After numerous friends telling me " You have to eat at Walloon Inn you would love it, the food is great and of course the view across the lake is spectacular ". Well I couldn't get a reservation in the fall so my girlfriend and I tried again while taking a ski trip to Boyne Mountain . Yes, The location and ambiance is fabulous . We were graciously greeted and sat at table # 1 right by the windows looking out to the frozen lake truly a great table. Our waitress Janice a local greeted us and was very nice. Janice did a great job going through the menu which I will added the prices were very fare . The wine and cocktail list were also impressive with a wide offering in price and choice. We decided on a Malbec to start. Then they brought out a the welcoming taste of salmon pate on a cucumber which we both found to be very tasty . After reviewing the menu we chose to bypass an appetizer for fear of just getting too much food and not finishing our dinner . After I told my girlfriend how good whitefish is in Michigan we both ordered that instead of the salmon or short ribs that also looked enticing. . Before our entree was served we had the warm bread and garlic butter that was terrific and tempting to eat the whole basket . Our dinners were served very quickly even though the restaurant was sold out . As we took the first bites of the white fish I was extremely disappointed . The breading had absolutely zero seasoning or flavor . The fish was flaky and cooked perfectly but the breading was completely flavorless taking away from the fish. Neither of us finished the dish and my girlfriend tried adding salt just to get some flavor but it didn't make it any better . I was going to order dessert but we were so disappointed after our dinner we chose to bypass dessert . . I did order a coffee since they didn't have cappuccino. I will say the coffee was very good , but what good restaurant doesn't have a cappuccino machine . As a side note the bathroom very nicely decorated in old wine box shingles on the wall and was very clean . I gave 3 stars simply because the Walloon Inn has been around so long and highly acclaimed as one of the better restaurants in the area. This was very disappointing . I may come back with my business partner and hope my experience will be better . Until next time . read more

Walloon Lake Inn is always a must when we Visit The Walloon area. When arriving The Charm of the glow of the Christmas lights are just the beginning! The Live piano Music greetings and Delightful Hostess seats the guests with a warm welcome and Promptness. The chef always surprises Amuse-Busche! Amazing Drinks, Beautiful wines to pair and so many Options to make your dining experience memorable! My husband went with the prime rib special, he said one of the best he had ever had. I had the seafood Risotto. It was rich and delicious with hidden vegetables and micro greens! So good. The grand finale was the peach Hot Honey drizzle Cheesecake! What an amazing idea. Thanks once again for a lovely evening! We always enjoy seeing families celebrating together and Others off the Ski slopes ready for a warm up! Cheers. read more

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Visited again last night. Had the prix fixe dinner, two Caesar salads, the whitefish dinner and the salmon dinner. A nice wine to complement the dinner. Always worth the visit when in the area, servings were plentiful, dessert was a carryout as we couldn't touch another bite of food. read more

So, I have to confess. To me, Walloon Lake Village in the winter looks *exactly* like a life sized version of the miniature snow village that your grandma puts up every Christmas: There's the general store. There's the hotel. There's the gazebo and ice skating rink. And there's the fine dining restaurant--that's the Walloon Lake Inn. It's fine dining, but most folks wear resort casual clothing. Get there early so you can sit for a tick at their beautiful wood-trimmed bar--it's super cute--and sip a craft made cocktail until your table is ready. Interior gives a lodge aesthetic that's warm and cozy. Outer ring tables give excellent views of Walloon Lake itself. EXCELLENT steaks. We had the filet and the ribeye. Both were cuts of beef, but they're prepped with different sides. The ribeye came with broccolini and fingerlings, while the filet arrived in a tasty demi glaze with au gratin potatoes. Both cuts were juicy and full of that savory iron flavor that screams you're loving on a steak. Super enjoyable meal. Great dining year round. Seemed good for groups, too. Reservations recommended. read more

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Beautiful atmosphere. The vibe was elegant and upscale. Our waitress was pleasant, friendly, and knowledgeable. The food was absolutely delicious. The braised short ribs tasted like it was made in heaven. Very tender, juicy, and all of the flavors together made a wonderful party in my mouth. Everything was delicious but one thing that really stands out is the truffle fries. Absolutely wonderful. I would come here and just order the fries to go! That's how good they are. A definite must when having dinner here. read more

