My wife and I went for dinner tonight, and were impressed! We were served by the chef/owner Benjamin, who was really nice! We started with the bruschetta, which was light, fresh and flavorful. My wife had the bacon wrapped pork loin, which was very tender and had a really nice sauce. I had the seared duck breast, which was the best meal I've had in several months. This is definitely one to try out! read more

I really enjoyed the chicken sandwich and the crab cakes. I love supporting a small business. The owner has a passion for food and it shows.

The owner is the chef and running the whole show. He's in the front taking your order and in the back cooking your food. The jerk wings were amazing. Then menu rotates every 2 weeks and he had a lot of options to choose from. At my table we tried the pasta primavera, the chicken, and the Cuban. It was all really well done. You may have a little wait but it's worth it. read more

Dirty Plate Bistro - The Boss (Cuban) - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Dirty Plate Bistro is a unique spot featuring a rotating menu and twists on classic dishes. My friend and I stopped in recently for dinner and had a great experience. The space is cozy and comfortable, and our server was very kind and patient. The menu is concise and everything sounded delicious, so it was hard to choose. We started with an order of the crab cakes, which were fresh and flavorful. We liked the texture and bit of crunch, without being dry. My friend got the manicotti al forno and I ordered the banh mi meatloaf and the kimchi grilled cheese. The portions were large and everything I ate was delicious. I loved the kimchi grilled cheese -- it was the perfect level of cheesiness with the brightness of the kimchi. I believe the bread was parmesan crusted too, which added another level. The fries were nicely salted and perfectly crispy. The meatloaf was savory, moist, and I loved the potatoes! We got to talk to the chef/owner, Ben, who was really friendly. He changes the menu weekly, so I'm looking forward to coming back again soon. I will definitely be ordering that kimchi grilled cheese again. read more

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It doesn't look like much from the outside, or the inside, but it is the fun, creative, and delicious food that really counts. I was drawn to the nostalgia of their "TV Dinner" entree as it brought about fond memories of the Salisbury Steak, potatoes, and chocolate brownie of my childhood. I fully intend to return to try this another day before the menu changes. I'll have to be quick as their menu rotates weekly. I am glad that I opted for the scallops. What was delivered was an absolute delicious indulgence. Very tasty and filling. The chef and owner was a delight to talk to. Service was attentive and informative. I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with my loved ones and good friends. I don't plan on telling my enemies about it, so as to keep it secret to only the good people in town. read more

Dirty Plate Bistro - Scallops - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

A wise woman once noted "if everybody looked the same, we'd get tired of looking at each other." The same goes for menus which is what DPB, ahem, brings to the table. Great variety, clever pairings but don't get too attached ... the options rotate fortnightly. Delicious, unpretentious (unlike this reviewer) and always changing. Highly recommend. read more

I dont often write reviews, but wanted to support this awesome small business. The food here is delicious and cooked with a personal love that translates through the plate. My wife and I just moved here and we're happy that we found this place. We will definitely be returning. read more

I have heard such amazing things about this spot that I was really excited to try it! My friends and I went for a celebratory dinner and I was a bit disappointed at the menu. We ordered 3 things: grilled caesar salad, the cuban with fries and a pasta dish. I was just honestly disappointed in all 3. The caesar salad was a bit wilty (think warm romaine vs grilled) and that was not my favorite. The cuban was a good sandwich but it didn't really resemble a cuban at all. I think if it was called a "pork sandwich", we would have enjoyed much more! The fries were also a bit underdone for my preference and were just mid. As for the pasta? I think I liked this the most, but the alfredo sauce broke and ended up separating a bit, but the amount of little shrimps (honestly I cannot remember what it's called) were abundant! Just more than I could handle, so I gifted them to the table. I really love the concept of this spot and like how cozy and chill it is, but I'm not sure it was the best menu experience for me. I feel like I need to come back and try it again, but may need to figure out what the menu is beforehand! The service was great though and I do think that it was truly a preference thing for me. read more

