’s Old Town, Lansing

Formerly Pablo's Panaderia, Pablo's Old Town in Lansing now serves more than just delectable baked goods and desserts. Choose from a full, authentic Mexican menu, complete with handcrafted salsas, delicious gorditas, and classics like tacos, burritos, and more. Of course, the spot is still home to La Torta—a traditional Mexican sandwich with beans, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and your choice of meat.

Pablo's Old Town is open Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Address: 311 E Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Lansing, MI 48906

Is your mouth watering yet? Then don’t wait—round up the family and head out to try one of these unassuming eateries in the great state of Michigan. If you don't already live in the area, consider planning a trip using Only In Your State's itinerary planner.