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What another wonderful experience on our second visit. This time we dined early and inside the dining room rather than the patio as we were traveling on afterward (thus the quiet dining room). The server Courtney couldn't have been more attentive. Celebrating Marcy's birthday we tried a little of everything. Mitch's selections included Tempura Tuna Roll, Chicken Marsala and Chocolate Caramel Torte and Marcy's were the Apple White Cheddar Salad, John Cross Whitefish and Crème Brûlée. All delicious, with enough for another dinner serving. Sides like the roasted garlic bread were also worth a yum. We will look forward to another visit in the future. read more

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We celebrated our mini honeymoon at Walloon Lake and this restaurant came highly recommended. The restaurant is beautiful and the view of the lake is breathtaking. Our waiter was very helpful and made great recommendations. The food was SO good. I want to go back just for this restaurant alone. We ordered heirloom tomato and Burrata (best I've had), gnocchi, John Cross whitefish, and short rib. read more

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We were here at night in the middle of a huge snow storm so we didn't get to explore the village as much as we'd like. For us this was a perfect dining experience- the food, the staff, the ambiance, the sommelier. My wife has celiacs and is hyper sensitive to gluten- they were able to manage that without issue and without a complicated discussion. It's a bit of a drive for us but we plan to come back regularly. read more

Ryan provided exceptional service the entire evening of a delightful dining experience. We had an appetizer, braised short rib, salmon, and raspberry sorbet for dessert . All were exceptional. There are great selections of wines and cocktails. We highly recommend Walloon Lake Inn. read more

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Very pricing!!! Nice ambiance and location. Great views of the sunset!!! Servers were kind and attentive. Just too expensive, would not return because of cost factor. read more

It's been ages since I've experienced fine dining such as this. Walloon's has been serving the finest of cuisines to refined palates since 1891 when it first opened as a bed & breakfast on the shores of beautiful Walloon Lake. The occasion tonight was a wedding anniversary celebration of our friends. The evening was magical. We were seated on the front patio overlooking the lake. Between us we feasted on whitefish, stuffed lobster tail, lamb chops, heirloom burrata and wedge salads and desserts fit for royalty. Each dish, impeccably plated was masterfully delivered and served at our table. It was a well-mastered sensory experience never to be forgotten. read more

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Always a pleasant and relaxing experience. The staff and servers are so attentive to detail and friendly. Courtney our server was great! The food is fresh, tasty and farm to table inspired. We enjoy the ambiance of the piano in the background while dining. My wife had the Miso Glazed Salmon and I had the Parmesan Whitefish. One of our favorite spots in Northern MI. Would definitely recommend. read more

Walloon Lake Inn - Miso Glazed Salmon and Parmesan Whitefish. - American Near Me - Walloon Lake, Michigan

Wonderful staff wonderful food and spectacular views, what a gem! In the summer, the lake sparkles, and in the winter it's a magical wonderland. read more

Once Our Favorite -- Now a Complete Disaster We brought our family to what used to be our favorite restaurant, only to be met with one of the worst dining experiences we've ever had. It started with filthy outdoor tables and chairs -- covered in tree sap and bird droppings. When we asked for them to be cleaned, four staff members came out with visible attitude, making us feel like we were inconveniencing them. Our waitress seemed determined to push us through the meal to fit in a second seating. She dropped "complimentary" appetizers before everyone was even seated, gave us menus, and demanded orders within 30 seconds. No specials announced, no friendly interaction -- just pressure. The food? Bland and uninspired. The whitefish looked like frozen fish sticks from a box. While rushing and clearing plates, the waitress spilled a drink all over the table and chairs, didn't apologize, didn't clean it up, and didn't replace the drink. Desserts were pre-ordered and thrown on the table immediately after plates were cleared -- still no offer for coffee or refills. At the end, she loudly announced to the entire table that the tip was automatically added "because of the large party." When we tried to speak to Melissa, the manager, she was rude, argumentative, unapologetic -- and literally opened the door to tell us to leave. We paid $800 for the privilege of being treated like a burden. Our out-of-town guests couldn't believe this was once our go-to spot. Never again. read more