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My husband and I finally got a babysitter and treated ourselves to this bistro. The interior is a bit eclectic, but holy cow, we were absolutely blown away by the food. The presentation is perfection, and Chef Benjamin is warm, accommodating, and extremely down to earth. I tend to stick with my usuals, but I ventured away from the "classic" burger and tried the pork tenderloin. 10/10. My husband was impressed with the duck entree, too - very flavorful and delicious. If you're looking for a great appetizer, get the Brucetta! Just do it! We were so, so wowed by everything and definitely plan to go back soon. Thanks for such a great date night experience! read more

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Food was terrific. We had a kimchi grilled cheese sandwich with some pulled pork and crab cakes. Sounds simple, but both had layers of flavors. Benjamin, the owner/chef, was charming and gracious. A smaller and unassuming location. Very casual but welcoming. A small menu that changes every 2 weeks, will make it easy to come back and try something new. No alcohol, but not missed. We left an empty dirty plate. Says it all. read more

The Dirty Plate Bistro is a hidden gem in Grand Rapids, MI! The menu has a wonderful variety of offerings from a humble burger to gourmet duck breast. Chef Ben really knows what he's doing in the kitchen! The ambiance is unpretentious and welcoming. It's the perfect place for excellent food, good conversation, and simply sharing a wonderful experience with the people you love. I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant! read more

Just ate here for the first time and everything about this restaurant was fantastic. The food was fresh and definitely made with love! My husband couldn't stop raving about the clam chowder. And my pork belly was the best I've ever had. So glad we decided to give it a try. Anyone who wants a cozy, delicious dining experience, you have to check out the Dirty Plate. It lives up to its name, as you will have an empty/dirty plate when you leave!!!!! We WILL be back. read more

Excellent Cuisine . Love the Chef Impeccable service Ambience is charming! You could be anywhere in the world... read more

This is GR's best hidden gem. everything we've had has been amazing and always includes a unique twist that sets it apart from other restaurants. you can also get it to go and eat it in Buffalo Traders while enjoying one of their amazing cocktails. read more

Top freaking notch! If you arent eating here you F#%^ED UP! The chef does everything! Hes the bus boy, server, host, chef, everything and his food is fantastic!!! I feel like ive walked into a episode of undiscovered triple D talent!! Eat Here Now! read more

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I never leave reviews. I wanted this place to be good. I had pork belly, caesar salad with medium rare tuna and chicken wings. Pork belly was cooked pretty close to perfect. Delicious. My salad with tuna was a big portion, tuna was an add on and worth it. Mine was just on the rare side but perfect imo. Wings were delicious and just something about them was different in a good way. These are actual big chicken wings. Savanna (sp?) is the absolute best. Her kind demeanor and smile are contagious. Enjoyed her. It was a good experience and the food surpassed my expectations. I'm picky when it comes to food and leaving reviews. I will be back and wish this place success read more

Dirty Plate Bistro - Caesar Salad w/tuna. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Loved the food! We had an appetizer (crab cakes) salads & entrees (sweet potato gnocchi & beef bourguignon). Every bite was deliciously executed! We will be back!! read more

I work for a catering company. He hired us. He stole our tips. He called me months later, because he forgot apparently, and asked me for someone's phone number. It's against contract for him to call clients of this company. And yes, he will not give us our tips that we earned with our name on them. Don't trust this man with your food. read more

Lasagna was very good and unexpected. Chicken Marsala was overcooked and not like I've had this dish in the past. I was expecting pounded chicken breast with a flavorful sauce. It fell short. read more

Fabulous food! Great ambiance, love the chef's passion. If you are a foodie, you have to try it!!

My son took me here for dinner about 2 weeks ago, and it was wonderful! We started off with the crab cakes as an appetizer. They were incredibly light and tasty; the sauce drizzled over the top had a tiny kick to it - loved it! For the main course, we had the brisket mac n cheese. The brisket was so tender and generously portioned; the mac n cheese was creamy and plentiful. I also got the Rueben sandwich to take back to my hotel for the next days lunch - I wasn't disappointed. Figuratively speaking, Benjamin put his foot in it...wiggled those toes around a bit. Translated, it means that it's awesome food, and I'll be back next time I come to visit! Good job, Chef!! read more

Dirty Plate Bistro - Crab cakes with mixed greens - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Amazing food. You can tell the chef likes to use different ingredients and make something special.

