Lansing Restaurants and Dining

(Lansing, Michigan - MI, USA)

Although Lansing may well be the Michigan state capital, it very much plays second fiddle to 'nearby' Ann Arbor when it comes to the world of dining. That said, there are plenty enough restaurants scattered around the capital to satisfy even the most discerning of palates, both in the city center and just outside, often standing along Michigan Avenue.

Downtown Lansing is home to a fairly healthy dining scene, where restaurants and eateries frequently specialize in Asian, Italian and Mexican fare. Being so close to Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes of North America, freshly caught fish regularly makes an appearance on local dining menus, such as salmon and whitefish. However, both farmed salmon and Icelandic cod are also regularly served up.

East Lansing, on the eastern side of the city, is also known for its very reasonable assortment of restaurants, which are in particularly good supply along East Grand River Avenue, close to the Michigan State University campus. There are numerous bars based in this part of the city as well, capitalizing on the vibrant student base and offering a lively spot for nightlife.

Where to Eat

If you are planning to eat out for breakfast in Lansing, then it is worth considering the breakfast dining on offer at the Golden Harvest Restaurant located on Turner Street, on the northern side of the city (just past the Valley Estates Mobile Home Park).

With a typical American diner atmosphere, Lansing's Golden Harvest eatery is extremely popular both with locals and tourists, throughout the day, and so if you have to wait a little for a table or service, it will be worth it. For breakfast, large portions of cheesy grits, waffles, pancakes, tasty omelets (try the asparagus and pesto) and French toast (including apple, pecan and cinnamon) will be sure to hit the spot.

Those looking for family dining in Lansing won't go far wrong by paying a visit to Deluca's Restaurant on West Willow Street, near the Grace Tabernacle Church. This enticing pizzeria dates back to the early 1960s and offers a real assortment of pizza toppings (including artichokes, bacon, broccoli, ham, pepperoni, roast beef, salsa, sausage, shrimps and spinach, as well as various different cheeses). Pasta dishes, calzones (folded pizzas), sandwiches, soups and a special dining menu designed for children are also available here.

Additional restaurants and eateries worth bearing in mind in Lansing include the likes of the Bravo Cucina Italiana (Italian cuisine) on the Towne Centre Boulevard, Mitchell's Fish Market (specializing in seafood) on the Preyde Boulevard and the Soup Spoon Cafe (American-style dishes and sandwiches) on East Michigan Avenue.

Greek dishes are the order of the day at the Zeus' Coney Island on South Pennsylvania Avenue, while at the Fork in the Road Local Artisan Diner on West Saginaw Street, expect to find hearty American breakfasts, smoked sea scallops, gnocchi, tacos, yellowtail tuna and salads listed on the dining menu, amongst other dishes.