Great ambience, great menu. Janice, server, was wonderful. Memorable place to celebrate my burthday!

in my opinion this is the best restaurant in the greater Petoskey area. Food always prepared wonderfully and service is above reproach a must go to. read more

Ordered crusted white fish this week. The fish came as three fried tail portions of the fish about 3/8" with crusting on both sides. Fish was way over done dry and chewy, asked for more sauce but did not help. Only could eat one did not want anything else. How anything like that plate could get out of the kitchen is beyond me. " Long John Silver" would have been a better choice read more

Good food is good food, and this place has undeniably good food. It's cozy and rich and has a sophisticated touch that no where in a several mile radius can touch. If you try it, you will love it. That's all there is to it. read more

Walloon Lake Inn - Bisque - American Near Me - Walloon Lake, Michigan

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Our annual dinner at the Walloon Lake Inn did not disappoint this year, as always. The service was stellar, and atmospher classy but not over the top. The waitresses make you feel special and taken care of, but by no means overbearing. We always have such a great family dinner here. The ribeye was tasty. The shrimp appetizer as well, and the sauce it came with was actually perfeft to dip the truffle fries in! And the desserts were very good as well. The holiday cocktail list was a fun addition this year. Lastly, the 3 courses for $60 special will always be impossible to beat. read more

Walloon Lake Inn - Ribeye with mashed potatoes and asparagus - American Near Me - Walloon Lake, Michigan

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Here for a special celebration along the shores of Lake Walloon. Beautifully plated gourmet cuisine with impeccable service. read more

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My group of 4 dined for a birthday, and none of us had been here before, so we really didn't know what to except. We drove from Harbor Springs pretty excited to get out of our small town and eat somewhere else, and we were all extremely happy we did. We had an ahi tuna roll and a dozen oysters to start for the table. Both very good. For our entrees we had the stuffed lobster tail, the seafood risotto, the braised short ribs and the truffle chicken carbonara. In the end we had three desserts to share amongst all of us. Everything was so flavorful, beautiful plated and delicious. We can't wait to go back! Ryan, our server, was also amazing, well attentive and very knowledgeable of the menu. read more

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Tucked away, you'll find a restaurant that is charming and inviting. You can wait for your table inside the piano bar or outside lounging in one of many chairs facing the lake. Started with wedge salad, delicious but very small. Ordered the Shrimp Risotto and was a bit disappointed. Presentation was okay, but for $55 I expected more than three shrimp and two scallops. Portion was small. Service was very pleasant. Nice view and tiki torches bring a cozy, Summer vibe. read more

SERVICE: 5 FOOD QUALITY: 5 DRINK QUALITY: 5 ORDER TIME: 4 AESTHETICS: 5 NOISE LEVEL: 5 MENU SELECTION: 3 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 4.57 While staying at the Walloon hotel, next door, we decided to make a reservation. Our first impression, upon arrival, was wow. Very romantic, self playing piano, and superb customer service. It's a very small, but intimate restaurant that looks out at the lake. We got a table in the back corner looking out at the frozen Walloon nature. They had a very limited menu, but everything sounded amazing. They also had a great wine list to choose from. After much debate, internally, I decided on the tuna roll for an appetizer, and the white fish for dinner. Both were cooked to perfection. I had some white wine which was perfect with the white fish. The night was perfect. Overall, this place was everything we wanted and more. The menu is limited, but the selections available had me wanted to try them all. If you're in Walloon, and looking for romance, and quality, then look no further. Just make sure to make a reservation in advance because they fill quickly. read more

Walloon Lake Inn - Jack cross white fish - American Near Me - Walloon Lake, Michigan

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If I could leave 0 stars I would. I attended a wedding here and the staff was rude, made us feel uncomfortable, and literally babysat us all night (stood in the corner, with her hands on her hips watching us dance). I am leaving a review on every site that I can because I don't want anyone else to feel as terrible as we did leaving this venue. They were snooty and made us feel like we weren't good enough to be there. It was distracting us from being able to celebrate the couple. So I guess don't have your wedding here unless you want your guests not to have fun and all their attention to go to not upsetting the fragile egos of management. I hope they can learn to be more respectful of guests. read more

