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Petite, chef-owned destination for sustainable fare in an understated space, plus cooking classes.
Hours
| Tuesday | 5 PM–12 AM |
| Wednesday | 5 PM–12 AM |
| Thursday | 5 PM–12 AM |
| Friday | 5 PM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 5 PM–12 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 115 Wellington St, Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: (231) 946-8700
Website: https://www.cookshousetc.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Traverse City Fine Dining | The Cooks’ House | Best Food In Norther …
Traverse City, Michigan food destination ! The Cook’s house is built on the bounty of locally grown and foraged foods & quality experience.
The Cooks’ House | Traverse City MI – Facebook
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Frances here. I’m in Traverse City, Michigan meeting the only 2025 James Beard finalists in the state. We open the Cook’s House with the sole …
Reviews
jaimie hutchison
Best meal of our lives.
Dinner at The Cook’s House, a small 22-seat restaurant that is hard to get into during peak season, felt special right from the start.
We were greeted with warm towels scented with essential oils, which instantly made us slow down, then a glass of bubbly that set the tone for the whole night. The bread came out warm from Common Good Bakery with soy butter, and honestly, I could have been happy just sitting there with that for a while.
The amuse bouche surprised me in the best way. Shaved watermelon radishes and sauerkraut gently warmed in butter. It doesn’t sound like it should work, but it absolutely did. Bright, earthy, and perfectly balanced.
Then came the bite I will never forget. Oyster mushrooms in cream sauce over toasted sourdough. Silky, deeply savory, and comforting. Total stop talking moment.
Wayne ordered the linguine appetizer.
W went with the walleye with masoor dal and tadka, delicate and clean but still warm and flavorful.
I had the hanger steak with fingerling potatoes and onions three ways, soubise, roasted, and pickled. Rich, tender, and deeply satisfying without being heavy.
Dessert wrapped it all up gently. Sour cream ice cream with Iron Fish maraschino cherries and an aged raclette tuile. Cool, tangy, and just right.
But honestly, the best part was the company, my guy, who I am celebrating life with. The service was exemplary, unhurried and fully present which made the whole evening feel cared for from beginning to end.
One of those meals you don’t just enjoy. You remember it.
… moreDinner at The Cook’s House, a small 22-seat restaurant that is hard to get into during peak season, felt special right from the start.
We were greeted with warm towels scented with essential oils, which instantly made us slow down, then a glass of bubbly that set the tone for the whole night. The bread came out warm from Common Good Bakery with soy butter, and honestly, I could have been happy just sitting there with that for a while.
The amuse bouche surprised me in the best way. Shaved watermelon radishes and sauerkraut gently warmed in butter. It doesn’t sound like it should work, but it absolutely did. Bright, earthy, and perfectly balanced.
Then came the bite I will never forget. Oyster mushrooms in cream sauce over toasted sourdough. Silky, deeply savory, and comforting. Total stop talking moment.
Wayne ordered the linguine appetizer.
W went with the walleye with masoor dal and tadka, delicate and clean but still warm and flavorful.
I had the hanger steak with fingerling potatoes and onions three ways, soubise, roasted, and pickled. Rich, tender, and deeply satisfying without being heavy.
Dessert wrapped it all up gently. Sour cream ice cream with Iron Fish maraschino cherries and an aged raclette tuile. Cool, tangy, and just right.
But honestly, the best part was the company, my guy, who I am celebrating life with. The service was exemplary, unhurried and fully present which made the whole evening feel cared for from beginning to end.
One of those meals you don’t just enjoy. You remember it.
Elena Morcote
We had an amazing experience here. The food was prepared with exceptional care and we loved the attention to detail. Dillon took fantastic care of us and explained the menu so well. We look forward to coming back!
… moreConnie Leahy
Adorable tiny restaurant with tons of staff to serve you. We were greeted with champagne as I had reserved for our anniversary. We had the tasting menu with the wine pairing. Every course was very good. The steak and the dessert were our favorites but the beet salad was a surprisingly high ranked course. The wine pairings were also nice, some of the pours were a little small but it was a tasting so that may be the reason. I would recommend and hope to return. Book far in advance as reservations are limited.
… moreAmy Dunlea
We are foodie folks and I made a reservation here as soon as I knew we were planning a trip to Traverse City. There just happened to be one at 9pm on the Thursday we would be there. In the meantime, while watching the James Beard Awards, I noticed they were nominated within the same category as one of chef’s from our hometown Cincinnati!
The place is actually a house, and we were seated right next to the kitchen. Our server, Dillon, was great. We were happy that we both didn’t have to order the tasting menu, so I had it, and my wife ordered a la carte (this is the first place we have been to that you can actually order whatever way you would like, nice!) The wine list isn’t huge, but it is nice that the glasses are all the same price. As other reviewers said, there is a lot of staff for the 25 seats in the place.
