From the moment we stepped in we were transported into a warm and welcoming environment, much needed after being outside in the bitter cold. The staff were extremely friendly and very attentive. We could tell they were very passionate about their food and drinks which made us eager to try it We started off with drinks. We got Hermes Wing and French Blonde. Both very elevated and balanced cocktails which were beautifully presented. We could drink them all day For appetizer we got the prosciutto wrapped brie. I'm not a prosciutto fan to be honest but my husband was and he encouraged us to try it anyways. I was pleasantly surprised. The prosciutto was cooked to be like a crispy thin piece of bacon. It worked perfectly with the hot honey glaze and to our surprise in house candied nuts. This was an exquisite mix of sweet and savory. For dinner everything on the menu looked really good and we wanted to try it all! We got the sea bass with black rice. I don't know what exactly they put in the sauce but it was by far the best sea bass I've ever had. The pairings with the sauce and rice were intentional and worked extremely well. My husband got the blackened swordfish which was cooked to perfection. This is not a common menu item we see and so we jumped at opportunity to try it. The outside of the fish was crispy but the inside juicy. It paired well with the tzatziki sauce to give a coolness to the blackened fish. We heard the pork ribeye was a must have from other customers so we decided to give that a try as well. The pork was extremely tender and juicy. It was paired with apples which I've never had before with pork but it not only elevated the already delicious pork but also gave a unique flavor and twist Mid dinner we ordered the Figtini and Greek Martini. Again, both did not disappoint. The Figtini was very delicious and you could taste the fig. The Greek Martini was perfect especially for my husband who will get a dirty martini wherever we go Lastly, we got the Tiramisu for dessert. This is absolutely a must have. I love tiramisu and this was a creative and delicious twist on the classic. It had a mix of fresh berries drizzled with caramel sauce. Heaven on a plate Overall 10/10 experience. We will definitely be back. PS I also realized their menu on yelp is not updated. Not sure why but I took pictures from their Facebook page of the updated menu and attached here read more

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We absolutely enjoyed our meal at the Golden Stag. I was able to make a reservation, which I love and parking was very easy to find. We were seated pretty immediately and our waitress was fairly attentive. While I don't remember the cocktail name, it was delicious! We split the Gondala, which was a giant pasta bread bowl, which got better with every bite. Finished the night with a berry tiramisu. Absolutely delicious meal! read more

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If you are looking for the perfect restaurant in manistee Michigan go here! Everything about this place was perfect. They definetly deserve 5 stars and nothing less. If you could give this place 6 stars I would. We got 6 different plates. I got the margarita pizza, my younger brother got the bbq pollo pizza, my older brother got the ribeye steak, my eldest sister got the chicken pesto fettuccine, my mother got the shawarma plate, and finally my father got the Gondola. Each and every plate was spectacular. Our server was Nikita he was fabulous, he wasn't too friendly but he was very nice. He did his job flawlessly. I really liked the dear art everywhere either the pictures, sculptures, or even the bathrooms being called the bucks and the does. The Tranquility of this restaurant was immaculate. The aroma of the restaurant was incredibly fishy, but as well rich in a nice way. I'm so glad we were able to go here it was so much fun and it was the best restaurant in manistee by far. It was a great way to cap off our vacation. Definetly recommend! read more

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This is by far our favorite place in Manistee. The food is fantastic, atmosphere cozy and classic feel. Drinks are also very good. We dine here every time we are in town. Highly recommended read more

A stay in Manistee is not compete without a trip to the Golden Stag. We have a home in town and this place is by far our favorite! Get the Mediterranean Trio - it's a staple app for us. Creamy hummus topped with olive oil and feta, fresh stuffed grape leaves and tabouli. Delicious! And fresh homemade pita has wonderful texture! They are very cognizant about food allergies. Tonight and many nights I had the Chicken Marsala without cream. The chicken melts in your mouth and the Marsala sauce is well developed - a mound of potatoes and fresh seasonal veg which tonight was zucchini and squash. I always have half my meal left and it reheats beautifully. Their Expresso martinis are perfect. Friendly service and the owners stopped by to check on the food. Beautiful interior she changes with the season. I'd say we expect high quality from restaurants and this place is special! And we are overjoyed when we receive service from Shelby. read more

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Eating here was an A+ experience. The waitress was so attentive. She helped us to know what the meals entailed. The meal was presented beautifully and came in several courses. We were not hurried to finish one course by bringing out the next before we were ready. All the food was delicious. The servings more than generous plenty to take the leftovers home. Great and inventive cocktails. And the Saganaki (flaming cheese to start the meal was scrumptious and a generous amount Lunt of delicious cheese. Can't wait to go again. read more

