15 Best Restaurants & Places in New Buffalo | 2024 (Top Eats!)
New Buffalo is a small city in Michigan that remains famous for its long stretches of land and breathless water sites with windmills and lighthouses.
It’s also an excellent destination to take a city break to enjoy a nostalgic summer holiday and explore its various gorgeous farmlands and taste its exquisite cuisine.
So, it would go without saying that one should definitely try to visit its most famous places to eat in New Buffalo to experiment with a completely different cuisine while also gathering and making exotic memories.
Therefore, we tried to make things a bit easier by creating this list of the best restaurants in New Buffalo so that you are able to discover decent dining establishments without having to look anywhere else. Let’s take a look at them.
The Best Restaurants in New Buffalo This Year
1. The Stray Dog Bar & Grill
Why it’s a must visit?
The Stray Dog Bar & Grill restaurant was established in 2001 and remained a number one choice for the residents of New Buffalo, who always praise it for its attentive staff, colorful cocktail section, and tasty delicacies.
The restaurant is a neighborhood-friendly diner that is situated inside an adorable little town and remains super busy all day because of its outstanding food choices that have also earned loyal patrons.
Not to mention how gorgeous its outdoor rooftop setting is that is worth visiting at least once if one wants to dine in a casual way while also enjoying the weather with twinkle lights and stunning views.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves the tastiest chicken burger along with veggie tacos that pair exceptionally with their cocktails, which remains a favorite choice here.
Also, their lakeside salad, along with balsamic vinaigrette, which comes with a thick dressing and contains rejuvenating ingredients, is also a good appetizer choice.
Besides that, their crispy onion rings and tasty El Diablo burger are other decent choices that one can go for, especially if one needs something filling.
The truffle fries are a pretty good sampling option with their cheese curds and some drinks that further brightens people’s dining experience.
Location and Contact
- 245 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117-1170
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-469-2727
- Email:- office@thestraydog.com
2. Bentwood Tavern
Why it’s a must visit?
The Bentwood Tavern restaurant is considered to be one of the top-rated restaurants in New Buffalo that is raved for its accommodating menu options that take into consideration vegan choices along with specialized takeout options and its lovely location situated on the water that makes dining here pretty enjoyable.
It’s located on the main street, neighboring the harbor, which is why it has such a fancy feel to it as the atmosphere also uses soft, mellow earth tones with a minimalist interior that is perfect for having romantic dates with its low lighting scene and an overall gorgeous interface.
Also, the staff here is entirely professional and courteous in their service and makes sure that people get to have a pleasant time dining here with a large selection of decadent food choices and cocktails.
Chef’s Choice
One of the best things that people can try here is their salads, omelet dishes, and their exquisite desserts, along with exceptional wine selections that remain a significant highlight here.
The restaurant also features seafood like mussels which come in tasty flavors and are served fresh with a good presentation, along with their fried toast, eggs, and bacon which go well with their Greek salad.
Their crepes that come with lemon curd are also quite famous here, along with their lobster roll and pretzels, which come with a tasty honey mustard dip; they also sample incredibly well with their shrimp tacos that come well battered overall.
Location and Contact
- 600 W Water St, New Buffalo, MI 49117-1903
- Website
- Phone:- +1 866-238-2208
- Email:- hello@bentwoodtavern.com
3. Jackie’s Cafe
Why it’s a must visit?
The Jackie’s Cafe remains a famous spot for having a revitalizing lunch and breakfast with a rotating seasonal menu that makes its dishes from local farm products and meats through its marvelous variety that spans several unforgettable meals.
It also remains open six times a week which is why it is adored by people who are office workers and need fast takeout services through its ‘back door’ policy along with the quick bite.
The restaurant was initially established in 2014 and grew in its base after showing passionate service and presenting people with marvelous cuisine masterpieces that also follow altruistic goals.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves various remarkable breakfast specialties like frittatas, crepes, waffles, quiche, and homemade granola, with lots of other dishes.
As for lunch, the restaurant features the tastiest sandwiches in all of New Buffalo, along with gluten-free dishes with a few vegetarian ones as well.