We were offered a pickled Amuse Bouche and a mushroom tea that we could have had every day. It was SO good.
Here is what we ordered and what we thought;
Starter – Smoke whitefish salad- very good and the fish was delicate and fresh. Loved.
Gemelli pasta- they were absolutely fine substituting other cheese for the goat cheese, which we don’t care for. We had one with blue cheese and one with parmesan. Both were great and the pasta was cooked perfectly al dente.
Whitefish with Tom Yum Vinaigrette – first time having whitefish and it was excellent. Flavors on point. Would order again and again.
5 course tasting –
Cucumber Buttermilk Soup – light and earthy tasting, and very pretty!
Gemelli pasta – see above
New York Steak – didn’t appear to be a strip. It was chewy and a little gamey. I had to pull gristle out of my mouth a lot. However, the chimichurri sauce was fantastic and the potatoes were buttery deliciousness.
Grilled Turnips – unique flavors. I was getting full so I didn’t eat all of it.
Lemon Posset – perfect ending. Creamy and lovely.
We had the pleasure to talk to chef Calvin because we were right next to the kitchen. He specifically talked to us about what cheese we would prefer on the gemelli, and then when I asked where he likes to eat in town, he suggested a few places. He checked in on us regularly throughout our meal, which really made the experience intimate and personal. He also made some browned butter for our excellent bread because we didn’t care for the goat butter…nice touch.
They are deserving of the kudos and award nominations they receive.
… moreThe place is actually a house, and we were seated right next to the kitchen. Our server, Dillon, was great. We were happy that we both didn’t have to order the tasting menu, so I had it, and my wife ordered a la carte (this is the first place we have been to that you can actually order whatever way you would like, nice!) The wine list isn’t huge, but it is nice that the glasses are all the same price. As other reviewers said, there is a lot of staff for the 25 seats in the place.
We were offered a pickled Amuse Bouche and a mushroom tea that we could have had every day. It was SO good.
Here is what we ordered and what we thought;
Starter – Smoke whitefish salad- very good and the fish was delicate and fresh. Loved.
Gemelli pasta- they were absolutely fine substituting other cheese for the goat cheese, which we don’t care for. We had one with blue cheese and one with parmesan. Both were great and the pasta was cooked perfectly al dente.
Whitefish with Tom Yum Vinaigrette – first time having whitefish and it was excellent. Flavors on point. Would order again and again.
5 course tasting –
Cucumber Buttermilk Soup – light and earthy tasting, and very pretty!
Gemelli pasta – see above
New York Steak – didn’t appear to be a strip. It was chewy and a little gamey. I had to pull gristle out of my mouth a lot. However, the chimichurri sauce was fantastic and the potatoes were buttery deliciousness.
Grilled Turnips – unique flavors. I was getting full so I didn’t eat all of it.
Lemon Posset – perfect ending. Creamy and lovely.
We had the pleasure to talk to chef Calvin because we were right next to the kitchen. He specifically talked to us about what cheese we would prefer on the gemelli, and then when I asked where he likes to eat in town, he suggested a few places. He checked in on us regularly throughout our meal, which really made the experience intimate and personal. He also made some browned butter for our excellent bread because we didn’t care for the goat butter…nice touch.
They are deserving of the kudos and award nominations they receive.
Pikka
It was one of the best mid-west dining experiences I’ve had. Patio seating, a wonderful wait staff, and “Little Extras” I wasn’t anticipating. This is a wonderful place that I hope to have the opportunity to come back to again and again.
… moreSamuel Jun
Nov 2026 Edit:
The Cooks’ house continues to be one of my favorite restaurants. Eric has built an wonderful team who define hospitality through delicious food and warm service. Shout out to Calvin for his leek Mayo and Dylan for his welcoming smile.
I’m sad the mushroom toast and ramp martini weren’t on the dynamic menu this visit. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise since we might not have tried the whitefish with romesco and hanger steak with leek mayo, which were our new favorites!
Season reccs:
– whitefish with romesco
– hanger steak with leek mayo
Original:
Really tasty food and fun cocktails. The staff was awesome and fun (big shout-out to Dylan!), I’ve come to really appreciate when it’s clear the staff is having a good time. They were also very accommodating for my gluten free gf!
My reccs:
– Ramp martini (very unique and probably not for everyone)
– mushroom salad
– Mushroom toast
– w/e the Eggplant dish was
Can be difficult to get a reservation for, so look in advance!
Girlfriend speaking now: Everything about the Cook’s House is made to bring joy to your life: the food, drinks, amazing staff. One of the chefs and the owner delivered our dishes, and we were able to strike up conversation with them. Dylan has been our waiter twice now, and it’s impossible to not smile when he is around. We celebrated our 2nd year anniversary and they surprised us with wine and a complimentary dessert. All around amazing experience and we will keep coming back year after year. There is a reason why this restaurant is so highly rated everywhere you look. They deserve 3 Michelin stars!