Great selection of food - will definitely be back for other choices. They also do DoorDash

As a result of a couple of recommendations, we decided to try The Golden Stag while in Manistee. We were able to get a last minute reservation on a busy Saturday night. We were quickly seated, ordered drinks and began to study the menu. My wife really enjoys a true Greek salad. The Golden Greek salad description came pretty close to what she's enjoyed in Greece, Italy and Spain. She also added chicken for protein. She thought her salad was "pretty good" but not great due to the chicken being pretty dried out and the beets microscopic. She did enjoy the lemon Greek dressing, however. I opted for the Spaghetti al Bisonte which was basically bison meatballs with a very nice marinara sauce. Pasta was good as was the marinara. Bison meatballs were tough and dry so basically flavorless. A little disappointing because I really enjoy bison. Service was attentive and the restaurant really has a nice atmosphere. I just wish the food was better! Based on the many excellent reviews, I will likely try The Golden Stag again as there are many other items on the menu that looked good. read more

The Golden Stag - Golden Greek Salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

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First time I have been to this place, we had Shawarma platter and then Baklava after that ! Food was amazing! Great service! Friendly staff . Great atmosphere . Definitely going back again to try different Mediterranean dishes! highly recommended. read more

The Golden Stag - Shawarma platter - Mediterranean Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

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One of the best meals you'll have in Manistee! The Golden Stag in Manistee is a total gem. The ambiance sets the tone - cozy yet elevated, with a laid-back elegance. Laura & Jamil are two of the best owners - if you get the opportunity to meet them, say hello. I ordered the lamb chops, and I can confidently say they were perfection. Grilled to a beautiful char on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, served over fluffy rice and paired with a citrusy grilled lemon and chutney that pulled it all together. Cocktails were classic and strong - exactly what you hope for in a proper martini. The presentation was beautiful, and the attention to detail across the board was truly impressive. Whether you're a local or just passing through Manistee, The Golden Stag is a must! Elevated comfort food, incredible drinks, and a vibe that feels both upscale and inviting. Can't wait to return! read more

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Best place in manistee to have a nice dinner with spouse or others. They have a wonderful food and drink menu

A most amazing birthday dinner! I had the elk and my partner the seafood pasta dish. Presentation and flavor were impeccable. I can't recommend this restaurant enough! If in the Manistee area worth the stop. read more

The Golden Stag - Seafood pasta - Mediterranean Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

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We made plans for dinner based on their menu. Surprise they no longer have it. We paid for drinks before they told us they didn't have the entire. Left drinks on the bar. read more

Wonderful food; I've loved every dish I've had at The Golden Stag: appetizers, salads, specials, pizza... everything. Service was always prompt and friendly. read more

We really enjoyed their pizza. It may be the closest I have had to Italy! We went back and I had the chicken marsala and it didn't disappoint. The service was great and the drinks are excellent too! I would put this on your list if you are visiting Manistee. read more

The food wasn't that good and service was kinda slow. The atmosphere was nice though and the drinks were great.

Love everything at this place .. Food and service is always top notch . Live about 40 min east , but this is one of our definite favorites. Owner , Laura was having a rough day when we were there , but didn't let things bother her and still gave great service to our group . read more

Unexpectedly excellent. Eating vegetarian is always a challenge particularly when traveling "Up North". What a surprise to find such a diverse menu with plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free and traditional options for the carnivores. Something for everyone. Wood fired pizza was outstanding. Great cocktails. Delicious salads and unique appetizers. Attentive and knowledgeable service. Reservations are a must. We were lucky to get in at an off-peak time but you'd definitely need a reservation if dining later. Just what we needed after an afternoon of exploring Manistee. Highly recommended. read more

The Golden Stag - Mediterranean Trio - Mediterranean Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

"Mediterranean Fusion". What?! In downtown Manistee. What?! We looked at the menu on line several times before curiosity won. Mediterranean and wood-fired pizza. What?! I mean, you're asking that question, too, right? Well, I'm here to say, it's amazing! Wait no longer. Get over here and go to The Golden Stag. The Mediterranean food is on point. I had lamb and I have zero regrets. The staff is fantastic - attentive without hovering and rushing. I can't wait to go this week and check out the pizzas. As they passed our tables, they looked great and smelled even better. Desserts sounded fantastic, but we didn't indulge - this time. And if it's summer, you'd better make reservations in advance - they book quickly, which should tell you all you need to know. Bon appetit! read more

