A good day on Mackinac Island deserves a good meal, but the right restaurant depends on your plans. You might want breakfast before a bike ride, a relaxed lunch between stops, or dinner that feels like an occasion.

Here are a few places to start, organized by the kind of meal you have in mind. Restaurant hours and menus change with the season, so check the linked menus before heading out.

If you’re staying at Island House Hotel, breakfast at the 1852 Grill Room is an easy start. The dining room overlooks the harbor, and you can settle in over breakfast before deciding where the day will take you. Breakfast is included with your room when you book the Rise and Dine Package. The restaurant is also open to visitors who are not staying at the hotel, and reservations are recommended during busy periods.

For a classic Mackinac Island breakfast downtown, try the Pancake House. It has been serving pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast favorites since 1963. Breakfast is available all day which makes it a good choice if your ideal vacation morning starts a little later.

Seabiscuit Café offers another downtown option. Its horse-racing décor gives the dining room plenty of personality, and its menu carries on through lunch and dinner. If you just want coffee and a quick bite before catching a ferry or heading out to explore, the locally operated Starbucks on Main Street is another convenient stop.

Lunch is a chance to take a break without straying far from your plans. Mary’s Bistro Draught House serves casual favorites in a lively waterfront setting. Its patio is especially appealing on a beautiful day, while the largest draft selection on the island gives you a reason to linger a little longer.

Seabiscuit Café is a convenient choice if you’re already downtown. Stop in for a sit-down meal, or check its takeout options if you would rather keep moving. The Pancake House also serves lunch, along with breakfast for anyone still thinking about pancakes.

During its operating season, Ice House BBQ offers a different setting. Follow the path beside Island House to find its garden tables, smoked barbecue, and stone-fired pizza. Ice House is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Rose’s Afternoon Tea at the 1852 Grill Room is more than a quick afternoon stop. Served at 3 p.m. overlooking the harbor, it includes savory bites, scones, sweets, and your choice of tea. A children’s tea is available, and you do not need to be an Island House guest to attend.

The experience is named for Rose Van Allen Webster, who was proprietor of Island House in 1892. It’s a lovely choice for a celebration or an afternoon set aside to enjoy the company you came with. Seating is limited, so reserve afternoon tea in advance.

For a special dinner, the 1852 Grill Room pairs a historic setting with harbor views, seasonal dishes, and live piano music. It’s a natural fit for a date night or celebration, and the atmosphere is welcoming rather than overly formal. Make a dinner reservation before your trip if there’s a particular night you have in mind.

If you’re in the mood for a more energetic evening, Mary’s Bistro Draught House offers dinner, craft beer, cocktails, and live music on select nights. Indoor reservations are available; waterfront patio seating is first-come, first-served. Seabiscuit Café is another casual dinner choice in the heart of downtown, with takeout available if you would prefer a quieter evening.

At some point during your visit, follow the smell of fresh fudge to Ryba’s Fudge Shops. Watching fudge being made in the shop window is a Mackinac Island tradition in its own right. Pick up a slice to enjoy now or a pink box to take home.

The best dining plan leaves room for both a reservation and a change of mind. Book the experiences you would hate to miss, then let the rest of your meals fit the day you’re having.