12 Best Restaurants in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan, is well-known for its thriving restaurant scene. From cozy cafes to upscale eateries, Ann Arbor has something to satisfy every palate and budget. This college town offers global flavors reflecting its diverse population along with farm-to-table establishments that source ingredients locally.

Restaurant Name	Category
Angelo’s	Best Breakfast
Zingerman’s Delicatessen	Best Lunch
Grange Kitchen & Bar	Best Dinner
Spencer	Most Romantic
Mani Osteria & Bar	Best Pizza
Raja Rani	Best Indian
Tomukun Noodle Bar	Best Sushi
Seva	Best Vegetarian
The Chop House	Best Steakhouse
Grizzly Peak	Best Brewpub
Palio	Most Instagrammable
LIVE	Best Asian Fusion

Nestled in southeastern Michigan, Ann Arbor punches above its weight class when it comes to its culinary offerings. Foodies will delight in artisanal pizzas baked in brick ovens, creative small plates perfect for sharing, and contemporary twists on regional Midwestern cuisine. Many restaurants prioritize fresh, seasonal, and sustainably sourced ingredients from local producers.

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Downtown Ann Arbor and the neighboring Kerrytown district feature pedestrian-friendly streets lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can easily park and walk around, sampling appetizers, craft beers, fine wines, and signature cocktails between meals. From quick lunches for busy students to special occasion white tablecloth dining, Ann Arbor’s top restaurants offer memorable meals in relaxed yet sophisticated settings.

Utilizing research and local expertise, this article highlights 12 of the best restaurants representing Ann Arbor’s diverse and delicious dining scene. Spanning casual cafes, hip bistros, farm-to-table establishments, and destinations for special occasions, these restaurants should top any Ann Arbor foodie’s must-try list.

1.Best Breakfast: Angelo’s

Name and Location: Angelo’s

History and Significance: Open since 1967, Angelo’s classic diner has been an Ann Arbor breakfast institution for over 50 years. Its fluffy omelets, homemade corned beef hash and fruit-topped pancakes draw loyal crowds who return time and again for top-notch morning fare.

What to Expect: Expect no-frills counter service, cash only, and slightly worn booths crammed with multi-generational regulars. While the limited menu stays focused on breakfast essentials done right, Angelo’s nails the details from strong coffee to pitch-perfect over medium eggs.

Visitor Information: Open daily 7am-2pm. Arrive early to beat the rush. Only counter seating and takeout available. Cash payment only. Street metered parking or paid lots nearby.

For a quintessential Ann Arbor morning, head to Angelo’s. This Kerrytown institution has been serving scratch-made breakfasts and lunches using quality seasonal ingredients since 1982. Their fluffy omelets, hearty scramblers loaded with veggies, and golden waffles topped with fresh fruit make ideal fuel before exploring downtown and the university campus. Don’t skip their homemade hashbrowns or sausage gravy biscuits either.

Inside the bright, airy cafe, patrons will find walls decorated with local art for sale and upbeat music setting a cheerful tone. Angelo’s also operates a bakery next door providing all their freshly baked breads, cinnamon rolls, and sticky buns. Sit at the counter and watch the controlled chaos of the small open kitchen or snag a table to plan your day over bottomless cups of Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company coffee.

With friendly service and generous portions at reasonable prices, Angelo’s offers a top-notch Ann Arbor breakfast. This reliable local favorite fills up fast on weekends, so arrive early or be prepared for a short wait.

2.Best Lunch: Zingerman’s Delicatessen

Name and Location: Zingerman’s Delicatessen

History and Significance: Founded in 1982 by local partners Ari Weinzweig and Paul Saginaw, Zingerman’s Delicatessen has become an Ann Arbor institution acclaimed for its artisanal sandwiches, boutique grocery items and culinary community leadership.

What to Expect: Hungry lunch crowds line up to order Boar’s Head meats, farmhouse cheeses and Mediterranean condiments piled high on made-to-order sandwiches baked fresh daily. Save room for a slice of pie or cookie from their bakery up front. Expect big flavor and even bigger portions.

