21 Best Ann Arbor Restaurants in 2025
Looking for some of the best Ann Arbor restaurants to visit in this university city? If so, your search ends here! Located west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is a culinary hotspot that offers something to satisfy every palette.
Foodies can explore exciting options, from contemporary American restaurants to vibrant and bold Mexican eateries. Whatever you’re looking for in your next meal out, here are 21 of the best Ann Arbor restaurants that you need to add to your list.
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The 21 Best Restaurants in Ann Arbor, MI
1. HopCat
It’s all about beers and burgers at this Ann Arbor restaurant. Located down the street from the popular Michigan Theater and Rackham Auditorium, HopCat is popular among students and visitors to the city.
The Vibe
HopCat is a funky restaurant with unique graffiti art on the walls, classic wooden furniture and an impressive well-stocked bar.
What to Order
A visit to this Ann Arbor restaurant is not complete without trying one of the many delicious burgers. We recommend the Rodeo Clown, comprising two beef patties, sautéed mushrooms, truffle aioli and Swiss cheese.
HopCat | 311 Maynard St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
2. The Session Room
Nestled inside a historic brick warehouse, The Session Room is an Ann Arbor restaurant focused on serving organic fare with more than 70 craft beers on tap.
The Vibe
Exposed rafters with vintage light bulbs create a warm and relaxed ambiance. There are plenty of large tables to celebrate your next special occasion with friends.
What to Order
The sandwiches are the stars at this Ann Arbor restaurant, and you’ve got to try the pulled pork sandwich for yourself. Burger lovers should try the BBQ bacon and beef burger that comes with two-year-aged cheddar cheese.
The Session Room | 3685 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | $$
3. Taste Kitchen
Established in 2014, Taste Kitchen is a New American Ann Arbor restaurant that focuses on a health-conscious menu and serves some of the best Ann Arbor food.
The Vibe
Taste Kitchen is a dimly lit restaurant with cozy vibes for an intimate meal with someone special.
What to Order
The unique fare is beautifully presented and a fun experience from start to finish, with appetizers like Vietnamese spring rolls, mains like delicious shaking beef made from hangar steak and plenty of fresh fish dishes.
Taste Kitchen | 521 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$$
4. Carlyle Grill
Enjoy some classic American food at this Ann Arbor restaurant. Carlye Grill was opened in 2006 and has since earned awards for its all-American cuisine — it’s something of a local institution.
The Vibe
The dark wooden booths and exposed brickwork and beams create a warm, rustic and welcoming environment.
What to Order
Try some of the best Ann Arbor food around, such as the award-winning BBQ baby back ribs that are served with crispy shoestring fries and tangy coleslaw. Finish your meal with a slice of rich carrot cake or creamy tiramisu.
Carlyle Grill | 3660 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | $$
5. Ruth's Chris Steak House
When it comes to restaurants in Ann Arbor, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is the leading champion in providing premium steaks and world-class service.
The Vibe
This Ann Arbor restaurant is the epitome of fine dining with white tablecloths and stylish chandeliers. Enjoy excellent service from friendly wait staff and a fully loaded bar.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong ordering any one of the signature steaks and chops, like the New York strip, which can be paired with comforting garlic mashed potatoes. Alternatively, try the tournedos and cajun-dusted shrimp for something truly luxurious.
Ruth's Chris Steak House | 314 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$$
6. Knight’s Steakhouse
This Ann Arbor restaurant is family-owned and has been providing the people of Ann Arbor with quality food since 1952. By 2001, Knight’s Steakhouse opened a second location and now there are three across Michigan.
The Vibe
The downtown location of Knight’s Steakhouse has a large and elegant dining room with a sweeping bar where diners can sit up on stools, and high ceilings for an airy space.
What to Order
The build-your-own Butcher burger is a great lunchtime option, as is the pan-fried walleye fish with potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Knight’s Steakhouse | Multiple Locations | $$
7. Weber's Restaurant
Looking for date ideas in Ann Arbor? As one of the oldest Ann Arbor restaurants, Weber’s Restaurant has been serving delicious steakhouse fare and unique cocktails since 1937.
The Vibe
A brooding color scheme, stained glass and art deco-inspired booths, paired with crisp white linen tablecloths give this Ann Arbor restaurant a dramatic and elegant appearance — it’s like going back in time to a bygone era.
What to Order
For dinner, we recommend the seared scallops, which are sweet and succulent, or the 28-day aged prime rib served with a loaded baked potato, horseradish cream and house au jus. End your meal with something sweet like the all-American vanilla cheesecake or peanut butter pie.