Some memorable dishes which are highly praised here are their blueberry French toast which is one of the most popular items on their menu as it comes with a generous layering of blueberry jam and lemon curd, along with their jalapeño bonito and eggs Florentine that contains homemade hollandaise sauce with other fresh items as well like crepes.
Location and Contact
- 801 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo, MI 49117-1213
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-469-1800
4. Brewster’s New Buffalo
Why it’s a must visit?
The Brewster’s New Buffalo restaurant was founded in 1992 and has been operating for more than 30 years and is situated in the downtown district of New Buffalo and is the oldest restaurant in the area that continues to expand because of its consistent quality and hearty home-cooked dishes.
It’s one of the best family restaurants in new Buffalo that provides people with traditional Italian choices which carry a modern spin to them within its sophisticated atmosphere that is also ideal for celebrating significant private events.
It’s a hidden gem in New Buffalo that serves people gourmet Italian dishes with a casual atmosphere that feels cozy and worth visiting again and again.
Chef’s Choice
As the restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine, its wood-fired pizzas are out of the world, along with its fresh pasta, which is made with homemade sauces and dressings and features various contemporary dishes.
Their fish and red grits are a good appetizer option, along with their salmon filet that comes stuffed with cornmeal and is cooked to perfection and thereby has such a tender feel to it with its layering with salty Parmesan.
Their chicken Alfredo has managed to never disappoint its guests and goes exceptionally well with their carrot cake, which is not overwhelmingly sweet and feels much more divine when paired with their exquisite wines.
Location and Contact
- 11 W Merchant St, New Buffalo, MI 49117-1835
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-469-3005
- Email:- info@brewstersnewbuffalo.com
5. David’s Delicatessen & Coffee
Why it’s a must visit?
The David’s Delicatessen and Coffee restaurant is one of the top restaurants in New Buffalo that specializes in brunch choices along with a spectacular beverage selection menu that features the finest coffee beans along with quick and professional service.
It’s a family-owned restaurant that was established in 2015 and serves people phenomenal dishes that come with great flavors and a balanced meal.
Also, the restaurant has an earth-tone theme to it with wooden furnishings, a traditional kitchen counter along with a welcoming and spacious atmosphere that makes people happier with its service.
Chef’s Choice
Even though the restaurant is majorly known for its coffee, it would be much better to also try its breakfast specialties like a cinnamon roll, breakfast Reuben that comes with eggs, island dressing, and a lot more which is also healthy and tasty.
Their iced latte is a fascinating drink option that feels much more incredible with their corned beef, which has a tender texture as it is sliced very thinly and feels palpable in every bite.
Other than that, one can say it’s an ideal coffee shop that serves delicate lattes and baked goodies in a wholesome way that is light on the taste buds as professional baristas create them.
Location and Contact
- 30 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117-1127
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-469-7177
- Email:- davidsdeliandcoffee@gmail.com
6. Terrace Room
Why it’s a must visit?
The Terrace Room restaurant creates Artisanal delicacies in comfort cuisine form by taking inspiration from Italian flavors, which is spearheaded by Chef Alberto Illescas and Jenny Drilon, who provides people a taste of traditional Italian cuisine with its handmade dishes that include seafood, meat, and pasta choices by using seasonal and fresh ingredients.
The restaurant has a stunning waterfront location and is located on water which embodies earth tone theme and has warm hospitality.
Other than that, one gets to encounter the authentic taste of Italy by trying its many exquisite delicacies that are created with the freshest ingredients that are seasonal and therefore are healthy too.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant presents people with handmade dishes like bruschetta and tagliatelle, which are meticulously prepared and served in a gorgeous fashion.
Other favorites here are chicken Bandera, spaghetti and meatballs, charcuterie, arancini di rosa, and pappardelle bolognese.
Also, go through the dessert section, which also includes vegan varieties as well like their vegan chocolate cake, which tastes fantastic, along with their seafood specialties, like the grilled octopus with romaine Caesar salad which completes one’s dinner in the most fabulous way.