Visitor Information: Located at 422 Detroit St open 7am–7pm daily. Street parking slim so arrive early or take bus. Order & pay at counter then seat yourself. Indoor and sidewalk tables available.

When it comes to lunch in Ann Arbor, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a can’t-miss culinary destination. Food enthusiasts from around the world flock to this speciality food shop and dine-in eatery featuring globally inspired sandwiches and salads showcasing artisanal ingredients.

Co-founders Ari Weinzweig and Paul Saginaw opened Zingerman’s in 1982 with a commitment to finding the highest quality artisan foods from small-scale producers. That passion still drives the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses today, which includes the deli, a bakery, creamery, coffee roaster, candy manufacturer and mail order service.

The Zingerman’s Delicatessen boasts rare vinegars, olive oils, heirloom beans, heritage breed meats, handcrafted cheeses, and specialty baked goods. Their name even graces their own line of traditional Jewish rye baked especially for their famously generous sandwiches. House specialties include the fermented corn Reuben crammed with house-made pastrami and sauerkraut, the transcript Bulletin featuring 10 ingredients from three continents, and the Jewish Monkeys showcasing babka French toast.

While sandwiches star on the menu, Zingerman’s vibrant salads provide lighter options often topped with lean proteins, nuts, fruits, and seeds. Craft beer, fine wine, classic cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks make ideal pairings. No matter what you order, the premium ingredients will shine through in every bite. Just leave room for a slice of their decadent cakes, pies or cookies from the in-house bakery for dessert!

3.Best Dinner: Grange Kitchen & Bar

Name and Location: Grange Kitchen & Bar

History and Significance: Led by acclaimed local Chef Jeff More, Grange has brought farm-to-table American cuisine crafted with Mediterranean and French technique paired with a curated wine program to Ann Arbor diners in its elegant downtown space since 2015.

What to Expect: Expect seasonal, vegetable-focused dishes and humanely raised meats enhanced by Chef More’s pedigree cooking at Michelin star kitchens. Menu changes daily, but standbys like handmade pastas and seared scallops satisfy along with house cocktails.

Visitor Information: Located downtown at 118 W Liberty St. Open Mon-Sat 4:30pm-10pm. Reservations strongly recommended via OpenTable. Valet parking available behind restaurant off Fifth Ave.

For a stellar farm-to-table dinner in downtown Ann Arbor, make reservations at Grange Kitchen & Bar. Chef Brandon Johns plates creative wood-fired dishes utilizing ingredients sourced primarily from Michigan farms and food producers. The restaurant resides in the boutique Bell Tower Hotel just steps from bustling South University Avenue.

Grange’s rustically elegant dining room provides a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance. Request patio seating in nice weather to watch pedestrians strolling by. Then dive into dishes like the hot smoked trout dip paired with housemade potato chips, chicken liver pâté enhanced by tart cherries, or blistered shishito peppers sprinkled with sea salt. Share a pizza from their oak and hickory-fired oven or order one of their composed plates.

Standout dinner entrees include the rack of lamb served alongside tempura fried green beans, the seared day boat scallops accented by English pea puree, and the mouthwatering dry-aged ribeye bearing a cracked black pepper crust. Everything tastes impossibly fresh thanks to established relationships with regional growers and purveyors.

It’s easy to see why Grange Kitchen & Bar earns accolades for its nuanced dishes focused on displaying the flavors of the changing seasons. This refined establishment offers an evening of culinary exploration diners won’t soon forget.

4.Most Romantic: Spencer

Name and Location: Spencer

History and Significance: Tucked away downtown since 2014, intimate gastropub Spencer has earned acclaim for its seasonal New American cuisine focused on bold flavors in a romantic Victorian space that provides a beloved fine dining hideaway for locals.

What to Expect: Foie gras crème brûlée, tender duck breast with wild mushroom risotto, creative desserts and other changing dishes allow culinary indulgence alongside one of Ann Arbor’s best craft beer and wine selections. Worth the splurge.