Weber’s Restaurant | 3050 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | $$$
8. Zingerman’s Roadhouse
Opened in 2003, Zingerman’s Roadhouse is an Ann Arbor restaurant that is all about bringing good American food — with a unique twist — to the community.
The Vibe
Zingerman’s keeps the décor classically American with booth seating and shows off an impressive ceramics collection of figures and other memorabilia.
What to Order
This Ann Arbor restaurant often has new specials for a limited time. Classics that are always on the menu include smothered grits topped with cheddar cheese — the perfect meat-free option. Meat lovers will enjoy the Roadhouse BBQ plate.
Zingerman’s Roadhouse | 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | $$
9. Gandy Dancer
If you’re looking for an upscale and elegant Ann Arbor restaurant, then you’ll want to visit Gandy Dancer. Located inside the restored 1886 Michigan Central Depot, this popular eatery serves exquisite meals.
The Vibe
Gandy Dancer can be described in two words: upscaled elegance. The exposed stonework walls, warm red lanterns and abundance of unusual-shaped windows keep the ambiance bright and airy, while also keeping it cozy.
What to Order
Start with baked ricotta drizzled in honey before enjoying a main meal of crispy and tender lemon chicken (or the lobster if you're feeling decadent). For dessert, you need to try the vanilla bean crème brûlée or the seasonal sorbet.
Gandy Dancer | 401 Depot St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$$
10. Vinology
Wine lovers will enjoy visiting this Ann Arbor restaurant. Vinology is an elegant restaurant that focuses on all things wine and is located in the historic Mayer-Schairer building.
The Vibe
Exposed brick walls, dark wood flooring and hundreds of floating lights make Vinology a warm and cozy restaurant reminiscent of a wine cellar.
What to Order
Enjoy a plate of creamy garlic butter linguine pasta paired with a glass of exceptional white wine. Alternatively, pair cheese and wine with the baked brie, Marcona almond butter, fig jam, truffled farm honey and warm baguette.
Vinology | 110 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
11. Seva
Vegetarian Ann Arbor restaurant, Seva has been serving fresh and imaginative dishes since 1973, cementing it as a staple in the local community.
The Vibe
Seva is a bright and colorful eating experience with wood paneling on the walls, plenty of tables and bar stools, plus twinkling fairy lights and hanging plants.
What to Order
For something light and healthy, we recommend the vegan Cobb salad or the flavorful North African couscous that is served with an authentic stew.
Seva | 2541 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | $$
12. Toastique
Looking for a delicious breakfast in Ann Arbor? If so, visit Toastique — an Ann Arbor restaurant that specializes in fresh fruit juices, gourmet toast and healthy meals.
The Vibe
Toastique is a relaxed eatery that makes use of white walls and light wood furniture to create a fresh, Scandi-inspired space.
What to Order
Gourmet toast is something that this Ann Arbor restaurant excels at — try the Greek version. You can also enjoy a slice of rustico toast with hummus, arugula, marinated tomatoes, olives and red onion.
Toastique | 200 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
13. Mani Osteria
The family-owned Ann Arbor restaurant Mani Osteria has been serving the local community a variety of delicious and authentic Italian cuisine since 2011.
The Vibe
Mid-century elegance with plenty of wooden accents and muted lighting makes this Ann Arbor restaurant a great place to enjoy a special meal with friends or celebrate an occasion.
What to Order
The wood-fired red onion and pistachio pizza is a unique and delicious option for vegetarians and the classic pepperoni is a must-have for meat eaters.
Mani Osteria | 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
14. Café Zola
Opened in 1996 by Hediye Batu and Alan Zakalik, this mainly French Ann Arbor restaurant also offers cuisine from around the world, including Turkish and Mediterranean dishes.
The Vibe
The black and white checkered flooring and exposed brick walls create a European city vibe, while funky artwork and balloon lighting keep the ambiance vibrant.
What to Order
If there’s one thing that Café Zola is famous for, it's brunch. We recommend ordering the smoked salmon omelette or the spicy shakshuka breakfast.
Café Zola | 112 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
15. Palio Restaurant
If you’re looking for an Ann Arbor restaurant that serves some delicious Italian food, then Palio Restaurant is the place for you.
The Vibe
Visiting this Ann Arbor restaurant is like sitting inside a quaint European bar, with flags from different regions of Italy hanging from the ceiling and grape vines draped overhead.
What to Order
Start with classic bruschetta for a light, tomato-heavy appetizer. The Rigatoni Strascicate alla Lucchese is the perfect combination of Italian sausage with peas, tomatoes and Parmesan. The pizza is also divine, especially the pizza carne amore, which features Italian sausage and banana peppers.