Location and Contact
- 111 W Water St, New Buffalo, MI 49117-1907
- Website
- Phone:- +1 855-391-3915
- Email:- hello@terraceroomhg.com
7. Song Asian Cuisine
Why it’s a must visit?
The song Asian cuisine restaurant is known for its delectable pan-Asian cuisine that includes the finest exotic choices that range from simple sushi to many other Asian delicacies.
It’s one of the best family restaurants in new Buffalo that manages to surprise people with its vibrant atmosphere and its many decadent food options that are perfect if one wants to experiment with alternative cuisine.
Also, the staff here is very knowledgeable about all kinds of food, which is ideal if one is confused about which options to go for.
The restaurant has a very convenient location with a great parking space that makes it pretty accessible and approachable.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves not only Japanese cuisine but also Chinese food in the form of noodles and soups that should definitely be tried here.
Their sushi is excellent here and remains the signature dish, along with their Wasabi which might be a bit expensive but is worth a shot.
Their miso soup is a perfect choice as an appetizer, along with the shrimp tempura roll and their orange chicken, which delights the taste buds of numerous people.
Location and Contact
- 301 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo, MI 49117-1839
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-586-3699
8. Copper Rock Steakhouse
Why it’s a must visit?
The Copper rock steakhouse was founded in 2007 and became famous for its world-class menu that showcases more than 450 varieties of wines along with juicy 40-day to dry-aged steaks.
The restaurant is unlike any other and is considered to be among the many great restaurants in New Buffalo that has also won the wine spectator award consistently for more than 12 years.
Not to mention how well received this diner is for its succulent seafood and gourmet varieties in desserts along with a magnificent collection of drinks which is perfect if one is wondering where to eat gourmet food in the most refined way.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves people the most relishing dry-aged steaks that contain the most tender meat and come in the form of hot stones steak which comes perfectly seasoned and tastes delicious, along with their juicy filet and shrimp cocktail.
The menu features a starter, entrée, and a dessert three-meal course with unique delicacies like lobster, crab cakes, ahi tuna, and Asian-themed salad, which are all exceptional options.
The pre-dinner martinis and cognac are some excellent drink options that should definitely be complemented as they are divine.
Location and Contact
- 11111 Wilson Road Four Winds Casino Resort, New Buffalo, MI 49117
- Website
- Phone:- +1 866-494-6371
- Email:- social@fourwindscasino.com
9. Timothy’s Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
Timothy’s restaurant is known well globally for its use of sustainable ingredients in creating Asian-styled seafood dishes with flavors that complement each other incredibly well.
The restaurant also pays extra attention to the presentation details and therefore remains majorly successful in the food industry with a great promise of providing people with the most joyous dining experience with no setbacks.
Everything about this restaurant is 5 stars and deserves a diamond rating, as not only is the food tantalizing, but the entire atmosphere is also visually exciting and definitely post-worthy on social platforms.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant provides beautifully presented appetizers and main entrée options with delicacies like its graham cracker crust and blue cheese, Thai Chilean Sea bass, and yummy coconut macadamia blue nut crusted grouper, which are all unique options.
Other than that, their house salad and New England clam chowder are created to perfection and are presented in a visceral manner that can be gazed at for several hours.
Also, the drink section here is attractive too and should be paired with the dishes as they contain bold flavors.
Location and Contact
- 16220 Lakeshore Rd, Union Pier, MI 49129-9329
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-469-0900
- Email:- info@timothysrestaurant.com
10. The Grove
Why it’s a must visit?
The Grove is a Latin American dining establishment that has managed to erect its name as one of the best places to eat in New Buffalo and is definitely a hidden gem as it might have a modest interior but serves the most decadent food variety.
So whenever you stumble across this outstanding restaurant, don’t judge it for its ambiance as the food here is spectacular, and with a single bite, you will realize why it’s considered to be among the best in the entire town.
Also, the interior of the restaurant is inspired by the 1950s Catskills resort, which might feel a bit vintage but is worth experiencing for anyone who wants to eat in an unpretentious atmosphere.
Chef’s Choice
The menu options here are unforgettable with dishes like vegetarian paella that might take a bit of time to get prepared but is definitely worth the wait as every bite gives bursting flavors in the mouth.