We dined last evening at Walloon Lake Inn for my husbands birthday. as always, it was great. We had a great waitress, Courtney, and the entire staff is friendly and helpful. Our party of 6 enjoyed entrees chosen. All prepared to perfection. And if you like Manhattans or an Old Fashion, theirs are the best.. I highly recommend. read more

I went to Walloon Lake Inn for a second time recently and it was just as good (if not better) than what I remember. The service was impeccable and everything was prepared to perfection. The Tuna Sushi Roll was delicious, just like I remembered. I tried some Truffle Fries and they are to die for. As an entree I ordered the Seafood Risotto. I have to say, this was my least favorite part of the meal and next time I would order something different. It just tasted like it was missing something. For dessert, I ordered the Crème Brûlée, and it was perfect. read more

Walloon Lake Inn - Crème Brulee - American Near Me - Walloon Lake, Michigan

My husband and I decided to treat ourselves for our one year anniversary at Walloon Lake Inn while on vacation in Petoskey. We were both pleasantly surprised with how wonderful our table, server, drinks and food was. It was all around a lovely experience. I wish we would have known about the 3 for $60 deal. Truffle fries were the best we've had! So yummy. My chicken was moist and flavorful. My husband loved his salmon. Will definitely go back next time we're in the area! read more

Walloon Lake Inn - Salmon & Chicken Carbonara - American Near Me - Walloon Lake, Michigan

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It is rare when I'm totally blown away by a meal or restaurant. Each fantastic meal sets the bar higher for your next find whenever and wherever it may be. With that said, it is hard to imagine ever surpassing the high bar of excellence set at the Walloon Lake Inn. We decided to head up north to catch what was left of a beautiful fall color scene. Given the time of year, we booked an early reservation so we could enjoy the lake and possibly a sunset. Our table at the window certainly allowed us to enjoy breathtaking views while we dined. We started with drinks. While we usually order wine, the craft cocktail menu was quite interesting so I ordered the "Loch Ness" which was 12 year old Chivas Regal with a Pinot Noir floater. Very interesting combination and tasted great. My wife enjoyed her Manhattan which was also made with a craft bourbon. We skipped wine since we had a 30+ mile drive after dinner. For appetizers we both ordered the Tempura Fried Ahi Tuna Roll. Portions were huge and we could have easily split this. Glad we each ordered our own because after the first bite, there was no way I was going to share mine. Also, this was the first time I can remember having a tuna roll without wasabi. It was not necessary and would have in fact detracted from all the other flavors of this dish. I had the Wagyu Beef Tips. The sauce was amazing as was the beef. The beef was served with roasted baby carrots and hazelnut spaetzle which proved to be a wonderful combination. My wife's choice was Seafood Risotto containing perfectly prepared jumbo shrimp and scallops. Both dishes were absolutely amazing. I kept thinking, "eat slow, small bites makes the meal last longer". Desert was Pumpkin Creme Brûlée. Although pretty full by this time, we enjoyed desert immensely. I've raved about the food but equal time needs to be spent commenting on the service. The staff at Walloon has perfected service to an art form. Responsive and anticipatory without being overbearing. We never wanted for a thing. Our server was a few notches north of outstanding. Driving back we reflected on many of the outstanding meals and venues we've enjoyed (pre COVID of course) around the world. It will be fun and a challenge to attempt to surpass our dining experience tonight. read more

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This was my first time eating here in a few years we sat out on the patio on a beautiful September evening could not have had a better setting for a northern Michigan night. I had ordered the wedge salad to start. It was one of the best I've ever had and followed up with the New York strip prime steak. My wife and our friend ordered the apple salad and they said it was fantastic and had the short rib for their entrée and it was fabulous. The service was great. I would highly recommend this. read more

