20 New Buffalo Restaurants for 2025

Forget chain restaurants and predictable menus! New Buffalo restaurants offer an explosion of culinary creativity, infused with the laid-back charm of lakeside living. It’s one of the things that I love best about visiting here.

From Local Eats to Fine Dining: A Foodie’s Guide to New Buffalo Michigan

From intimate bistros with breathtaking lake views to lively gastropubs buzzing with local life, each eatery whispers the story of Michigan’s bounty and passion for good food.

Whether you’re yearning for fresh seafood plucked straight from the waves, gourmet burgers bursting with flavor, or wood-fired pizzas that crackle with perfection, New Buffalo Michigan’s culinary landscape promises an adventure for every palate. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey through this foodie haven!

Located just 90 minutes from both Chicago and Grand Rapids, this Lake Michigan beach town is big on eateries, breweries, and wineries, offering many choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’ll find everything from soul food to crab legs, from wine bars to outdoor patios.

Read on for 20 Top restaurants in New Buffalo Michigan.

Waterfront Dining in New Buffalo

Bentwood Tavern in the Marina Grand Resort

From “Sushi Thursday” to “Tacos and Tequila”, this restaurant and cocktail bar has a menu that is vast and absolutely delicious – perfect for a tasty breakfast or a wood-fired pizza dinner. It’s waterfront dining at its Michigan finest and a perfect spot for a fun date night.

Terrace Room at the Harbor Grand Hotel

Looking for some sunset sips and stellar bites while visiting Michigan’s Harbor Country? Forget bustling chains, theTerrace Room at Harbor Grand Hotel whispers lakeside luxury with a rustic Italian twist. Picture this: firelight dances on handcrafted pasta, the rhythmic hum of Lake Michigan and the New Buffalo beaches serenades your meal, and sunsets paint the sky like Monet. Sound dreamy? It’s real.

The Stray Dog Bar and Grill

You either own a Stray Dog T-shirt, or have seen one. Now, visit this iconic restaurant in person for some comfort food. Step into this family-friendly atmosphere and dine on the finest burgers, tacos, and pizza that New Buffalo has to offer…and their giant club sandwich is pretty amazing, too (split it though, or plan to take some home. It’s really big)!

It’s the rooftop deck at the Stray Dog that I love best though, a perfectly laid-back place to catch a Lake Michigan sunset while enjoying their delicious Truffle Fries and sipping on a Michigan craft beer.

Fine Dining in New Buffalo Michigan

Brewster’s Italian Cafe

Handcrafted regional Italian fare in a cozy and comfortable setting; this is a hidden gem with friendly staff tucked right off Whittaker St. The Sausage and Shrimp Pasta, with sauteed shrimp, rope sausage and a white white garlic sauce is a signature dish not ot be missed.

Be sure and visit in the warmer months when you can sit outside on their beautiful patio area.

Copper Rock Steakhouse in the Four Winds Casino

Forget chain steakhouses. Copper Rock in New Buffalo paints a different picture – think 55-day dry-aged beef whispering “indulge me” from sizzling plates and an ambiance that oozes sophistication. Don’t miss the Lobster Mashed Potatos, they are amazing.

Burger and Steak Joints in New Buffalo

Casey’s New Buffalo

You’ll find steaks, seafood & Italian fare in a 200-year-old structure with an art deco bar and patio seating for warm summer and fall days and nights.

Casey’s in New Buffalo throws open its doors (and its heart) to locals and visitors alike. Think hand-cut steaks sizzling on the grill, juicy burgers stacked high with fresh fixings, and sunset cocktails shimmering like spilled rainbows. But Casey’s isn’t just about filling your belly – it’s about soaking up the good vibes.

Redamak’s

Don’t be put off by the lines wrapping around the building. Those burgers and milkshakes are worth waiting for, and frankly, the lines move pretty quickly. A stop at Redamak’s is a must on any trip to New Buffs!

New Buffalo Breweries and Distilleries

Beer Church Brewing Co.

Located in a restored, Civil war-era church, Beer Church Brewing takes the concept of “beer and pizza” to the next level. In additon to amazing, small-batch pours, they have one of the best pizzas this side of Chicago. The Pizza Napoletana is nothing short of amazing, pair it with some craft beers. This is one of my favorite New Buffalo breweries: don’t miss this spot.

