Island Lakes in Novi, MI, may be best known for its scenic lakeside homes and family-friendly vibe, but step beyond its tree-lined streets and you’ll discover a thriving food scene waiting to be explored. Whether you're craving an upscale dinner, a cozy brunch, or a late-night dessert, Island Lakes serves up a delicious diversity few neighborhoods can match. Here’s your enthusiast’s guide to the top restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and hidden gems—plus a peek at local food traditions and foodie hot spots.
Standout Restaurants Around Island Lakes
Just outside the heart of Island Lakes along 10 Mile Rd and Wixom Rd, a number of excellent eateries cluster. These aren’t just the staples—they’re the places locals return to time and again for reliable flavors and friendly vibes.
- Sakura Novi (Wixom Rd & 10 Mile Rd): For sushi aficionados, Sakura is a top pick. This sleek, contemporary Japanese spot is renowned for its creative rolls (try the Firecracker Roll!) and generous bento boxes. Prices average $15–$30 per entrée, making it great for weeknight dinners or celebratory dinners alike.
- Guernsey Farms Dairy (Middlebelt & 10 Mile Rd): This Novi institution is technically just east of Island Lakes, but locals happily make the short drive for hand-breaded chicken, housemade ice cream, and classic comfort food. Their ice cream counter is legendary among families — get a scoop of Butter Pecan or the signature Chocolate Caramel Brownie.
- Buddy’s Pizza (Novi Rd & Grand River Ave): A short detour from Island Lakes, Buddy's is worth every bite for Detroit-style pizza with its crispy, cheesy-edged crust. Grab a square slice and pair it with their zesty antipasto salad. Prices range from $12 personal pizzas to $30 for family-size pies.
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill (Wixom Rd & Grand River Ave): The aroma of garlic and fresh-baked bread welcomes you at Carrabba’s. This Italian-American classic is cherished for wood-fired pizzas, hearty pastas, and a robust wine list. Entrées are typically $17–$30, with indulgent Happy Hour deals on small plates and drinks.
Local Cafés and Bakeries
No food scene is complete without great coffee, pastries, and the sort of gathering spots where weekend mornings linger into the afternoon.
- Biggby Coffee (Ten Mile Crossing Shopping Center): Tucked into this convenient plaza at 10 Mile and Wixom, Biggby is where Island Lakes’ early risers head for lattes, sweet iced drinks, and oversized cinnamon rolls. The staff knows regulars by name, and the laid-back vibe is perfect for a coffee catch-up or grabbing a “Bragel” breakfast sandwich on the go.
- Novi Bake Shop (Main St & Novi Rd, near Novi Town Center): This family-run bakery is beloved for its European-style pastries, flaky croissants, and custom cakes. Locals swear by the raspberry danishes and seasonal fruit tarts — always baked fresh and often selling out before noon. Most treats are under $4, making it easy to try a few.
- Great Harvest Bread Co. (Novi Rd & Grand River Ave): Take a short drive to sample hearty, whole-grain breads and decadent sweets, from pumpkin chocolate chip muffins to honey wheat loaves. Free samples are always on offer and the staff loves to chat about your favorite varieties.
Food Trucks and Casual Eats
Warm-weather weekends bring a parade of food trucks and festivals to the Island Lakes area, especially around the Novi Civic Center and Lakeshore Park (just south on Walled Lake Dr).
- Little Lou’s Hot Dogs: Spotted at local events and sometimes at the corner of 10 Mile and Wixom, this food truck draws crowds for its authentic Chicago-style dogs, loaded fries, and nostalgic vibes. Prices are wallet-friendly (under $10 for lunch), and their cheese fries are a messy must-try.
- El Asador Taqueria: This pop-up taqueria often sets up at weekend farmers’ markets near Island Lake Park. Grab a trio of fresh street tacos—al pastor, barbacoa, or veggie—for $8–$12. Their housemade salsas and aguas frescas attract loyal followers from across Novi.
Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
While the big-name spots deliver, Island Lakes has a few lesser-known treasures that residents quietly celebrate.
- House of Falafel (Wixom Rd just north of 10 Mile): A sleeper hit for Mediterranean takeout, House of Falafel does pillowy shawarma wraps, generous hummus plates, and baklava worth doubling back for. Meals run $8–$15, and the welcoming owner often throws in a free tea or taste-test dessert.
- Slices Pizza (Novi Rd south of Grand River): More than just a pizza joint, Slices does inventive calzones and garlic knots that are a favorite with nearby high schoolers. A large pie feeds a family, and the late-night hours make it a go-to for early dinners or after-movie bites.
Local Food Traditions and Neighborhood Favorites
- Ice Cream Socials: Summer in Island Lakes is prime time for old-fashioned ice cream socials, often hosted by the local homeowners’ association near the neighborhood clubhouse. It’s a chance for neighbors to meet, kids to run wild, and everyone to load up on cold treats from classic trucks like Guernsey’s.
- Holiday Bake Sales: Around the winter holidays, church halls and schools in the Island Lakes area fill with homemade cookies, breads, and fudge—often with a lineup out the door. It's a great opportunity to snag authentic Polish paczki, Italian pizzelles, and Middle Eastern baklava made from cherished family recipes.
Where to Find Novi’s Foodie Hot Spots
- Wixom Rd & 10 Mile Rd: Cluster of diverse dining from sushi to pizzas and bakeries.
- Novi Rd & Grand River Ave: Novi’s retail hub with lots of family-friendly chains and unique bakeries.
- Main St near Novi Town Center: Great for charming locally-owned bakeries and patio dining.
- Lakeshore Park Area: Food trucks, lakefront picnics, and outdoor festivals featuring wild local eats.
Explore and Savor Island Lakes
The Island Lakes neighborhood offers more than picturesque homes and winding walking paths—it’s a microcosm of Novi’s top eats, where local pride shines through in every cup of coffee and each hearty meal. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a new resident, or a longtime local searching for your next favorite bite, Island Lakes never disappoints. Bring your appetite and an adventurous palate, and discover why Novi’s hidden gem is also its best-kept dining secret!