10 Best Lansing Restaurants

Lansing is famous for the olive burger, a regional specialty offered in many of the city's diners and pubs. This burger is topped with a mayonnaise-based olive sauce, a unique condiment that distinguishes it from burgers found elsewhere. The olive burger is a key part of Lansing's food identity and a must-try item for food tourists visiting the area. The city is also known for its Coney Island hot dogs, a Michigan classic featuring a chili-topped hot dog with mustard and onions. Michigan's agricultural products, such as cherries and apples, also appear in local dishes and desserts.

The average cost for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Lansing is between $15 and $25 per person. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs between $60 and $100. At fine dining establishments like Bowdie's Chophouse, prices for a meal can start at $75 per person and increase significantly based on selections.

Lansing's most popular fast-food restaurants include national chains and Michigan-based favorites. McDonald's and Taco Bell are everywhere and heavily frequented for quick meals. The area also has a strong presence of Culver's, a Wisconsin-based chain popular for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard, and the Michigan-founded Domino's Pizza for pizza delivery. Other popular fast-food options in Lansing are shown below:

• McDonald's: Known for its Big Mac, Egg McMuffin, and fries.
• Taco Bell: Serves Mexican-inspired fast food like the Chalupa Supreme and Nachos BellGrande.
• Culver's: A fast-casual chain famous for its ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard, and cheese curds.
• Wendy's: Offers square-patty burgers, sea salt fries, and the Frosty.
• Domino's Pizza: A Michigan-based chain that is a go-to for pizza, pasta, and chicken wings.
• Arby's: Specializes in roast beef sandwiches, particularly the Classic Roast Beef and Beef 'n Cheddar.
• Burger King: Known for its flame-grilled Whopper sandwich.
• Subway: Offers made-to-order submarine sandwiches on freshly baked bread.
• Chick-fil-A: Popular for its original chicken sandwich and waffle fries.
• Olga's Kitchen: A Michigan-based chain serving its signature Olga bread sandwiches.

Recently opened restaurants in Lansing include Goodfellas Bagel Deli, which opened a location in East Lansing, and Maria's Cuisine, a new Mexican restaurant, opened on the west side. Other new restaurants in Lansing are shown below:

• Goodfellas Bagel Deli: A deli that opened a second location in East Lansing, specializing in authentic, kettle-boiled bagels and deli sandwiches.
• Maria's Cuisine: A new family-owned Mexican restaurant serving traditional dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales.
• City Limits: A local entertainment center that opened a new location in East Lansing, featuring a full-service restaurant and bar with bowling and arcade games.
• Sweet Encounter Bakery & Cafe: A downtown bakery and cafe that focuses on gluten-free and allergy-friendly baked goods and lunch items.
• Strange Matter Coffee: A local coffee roaster that opened a new, larger cafe in downtown Lansing, serving its specialty coffee and baked goods.

Downtown Lansing has a concentration of the city's best restaurants, offering a mix of fine dining, casual eateries, and bars, as shown in the following list:

• Bowdie's Chophouse: An upscale steakhouse on Michigan Avenue known for its premium dry-aged steaks and intimate, fine-dining atmosphere.
• EnVie: A long-standing fine dining restaurant on Washington Square serving French-American cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
• Kewpee's Grill: A historic diner, also known as "The Kewpee," famous for its classic olive burgers and old-school lunch counter vibe.
• Lansing Brewing Company: A large brewery and pub offering craft beer and a full menu of updated pub food, including burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches.
• Midtown Brewing Co.: A brewpub offering its own craft beers alongside a menu of pizzas, tacos, and sandwiches.

Yes, there are many lunch spots in Lansing worth trying. The city offers a large number of options for a midday meal, from quick-service delis and cafes to more substantial sit-down restaurants. Soup Spoon Cafe is a very popular choice, known for its daily soup specials, salads, and sandwiches made with from-scratch ingredients. Zaytoon is a go-to for fast and flavorful Middle Eastern food, with its chicken shawarma plates and fresh-baked pita bread. For a classic Lansing experience, Kewpee's Grill serves the city's famous olive burger in a historic diner setting.

Yes, Lansing has good places for dinner that cater to different preferences, from casual barbecue joints to upscale chophouses. Meat BBQ in Old Town is a destination for authentic Southern-style barbecue, serving slow-smoked brisket and pulled pork in a lively, rustic room. For a fine dining experience, Bowdie's Chophouse offers premium steaks and a curated wine list in an intimate, sophisticated downtown setting. The People's Kitchen provides a farm-to-table menu of contemporary American dishes in a modern, industrial space. The Cosmos serves authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, perfect for a focused and high-quality dinner.

Lansing has restaurants that serve vegan food, including The People's Kitchen and Zaytoon. The People's Kitchen offers a seasonal, farm-to-table menu with clearly marked vegan options, such as grain bowls and specific appetizers. Zaytoon, a Middle Eastern restaurant, has many naturally vegan dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel. The Veg-N Society is a dedicated vegan cafe in the Lansing City Market serving plant-based comfort food. Soup Spoon Cafe also provides vegan choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Restaurants in Lansing that serve gluten-free food include The People's Kitchen and Sweet Encounter Bakery & Cafe. The People's Kitchen has a menu that can be adapted for gluten-free diners, with items like salads, bowls, and certain protein entrees. Sweet Encounter Bakery & Cafe is a dedicated gluten-free establishment, offering a full range of baked goods, sandwiches, and other cafe items made without gluten. Bowdie's Chophouse, as a steakhouse, can easily accommodate gluten-free needs with its selection of steaks and vegetable sides.

Lansing's most famous cuisines are American diner food and Middle Eastern. The city's identity as a classic Midwestern capital and its large Middle Eastern population have established these as its primary food pillars. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Lansing.

• American: This cuisine is central to Lansing, best represented by the local invention of the olive burger. Diners, pubs, and cafes throughout the city serve this and other American comfort food classics like burgers, fries, and hearty breakfasts.
• Middle Eastern: Lansing has a significant Middle Eastern community, which has resulted in a high concentration of authentic restaurants. Establishments serving shawarma, hummus, falafel, and fresh-baked pita bread are very popular and considered a key part of the local food landscape.
• Barbecue: Southern-style barbecue has a strong foothold in Lansing. Restaurants specializing in slow-smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs are popular destinations.
• Italian-American: Classic red-sauce Italian-American food has a long history in the city. Neighborhood restaurants serving large portions of lasagna, chicken parmesan, and pizza are local traditions.
• Mexican: Mexican cuisine is well-represented, with numerous family-owned taquerias and restaurants serving authentic tacos, burritos, and other traditional dishes.