Frankenmuth Restaurants: Best Places to Eat in Frankenmuth, MI (Zehnder’s, Bavarian Inn and MORE!)
Where to Eat in Frankenmuth, MI: Guide to the Best Restaurants in Frankenmuth
Situated on the picturesque Cass River, Frankenmuth, Michigan is not only surrounded by gorgeous landscape, but the town itself is steeped in rich German ancestry, influencing the architecture, culture, and cuisine of the city.
Maybe you’ve heard of Frankenmuth as a Michigan Christmas must-visit, or from the viral New York Times article about visiting the town during the holidays and discovering the fabulous restaurants?
The restaurant scene specifically is bustling – and for good reason. Between famous Bavarian dining and local spots serving up their own specialties, there is something for everyone in Frankenmuth.
Here are some of our favorite restaurants near Frankenmuth complete with all the best food in town.
Chicken Wars: Bavarian Inn vs Zehnder’s
Bavarian dining is a staple in Frankenmuth, with two of Frankemuth’s most iconic restaurants engaging in a bit of friendly competition for the coveted number one spot.
Situated just across the street from each other, a food fight for the ages rages on between Zehnder’s and Bavarian Inn.
Which side are you on?
Lederhosen and Dirndls
Both Zehnder’s and The Bavarian Inn have friendly servers dressed in Bavarian-style clothing (think Lederhosen and Dirndl dresses).
They bring some of the most mouthwatering all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners you could imagine to your table – not to mention the plethora of sides offered alongside both meals.
Family-style Chicken Dinners and More
You’d better come hungry if you plan to eat at either Zehnder family establishment.
Varietal breads and accompanying spreads are provided by both restaurants, which you might think to be the starter, but more will follow.
Coleslaw, pasta salad, cranberry salad, and chicken noodle soup work together to prepare you for the feast. As your golden brown chicken arrives, expect a massive spread of creamy mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, egg noodles, and seasonal veggies to join it. You will not leave hungry.
But with all of these similarities, how are you meant to pick a side? The truth is, there’s no correct answer. Whether you battle for Bavarian Inn or get zealous for Zehnder’s, you simply can’t go wrong.
Bavarian Inn Restaurant
713 S Main St, Frankenmuth MI
If you choose to eat at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, expect a special kind of charm from the uniquely German atmosphere. From the noteworthy architecture complete with glockenspiel tower to the friendly staff uniformed in frocks and lederhosen and live accordion entertainment, dining here is truly an experience.
Don’t forget to browse the gift shops on the lower level for a little something to take home.
If you’re in town for a while, a stay at the Bavarian Inn Lodge may also be in order. You’ll also want to check out the fantastic indoor waterpark, which can keep both kids and adults entertained for days.
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
730 S Main St, Frankenmuth MI
If you choose to eat at the Zehnder’s restaurant, expect to be transported to an earlier year with the colonial style of the building and the iconic, yet utilitarian employee uniforms.
While you might feel you’ve time traveled, you can still snap a picture with “Drumstick,” the enthusiastic mascot of Zehdner’s and step into the gift shop or Zehnder’s marketplace for baked goods or souvenirs to remember your experience.
A stay at Zehnder’s Splash Village is a guaranteed family hit for those in town for more than just a spectacular dinner.
Italian Restaurants in Frankenmuth Michigan
So maybe, despite being immersed in the strong Bavarian culture of Frankenmuth, you’re actually craving Italian American fare.
Sure you could get Hungry Howie’s or Little Caesar’s pizza, but it simply won’t compare to the fantastic local Italian restaurants in town. These are some of our favorite spots to grab some Italian grub.
Lazy Dog Pizza Co.
154 S Main St #5, Frankenmuth MI
If you’re looking for pizza with a positive message, look no further than Lazy Dog Pizza Co. With a name and logo representing the shelter pups the owner came to know and love, this spot is not only adorably marketed, but promotes awareness of all the special dogs in shelters seeking “furever” homes.