Staymaker’s Restaurant at the Journeyman’s Distillery

This organic spirits distillery, near New Buffalo in nearby Three Oaks, is located in a historic former corset factory. Journeyman is one of the few certified organic & kosher distilleries in the country, and “production is truly grain to glass.”

Staymaker’s Restaurant, located inside, is simply delicious. The menu offers a wide variety; everything from Idaho Trout with shaved Portabella mushrooms to a Gluten-free Butternut Squash Soup that might just be the best I’ve tried.

Greenbush Brewing

I like the food at Greenbush Brewing as much as I like the beer. Choose from items like the tasty shrimp and grits, or from some amazing barbecue options like pulled pork. You can’t go wrong here.

Favorite Breakfast and Lunch Spots in New Buffalo

Jackie’s Café

Serving made-to-order breakfast with a modern twist, this popular café makes some of the best blueberry french toast I’ve ever tried. Jackie’s ‘Back Door’ bakery offers treats, desserts and take home meals as well.

Luisa’s Harbert Swedish Bakery

One of our best surprises was discovering this authentic Swedish bakery and cafe in Harbert serving fresh-made coffee cakes; breads and sweet rolls; biscotti and kolachki; cookies and donuts and more. Would you believe they even have gluten-free options? They are very friendly here, too, in fact, New Buffalo Explored says they are some of the best hosts in the area!

David’s Delicatessen and Coffee

A favorite spot for locals, this cheery spot serves up breakfast and lunch along with coffee, espresso, and fresh-baked pastries. They work with local farmers to bring fresh ingredients to their inspired food, so the menu changes regularly.

Casual Eats in New Buffalo: Pizza, Chinese Food, Ice cream and Deli’s

Milda’s Corner Market

This quaint little staple in nearby Union Pier boasts products from over 40 countries, like imported jams, chocolates and candies, Lithuanian ice cream, and Koldunai dumplings.

Oink’s Dutch Treat

Beat the Heat with a delicious scoop of ice cream or frozen yogurt inside a thoroughly decorated, pig-themed ice cream shop. This family-friendly spot is a longtime favorite with vacationers, who enjoy the outdoor seating area. Be sure and check out Oink’s Chocolate, Pig, too, for even more sweet treats!

Song Asian Cuisine

Sushi and other familiar Chinese dishes are presented in a vibrant space with crimson walls and booths. The Crab Rangoon here is amazing.

Kankakee Grille New Buffalo in the Four Winds Casino Resort

Enjoy everything from surf and turf to hamburgers and pizza at this casual spot inside the Four Winds. Enjoy live entertainment at Kankakee Live!, too. This is also a popular spot for holiday parties.

New Buffalo Bill’s Wood Fired BBQ – Permanently Closed

Bill Reynolds, the owner of this restaurant, claims mastery over the wood-fired BBQ, and his ribs, brisket, and pretty much anything you can barbecue, prove him right.

Villa Nova Pizzeria
134 E Buffalo St, New Buffalo, MI 49117

If you’re a fan of thin-crust pizza you’re definitely going to want to put Villa Nova pizzeria on your list. You can also choose from sandwiches and classic Italian fare, too, but whatever you choose make sure to try the thin-crust pizza

Beachside Scoops – Permanently Closed

A full-service ice cream shop on Whittaker near West Water Street, close to both the public beach and Oselka Marina.

EXPERT TIP: If you’re planning a visit to New Buffalo to try some of these delicious restaurants and want to make it an overnight visit, be sure to use our complete travel guide to New Buffalo Michigan with details to make your trip perfect!

More Than Just a Meal: Embracing the New Buffalo Lifestyle, One Bite at a Time

From sizzling steakhouse delights to cozy cafe bliss, New Buffalo’s culinary scene promises an adventure for every palate. So ditch the takeout menus, grab your sunglasses (and appetite!), and dive into the vibrant world of this lakeside haven.

Whether you’re seeking waterfront feasts, romantic dinners, or family-friendly fare, New Buffalo has the perfect bite waiting for you. Remember, reservations are encouraged for peak times, and don’t forget to share your delicious discoveries with us in the comments.