Their crab cakes are also an enjoyable dish that contains the original flavor of New Orleans’s spices and is a pretty comforting dish to pair with their homemade coconut flan which provides a good ounce of sweetness.
Every option on the menu is pretty decent, especially simple ones like the chicken sandwich, which might seem like a simple choice but definitely contains a distinct flavor to it, along with their marvelous collection of salads which are a superb choice as they come with lots of tasty veggies, cheese, and caramelized onions.
Location and Contact
- 16220 Lakeshore Rd, Union Pier, MI 49129-9329
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-934-9700
- Email:- TheGrove16220@gmail.com
11. Skip’s Restaurant & Catering
Why it’s a must visit?
Skip’s Restaurant and Catering is one of the most famous restaurants in New Buffalo that has won several awards for its hand-cut steaks, seafood, juicy fish varieties, prime ribs, chops, and a lot more.
It also has a spacious setting which is perfect for wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, and any form of private party with interesting catering choices.
Also, it has been operating for more than 40 years by the same family and therefore has quite a reputation to it with consistent value.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant gathers its produce from the European farmers market in items like meat rubs, jams, bread, sausages, pastries, sauces, cheeses, seasoning, and a lot more.
Because of its use of the high-end ingredient, the restaurant produces the finest variety of steaks which come efficiently cooked to the core, along with their Panko chicken breast, which is another exceptional dish.
Even their seafood variety is juicy like their salmon and shrimp which are perfect dishes along with the ribeye that comes with Yukon Gold potatoes and green veggies that feel incredibly satisfying.
Location and Contact
- 16710 Lake Shore Rd, New Buffalo, MI 49117-8210
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-469-3330
- Email:- skipsrestaurantcatering@admin
12. Oink’s Ice Cream and Yogurt
Why it’s a must visit?
The Oink’s Ice Cream and Yogurt restaurant is a kid-friendly diner that offers people handheld choices along with various familiar food options that are perfect for those who are picky about their food.
The restaurant features quirky varieties with some treats like frozen yogurt and ice cream, along with an extensive beverage section and small snacks that might be perfect for brunch or breakfast.
Because of its unique approach towards delivering people yummy food, it’s considered to be one of the many cool places to eat in New Buffalo, MI, that is also praised for its use of fresh ingredients.
Chef’s Choice
Everything here is super yummy ranging from their wraps which are customizable, to their kale salad which is a pretty good healthy alternative.
Their chicken salad definitely needs to be tried as it comes with fresh fruits and veggies but if you want an alternative to this, then their chips and fries are also decent options that are reasonably priced and are ideal for grabbing a quick bite.
In the ice cream section, they have many classic flavors like their moose track which contains oatmeal cookies and has a crunchy taste to it which is a fascinating pick during summer.
Location and Contact
- 227 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo, MI 49117-1807
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-469-3535
- Email:- info@oinksdutchtreat.com
13. Villa Nova Pizzeria
Why it’s a must visit?
The Villa Nova Pizzeria was opened in 2008 and is known particularly for its specialization in delivering thin-crust Chicago pizzas that are made with the freshest sauces and dough, along with lots of mouthwatering ingredients.
The restaurant makes sure that it uses the most freshly prepared toppings along with high-quality ingredients and uses its experiential craft over the years to efficiently make every single dish by sticking to its generational recipes.
Also, it’s one of the rarest excellent pizzerias in new Buffalo that has managed to hold its image of being super accommodating towards customers and providing handmade delicacies with the authentic taste of Italian pizza quality.
Chef’s Choice
Its Chicago pizza is prepared with the finest topping along with high-quality mozzarella cheese that is straight gathered from Sicily and therefore has such a divine flavor to it.
Also, its other dishes like Italian sausage sandwiches, beef, and meatball are fascinating alternatives, too, if one is not in the mood for pizzas but wants to try authentic Italian delicacies.
Their margarita pizza is an excellent choice to go for if you want something more straightforward but highly delicious at the same time, along with their sausage pizza which is one of the best ones you could ever have.