Visitor Information: Located at 113 E Liberty St. Dinner served Tuesday–Saturday 5pm–10pm. Reservations strongly recommended via OpenTable or direct. Valet parking available behind off Fifth Ave entrance.

5.Best Pizza: Mani Osteria & Bar

Name and Location: Mani Osteria & Bar

History and Significance: Bringing a taste of Italy to Ann Arbor since 2008, Mani Osteria crafts creative, authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and Calabrian dishes paired with fine Italian wines and craft cocktails amidst vibrant décor transporting diners to Southern Italy.

What to Expect: Families split blistered, chewy-crusted pizzas topped with meatballs or rapini while couples indulge in pasta Bolognese, tiramisu and limoncello cocktails. The buzzing trattoria ambiance encourages conviviality best enjoyed family-style.

Visitor Information: Located at 341 E Liberty St downtown. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested, especially for weekend prime dining. Paid public parking in nearby decks and lots.

Craving artisanal pizza baked in an authentic Italian wood-fired oven? Pull up a seat at downtown’s bustling Mani Osteria & Bar, where you can watch chefs preparing blistered and bubbling Neapolitan-style pies right before your eyes. Using carefully sourced ingredients like crushed tomatoes from Italy, Wisconsin brick cheese and Michigan sweet corn, each pizza sings with flavor.

The thin yet chewy crust proves a fine canvas for creative toppings. Go classic with the Margherita draped in molten mozzarella or savor unusual flavor combos like the meaty Kotter with salami, soppressata, sausage, fresh mozzarella and basil. Share a bottle of wine from their Italian or Californian focused list and toast with your dining companions.

Beyond pizza, Mani offers fresh salads, savory pasta plates, and small bites ideal for sharing all crafted under the watchful eye of Chef Matt Bennett. Regulars rave about the sweet fennel sausage gnocchi in a San Marzano tomato sauce and the tender lamb meatballs served with creamy polenta. Lunch and brunch menus provide additional opportunities to visit Mani, which accepts reservations for dinner.

Thanks to its laid-back cosmopolitan vibe and outstanding food, Mani holds its own against Ann Arbor’s many other pizzerias. Come hungry and stay late enjoying southern Italian hospitality in the heart of downtown.

6.Best Indian: Raja Rani

Name and Location: Raja Rani

History and Significance: Family-owned Raja Rani has specialized in flavorful regional Indian vegetarian fare since opening its cozy location just off U of M’s campus in 1993, counting students and locals among devoted regulars for 30 years now.

What to Expect: From crunchy samosas and fiery curries to coconutty kormas and warm naan breads, diners explore the robust, complex flavors of Indian vegetarian cooking through specialty dishes from across India made with care at this informal local staple.

Visitor Information: Located at 400 S. First St. Open daily for lunch and dinner with buffet options. Bring your own wine or beer to accompany your meal. Order at counter then be seated.

For outstanding authentic Indian cuisine, look no further than Raja Rani. Tucked away in a shopping plaza south of the University of Michigan campus, this family-owned restaurant offers a warm, contemporary dining room perfect for lingering over flavorful dishes. Cooked to order meals showcase fragrant spices, fresh vegetables and lean meats masterfully combined in complex layers of sweet, spicy and savory flavors.

Start with a bright, crunchy papadum or flaky paratha before diving into rich curries, aromatic biryanis and tender tandoori specialties. Top contenders include the spicy goat curry simmered with caramelized onions and tomatoes, the moist chicken tikka masala capped with velvety yogurt-tomato gravy and the shrimp biryani studded with saffron basmati rice. Families often share several dishes so diners can sample a range of flavors—a recommended strategy given the menu’s scope.

Attentive service, reasonable prices and consistently well-executed dishes keep loyal regulars returning to Raja Rani for spirited celebrations and everyday meals alike. The extensive menu features numerous vegetarian and vegan options, with mild to very spicy heat levels to suit personal preferences. This local favorite remains the top choice for outstanding Indian food in Ann Arbor.

