Best Restaurants in Lansing (2025)

Old Town’s smokehouse that put Lansing barbecue on the map. House‑smoked wings, ribs, and pork belly Reubens draw regulars and visiting food folks alike. Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive‑Ins and Dives and covered by local TV news.

A chef‑driven, wood‑fired pizza shop with a playful space‑age vibe. The daily “Trust Us” pie and duck‑fat fries made it a local essential. Highlighted by regional editors and noted for creative toppings and technique.

A from‑scratch mainstay between downtown and MSU, known for rotating soups, hearty plates, and Michigan‑forward beers and spirits. Praised by local food critics and consistently recognized in City Pulse’s Top of the Town lists.

A lively brunch‑to‑dinner spot where playful plates meet made‑in‑house desserts and cocktails. Featured on WLNS’s Foodie Friday for seasonal menus and weekly prime rib nights; community‑minded and proudly local.

Beloved for fried chicken and wild‑caught fish, seasoned and cooked to order. A neighborhood anchor with deep community ties and national shine courtesy of Diners, Drive‑Ins and Dives and a later Triple D Nation revisit.

Family‑run Burmese favorite serving tea‑leaf salad, mohinga, and Thai‑leaning dishes; often takeout‑focused. Profiled by MSU’s Spartan Newsroom for its loyal base and resilient, community‑rooted story.

A longtime Old Town hangout for tortas, gorditas, and Mexican breakfasts. Expanded with a second site while keeping its handmade bread and hometown feel. Covered by local news as a Lansing staple.

The area’s sushi standard‑bearer near campus, with a large sushi bar, tatami‑style seating, and a broad Japanese‑fusion menu. Praised by East Lansing Info for quality sashimi and breadth of offerings.

Downtown’s intimate bistro for French‑leaning plates, cocktails, and a rotating menu—refined but relaxed. Lauded by local writers for polished service and well‑priced, seasonal dishes.

Beloved breakfast‑and‑lunch spot reborn in Old Town in March 2025. Expect playful plates, stacked handhelds, and strong coffee in a bigger, brighter space. Covered by local media during its grand opening.

A soulful mash‑up of Vietnamese favorites and smoked meats from owner‑chef Linh Lee. Twice featured on Diners, Drive‑Ins and Dives and spotlighted by local news for its community following.