My first time at this iconic Petoskey restaurant. Open since 1891, it had a major renovation in 2014. There is a cozy dining room, where I ate, and also a heated patio area. Beautiful water views. My wife and I went with good friends who summer in Harbor Springs. I started with the Walloon Wedge Salad ($17), which has a romaine heart, with blue cheese, bacon, slow roasted heirloom tomatoes, pickled red onions, and blue cheese dressing. It was very good. My wife and I both ordered the John Cross Whitefish ($39), sourced from the John Cross Fishmonger, located a few miles down the road in Charlevoix, which sends its boat out daily (I'm going to review them separately, as they have a retail storefront). The whitefish is parmesan panko encrusted, and served over zucchini, summer squash, and crispy potatoes, with lemon beurre blanc, and tomatoes and capers. It was perfectly prepared - light and flaky. Our table-mates had the Red Wine Poached Pear Salad ($19), made with baby arugula salad, watermelon radish, golden beets, caramelized onions, toasted walnuts, Manchego cheese, and port wine vinaigrette dressing. They said it was very good. One of them had the Grilled Spice Crusted Salmon ($46), which is served with coconut-curry, collard greens, Israeli couscous, peppers, scallions, golden raisins, pistachios, and herb beurre blanc. He pronounced it as one of the best salmon dishes he has ever had (and this from someone who has made the effort to sample restaurants all over the country in his busy travels). His wife had the Filet of Beef ($65), which is a char-grilled filet of beef, with crispy white cheddar polenta, broccolini, and a balsamic-cherry demi-glace. She said it was tender and perfectly prepared as ordered. The service was unobtrusive and efficient. Overall a great experience. read more

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I got the salmon and my son got the chicken with pasta and carbonara sauce. We shared the carrot cake for dessert. Everything was amazing. My son only let me have one piece of bread because he loved it so much. Service was amazing as well. Highly recommend. read more

Walloon Lake Inn - American Near Me - Walloon Lake, Michigan

We enjoyed our meal on a perfect night for their outdoor patio. Food was great in addition to the service! Highly recommend enjoying the carrot cake at the end of your meal - yum! read more

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The Braised Short rib with Brussels sprouts, squash, and polenta cake was amazing. The short rib was very soft and flavorful! Just delicious! The polenta cake added a nice texture and base for the au jus sauce. Truffle fries were very tasty as well. Service was very good. Interior was elegant but not pretentious. Could use some more artwork/accent lighting in the main dining room. The front bar area was very nice too. Overall, very nice experience with views of Walloon Lake! read more

Very upscale eating environment for special events with a amazing view of the lake, food was all exceptional with very quick and friendly service read more

Walloon Lake Inn - Crab stuffed lobster - American Near Me - Walloon Lake, Michigan

Wow....I have been in this area many times and have not noticed this restaurant tucked up in the corner. Tonight we dined here and were blown away. The service was fantastic and the food was amazing. Wine list was spot on and the drinks were perfect. I loved the calm but classy atmosphere. We had the pleasure of dining next to some regulars who were welcoming and fun. I am thrilled to have discovered this classic spot and can't wait to return ! The wedge salad was excellent, the ravioli app was exceptional and the short rib Bolognese was fabulous. What a great experience. read more

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The most delightful outdoor dining experience in Northern Michigan. I delight in their plating. I love the watermelon radish as garnish on their plate. read more

Great food, excellent service. Beautiful location overlooking the lake. The short rib is to die for. Great bread bowl and a very festive salad. Has the feel of a supper club but with a modern twist. read more

My friends and I were celebrating, and had an absolutely incredible time! Staff was so helpful and friendly, food was delicious, and the vibe was just right! We got to sit on the patio and enjoyed a leisurely dinner together. Would highly recommend! read more

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Solid 4. Not bad but not amazing either. Best thing we gad was the whitefish by far. If you go there, get the whitefish. The sushi appetizer was good too. However, the food we had at spring and porter and chandlers was much better. So if you only have 2 nights, I would go to spring and porter and chandlers over this restaurant. It was decent food but nothing memorable besides the whitefish (hence the 4 stars) and the waitstaff is extremely nice and attentive! read more

Amazing food, wonderful setting. It was nice to get back to Walloon Lake Inn. People all dressed nice for and evening out, and the staff all dressed in classic and elegant black. The service was great. The food took a while but the staff kept us updated and we were in no rush. read more

Walloon Lake Inn - Amazing Whitefish! - American Near Me - Walloon Lake, Michigan