7.Best Sushi: Tomukun Noodle Bar

Name and Location: Tomukun Noodle Bar

History and Significance: Open since 2005, Tomukun Noodle Bar introduced Ann Arborites to authentic Japanese ramen and imported sake and beer via its simple hip urban location downtown, laying the groundwork for the area’s present-day ramen and Asian dining boom.

What to Expect: Customize fresh ramen bowls brimming with handmade noodles, traditional broths, tender pork or tofu and assorted toppings. Small cold starter plates allow sampling like gyoza potstickers or takoyaki crispy snacks as preludes to the hearty main bowls.

Visitor Information: Located downtown at 318 S Main St. Counter ordering for lunch and dinner daily. Limited street metered parking or adjacent parking decks/lots for fee. Separate gluten-free/vegan prep area.

For creative sushi rolls incorporating global culinary influences, check out Tomukun Noodle Bar. This downtown destination fuses traditional Japanese fare with Korean barbecue and Southeast Asian street food across a broad pan-Asian menu. Alongside noodles, rice bowls, and Korean fried chicken, diners will discover an exciting array of sushi speciality rolls.

Tomukun’s talented sushi chefs construct specialty rolls showcasing unlikely ingredient combinations that work harmoniously together. Choices range from classic maki to more elaborate creations incorporating multiple proteins and toppings. House favorites include the Kiss of Fire roll wrapped around tuna, yellowtail and cucumber then topped with spicy mayo and eel sauce. Feeling brave? Order the Volcano Roll stuffed with spicy salmon, cream cheese and jalapeño or the Carne Misono Roll featuring seared beef tenderloin, shrimp tempura and avocado.

While the colorful specialty rolls steal the show, diners will want to explore other menu highlights like the warming Korean stone pot bibimbap loaded with white rice, marinated beef, veggies and a runny egg. Balance all those bright flavors with fruity cocktails, craft beer or sake from the extensive drink list. The laid-back atmosphere and graffiti covered walls give Tomukun hip, urban energy perfect for groups of friends seeking shareable dishes, creative sushi and good times.

8.Best Vegetarian: Seva

Name and Location: Seva

History and Significance: Pioneer vegetarian restaurant Seva has garnered national acclaim for its locally-sourced, globally-inspired plant-based dishes prepared with mindful intent in its homey, low-waste downtown space since 2002.

What to Expect: Herbivores relish Seva’s rotating dishes such as masala dosa, millet cakes, Korean bibimbap bowls and other veggie plates spanning flavors from across continents. Gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free options keep all diets happy.

Visitor Information: Located at 314 E Liberty St downtown. Lunch and dinner daily. Counter ordering plus communal tables. Recommend reservations via OpenTable. Street parking available.

For outstanding farm-fresh vegetarian and vegan dining, Ann Arbor locals head to Seva in downtown’s historic Maple Street district. Open since 2002, Seva pioneered the city’s plant-based dining scene with global flavors carefully crafted from organic, non-GMO and local ingredients when possible.

Seva’s eco-conscious mission permeates both their hospitable dining room and thoughtfully composed plates. Diners will discover dishes brimming with vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and responsible dairy and egg options across lunch, dinner and weekend brunch services.

Menu highlights include the coconut curry bowl loaded with sweet potatoes and kale over brown rice and quinoa. Meatless comfort foods also satisfy with choices like their vegan shepherd’s pie capped with creamy Yukon gold mashed potatoes.

9.Best Steakhouse: The Chop House

Name and Location: The Chop House

History and Significance: Classic downtown steakhouse The Chop House has perfected its mix of hand-cut Midwestern beef, seafood and chops masterfully prepared and served white-tablecloth style nightly to carnivorous area diners for over 50 years running.

What to Expect: Couples celebrate special occasions indulging in aged corn-fed steaks, lobster tails, tableside Caesar salads and other time-tested dishes from this clubby upscale steakhouse complemented by an award-winning wine list and whiskey menu.

