What are the best restaurants in the Great Lakes Bay for Valentine's Day dinner?

Options for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner in the Great Lakes Bay are many, with local favorites including: Real Seafood Company in Bay City for fresh catch & waterfront views; Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie in Frankenmuth and Bay City for charcuterie, tap wines, and a warm ambiance; Cafe Zinc in Midland for a classic European cafe, with private outdoor winter dining pods available by reservation; and Artisan Urban Bistro in Saginaw for an intimate bistro with an open kitchen and boutique in-house winery.

Real Seafood Company | @maditaylorphoto
Best Places to Eat For
Valentine's Day
in Bay City
Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie | @prostwinebar

Where should I go for Valentine's Day dinner in Bay City, MI?

  • Real Seafood Company A fresh-catch seafood eatery in Uptown Bay City, with waterfront views overlooking the Saginaw River. Slurp fresh-shucked premium oysters from the rawbar, or sample Surf & Turf with cold-water lobster tail.
  • Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie A buzzing wine bar with build-your-own charcuterie boards, tap wines, and handcrafted cocktails. Try a Sampler flight or split a bottle to enjoy with entrees from Gnocchi Pomodoro to Tenderloin Medallions.
  • Old City Hall A casual-upscale bistro in a historic building, with divine steaks and more than 150 global wine selections. Enjoy New Zealand Lambchops to Seabass Spumante and a creative menu of martinis & mules.
  • H2O's Waterside Grill A laid-back locale with waterfront scenery on the Saginaw River, serving specialty pizzas, steaks & chops, seafood dishes, and burgers ground in-house daily. Share oysters on the half-shell — and the chocolate torte!
  • Riverfront Grille & Lounge A casual fine dining spot inside the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront, featuring a robust wine list. Savor options like Filet Mignon before retreating to a hotel room with river or city views.
  • The Public House An intimate bar crafting artisan cocktails & light bites, in a space with exposed brick walls, low lighting, and lush greenery. Split the Farm Board to Parm Fries — and order their specialty drink for two to share.
  • Neighbors Natural Wine & Bottle Shop A cozy hangout with plush fireside seating, serving natural wine pours, wine-forward cocktails, and tasty bar snacks.
Prost
Best Places to Eat For
Valentine's Day
in Frankenmuth
The Station 100 | @obvious_capt

Where should I go for Valentine's Day dinner in Frankenmuth, MI?

  • The Station 100 A fine dining steakhouse with strong European influences, and an internationally certified sommelier to help pair your (Seabass, Mushroom-Truffle Risotto, Beef Filet Rossini) meal with the perfect wine.
  • Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie A contemporary wine bar with regional charcuterie, global wines, and house-specialty cocktails. Cuddle up indoors by candlelight — or by the outdoor fire bar with cozy, provided blankets.
Cafe Zinc | @cafezincmidland
Best Places to Eat For
Valentine's Day
in Midland
Cafe Zinc | @cafezincmidland

Where should I go for Valentine's Day dinner in Midland, MI?

  • Cafe Zinc A classic cafe inside the H Hotel, inspired by the timeless elegance of European culinary tradition. Dine right next to a roaring fire — on Lobster Pasta to Steak Frites — or reserve one of their intimate outdoor winter dining pods.
  • ONe eighteen A mid-century-inspired American tavern inside the H Hotel, with elevated tavern favorites & classic cocktails. Order the Chef's Cut or Chef's Catch, and finish with Flourless Chocolate Cake and a handcrafted Old Fashioned.
  • Gratzi A dramatic, layered dining experience, highlighting regional Italian cuisine & fine wines — all leading up to the decadent final course, dolce. Indulge in Alfredo da Tavola to Spaghetti e Polpette.
Maru Sushi & Grill | @jennmsu
  • Maru Sushi & Grill A traditional Japanese fusion kitchen, hand-preparing unique sushi rolls & share plates in a stylish, modern setting. Try the Crouching Tiger or one-of-a-kind Chef Roll — and split a bottle of bubbly, wine, or sake.
  • Beatniks A retro-inspired eatery serving elevated comfort food & craft cocktails in a laid-back, vibey atmosphere. Taste House-Recipe Half-Rack Baby Back Ribs to Vodka Chicken Pasta and try a signature, seasonal martini.
  • Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom A distillery, brewery, and winery in one, serving beverages crafted with locally sourced ingredients amidst rustic charm. Split wood-fired pies and cozy up with an Espresso Martini or Cold Brew Old Fashioned.
  • D'Alessandro's Italian Cuisine A romantic Italian eatery with an expansive wine list, featuring many wines, meats, and cheeses imported directly from Italy. Indulge in traditional dishes including Piccata, Parmigiana, and Marsala.
Artisan Urban Bistro | @riverfrontsaginaw
Best Places to Eat For
Valentine's Day
in Saginaw
Artisan Urban Bistro | @keysers_kitchen

Where should I go for Valentine's Day dinner in Saginaw, MI?

  • Artisan Urban Bistro A cozy neighborhood bistro with an open kitchen, artful decor, and boutique in-house winery. Select from a menu of seasonal comforts (including schnitzel, carbonara, and pot pie) as you sip on house wines.
  • Jake's Old City Grill A casual-upscale chophouse with an extensive wine & martini list. Explore the steaks & chops menu, and savor the warm ambiance.
  • Pasong's Cafe A local hidden gem specializing in authentic Asian (Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Lao) fusion dishes. Share a luscious bowl of Pho or traditional Pad Thai, and an order of the spring rolls Pasong's is known for.
  • Harvey's Grill & Bar An elevated, modern atmosphere, complemented by a chef-created, seasonal menu, handcrafted cocktails, and signature martinis. Order decadent Creme Brûlée for a sweet end to the evening!
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Author
Jen W. O'Deay + Go Great Lakes Bay

By: Jen W. O'Deay | Updates: Go Great Lakes Bay | Jen is a Saginaw native and owner of Feel These Words, an independent copywriting studio & home to the free "5 Day Website MiniBoost". Jen specializes in writing that connects, delivered through website copy, branded content articles, and WingWoman writing services. You'll find Jen camping with her family, laughing, and at feelthesewords.com