Great food. Everything was exceptionally flavorful. Chef was friendly and personable. I know how hard it is to get traction opening a new restaurant. This guy deserves to get a look. read more

Service was really slow on a Saturday night, there was only one other table besides mine and our parties weren't even that big. The menu is very strange and also very limited so unless you are an exploratory eater you're not gonna like this place. I ended up getting the shrimp appetizer and it was awful, overcooked and tasted like salt water, not at all seasoned well. read more

My daughter and I decided to try this place as we love trying new places. We were the first ones in the door with a very quaint table in the window. Chef was right there with menus and telling us about his goal to provide a different experience using locally sourced food. We ordered four items to graze upon; Cabbage rolls w/veal, Beef cheeks (?), Crostini Royal (melt in your mouth YUM!) and the Korean BBQ ribs. Literally EVERYTHING was phenomenal! Ribs were fall off the bone tender. Crostini was soft, yet crunchy with a bacon jam with the flavor of a hot bacon dressing....only better! The Beef Cheeks was a bread tower stuffed with all kinds of yummy all around on a bed of black beans. The Cabbage Rolls were stuffed with ground veal with a succulent, mild tomato cover that complimented rather than overwhelmed. So much to try....such a small stomach....Thankfully, they have boxes! Can't wait to go back. Such a HIDDEN GEM!! read more

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My friend and I just had a wonderful meal of crusted walleye at the Dirty Plate Bistro. Prices are very fair. Service by Mona was terrific. Benjamin is passionate and seems to pour his heart into every plate - a visionary, culinary artist who pushes boundaries of taste and flavor. Will definitely be back. No deserts or alcohol yet. Time takes time. As good as any place in Grand Rapids and beyond. read more

NEW GR OPEN FEB 2026, very alive and kicking. Chef Ben opened this hidden gem last fall, and very glad I've discovered it. His cooking is exceptionally good, particularly his seafood treatments. His wild rice is superlative. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Looking forward to many more great meals here, and supporting Ben and his team in our neighborhood. I've been for 3 dinners over the past month, and plan to return for more! read more

The DPB is a great taste experience. The Chef is available to talk over food and what he delivers is special on several levels. The presentation of food is legit and secondary to the fabulous taste and value of each course. He rotates menu bi weekly on mains and maintains som very very good cores. This is a place for people to enjoy the experience of food from a chef who cares about those details. A great add to the GR FOOD offering in a niche fun part of upptown. Enjoy the Dirty Plate Bistro! read more

What a wonderful place. Food was really delicious. "Cat" our waitress was a delight. We'll definitely be back

Wow talk about a new hidden gem in the neighborhood. Such a talented chef. Haven't tasted flavors like this in a long time. We had the bruschetta, crab cakes, my partner had the autumn lasagna and I had the jerk chicken. Everything was incredible. Love that the menu changes biweekly, so we can regularly experience Chef Benjamin's creativity. Nice to have an approachable restaurant around the corner from home making dishes I can't make at home. Thankfully the prices aren't insane so we don't have to feel as guilty to try the new menus. read more

Tasty, quality, well prepared food at a reasonable price. This place just opened up and I am sure word will get around quickly.

Food is amazing. The Chef really knows what he is doing. Clean, comfortable interior. This is a hidden gem in Saranac MI.

They are open for lunch so I'm not sure why it says they aren't open till 3. Came here for lunch and the food was amazing! Service was quick and very friendly. I had the autumn lasagna, an original take on lasagna with squash and a yummy white sauce. My husband had the chicken vesuvio and loved it.The chef/owner runs this spot on his own and we love supporting local businesses. Will come back! read more

The food was good, the service friendly, and the ambiance was bright, and clean. A great addition to the Saranac.