Food was amazing! From the seafood dish to the Elk and all the way to the Bison meatballs, everything was amazing. We also had the Caesar salad and a Greek salad that didn't disappoint! But the cu de gras was the Tiramisu and the warm Baklava, these two were the best we have ever had! I can't leave a review without mentioning the service! Laura was very attentive and was a true pleasure to meet! We can't wait until our next visit! Stop by it will be worth your time! read more

Food was amazing. Service was lousy. Male wait staff never returned to ask how the meal was. Basically ignored us except to take order. It was not busy. The table next to us had a female wait staff, and that wait staff checked on that table frequently. On a side note Monday 2/16 to the man with the white hair who left in the Tesla truck, you are disgusting. I did not enjoy hearing your extremely loud conversation over speakerphone and you completely grossed me out when you loudly blew your nose into the cloth napkin. read more

Friends recommended the Golden Stag and it did not disappoint. Skye was our server and everything she recommended, from salad to dessert, was a 10! read more

Most of the food was super good. We loved the chicken marsala and the ribeye. The gondola pasta was huge. The scallop entree was the size of an appetizer portion. Service was good. Caesar salad dressing tastes like a Greek vinaigrette, you would definitely be disappointed if you were expecting a classic caesar. read more

Found this place while traveling, when the restaurant we planned on was closed. We started with cocktails - we each had the Greek Old Fashioned and they were tasty. We also had the Prosciutto Wrapped Brie and it was delicious. We struggled choosing entrees because there were so many good options. We decided to share two - the Pasta di Mare and the Golden Stag. Both were amazing. The flavors in the pasta dish were unique and balanced. The elk was tender and the sauce was so good. My husband and I went back and forth, trying to decide which as better and we couldn't pick one over the other. Very different dishes but each was incredible. The best meal at a restaurant in a long time. We were there on a Monday so it was quiet, which was a plus. The service was excellent. Will definitely go back sometime. read more

We got a Greek salad which was good and the worst Margherita pizza I've ever had. The first one the dough wasn't cooked. We were told that's how a true Margherita pizza is made?????? There was a half grape tomato on each piece and one bite of cheese. The green peppers we paid extra for were almost non existent. The balsamic glaze was barely a thread wide. Ambiance was nice server was nice. Would not eat here again. read more

Absolutely amazing Mediterranean food, especially for a quaint, northern Michigan town. Pizza and pasta phenomenal, including the insane Gondola. Best old fashioned I ever had with the Greek old fashioned. Greater waiter. Shawarma platter for appetizer was also awesome. read more

You are always going to have an amazing meal at The Golden Stag. Waitstaff is top notch and the ambiance is second to none. Highly recommend! read more

Everything at the Golden Stag was great (atmosphere, service, drinks, food). We went as a family of 4 (two kids) on a summer trip up to Manistee. This was easily our best dining experience and we can't wait to go back. Highly recommend. read more

We stopped in for dinner tonight and they told us 15 to 20 minutes and took our name and number. They called us 20 minutes after taking our name, saying that they were "full" and couldn't seat us and even if they could it would be another hour. I talked to a very arrogant young man at the host's station that claimed to be the manager. I expressed my displeasure in being told conflicting information. I asked that they just give us an accurate wait time so we can plan our evening. He never apologized, owned up to their mistake, or offered any solution to make it right. He blamed us for not having a reservation. He rudely told us that they were full and they wouldn't serve us tonight. This is some of the worst service I have ever received trying to be seated at a restaurant. The sad thing is, some of the exact same tables that were open when we checked in 20 minutes prior were still open Customer service is all about managing expectations. First, give an accurate wait time. If they would have said it was going to be an hour or even two hours, that would have been fine. Second, when a customer is unhappy, the worst thing you can do is to arrogantly dismiss their concerns and blame us for their mistake. read more

Holy wow! Did not expect to be blown away in Manistee but hold on to your hat when you go to The Golden Stag. They KNOW exactly what they are doing. The food, service, ambiance, energy and options are on point! The balsamic is hands down the best I've ever had, and the sauce on the elk dish was beyond flavorful. Forget burying me in a casket, I want to rest peacefully in a tub of that remoulade. Make sure to get a pizza, you can't go wrong with any option when it's hand crafted in their wood fire oven. Cocktails are on point, I had the pomegranate mojito and I would choose that over and over again. Make sure to try the tabouleh; phenomenally fresh. Barely had room for the home made baklava but don't worry, didn't even leave a crumb.(and got one more to go!) read more

