Most people know Lansing as the capital of Michigan, but many don’t know that it also happens to be home to several unique and delicious restaurants.
There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, from pizza and burgers to sushi and ramen and everything in between. Some are better than others, so I set out to find the best of the best.
I scoured the internet for newspaper articles, reviews, and awards and drooled over countless pictures and menus to find the best restaurants in Lansing, Michigan.
After extensive research, I have narrowed it down to the top 15 best restaurants in Lansing. There is something on this list for everyone, no matter what you are craving.
1. The Ocean Crab
$$ | 517-708-7879 | WEBSITE
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The Ocean Crab is a fabulous, locally-owned seafood restaurant in Lansing. In addition to take-out and delivery, this restaurant offers dine-in seating with excellent service.
They offer fresh seafood, including a local favorite, the crab boil, which features crab in a bag with seasoning, corn on the cob, and potatoes. This is definitely one of the best seafood places in Lansing.
2. EnVie
$$$ | 517-318-6135 | WEBSITE
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Whether gathering for a girl’s night or a nice dinner date, EnVie is the place to go.
Located in downtown Lansing, EnVie is a bistro that serves tasty shared plates like seared Brussels sprouts and whitefish pate and a wide variety of dinner dishes, from chicken and burgers to seafood and braised short ribs.
In addition to the food, EnVie features some delicious cocktails made by expert mixologists.
3. Naing Myanmar Family Restaurant
$$ | 857-615-8393 | WEBSITE
If you are looking for authentic Burmese food in Lansing, Michigan, Naing Myanmar Family Restaurant is the place for you. They are currently offering take-out only, but the food doesn’t disappoint.
Don’t let the outside of the restaurant fool you. The exterior can seem a little sketchy, but the staff is friendly, the food is good, and they have several vegetarian options.
4. Good Truckin’ Diner
$ | 517-253-7961 | WEBSITE
Good Truckin’ Diner is open every day from 7 AM to 3 PM and features some of the best breakfasts in Lansing. You may have to put yourself on a waitlist, but the food is worth it.
They offer everyday breakfast items like eggs and bacon and have more unique offerings like Bourbon Street French toast and breakfast tacos.
For those not looking for breakfast, they also serve lunch foods like burgers and street tacos, including vegan options. This restaurant has outdoor seating, is kid-friendly, and offers delivery and take-out.
5. Social Sloth Cafe & Bakery
$ | 517-253-0240 | WEBSITE
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This unique cafe is a family-owned Turkish restaurant. They are open every day except Sundays and have an extremely friendly staff.
They have indoor and outdoor seating and free wifi, so you can go sit, enjoy some food or pastries, and get some work done. In addition to authentic Turkish food, this place has freshly baked pastries and desserts.
6. Fidler’s on the Grand
$ | 517-580-7202 | WEBSITE
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This place may be in the North, but they know how to serve up some Southern-style home cooking. The biscuits and gravy are a local favorite, and the Southern-style fried chicken is perfectly cooked.
This kid-friendly establishment is able to accommodate large groups and makes a great place to grab breakfast or lunch in Lansing.
7. Taqueria El Chaparrito
$ | 517-574-3020 | WEBSITE
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This authentic Mexican restaurant in Lansing has some of the best tacos in town. They feature fillings like chicken, chorizo, ground beef, and steak, along with more unique offerings like beef tongue and intestines.
For the vegans and vegetarians, they offer potatoes, vegetables, or soy chorizo as a filling. Taqueria El Chaparrito is great for large groups and dining in, but it also offers take-out and delivery.
8. Meat Southern BBQ & Carnivore Cuisine
$$ | 517-580-4400 | WEBSITE
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Established in 2012, Meat Southern BBQ & Carnivore Cuisine has some of the best BBQ in Lansing. It has been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and has won several awards, including City Pulse’s Best New Restaurant in 2012 and Best BBQ every year since opening.
They offer dine-in, take-out, and delivery and can accommodate large groups. The kids will love this place, too, whether you sit inside or take advantage of the outdoor seating.
9. Zaytoon Mediterranean
$$ | 517-203-5728 | WEBSITE
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Zaytoon offers up authentic Mediterranean food like slow-roasted chicken shawarma. As a fast-casual place, they are a healthier alternative to fast food for lunch and dinner.
Zaytoon is also an excellent spot for vegans and vegetarians because they offer an extensive selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, delivery, and take-out. It is also great to bring the whole family or a large group of friends.
10. Jose’s Cuban Sandwich & Deli
$ | 517-374-6832 | WEBSITE
This is a unique restaurant on this list because it is actually located inside a gas station. This might throw some people off, but don’t judge a book by its cover.
Jose’s is easily one of the best restaurants in Lansing. They offer dine-in, take-out, and delivery for their authentic Cuban cuisine. It may be a bit of a divey spot, but it is kid-friendly and makes for a great lunch or dinner spot.
11. Mi Sushi & Noodles
$$ | 517-816-8666 | WEBSITE
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This trendy and small restaurant has some of the best sushi in Lansing. Offering delivery, take-out, or dine-in, they have options for everyone, from vegetarian to meat options.
This fish tastes fresh, and if you like spicy food, they have some pretty spicy dishes you will love. Since it is small, this is not an excellent spot for large groups, but it is perfect for lunch and dinner for small groups.
12. Saddleback BBQ
$$ | 517-253-7556 | WEBSITE
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This kid-friendly BBQ joint offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery, with a convenient option for ordering online. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating makes it great for large groups, and they offer a variety of tasty smoked meats and homemade sides like mac and cheese.
In addition to being a great restaurant, the owners of Saddleback BBQ pay off student lunch debts at schools around the Lansing area, so they are also giving back to the community.
13. Sushi Moto
$$ | 517-580-4321 | WEBSITE
While Sushi Moto is a casual dining experience, the establishment does have a slightly classier vibe that makes it great for date nights. In addition to tasty and authentic Japanese food, they offer beer and wine.
The quality of the food is high for a lower cost. They have something for fish lovers and vegetarians alike, and they even have a few options for the kiddos. Sushi Moto is great for singles, families, and large groups.
14. Veg-N
$$ | 517-402-4439 | WEBSITE
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There are plenty of restaurants in Lansing that offer vegan and vegetarian options, but Veg-N is exclusively plant-based. They boast casual, fast, and quality vegan dishes.
They have indoor and outdoor seating and have a drive-thru for even more convenience. They serve breakfast all day in addition to the tasty lunch and dinner options.
They also have a rewards program, so if you find yourself eating there often, you can earn rewards and perks. This is by far the best place for vegans and vegetarians in Lansing.
15. Eagle Monk Pub & Brewery
$$ | 517-708-7350 | WEBSITE
If you are searching for good food and beer in the Lansing area, Eagle Monk Pub & Brewery is the place for you. They offer dine-in and take-out on their menu, which features pizza, paninis, salads, pretzels, and more.
They brew their own beer and feature styles for everyone from easy-drinking blonde ales to more robust porters. It may be a brewery, but the menu and the establishment are kid-friendly, and they have outdoor seating. They also serve wine for those that aren’t looking for a beer.
Summary
Lansing is full of delicious restaurants. No matter what you are in the mood for, there is a restaurant for you. Whether you are looking for an intimate date night, a fun night out with friends, or a place for the whole family, there is a restaurant that suits your needs.
It was tough to narrow it down to the best, but this list features the best of the best from a variety of cuisines, and I hope it made you as hungry as it made me. Get out and explore the best restaurants in Lansing today.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