Palio Restaurant | 347 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
16. Zola Bistro
The Ann Arbor restaurant, Zola Bistro, belongs to the group that owns Café Zola and places a keen focus on crafting delicious brunch options.
The Vibe
Zola Bistro is a modern and sleek Ann Arbor restaurant with a dark ceiling that creates a chic space in which to eat great food. A huge lit-up wall of wine bottles and balloon lighting suspended from the ceiling make for an atmospheric environment
What to Order
For those wanting something a little healthier, we suggest Turkish eggs. Alternatively, start your day off indulgently with the crispy buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, served with a generous drizzle of Michigan maple syrup, of course.
Zola Bistro | 3030 Washtenaw Ave., Ste. 101 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
17. Slurping Turtle
Try something different at this Ann Arbor restaurant that puts a culinary twist on traditional Japanese dishes. The Slurping Turtle was opened in 2011 and all guests are encouraged to slurp their noodles as a sign of respect and enjoyment!
The Vibe
The Slurping Turtle is all about minimalism: the restaurant uses white countertops and stylish simplicity to transport you to an industrial-chic Tokyo dining experience.
What to Order
Get slurping with the shrimp shio ramen: a satisfying bowl of marinated shrimp, bamboo shoots, poached egg and naruto.
Slurping Turtle | 608 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
18. Kang’s Korean Restaurant
For over 36 years, Kang’s Korean Restaurant has been serving authentic Korean dishes. What started out as a coffee shop eventually evolved into a popular Ann Arbor restaurant celebrating all things Korean.
The Vibe
The white subway tiles against the black ceiling are dramatic and cozy, the perfect location for a relaxed meal with friends and family. That said, the space is definitely on the intimate side, so expect to wait at busy times!
What to Order
Start your culinary adventure with some classic Korean pancakes and then move on to some dishes with heat like the spicy kimchi pork with rice cakes. For those looking for something milder, we suggest the Bibimbap.
Kang’s Korean Restaurant | 1327 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
19. Isalita
The first Mexican Ann Arbor restaurant on our list is Isalita. All of the food on the menu is inspired by street food found in the open-air markets of Mexico City.
The Vibe
Like the food, the vibe at Isalita is bright and fun, with vibrant colored walls, traditional artwork and plenty of space to sit.
What to Order
Enjoy some smokey brisket tacos or the colorful baja fish tacos that are made with pickled red cabbage and mahi mahi. Enjoy your meal with a margarita infused with mango habanero.
Isalita | 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
20. Tio’s Mexican Café
In 1986, Tim and Harriet Seaver opened Tio’s Mexican Café, which serves delicious Tex-Mex food with a focus on using the best-quality ingredients.
The Vibe
Dine under a painted sky at this Ann Arbor restaurant. The bright yellow walls and patterned tiles create a vibrant and exciting space, while the bar is stocked with every kind of liquor imaginable.
What to Order
Go on a journey through the American Southwest by ordering the queso with chips before digging into the lunch burrito stuffed with refried beans, rice, onions, tomatoes and sour cream. For taco fans, the birria tacos are a solid choice.
Tio’s Mexican Café | 401 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
21. Frita Batidos
The last Ann Arbor restaurant on our list is Frita Batidos — a Cuban street food-inspired restaurant that specializes in serving traditional Cuban burgers.
The Vibe
Frita Batidos presents diners with a clean and fresh aesthetic: sparse white walls, floors, ceilings and furniture create an airy and bright space. Sit at shared bench seats — it’s a great way to meet new people!
What to Order
Try the classic beef frita (a Cuban-style burger). The flavorful chorizo frita is also popular, served with shoestring fries, sweet-chili mayo and a fried egg.
Frita Batidos | 117 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | $$
Learn To Cook Ann Arbor Food
Is there a meal you want to experience again but from the comfort of your own kitchen? Learn how to recreate your favorite dishes from these Ann Arbor restaurants and brush up on your cooking skills by joining cooking classes in Ann Arbor. Not only will you learn to recreate your favorite dishes at home, you'll also gain new skills in the kitchen from expert chefs, setting you in good stead for a lifetime of adventurous home cooking.
With options like steakhouses, Italian restaurants, vibrant Asian eateries, street-food inspired Mexican establishments and lots more, what's clear is that Ann Arbor's culinary scene is flourishing. In actual fact, this list covers but a few of the incredible options available, but hopefully our selection gives you the inspiration you need to get out there and experience Ann Arbor's restaurant scene for yourself.
For even more ways to explore restaurants in Ann Arbor and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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