Marquette, MI Best Places to Eat At Today (2023)

Start your food tour here with the Best Marquette MI restaurants guide

* Updated: 12/1/2023 

Babycakes in Marquette

If you are craving some of the best food in Marquette, you have made it to the right spot. 

Let’s take a look at the full food scene in Marquette and make sure you eat the best food when in town! 

These are some of the Best Marquette Restaurants to eat at in 2023! 

Best Restaurants in Marquette MI

These are some of Marquette’s best & most popular restaurants to consider when dining out

Donckers

Donckers is easily one of Marquette’s most popular restaurants. 

The Donckers menu is a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads as well as amazing desserts. 

One of the major draws to Donckers are their endless amounts of chocolates and savory ice cream.

Personal favorites are the Blueberry and Mackinac Fudge.

The Delft

The DELFT shares walls with Donckers and shares a steady stream of visitors for their quality food. 

Being a converted movie theater, the Delft offers a unique dining experience with some type of entertainment projected on the main dining room wall.

The food here is New American Fare and is delicious. 

What makes the experience even more special is the open air kitchen that allows you too see the process of your meal being made (if you care to watch).

Java Bay

Java Bay is one of Marquette’s hidden gems. 

If you want the ultimate Marquette experience, order a Breakfast Burrito, and your trip will instantly skyrocket.

As a Breakfast Burrito snob, (from California) this is the one spot you don’t want to skip for breakfast. Get in there!

The Vierling

One of the staple restaurants in Marquette is the Vierling. 

The Vierling offers a bit of everything ranging from fresh fish, American fare, and pizza.

They also offer their own house-made beer that is some of my favorite in Marquette. 

Try the Blueberry if you’re feeling adventurous! CLOSED ON SUNDAY!

Lagniappe

Looking for some Cajun cooking? The Lagniappe is Marquette’s Cajun connection and is one of the cities top rated and talked-about spots. 

Funny enough, this place is also adjacent to Donckers and The Delft, and should be sampled as soon as you can. 

More info on the link above.

Stuckos

Stuckos is easily one of my go to spots for a quality meal in Marquette. 

They serve up some phenomenal burgers and sandwiches alongside a rotating tap list of more than 10 beers. 

Come get a patio seat in the heart of 3rd street.

Other Top Marquette MI Restaurants

  • Iron Bay: Nestled on the waters of Lake Superior, Iron Bay is a very popular place to eat in Marquette. Popular meals include Fishfry Friday, burgers and an array of cocktails. Stop here if you want great views, food and atmosphere.
  • Steinhaus – “Locally cultivated, internationally inspired. Sink your taste buds into our German and European-inspired menu, showcasing seasonal produce by local farmers. The menu proudly features locally sourced produce and grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, fish, duck and more.”
  • Queen City Burger – Serving up tasty burgers, this joint isn’t in the heart of downtown and easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. Queen city thrives with eclectic offerings and delicious sides. Burger fans will love it here.
  • Togos – Looking for a tasty sandwich? Togos is one of the most popular places to grab a sub in Marquette. Be forewarned. You might end up waiting in a long parking line because of it’s popularity.
marquette breweries blackrocks brewery in winter
BREWERIES in Marquette You MUST Visit!

Best Breakfast in Marquette

third street bagel marquette mi outside

There are a ton of great breakfast spots in Marquette to choose from.

 However, these are the top Marquette breakfast options to consider:

  • Java Bay – As noted above, this is one of the hidden gems for Breakfast in the city. Don’t miss it! 
  • Third Street Bagel – Third Street bagel is the best place in Marquette for those with a bagel hankering. With it’s prime location across the street from Blackrocks brewery, this place is easy to find and therefore is very busy on weekend mornings.
  • Coachlight Restaurant – This diner is across the street from the Ramada and provides diners with a relaxed classic diner feel. Excellent plates and service. 
  • Bodega Cafe – Bodega Cafe serves all meals but I especially love breakfast here. Farm-to-table food choices and generous portions make this a solid option for breakfast, brunch, and beyond

Bakeries in Marquette

231 west bakery marquette mi

Looking for something sweet or savory? 

This is the bakery scene in Marquette:

  • Towners Pastry and Chocolate – Towner’s Chocolaterie out of Gwinn,MI recently opened up a new location in the downtown Marquette area. Get some of their amazing pastries and chocolates when in town!
  • 231 West Patisserie – Macaroons from 231 West are what you’re ordering! Everything is good but the macaroons are the showstopper. 
  • Babycakes – One of the most popular places in Marquette hands down

Best Lunch in Marquette

Lunch options are abundant in Marquette. 

Many of these places listed do lunch but some don’t. 

For best lunch in Marquette, try: 

  • Donckers (listed above in popular section)
  • Jean Kay’s – One of the Upper Peninsula’s best pasties. If you haven’t tried a pastie, add it to your Upper Peninsula of Michigan Things to do NOW list
  • Marquette Co-Op – Find yourself with a sandwich or any other hot plate they offer

Fine Dining in Marquette

  • Elizabeth’s Chophouse – This is Marquette’s “fanciest restaurant” and one for those looking for fine dining. Elizabeth’s offers a daily happy hour alongside a lovely ambiance. Located right off of third street adjacent to the Vierling.
  • Zephyr Winebar + Cafe – This downtown Winebar and Cafe lets visitors dine out in fashion while sampling some of the city’s best wine selections. Walkable to all the other attractions makes this pair nicely with any of the menus fine items! (Temporarily closed for dine-in but offering take out!)