Visitor Information: Located downtown at 322 S. Main St. Open nightly 5pm-10pm. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. Smart dress code enforced. Valet parking off 5th Ave behind restaurant.

When only a perfectly cooked steak will do, Ann Arbor diners visit The Chop House Restaurant & Brewery. Nestled downtown on South Main Street, this contemporary steakhouse charms guests with its classic ambiance and exceptional chops, seafood and handcrafted ales. The menu covers land and sea with choices like expertly seared filet mignon, rich lobster mac and cheese, and fresh seafood flown in daily.

Carnivores will delight in The Chop House’s thick cut prime steaks, all individually dry aged for 21 days to enhance flavor and tenderness. Center cut filets, ribeyes and porterhouses headline along with delicious surf and turf combinations for optimal protein indulgence.

Before diving into those juicy steaks, whet your appetite with starters like jumbo lump crab cakes, classic shrimp cocktail or roasted bone marrow. Sumptuous sides like truffle parmesan fries, creamed spinach, sauteed wild mushrooms and fully loaded baked potatoes make perfect plate partners. Made-from-scratch desserts end meals on a sweet note.

With sizzling steaks hitting tables, creative beer selections pouring freely from the in-house microbrewery and exceptional hospitality, The Chop House offers carnivores an ideal upscale retreat. This downtown refuge makes multiple “best steakhouse” lists for good reason.

10.Best Brewpub: Grizzly Peak

Name and Location: Grizzly Peak

History and Significance: Founded in 1995, Grizzly Peak serves its own house-crafted ales and hearty pub grub fired up from scratch daily utilizing local farms and producers to hungry crowds flocking for great beer and food in its relaxed downtown space.

What to Expect: Sip pints from rotating beer taps while digging into loaded nachos, grilled salmon burgers, house smoked wings and other gastropub originals made to pair perfectly with Grizzly’s beloved IPAs, ambers and porters brewed in their basement kettles.

Visitor Information: Located at 120 W Washington St in the heart of downtown. Open 11am-12am daily serving lunch and dinner. Table service offered in bar areas. Recommend reservations for dining rooms via OpenTable.

Beer lovers visiting Ann Arbor flock straight to Grizzly Peak, a standby local brewpub pouring pints of beloved craft ales since 1995. Their cozy downtown location across from the historic Michigan Theater pairs well-executed pub grub with an ever-changing tap list starring unique housemade brews.

Seasonal offerings run the gamut from malty Oktoberfests to hoppy IPAs to coffee and chocolate infused stouts and porters. Flagship brews like the rich nitro Mackinaw Milk Stout and the easy-drinkingRailsplit Red Ale please crowds year-round. Beyond their own selections, Grizzly Peak reserves taps for popular Michigan craft beers so patrons can sample the state’s booming beer scene.

From crisp salads to fried pickle chips, their from-scratch menu provides classic bar bites plus hearty sandwiches perfect for soaking up those quality craft brews. The kitchen also serves up handmade thin crust pizzas, multi-cheese macaroni, fish and chips, and bistro steak frites for heartier appetites. Gluten-free diners will discover several food options along with ciders and gluten-removed beers to make the pub more allergy-friendly.

Grizzly Peak’s long-running success comes down to quality liquid refreshment, uncomplicated pub fare in a lively atmosphere, and the genuine spirit of hospitality shared by its staff. Centrally located downtown, this neighborhood gem beckons after a day exploring bookshops, boutiques, and museums. Pull up a chair at the bar to discuss basketball rivalries or music tastes with friendly locals.

11.Most Instagrammable: Palio

Name and Location: Palio

History and Significance: Located downtown since 1993, Palio offers dinerstransportive Northern Italian cuisine served in an opulent Tuscan villa setting resplendent with ironwork, fresco paintings and romantic archways that providesAnn Arbor’s most atmospherically impressive fine dining experience.

What to Expect: Expect exceptional housemade pastas, branzino, osso buco and other regional specialties presented with precision plating and polished white-glove service in an unforgettable palazzo environment constantlybuzzing as a date night destination.

