Northern Michigan’s Most Iconic Eats, 2026 Edition

Six must-try dishes Up North

This week’s Northern Express — sister publication of The Ticker — is the Spring Restaurant Guide, home to the annual Iconic Eats section, which profiles legendary dishes across northern Michigan. In 2026, the Express inducted six new dishes from five restaurants into their growing hall of foodie fame, which now includes 40 dishes from 39 different spots.

This year's picks include Trattoria Stella's Burrata and Spanish Octopus, Dam Site Inn's Pan-Fried Chicken Dinner, Northern Natural Cider House & Winery's Korean Beef Tacos, U&I Lounge's Gyro, and La Bécasse's Warm Chocolate Cake. Read more here.

Pick up a free copy of this week’s Northern Express, available to read online or at one of nearly 650 spots in 13 counties across northern Michigan.