Mexican Restaurants in Marquette

  • Sol Azteca – Sol Azteca is one of the top spots for Mexican cuisine alongside an amazing view of Lake Superior. Situated a rocks throw from the Big Lake, Sol Azteca offers patrons a full bar, second story outdoor dining, and quality Mexican flavor. 
  • La Cotrina Cocina – La Cotrina is a bit outside of the downtown scene up on Highway 41, but this spot is well worth a try. Spacious interior with a solid drink and food menu, easily accessible after riding North Trails all day!
  • Border Grill 

Asian Restaurants

  • Thai House – Craving some more Thai while venturing in the UP? Make your way to the conveniently located Thai House off of 3rd street.
  • Rice Paddy – The Rice Paddy Menu is one of the most talked about Asian restaurants in Marquette. Aoy serves up big Thai flavor at college level prices. The Rice Paddy is one of only two Thai food options in Marquette but well worth the visit.
  • Ks Oriental – Chinese food you will miss if you don’t know about it. Tucked away in Marquette where most tourists don’t venture.

Marquette's Italian Places to Eat + Pizza Places

  • Casa Calabria – One of the most popular Italian restaurants in town is Casa Calabria. Located at the end of 3rd street, this Italian joint always seems to be buzzing and provides visitors with quality food and vibes.
  • Vango’s Pizza & Cocktail Lounge – Vango’s is another Marquette favorite for those looking for some Italian Fare. Located on 3rd street, don’t hesitate to eat here when considering your options for food
  • The Pasta Shop – Order in or pick up your Italian supplies to cook at home. Authentic Italian joint to keep on your radar
  • Villa Capri – Out of downtown on highway 41, this place is easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. Awesome back bar as well
  • Lake Superior Pizza – Pizzas are on the menu of this tucked-away off-the-radar joint. Follow Lincoln until you see this or K’s Oriental.
  • Aubree’s Pizza – Aubree’s is one of the most recognized spots in Marquette for pizza! Heart of downtown
  • Main Street Pizza – Cheap Slices, full pizzas + great location. Try this if you need some no-frills pizza, especially if you have been drinking at 3rd Base Bar around the corner

Marquette Michigan Food Trucks

  • BURGER BUS – Not a restaurant but a converted school bus turned burger machine. Make sure to find this during all seasons but winter. Regularly found at Blackrocks Brewery and Ore Dock Brewery.
  • Smelted Pizza – Smelted Pizza serves up thin Wood Fired Pizzas at your favorite brewery or pop up event. These guys have a variety of pizzas that will satisfy any pizza lovers appetite. Check out the Smelted Wood Fired Pizza Menu
  • The Courtyards: Home of second Line T-Boys and Tapas – Lousiana flair tucked away into a taco truck on the South Side of Marquette. Get here now for seasonal cocktails and excellent Po-boys and more. It’s a Taco Truck inside of a establishment!
  • Smok’d – Smoked meats, waffles and some tasty dishes. A unique menu will keep your taste buds and stomach satisfied.
  • Dia De Los Tacos – This taco truck is back and under new ownership! Find the BIG Blue truck around town and get your favorite meat or vegetarian tacos!
  • Fish Express – The newly opened Fish Express is located at the bottom of North 3rd Street. Come by for a variety of fish offerings 7 days a week!
  • Manny Mags – Have your event catered with the delicious Mexican offerings or find the food truck around Marquette. Stay up to date by following their facebook!
  • G’s Lakeshore Pizza – Located on Lakeshore Boulevard, G’s Pizzeria and Deli is about as close as you can get to Lake Superior dining. Grab a pizza and head over to the lake!
  • Senors Food Truck – Authentic Mexican cuisine served throughout the UP. If it’s around, get if it a shot!
  • The Island Food Truck – The new “Coney Island” food truck serves up dogs, gyros, breakfast burritos, and fries. Find the Island Food Truck around town today!

Ice Cream Shops in Marquette

frosty treats ice cream shop marquette mi
Frosty Treats Ice Cream - A Marquette Ice Cream Favorite

Ice cream in Marquette is the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer day or the ideal treat after any of these excellent restaurants. 

Here are some Marquette County ice cream shops to consider 

Frosty Treats – Possibly the longest wait you will experience for ice cream in Marquette. This place offers excellent soft-serve cones and other desserts!

Jilberts – This tucked away creamery, makes their ice cream on site! 

Yoop-Phoria – Soft Serve ice cream on the corner of 3rd and Washington! Always a treat

Farmers Market Marquette

The Market Farmers Market happens every Wednesday and Saturday in Marquette’s Marquette Commons area. 

Not only are there countless delectable food options, but some food trucks also show up to serve their delicious offerings

Other Top Places to Eat Close to Marquette

Just because you’re in Marquette, doesn’t mean you have to eat in it! 

There are some fabulous place just outside of town that are more than worthwhile. 

  • UPNorth Lodge – This place has been named one of the top restaurants in all of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! Located in Gwinn, about a 15 minute drive, make sure you try this place today!
  • Lake Superior Smokehouse Brewpub – Is it BBQ you’re after? Stop here for amazing BBQ and BEER! Just outside of town in Harvey

More Amazing Things To Do in The UP

Don’t want to waste anymore time after eating on your special trip to Marquette? 

Use these other local resources today:

 

Out of all of the Marquette Michigan restaurants, where is your favorite?