Online takeout makes it easy to try their take on a Supreme for a whole variety of toppings or get adventurous with something like their Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza.
DaVinci’s Italian Restaurant
524 N Main St Frankenmuth MI
You want it, they got it. Pizza, pasta, soups, salads, sandwiches, stromboli, seafood and more.
For all your Italian cravings, head to DaVinci’s and support a family-owned staple in the Frankenmuth community for over 40 years. Try the veal parmesan for a classic dish with refined taste or build your own pasta bowl for a custom plate.
Tiffany’s Food & Spirits
656 S Main St, Frankenmuth MI
With a history that goes back over 100 years, Tiffany’s is a relic of old Frankenmuth that stands out to this day as one of the best places to get a pizza.
While it was named for the ornate Tiffany chandeliers that sparkle against the intricate gold ceiling, it’s not just the glass which shines. The food is plentiful, diverse, and delicious, but their claim to fame is the pasta pizza, which is exactly what it sounds like – what’s not to like?
Discover Amazing Craft Brews and Wines in Frankenmuth
Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie
576 ½ S Main St, Frankenmuth MI
Dine on a light meal or snack on a charcuterie board while you sip on some wine or cocktails to relax after a busy day in Frankenmuth. The rustic-chic atmosphere feels down-to-Earth, but the flavors are out of this world.
Build your own sandwich by choosing from plenty of high-quality meats and cheese both imported and domestic then sit back and simply enjoy.
Frankenmuth Brewery
425 S Main St, Frankenmuth MI
Michigan loves craft beers, especially local brews. At Frankenmuth Brewery (Michigan’s oldest, by the way), experience the magic that happens when people who are passionate about good beer combine the contemporary Michigan brew culture with the ancestral influence of the German traditions.
With over a dozen beers on tap, including a seasonal rotation, you’ll be coming back to try them all.
Michigan on Main Bar & Grill
713 S Main St Suite 1, Frankenmuth MI
Michigan on Main Bar & Grill is all about Michigan all the time. Located in the Bavarian Inn, this spot focuses its attention on utilizing the best Michigan-made and grown products to provide you with local flavors as you’ve never had before.
This includes 17 local Michigan beers on tap to pair with anything from Potato Cheese Puffs or a Michigan black Bean Burger. You can also try some delicious wine from top Michigan wineries here.
More Must-Stop Food Shops in Frankenmuth MI
Frankenmuth Cheese Haus
545 S Main St, Frankenmuth MI
For all your cheese cravings, stop at the Cheese Haus. Both domestic and imported cheese products are available along with homemade signatures. Blocks, curds, spreads, and more mean that you can get just about any cheese for just about any occasion.
Sugarhigh Bakery
925 S Main St g1, Frankenmuth MI
Treat yourself with the magic of sweets. Cakes and cupcakes of all kinds await you here, so there’s no time to lose. This especially inclusive establishment accommodates many allergies or dietary restrictions and even makes pet-friendly “Bark-ery” treats.
Try These Other Frankenmuth Restaurant Favorites
Slo’ Bones BBQ Smokehaus
175 E Jefferson St, Frankenmuth MI
Wang’s Bistro
207 N Main St, Frankenmuth MI
Oma’s Restaurant
One Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth MI
Poblano’s Mexican Grill
418 N Main St, Frankenmuth MI
La Crêpe Du Jour, Crêperie & Cafe
925 S Main St H7, Frankenmuth MI
Elf Hollow Cafe
730 S Main St, Frankenmuth MI
Honey B’s Eatery
525 S Main St, Frankenmuth MI
About the Author
Bella DiMascio is a Content Editor for mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the Detroit suburb of Westland and later attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in English: Writing. Creative writing has been a hobby and interest of Bella’s since she was in elementary school and she is thrilled to be using her talents to highlight the Great Lakes State. Outside of writing, Bella enjoys getting outside with her two Australian Shepherds, playing video games, and binging shows on Netflix.