Gin Gin's — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

I had been wanting to try this restaurant for quite some time but struggled to secure a reservation. A few days before visiting, I called ahead and learned they accept walk-ins, which was helpful. However, I wish they could have provided an approximate wait time for the day and time. We arrived at around 7 PM on a Saturday and were told the wait could be anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours. While that was disappointing, we put ourselves on the waitlist and decided to wait for seats at the bar, which also had a lengthy queue.

To make the most of the wait, we explored a few nearby bars, which turned out to be an enjoyable way to pass the time. After 2.5 hours, we were notified and seated at our table around 9:30 PM.

Once seated, our experience improved significantly. The waiter was friendly, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain the menu. We started with a few appetizers, which arrived promptly. The 1/2 Dozen Oysters were incredibly fresh, and the Tuna Sashimi literally melted in our mouths—both were fantastic.

For the main courses, the Potato Gnocchi was perfectly light and seasoned, while the Wagyu Petite New York Strip was tender and flavorful. We also took the waiter’s recommendation to order the Potato Gratin as a side, which paired beautifully with the other dishes. To finish, we enjoyed chamomile tea and a rich, indulgent brownie for dessert.

The food was excellent, the service was attentive, and the ambiance felt like a breath of fresh air for Grand Rapids. The prices are reasonable for the quality, though I do hope the restaurant improves its reservation system or better manages walk-in wait times. Despite this minor inconvenience, I’ll absolutely be returning.

For those planning a visit, parking is available across the street for about $10 through an app. Overall, a delightful dining experience and a much-needed addition...

What’s up, party people!

This is my very first Google review — ever. Why now? Well, normally I avoid adding to the internet noise, but in this case, I had to make an exception. Because Gin Gin’s deserves the hype.

To anyone who cares: Welcome!

GIN GIN’S. WOW. I’m not great at keeping things short, so bear with me — this place deserves a love letter.

My first visit set the tone for everything that followed. I went solo, curious after hearing the buzz, and immediately understood what the fuss was about. Having worked in restaurants for half my life, I know what I like — and this place nails it.

Immaculate vibes. Stained wood. Emerald green (my favorite color). Dim lighting, real candles, open windows, cozy seating, even gorgeous bathrooms. Say less.

The bar was full, but I managed to snag the last seat. Within moments, I was greeted by a warm, smiling professional dressed in white. Their energy? Impeccable. Even the guests around me were kind — like I was exactly where I belonged. I left only because I had to — but I immediately called a friend and said, “Get dressed. We’re going to Gin Gin’s for dinner tonight.”

And the rest? History. That was August 2024.

Since then, Gin Gin’s has become a second home. I’ve brought family, celebrated birthdays and Christmas, entertained coworkers and clients — and every time, it’s been perfect. I never hesitate to say: go to G’s.

Huge shoutout to Justin, Mitch, Aaron, Keegan, Eliza, Finn, and the rest of the incredible team. Your service is unmatched, your dedication is evident, and you’ve built something truly special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To the owners — you did something right. You hired people who care, and it shows in every detail.

I love to see a locally owned business thrive, and I’m wishing you all the success in the world.

With love, A forever customer and...

My wife and I recently dined here, expecting a more upscale experience given the ambiance and price point. While the service was polite and the setting felt classy, the food and drinks didn’t quite live up to expectations.

My wife ordered the seabass with polenta, and that dish was the highlight of the evening — flavorful, well-cooked, and nicely plated. I, on the other hand, had the vodka pasta, and honestly, it was just okay. Not bad, but definitely underwhelming. For a place like this, I was expecting a more refined take — instead, it felt like something I could’ve made at home.

We also ran into a strange situation when we arrived. We didn’t have a reservation, so we were prepared to wait a bit — fair enough. But we noticed 4–5 open tables outside, including at least three small ones for two people and a couple of larger ones. Still, we were told to wait 30 minutes. Oddly enough, even after we were seated (after 30mins), those same tables remained empty the entire time. If they were reserved, no one showed up for over 1.5 hours (until we left). Not sure if it was a marketing tactic to make the place look more “in demand,” but it left a bad impression.

My cocktail was another letdown. It came with a thick layer of ice on top, and all I could really taste was… well, ice. I even woke up the next morning with a sore throat from it — nothing serious, but it goes to show how overpowering the ice was. I couldn’t even tell what flavors were supposed to be in the drink.

For dessert, I had the tiramisu. Again, decent, but a bit too creamy for my taste. Others might enjoy it that way, but it wasn’t quite my thing.

Overall, it’s not a bad restaurant — but for the price, I expected more. My recommendation: skip the pasta and maybe try the steak if you’re going, perhaps that’s way better. And ask them to go easy on the ice...