Neighborhood

Best Restaurants in East Hills Grand Rapids

12 restaurants in East Hills

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Black Napkin

The College Dropout smash burger, stacked with Grand Cru cheese, smashed vidalia onions, and peppercorn tomato jam, is the reason there's a line out the door most days. Counter-order, takeout-preferred, four small tables inside. The Rust Fries (sweet paprika, coriander, garlic, mustard seasoning, $5) are not an afterthought.

Japanese

KCM

★ 4.8(568)· $$

The Hare Katsu curry earned a NYT write-up, and reviewers who drove 90 minutes for it say it was worth the trip. Order at the counter, grab a number, and settle in. Parking on Diamond Ave is genuinely rough, so takeout or delivery is a reasonable call.

Breakfast

Cherie Inn

★ 4.7(1,104)· $$

The crabcake and beef tenderloin eggs Benedict are the move at Cherie Inn, a Cherry St breakfast institution that pulls a crowd on weekends. Weekend specials rotate through dishes like lemon tiramisu pancakes, and the spicy vegan tacos have a following. Bring cash or pay a 3% card fee.

American

grove

★ 4.7(827)· $$$

The "Grove for Two" tasting experience is the draw here, a multi-course parade that reviewers mention hitting scallops, lamb ravioli, sturgeon, and pork belly in a single sitting. The menu rotates weekly and leans heavily into composed, technique-forward plates. Special occasions dominate the dining room on any given night.

Other

Little Africa Cuisine

★ 4.7(400)· $

The deluxe platter at Little Africa Cuisine on Fulton brings a bit of everything, and the teff bread alone is worth the trip. The full menu is vegan, and the soy curry has a following among regulars. Tea is non-negotiable: reviewers call it out every time.

Japanese

Maru Sushi & Grill

★ 4.6(1,731)· $$

The firecracker shrimp has a following, and the sushi rolls are arranged with enough care that you'll hesitate before eating them. Maru is a Cherry Street fixture for East Side sushi, with a patio that reviewers consistently call excellent. Allergy accommodations have drawn both praise and serious complaints, so communicate clearly with your server if that's a concern.

Brewery

Vivant Brewery & Spirits

★ 4.6(1,562)· $$

Vivant occupies a former church on Cherry Street, and the duck nachos (reportedly the kitchen's most popular item) give you a reason to order beyond the beer. The smoked old fashioned gets singled out repeatedly, and the dog-friendly patio draws regulars back several times a year. Flights cover solid range, though a tap or two may be kicked on any given visit.

Sandwiches

Uncle Cheetah's Soup Shop

★ 4.6(1,219)· $

The broccoli cheese soup at $8 (bun included) is the move at Uncle Cheetah's on Wealthy Street. Rotating daily soups are the real draw here, and regulars skip the grilled cheese in favor of a bowl. Seating is tight and most people take it to go, but the line moves fast.

Mexican

Donkey Taqueria

★ 4.4(3,095)· $$

The $6 steak taco is the one to order. Flautas are on the menu too, a rarity in Grand Rapids, and the chicken version stays crunchy even after an hour under green sauce. Brunch draws a crowd on weekends, with the concha French toast getting particular attention. Saturday nights run a 20-30 minute wait and the bar dominates the room.

Other

The Electric Cheetah

★ 4.4(2,272)· $$

The multi-cheese grilled cheese with tomato bisque and a flight of hand-cut fries with dipping sauces are the headline items at this Wealthy Street spot. The menu is short and genuinely creative, running from Reuben Gonzalez sandwiches to Buffalo Mac and Cheese to vegan chili mac. The disco-themed bathroom gets its own fan club.

Italian

Testa Rossa Italian Ristorante

★ 4.4(303)· $$

The chicken piccata with asparagus and prosciutto and the tiramisu both get repeat mentions across reviews. Spaghetti squash swaps in for pasta at no extra charge, which is a small but real touch. Service has been uneven, and the wine list runs Italian-only.

Chinese

RED BOWL | Chinese

★ 4(285)

Counter-order setup on Lake Dr SE, with a menu running from Bourbon chicken to Mongolian beef and Honey shrimp. Reviews are sharply split: one table raved about all three entrees, while others found the sesame chicken mostly breading and the crab rangoon bland. The gluten-free options draw specific complaints about unseasoned, flavorless meat.

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East Hills is a Grand Rapids neighborhood with 12 listed restaurants. The most common cuisines among East Hills restaurants are American, Japanese, and Other. Listed restaurants in East Hills have an average diner rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best restaurants in East Hills, Grand Rapids?

Our top editorial picks in East Hills are Black Napkin, KCM, and Cherie Inn. Rankings consider review quality, popularity, and recent diner activity.

How many restaurants are in East Hills?

12 restaurants in East Hills are listed in The Grand Rapids Restaurant Guide.

What types of food are popular in East Hills?

The most common cuisines in East Hills are American, Japanese, and Other.

What's the average rating of East Hills restaurants?

Listed restaurants in East Hills have an average diner rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.