Kick off summer with Noto’s at the Bil-Mar

By Kelsey Smith

At Noto’s at the Bil-Mar, it’s all about family.

Hugging Lake Michigan’s shoreline, Noto’s pairs beachy Italian eats with incredible views. Grand Haven’s new beachfront restaurant has made quite a splash in the lakeshore community, and it has been bustling ever since its February opening.

“We’re all family here,” said Nicoletta Noto, manager. “We take pride in what we do and we’re passionate about it. Our service sets us apart and we genuinely care about our customers. So far, we’ve had a lot of good feedback; it’s been really busy here.”

Noto’s at the Bil-Mar replaced the landmark Bil-Mar Restaurant, which was demolished after an unsuccessful renovation of the original 46-year-old building.

“We have a beautiful building,” said Tony Noto, co-owner. “I don’t think there is a building in the world that’s perfect, but this view is just about perfect. This place is going to continue to grow as we build and add new jobs; we’re not here just for the tourists, we’re here for the community.”

The restaurant offers a few signature Italian dishes from its original location in Grand Rapids, but the menu has a heavier emphasis on seafood, wood-fired pizzas and health-conscious choices.

“We want to be a place that fits people who are more health-conscious, but you can indulge a little bit, too,” Nicoletta Noto said. “Our shrimp and scallop pasta and perch have been really popular. Our wood-fired oven makes our pizzas to die for, and our quinoa and toasted farro bowls are really nice. I think having a variety of foods and being more health-conscious makes us unique.”

The two-story restaurant is completely lined with windows and has two full bars and a deck — a perfect recipe for Grand Haven’s beachgoers.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever come across anyone that doesn’t have a smile on their face here,” Nicoletta Noto said. “I don’t know how you can look out at that view and not be in a good mood.”

Noto’s at the Bil-Mar
1223 S. Harbor Drive
Grand Haven
616-842-5920
notosoldworld.com