We are deep into holiday shopping season and the pressure to get the perfect gift is slowly weighing on all of our minds. I’m here to help you out with one thing and one thing only…food. Getting a gift card to a local restaurant is one of my favorite gifts. I especially love getting them to restaurants I have never tried or do not visit often. I’m often asked what’s my favorite restaurant in Grand Rapids. That’s honestly tough for me to answer. I eat based on what style of food I’m in the mood for or if someone in town is rolling out new menu items. When I think of restaurants I like to eat at often, there are 5 that come to mind. I’ve gathered this list of my top 5 restaurants to buy gift cards to this holiday season and even what I like to order. Enjoy!
The Søvengård. There is nothing quite like The Søvengård anywhere else in
the West Michigan area. Based on the premise of Nordic lifestyle and hygge, The Søvengård has continued to prove they run the Grand Rapids culinary scene right now by using local products and focusing on Michigan seasonality. They also have the coolest Biergarten in the whole city.
Food Style: Scandinavian cuisine with Midwest influence
What to order: Smoked trout rillette, everything crackers, mustard, and pickled vegetables. Smorrebrod (open-faced sandwiches).
Luna. Luna has excelled at simple Latin American cuisine with intense flavors. Their hand-crafted margaritas are refreshing and come in a variety of flavors. Can’t decide? Go ahead and order the Margarita flight. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Luna is the perfect location to start or end your night.
Food Style: Latin American cuisine.
What to order: Salsa flight, Tacos Árabes, Tamales.
Sheshco Mediterranean Grill. Sheshco has been my go-to Mediterranean restaurant for years. They draw you in with the most addicting garlic dip and bread as soon as you sit down. It’s ideal for those looking for healthier food options without having to cook at home.
Food Style: Mediterranean
What to order: Crushed Lentil Soup, Meat Grape leaves, Chicken Ghallaba
GR Bagel. BEST BAGELS IN THE WHOLE DANG TOWN. GR Bagel is one of the best spots to grab a bagel sandwich or surprise the entire office with fresh bagels and cream cheese. They recently opened a dine-in area to enjoy the deliciousness of all their boiled bagels. Plus, espresso. That’s all you really need.
Food Style: American, Bagel Shop
What to order: Super Mario and/or The Mediterranean.
Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen. Owned and operated by a Sicilian family, Licari’s has been bringing all the flavors of Sicily to West Michigan since 2012. They even had the help of Iron Chef Bobby Flay and were featured on the Food Network. Not to mention they won Michigan’s Best Pizza in 2016. Licari’s is the perfect date night spot and always delivers friendly service and a delicious meal.
Food Style: Sicilian
What to order: Licari’s chips with roasted red pepper sauce, the Capra Buona Pannetti, Capriccoiosa Pizze.
Jenny with the Good Eats 