… moreThe Cooks’ house continues to be one of my favorite restaurants. Eric has built an wonderful team who define hospitality through delicious food and warm service. Shout out to Calvin for his leek Mayo and Dylan for his welcoming smile.
I’m sad the mushroom toast and ramp martini weren’t on the dynamic menu this visit. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise since we might not have tried the whitefish with romesco and hanger steak with leek mayo, which were our new favorites!
Season reccs:
– whitefish with romesco
– hanger steak with leek mayo
Original:
Really tasty food and fun cocktails. The staff was awesome and fun (big shout-out to Dylan!), I’ve come to really appreciate when it’s clear the staff is having a good time. They were also very accommodating for my gluten free gf!
My reccs:
– Ramp martini (very unique and probably not for everyone)
– mushroom salad
– Mushroom toast
– w/e the Eggplant dish was
Can be difficult to get a reservation for, so look in advance!
Girlfriend speaking now: Everything about the Cook’s House is made to bring joy to your life: the food, drinks, amazing staff. One of the chefs and the owner delivered our dishes, and we were able to strike up conversation with them. Dylan has been our waiter twice now, and it’s impossible to not smile when he is around. We celebrated our 2nd year anniversary and they surprised us with wine and a complimentary dessert. All around amazing experience and we will keep coming back year after year. There is a reason why this restaurant is so highly rated everywhere you look. They deserve 3 Michelin stars!
Jason Snyder
Been here a few times, decided to finally leave a review. A very unassuming spot just off front street. 10 tables, 20-24 guests tops. Full bar with signature cocktails. For food they offer an ever changing seasonal menu. The 5 and 7 course tasting menus if your adventurous and want to fully explore the menu. A la carte for a more focused dinner. A top notch destination dinner for Michigan.
… moreSamara Riley
The Cooks’ House in Traverse City is an absolute gem! From the moment you step in, the intimate, cozy atmosphere envelops you, setting the stage for a truly remarkable dining experience. The emphasis on locally sourced ingredients shines through in every dish, with each plate offering a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and creativity.
The tasting menu is a must-try, showcasing the chef’s passion for sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine. Every course is crafted with precision, from the delicate seafood to the expertly prepared meats and vibrant, fresh vegetables. Their wine pairings elevate each dish to new heights, creating a symphony of flavors that linger long after the meal is over.
What truly sets The Cooks’ House apart is the attention to detail and the personal touch from the chefs and staff. (Dillion and Victoria were wonderful and kind). We were greeted with a complimentary glass of wine and warm wash cloth infused with Lemon grass to clean our hands.
The service is warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food. You can feel their commitment to providing a memorable dining experience from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that exemplifies the best of northern Michigan’s culinary scene, The Cooks’ House is a must-visit. It’s an exceptional dining experience that will leave you raving for days.
… moreThe tasting menu is a must-try, showcasing the chef’s passion for sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine. Every course is crafted with precision, from the delicate seafood to the expertly prepared meats and vibrant, fresh vegetables. Their wine pairings elevate each dish to new heights, creating a symphony of flavors that linger long after the meal is over.
What truly sets The Cooks’ House apart is the attention to detail and the personal touch from the chefs and staff. (Dillion and Victoria were wonderful and kind). We were greeted with a complimentary glass of wine and warm wash cloth infused with Lemon grass to clean our hands.
The service is warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food. You can feel their commitment to providing a memorable dining experience from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that exemplifies the best of northern Michigan’s culinary scene, The Cooks’ House is a must-visit. It’s an exceptional dining experience that will leave you raving for days.
Henry Allen
A truly unforgettable dining experience. The intimate setting local ingredients and meticulous attention to detail make every dish exceptional. The 7 course tasting with wine pairing is highly recommended. Service is excellent and accommodating but reservations are essential.
… moreJ N
If you’re looking to celebrate something big, get someone a gift card somewhere awesome, or otherwise eat really, really good food – this is the spot.
I don’t go out often, and I think this was probably the second time in my life I chose to indulge in a multi-course meal. Every dish was one of the best I’ve ever had. Loved the staff, loved the intimacy of the dining room, everything about it was great.
Expensive, but the price is appropriate when you get an experience that is worth every dollar. Couldn’t recommend Cook’s House enough.
… moreI don’t go out often, and I think this was probably the second time in my life I chose to indulge in a multi-course meal. Every dish was one of the best I’ve ever had. Loved the staff, loved the intimacy of the dining room, everything about it was great.
Expensive, but the price is appropriate when you get an experience that is worth every dollar. Couldn’t recommend Cook’s House enough.