The Lansing, Michigan region is full of interesting and innovative dining spots. When we asked ourselves if these restaurants were located in another city would we drive an hour or more to dine there? The answer was a resounding - Yes! Lucky for locals these are located in our backyard, but we encourage you to gas up the car and pay them a visit. 

One of Lansing's newest restaurants is Toscana, an elevated Tuscan steakhouse with an expansive wine selection located in the AC Marriott x Hyatt House hotel complex located halfway between MSU and the State Capitol on Michigan Avenue. This is one of Lansing's premier dining spots, perfect for a business lunch or a special occasion.

Cuisine: Premium steakhouse and authentic Italian dishes.

Menu: Brunch includes a knock out Short Rib Eggs Benedict option along with various omelets and other brunch staples. Dinner offers premier cuts of meat and authentic Italian cuisine.

Drinks: Finely crafted cocktails and delicious mocktails plus an expansive wine list.

Atmosphere: A modern, elegant and minimalist decor with tables, banquettes, a full bar and patio seating complete with fireplace. Think bustling trattorias intersected with upscale, spirited steakhouses.

Why go: The self-pour wine wall allows patrons to sip, savor and experience a variety of wines from around the world and indulge their inner wine enthusiast.

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Owner Sean Johnson’s mission was to create a meat-centric restaurant that combined his love of slow smoked meats and heavy metal music. As the name implies this BBQ joint caters to carnivores and unapologetically doesn’t offer any vegetarian options. “I will never carry lettuce in this kitchen,” states Johnson. Think you’re the ultimate carnivore? Take the Ultimate Carnivore Challenge by devouring an 18-layer sandwich, one side, and made to order mac-n-cheese all within 45 minutes. Winners find glory with a free meal, t-shirt, a beer and photo on the Wall of Carnivores.

In addition to the great BBQ, MEAT has been consistently named best in the state for their mac-n-cheese and Bloody Mary’s. Featured on the Big Ten Network’s Campus Eats and Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

Cuisine: Down home Southern BBQ

Menu: Lunch and dinner you’ll find meat plates of pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked turkey and chicken wings, meatwiches, French fry bar and made to order mac-n-cheese.

Drinks: Craft beers and award-winning Bloody Mary’s

Atmosphere: Casual dining. Rock n Roll inspired décor. Fingers dripping with one of the six tasty BBQ sauces? Rolls of paper towel are at the ready. Seasonal patio.

Why go: All of the meats are slow-smoked for up to 18 hours using a combination of wood until they are moist, flavorful, and butter soft. And each and every one of their rockin’ sides and sauces are scratch-made in house.

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Co-owners James Cheskaty and Lance Davis, opened EnVie in 2017 in the heart of downtown Lansing’s Washington Square. James takes the lead in the kitchen while Lance concentrates on the bar program and front of the house operations. This popular bistro aims to serve French-American inspired cuisine from the exciting to the familiar. Just steps from the State Capitol, Lansing’s movers and shakers choose EnVie for power lunches and special occasion dinners.

Cuisine: Modern French-American inspired dishes.

Menu: Lunch and dinner you’ll find a rotating menu featuring starters like cassoulet, oysters Rockefeller and smoked white fish pate. Mains include: duck benedict, seafood risotto and lamb.

Drinks: Inventive from-scratch cocktails and extensive wine list.

Atmosphere: The white and black décor is simple and sophisticated but has an inviting casual feel, allowing the bistro’s food to shine.

Why go: All of food and even the tonic, bitters, grenadine and juices for the cocktails are all scratch-made in house.

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Lansing Shuffle is located next to Rotary Park in downtown Lansing and overlooks the River Trail and the Grand River. If you're familiar with Detroit's popular Detroit Shipping Company, then you'll recognize this food hall concept. Host to seven unique and flavorful restaurants, each with their own cuisine, there's also an expansive well-stocked bar for patrons to sit at or just grab a drink from. Seating ranges from large tables to smaller high tops.

Cuisine: Take a food trip around the world. Takitos AF (Mexican), Beirut Kitchen (Lebanese/Mediterranean), Osteria Vegana (Vegan Italian), Irie Smokeshack (Jamaican), Kin Thai (Southeast Asian street vendor dishes), Yeti Kitchen (Himalayan cuisine), Browndog at the Shuffle (burgers, shakes, fries).
Menu: Various. Fast casual.

Drinks: Full bar plus each restaurant offers their own beverages like Boba Tea, Boozy Shakes and more.

Atmosphere: Casual, bright and fun. Trivia, live music and events almost every night.

Why go: The best place to go when you have a group that likes a diverse array of international foods. Plus SHUFFLEBOARD!

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The Soup Spoon Cafe was created with the vision of fresh, local and chef-inspired dishes served in a cozy and comfortable setting.

Cuisine: Scratch kitchen offerings with vegan and gluten-free options and full service bar.

Menu: Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, famous for their homemade soups and delicious omelets.

Drinks: Full bar serving hand-crafted cocktails, boutique wines and 12 draft microbrews from Michigan.

Atmosphere: Sophisticated yet comfortable.

Why go: Local flavors and high quality ingredients make this a Lansing favorite.

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Photo credit: Many thanks to our valued Choose Lansing member businesses.

Restaurants

Yes, we eat to satisfy our appetite, but food is so much more than that; food brings people together.

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Visitor Inspiration Guide

The visitor guide is a comprehensive handbook to all the region has to offer. With sections on attractions, shopping…

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