The Golden Stag - Fig & prosciutto pie - Mediterranean Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

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Amazing food!! You must get the fresh made pasta, it was like being back in Italy. I had the Gondola and it was amazing, from the homemade pasta, from Alfredo sauce, everything we had was made with care and was excellent. read more

The Golden Stag - The Gondola - Mediterranean Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

Well If you are a vegan like me and in Manistee town and having hard time to find food Cz everybody here only wants meat then this is ur place, I loved how many vegan options they had and I ordered pepper dish and it was just so yummm....quantity was enough for two I ended up packing for myself...one pepper filled me up. Definitely recommend this place to all my vegan and non-vegan friends. Amazing staff and great ambience....Go for it read more

The Golden Stag - Vegan pepper dish - Mediterranean Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

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What a magical surprise when we entered The Golden Stag for the dinner on the 31st of December. It was a savory memorable delight with all the ambience and festivities of the evening, but it was cozy. All the dishes that emerged from the kitchen were created from fresh and most organic ingredients. We could all hear and participate in the conversation without risking life or limb bending and contorting to catch what the people at our party was saying. I had the creamy heirloom pasta that was exquisite and had never tasted such a succulent sauce, my husband had the alfredo classico, my sister had the stuff grape leaves, loaded hummus and my brother had the loaded vegan peppers, but before we had to try the hot buttered rum to wet our appetite and for dessert we had the decadent and succulent Moscato berry tiramisu, and my brother had the pistachio e melegrano. Jamil and Laura have always taken enormous pride in serving the best nutritious dishes and never fail their patrons. We usually need a doggie bag, but due to their clean and wholesome ingredients we were almost able to finish everything on our plates. I could only speak for my dining experience--from heirloom pasta to the tasty fresh tabouleh salad with the amazing citrus flavor to the Moscato berry tiramisu cake, we had elevated our palettes to another heavenly dimension. It was a euphoric This local nook could be on the streets of NYC, Chicago or L.A. Thank goodness we were able to partake in this memorable sleepy, Currier and Ives picturesque little town. read more

So in the year of the Olympics it's not a coincidence that it's not the Silver Stag or the Bronze Stag. Nope this deer is the champion of Manistee. Food? 10. Ambiance 10. Service? Not a 10.....an 11! Move over Simone Biles these folks are crushing the bar(s). Little Mister says the Perch was amazing. The sauce well...that and the salmon we fab. The pizzas are big enough to share--and the crust and cheese are a delicacy. Saganaki was fire. The Elk. While delicious, it was "their take" and he took it. And swallowed it all. And liked every minute of it. Waiting for the baklava. Melts in your mouth. Ok so to keep our Olympic theme going from the opening ceremony to the closing ceremony we are glad we paid the ticket price to experience all the events. You will be too. read more

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Great atmosphere service was exemplary and it was cozy but not too crowded Perfect for date night Food is top notch We will be back Thanks!! read more

Best restaurant on our tour de Western Michigan! Hailing from Scottsdale, we are difficult to impress at a dining establishment- we have many good restaurants there. But this was the best meal any of us had experienced in a long time! Our teenagers were even blown away. Saganaki - YUM! Blood orange coconut marg - outstanding and not too sweet. Pizza - the best we've had in years, even as frequent travelers to Italy. Food is amazingly fresh, super friendly service, comfortable and romantic atmosphere. Made our trip to the town worth the long drive! read more

The Golden Stag - Kebabs - so fresh and yummy - Mediterranean Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

Pretty good pizza. The "Mediterranean Trio" was a nice quality surprise. Good atmosphere, maybe a little crowded in the layout (But it was fine). Prices were a little high for what you get, but not totally unreasonable in this economy. Service was weird. We sat at the bar and listened to a server badmouth another customer. They weren't wrong: the customer was a meathead jerk who was trying to get the exact ounces of each steak so he could figure out how he could get the most meat for his money. The dude was a complete tool, so I don't blame the wait staff...but it wasn't very professional within earshot of other customers either. I'd go again, if only for some good pizza and drinks. read more

Wonderful dining experience. A family favorite. Their specialties are reasonably priced and really consistently very well presented. read more

Best food around, Mediterranean cuisine, unique pizzas and good people. Even has a dish that you can order Elk. Doesn't get much better than that. read more

Excellent food, service and atmosphere. I have ate here multiple times and it's been great each time. By far the best restaurant in Manistee! read more