Visitor Information: Located at 347 S Main St. Open Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 5pm-9pm. Reservations strongly suggested via OpenTable. Valet parking available behind off 4th Ave.

For a dining atmosphere almost too gorgeous not to ‘gram, snag a table at Palio off Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor. Soaring ceilings, brick archways, exposed ductwork and glittering chandeliers transform the restored historic space into an ethereal modern Italian restaurant.

Photographers will delight in capturing Palio’s design details and artfully composed plates. Crisp white linens, gleaming stemware and jewel toned velvet banquettes make stunning backdrops for close-ups of handmade pastas, vivid salads and wood-fired thin crust pizzas. Even humble meatballs and pasta swim in rich tomato sauce so vibrant it’s destined for social media feeds.

Of course Instagram appeal alone doesn’t make a restaurant excel. Fortunately Executive Chef Alex Young also delivers on the contemporary Italian cuisine crafted from seasonal American and Old World ingredients. Must try plates include the sweet fennel sausage pappardelle with braised leeks and Parmesan and the prosciutto wrapped salmon served with spring vegetable risotto.

Save room for the show-stopping Nero S’mores dessert of flourless dark chocolate cake, toasted marshmallow and smoked sea salt graham cracker ice cream. Then post that artsy photo with the Gehry-esque wine display and brick arches behind you for extra likes. Hashtag away!

12.Best Asian Fusion: LIVE

Name and Location: LIVE

History and Significance: Led by Chef Eli Boyer, LIVE first opened its experiential doors in 2018 driven by the ethos of local ingredients, intentional relationships and versatility of inspiration in preparing its ever-changing tasting menus spanning global techniques and flavors.

What to Expect: Expect to be wowed as Chef Eli’s eight-course tasting menu surprises diners’ palates with textures, temperatures and flavors that dance across continents from week to week. Dishes lean inventive with an element of whimsy.

Visitor Information: Located downtown at 102 S. First St. Open Weds-Sat for dinner seatings at 5:30pm and 8:15pm. Reservations via Tock ticketed system required. Valet parking available next door.

Travel east down bustling Liberty Street to discover LIVE, an acclaimed Asian fusion bistro injecting international flavors into Ann Arbor’s restaurant landscape. Helmed by Chef Huyck, LIVE wows diners with creative takes on street food and comfort dishes spanning Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai influences. His polished plates masterfully blend sweet, salty, sour and spicy components for perfect harmony.

Edamame hummus, pork belly ssam wraps and lobster rangoon nachos share space on the compact menu alongside noodle bowls swimming in savory broths. Signature dishes shine in complex flavor profiles like the coffee and black pepper rubbed hanger steak with charred scallion aioli. Seafood also makes frequent appearances in dishes such as the refreshing tuna crudo with yuzu citrus or the flavorful Korean glazed salmon with spicy cucumber salad.

Cocktail aficionados shouldn’t miss LIVE’s extensive list of unique libations starring soju, sake and spirits from across Asia. Local craft beers, eclectic wines and non-alcoholic Meyer lemon mint lemonade balance the drink menu. Chic black and white decor with eye-catching red accents mirrors the stylish plating of Chef Huyck’s artistic dishes.

Thanks to a hip speakeasy vibe minus pretention, creative fusion plates and outstanding drinks, LIVE lures foodies and cocktail connoisseurs through its discreet doors. Seats fill fast so make reservations to experience this trendy hot spot.

Conclusion

Visitors seeking culinary adventures find no shortage of options across this quintessential college town. Ann Arbor’s passionate local food community crafts dishes brimming with Midwestern ingredients and global influences that nourish foodies morning, noon and night.

The 12 restaurants spotlighted here represent just a taste of what Ann Arbor offers hungry diners. Beyond these favorites, food trucks, student-run co-ops and pop-up dining collaborations stir up additional opportunities for culinary exploration. Wherever you dine around town, you’ll discover flavors as diverse and welcoming as Ann Arbor itself.