Location and Contact
- 134 E Buffalo St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-469-0200
- Email:- rakers@gmail.com
14. Union Pier Social
Why it’s a must visit?
The Union Pier Social restaurant is a traditional American dining establishment that has a casual ambiance and is perfect for unwinding and enjoying offbeat dishes through its seasonal menu choices.
The restaurant serves people the most decadent non-veg varieties and has experienced bartenders and staff members who are super accommodating towards people and make sure that they get a pleasant experience dining here.
Also, it has an outdoor seating area which is excellent for those who want to dine under the sun without wishing to be within four walls.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves people exemplary dishes like grilled artichoke as an appetizer option along with their stew which is a perfect way to start your meal.
Besides that, their jerk chicken sandwich, southwest salad along with a glass of their martini makes for an incredible main course experience that should definitely not be missed.
Other honorable mentions in non-veg dishes are their BBQ ribs with a tasty sweet and savory sauce along with their pineapple coleslaw, and crab cake is a superb option too.
Location and Contact
- 16036 Red Arrow Hwy, Union Pier, MI 49129, United States
- Website
- Phone:- +1 269-586-3807
- Email:- unionpiersocial@gmail.com
15. Rios Mexican Grill
Why it’s a must visit?
The Rios Mexican Grill restaurant shows its excellence in creating the most astonishing variety of Mexican cuisine by sticking to authentic flavors and providing people with accommodating and speedy service.
This restaurant is perfect for those who want to experiment with exotic cuisine variety and want to settle down for a restaurant that is pretty reliable in its goal of providing people with an enjoyable dining experience.
It’s highly recommended for those who are fanatics about Mexican food and want to taste it at reasonable prices with a convenient location located in the heart of New Buffalo, Michigan.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves the crispiest burritos along with the burrito bowl, which comes with a complimentary dish of chips and is served in a sizzling manner.
Other flavorsome varieties here are their chips and salsa steak burrito that comes with cilantro, lettuce, cheese, rice, sour cream, and beans, along with guacamole chips and their fountain root beer.
Also, don’t forget to try their small pup cup of grilled cheese chicken, spicy pork, tacos, and steak quesadilla, which are served here in generous portions and melt in the mouth with every single bite.
Location and Contact
- 901 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo, MI 49117-1215
- Phone:- +1 269-469-8011
- Email:- socialize@riosmexicangrill.com
Famous Food to Try in the City
- Steaks – Steaks are a trendy dish in new Buffalo, probably because the entire city is occupied with farmlands and a good number of cattle are grown here without any chemicals or hormone injections; therefore, the meat here tastes divine and has a tender feel to it that is also pretty mouth melting and is used in several exceptional steak varieties here along with the use of high-end sauces.
- Salsa – Salsa is a Mexican specialty, but is somehow very famous in New Buffalo probably because it is often sampled with lots of dishes like chips, fries, sandwiches, and a lot more and thereby elevates the entire flavor of the feast with its savory flavors that manage to tantalized taste buds and therefore are prepared here by the use of original Mexican spices with an infusion of global flavors too.
- Fish & Chips – Fish and chips are also a highly adored dish in New Buffalo that people love to get it as a small snack option to give themselves an energized feast that also excels in familiar flavors but has a certain homey feeling to it. This fantastic combination is also made by using the freshest ingredients, as New Buffalo has rich fish and locally farmed product diversity, and thereby, all of its dishes have a certain freshness to them.
Final Thoughts
New Buffalo is a superb destination to visit for anyone who needs to escape from city life and wants to lose themselves in the high stretches of farmland that surround the city with lots of countryside features and reinvigorated cuisine options that are not only healthy but tasty as well.
Therefore, New Buffalo, even though it might be quite an unheard city, has its own glory in surprising people with its simple life approach and its outstanding food quality that is ideal for those who are looking for something unique and life-changing.
That’s why its cuisine should definitely be explored by going through some places to eat, and for that, we made this list of the best restaurants in New Buffalo to widen your knowledge about fine restaurants. Hope you have taken a look at the list above, happy feasting.
