Lake Orion is a charming suburb north of Detroit known for its scenic lakeside location and thriving downtown district. While small, Lake Orion boasts an impressive dining scene ranging from cozy diners to upscale eateries.
In this article, I’ll share my favorite restaurants in Lake Orion to help you plan a delicious visit. Let’s explore the eclectic and mouthwatering restaurants that make Lake Orion a top dining destination in metro Detroit!
1. Eddie’s Grill – One of Restaurants In Lake Orion
For tasty diner classics in a retro setting, you can’t beat Eddie’s Grill. From omelets and corned beef hash to patty melts and onion rings, Eddie’s serves up all the greasy spoon favorites.
My go-to order is their hearty farmer’s breakfast – two eggs any style alongside crispy bacon, savory sausage links, buttery hash browns, and wheat toast. I also love starting my day with their fluffy pumpkin pancakes topped with whipped cream when seasonal. Eddie’s lunch options like their BLT, tuna melts, and patty melts hit the spot too.
The upbeat community vibe keeps Eddie’s filled with devoted regulars sipping bottomless coffee and enjoying comfort food. The servers are always so warm and charming. Stop by Eddie’s for the quintessential diner experience in Lake Orion – you’ll leave satisfied with a full belly and small town hospitality.
2. 212 Steakhouse
For an upscale steak and seafood dining experience in Lake Orion, 212 Steakhouse is the place to go. I always start with their Caesar salad – crisp romaine lightly dressed in a classic garlic anchovy dressing and shaved Parmesan.
Next, their petite filet mignon cooked medium rare never disappoints. The beef melts in your mouth and has incredible depth of flavor. I like to pair it with a loaded baked potato and side of grilled asparagus.
For a lighter option, their chicken marsala over angel hair pasta really satisfies. 212’s wine list is extensive, so I ask my server for the perfect red or white to complement my meal. Save room for their creme brûlée – it’s rich and decadent.
The elegant atmosphere, impeccable service, and quality cuisine at 212 Steakhouse make it the top fine dining pick for special occasions in Lake Orion. The prices reflect the high caliber experience.
3. The Owl’s Nest
When I’m craving an indulgent brunch in Lake Orion, The Owl’s Nest hits the spot. This cozy farmhouse style restaurant serves expertly prepared brunch classics like fluffy pancakes, creative omelets and poached eggs Benedict in a charming setting.
Their lemon ricotta pancakes topped with fresh berries and whipped cream are heavenly – they melt in your mouth. I also love their braised short rib hash with poached eggs, hollandaise and shaved asparagus. The shrimp and avocado toast on thick cut sourdough is another go-to.
Mimosa and bloody Mary pitchers are bottomless, which enhances the leisurely brunch experience. The Owl’s Nest has cozy fireplaces for winter months and a spacious patio when it’s nice out.
No matter when you dine, the service is stellar. For ambiance, indulgence and standout dishes, The Owl’s Nest is my favorite weekend brunch retreat in Lake Orion. It’s worth the wait if they have a line.
4. Dominick’s
My top pick for drool-worthy pizza in Lake Orion is Dominick’s. This family-owned pizzeria uses high quality ingredients and generations-old recipes to create their incredible New York style pizzas.
I always build my own pie starting with their perfectly charred thin crust, zesty marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Then I top it simply with crispy pepperoni, sausage and roasted peppers. The finished product is seriously mouthwatering every time.
Besides pizza, Dominick’s has amazing wings, garlic knots, salads and subs piled sky high with meats and toppings. Their Italian nachos layered with peppers, sausage, olives, tomatoes and cheese are an absolute must-try.
I love going with a group so we can sample lots of menu items and share a decadent giant slice for dessert. The lively, family-friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices make Dominick’s a neighborhood staple. Stop in for the tastiest pizza around Lake Orion!
5. Oaktree
For a memorable fine dining experience in Lake Orion, I highly recommend Oaktree. Dishes change seasonally, but some favorites have been their duck confit potstickers, pan seared scallops with carrot ginger puree, and miso glazed Chilean sea bass.
Their craft cocktail program is fantastic – I like to pair my meal with one of their refreshing gin or vodka-based drinks. Oaktree’s atmosphere is upscale yet comfortable, enhanced by details like flickering candles, fresh floral arrangements, and smooth jazz over the speakers.
Service is top-notch and pacing of courses feels seamless. While pricey, dining at The Oaktree is worth it for the talent of Chef Alicia, the elegant ambiance, and unforgettable dining experience. It’s my pick when I’m looking to celebrate a special occasion with an incredible meal in Lake Orion.
6. Green House
For fresh, flavorful vegan fare in Lake Orion, Green House has fantastic plant-based options. All their ingredients are ethically sourced and menus change seasonally based on what’s local and peak of freshness.
Dishes I’ve loved include their coconut curry bowls loaded with squash, chickpeas and brown rice, beet and kale salads topped with cashew cheese, and their veggie sushi rolls stuffed with marinated tempeh and pickled carrots.
Desserts like their chocolate avocado mousse and banana walnut bread satisfy my sweet tooth too. The atmosphere is cozy with lots of natural light – you’d never know the food is vegan based on how satisfying it tastes and feels. The passionate owner is happy to make recommendations and discuss menu offerings in detail as well.
Green House makes plant-based eating in Lake Orion easy, approachable and delicious. Even my non-vegan family and friends love dining here with me!
7. The Breakfast Club
When I’m craving a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast in Lake Orion, The Breakfast Club is my tried and true go-to. This cozy diner serves up all the classics like fluffy pancakes, made-to-order omelets, crispy hash browns, sausage links and bacon.
No matter how you like your eggs prepared, they nail it perfectly every time. I’m a big fan of their Eggs Benedict – English muffins topped with salty Canadian bacon, poached eggs smothered in creamy hollandaise sauce with a side of crispy home fries.
The pancakes here are some of the fluffiest I’ve had thanks to their light batter recipe – I love the blueberry pancakes dotted with juicy bursts of fruit. On weekends, they run breakfast specials like stuffed French toast, skillet scrambles and breakfast pizzas that look amazing.
And you can’t forget the coffee – The Breakfast Club roasts their own beans so each cup is smooth and aromatic. Between the cozy retro diner atmosphere and top-notch breakfast dishes, The Breakfast Club is my favorite way to start the day in Lake Orion.
8. Lakeside Grill
For waterfront ambiance and tasty American fare, Lakeside Grill is a top pick. They have a sprawling patio overlooking Lake Orion – the perfect backdrop for dining and drinking. On nice days, I always request patio seating to fully soak up the scenery.
Lakeside Grill’s menu has something for everyone with burgers, sandwiches, salads, pasta and seafood. I’m a big fan of their chicken and avocado club sandwich served on focaccia with bacon, lettuce, tomato and pesto mayo. It’s loaded with flavor.
The Asian sesame salad with crispy wontons is another go-to. At night, they run dinner specials like cedar plank salmon, steak frites and shrimp scampi that make for a heartier meal.
With an extensive craft beer list and signature cocktails like their Lakeside Mule, this is also a top spot for drinks whether cocktails at happy hour or local brews late into the evening. The laidback waterfront vibe, solid menu and drink selection make Lakeside Grill a place to hang out morning, noon or night in Lake Orion.
Hopefully these reviews help you plan an amazing dining experience in Lake Orion! Let me know if you try any of my top restaurant recommendations.
Now I’m getting hungry just thinking about all the great food Lake Orion has to offer. Enjoy eating your way through this memorable Detroit suburb!
