Townie Favorites. Why Ann Arbor’s Food Scene Is Worth the Trip
Dining at local restaurants is a top reason why visitors travel to Ann Arbor.
In Ann Arbor, dozens of restaurants are close to new hotels, interesting museums, and the awe-inspiring University of Michigan campus. Cocktail lounges stay open late, with live music, nightlife, and events happening year-round.
Once you’re here, all you have to do is choose between award-winning and nominated restaurants, international or fusion cuisine, or an eclectic collection of local diners.
Create your own tasting tour and discover the food creativity that makes Ann Arbor a Midwest dining destination.
Award-Winning & Nominated Restaurants
Start at these renowned restaurants, often recognized by food foundations such as James Beard. Find out firsthand what all the hype is about.
Aventura – Spanish-inspired restaurant serving Valencian paella. Chef Raúl Cob proudly prepped this signature dish while competing in the World Paella Cup.
Miss Kim – Korean cuisine from Chef Ji Hye Kim, named Best New Chef by Food & Wine, and recognized as a James Beard Best Chef Semifinalist.
Echelon – Wood-fire and vegetable-forward dining with unique presentation, recognized as a James Beard Best New Restaurant Semifinalist.
International Dining Scene
Some of Ann Arbor’s most popular restaurants are inspired by global cuisine and culture. Add these restaurants to your must-visit list.
Blue Nile – Family-owned restaurant serving Ethiopian specialties, including family-style Ethiopian vegetarian feasts, plus coffee and teas.
Totoro – Classic Japanese, contemporary, and regional plates. Voted locally as Best Sushi.
Culantro – Fast-casual Peruvian eatery serving fresh entrees and vegan dishes.
Ethiopian food on a plate at Blue Nile. Woman drinking a beverage at Culantro restaurant with chicken, rice, and beans in her plate.
Culanto. Photo credit Rachel Kawate
Fusion Foods
Chefs are cooking up something original in Ann Arbor, pulling flavorful food influences from their experiences, blended with the dishes that remind us of home.
Peridot – Vietnamese-inspired, shareable plates from Chef Duc, and named Best New Restaurant by Hour Magazine.
Azalea – Contemporary Nikkei cuisine combining Japanese technique with bold Peruvian flavors.
Union Rec – Traditional American comfort food blended with Latin and Asian twists.
Couple eating at Union Rec, Ann Arbor Michigan. Union Rec in Ann Arbor. Couple eating at a booth in a restaurant.
Ann Arbor Townie Favorites
Locals, lovingly known in Ann Arbor as townies, have a few spots they keep coming back to. Here is where to truly dine like a townie.
Spiedo – Mediterranean-ish rotisserie and griddle housed in a vibrant teal and pink building.
Amer’s Deli – Longstanding Mediterranean deli making crepes, pastries, fresh breads, sandwiches, and salads.
West End Grill – Upscale restaurant and grill presenting modern and elevated American cuisine.
The Zingerman’s Experience
The famous Zingerman’s is an Ann Arbor institution. This collection of businesses has helped spotlight Ann Arbor as a food destination.
Baking class at Zingerman's Bakehouse Ruben sandwich from Zingerman's Deli Zingerman's in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Photo credit Corynn Coscia, Zingerman's Bakehouse to the left. Photo credit Ben Milam for middle and right photo.
Food & Wine Magazine named Zingerman’s Deli, known for its renowned Reuben sandwich, as one of the Top 25 Food Markets in the World. Even Oprah Winfrey and Hugh Jackman have tried the deli’s sandwiches!
Try Zingerman’s Roadhouse for breakfast or dinner and get hands-on experience with Bake! baking and cooking classes. Learn how to create the delicious delicacies the business is known for.
However you experience Ann Arbor’s food scene, you can count on delicious diners and local restaurants around every corner. Keep exploring Ann Arbor and plan your trip at AnnArbor.org.