Finding the right place to eat near University of Michigan is an important part of a visit to University of Michigan. Whether you are visiting for move-in, orientation, parents weekend, or a prospective student tour, this guide will help you find the right place to take your college student.
Ann Arbor is renowned for its eclectic and vibrant dining scene, offering a diverse array of restaurants that cater to all tastes and preferences. As a local who is now a parent to a University of Michigan student, we are sharing our favorite casual dining locations near campus. This is by no means a comprehensive list. Just a few of our favorites and popular restaurants.
This list of casual restaurants near University of Michigan includes both counter and table service restaurants. We will also be adding a list of more formal, upscale restaurants in time for parents weekend.
We’ve divided the eateries by both type and location, so you can easily find the perfect spot no matter where you are in the city.
A2 for UMich Parents
This post is part of our new section A2 for UMich Parents. My “Ann Arbor Kid” started college in fall 2024! I joined UM parent groups and found parents asking for the local “scoop”. After answering a few questions, other local parents familiar with Ann Arbor with Kids suggested I continue to provide my experience on A2 for UMich Parents.
State Street Area
State Street is on the west side of campus. It is an area of town that attracts both students and townies. Along State St, you will find several university buildings including the Michigan Union, Angell Hall, North Quad, and more. There are numerous dining and retail locations along State Street from William to Washington Sts. There are also restaurants along William St, North University, and Liberty St. The diag runs across campus and ends at State and North University.
Table Service Restaurants in State Street Area of Ann Arbor
Coratti’s Pizzeria
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
Coratti’s Pizzeria opened in summer 2025. They specialize in Neopalitan pizza, but also offer Detroit style pizza, “American” pizza, and Italian dishes.
Next to the restaurant is Pietro’s market which has a gelato stand.
In addition to the pizza, they offer bocce. When we ate there in August 2025, it was $5/person for an hour of Bocce. UM students are $1/hour and UM faculty/staff are half-price. Those prices almost seem too good to be true, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the rates go up – especially the student rate. Bocce is very popular and you can call to reserve a lane. We visited on a Thursday night in mid-August. At 6:30p, the next available lane was at 8:30p. We will call in advance next time.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted
Ondo Bakery
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Breakfast, Coffee Shop
Ondo Bakery is a coffee shop with baked goods. In addition to sweet items, they offer a few savory rolls.
We have visited several times – both for a light brunch and for sweets.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
Slurping Turtle
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese, Sushi
Slurping Turtle offers sushi, bao, slurps (ramens), stir-fry and more. They started in Chicago in 2011 and opened in 2014.
They make their ramen noodles in house.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options:
Bodega Bros
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Breakfast, Deli
Bodega Bros opened in spring 2024 on North University. They are recreating a NYC Bodega with 24 hour service, deli food, and a wide menu. They’ll serve breakfast or dinner any time of the day (or night).
My husband has eaten there and suggested we try it out. We just haven’t had a chance to give it a try yet.
They offer sandwiches, wraps, omelets, acai bowls, smoothies & milkshakes and more.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
Iggy’s Eggies
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Breakfast
Iggy’s Eggies is a breakfast and lunch restaurant on Liberty near Ann Arbor. Their original location is in Detroit and the Ann Arbor location opened recently.
We haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but it is on our list to try. Their specialty is “jammy-yolk egg” sandwiches. At lunch they also have smash burgers and chicken sandwiches.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
New York Pizza Depot
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
New York Pizza Depot is a “hole in the wall” pizza joint serving New York style slices. Enjoy a slice, but don’t forget to add the garlic knots.
In addition to New York Style, they also offer Chicago and Detroit style, but we like to stick with their NY style. Or, branch out into a calzone or roll. Beyond pizza, they offer subs, burgers, and Italian specialties.
Visit on Tuesday night, they have a $2/slice special.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options:
TK Wu
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
TK WU is an authentic Chinese restaurant.
My daughter came by as I was writing this, and recommends ordering tea with your meal. While we enjoy many of their dishes, we are not a fan of their sweet sauces.
Days Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options:
HopCat
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Bar and Grill
HopCat offers American bar & grill fare with burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and their Cosmik Fries (originally called Crack Fries).
For an appetizer, try the pretzel nuggs. For sandwiches, I am partial to the Madtown Grilled Cheese. My husband always picks a burger.
They offer vegan options in tacos, burger (Beyond), and several additional vegetarian options.
The kids menu is adorably called the HopKittens menu.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted
Tomukun Restaurant
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Tomukun offers both a Noodle Bar and a Korean BBQ. They are located next door to each other.
We have eaten on both sides, but prefer the noodle bar. The Noodle Bar has various types of noodles – Udon, Pho, Ramen, Stir fries and rice dishes.
At the Korean BBQ, each table has its own grill to cook their own meats and vegetables. They also serve pre-cooked stir fries, hot pots, and other entrees.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options:
Totoro
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese, Sushi
Totoro serves Bento Boxes, Sushi, Udon, and other Japanese inspired dishes.
Our family enjoys Totoro for lunch when they have a great deal on the Bento Boxes.
Days Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options:
Chain Restaurants on State St in Ann Arbor
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Panera Bread
- Noodles & Company
- Chipotle
- Potbelly
- Sweetgreen
- Starbucks
- Dunkin (coming soon)
In addition to the casual restaurants, there are a few upscale restaurants in the State St area. These include Knight’s Steakhouse and Taste Kitchen.
South University St
South University is mostly a student area of town. It also has a number of bars frequented by older students. As a townie, we spend less time on this part of campus so I don’t have as many personal recommendations to add yet. South University features mostly counter service and casual restaurants.
No Thai
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
No Thai is a local fast casual chain offering Thai food cooked to order.
With 3 locations walkable from different parts of UM’s campus plus a location outside downtown on S. Main St, they are well positioned to serve Ann Arbor.
You can’t go wrong with their Pad Thai, Drunken Fried Rice or Drunken Noodles, or other dishes. I’ve also enjoyed their appetizers like crab rangoon. Their portions are always large and feed us for 2-3 meals – perfect to send your college student home with leftovers.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
Joe’s Pizza
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine:
Joe’s Pizza serves New York Pizza by the slice. The Ann Arbor location opened in September 2019 as their first non-NYC location.
They offer both traditional NYC slices, and slices with an Ann Arbor flair including Zingerman’s cheese.
They are located steps off the UM campus at the southeast corner of the Diag.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
Pizza House
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine:
Pizza House has an extensive menu which features pizza in various styles from hand tossed to Sicilian Deep Dish to Chicago Deep Dish or Chicago Stuffed.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted, Other Online Ordering
Kerrytown Restaurants
Kerrytown is a couple of blocks from main campus, but easily walkable. Here you will find the iconic Zingerman’s Deli. While in this area, be sure to browse the shops at Kerrytown Market or visit the Ann Arbor Farmers Market on Saturdays year round and Wednesdays May through October.
Little Kim
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Asian, Korean, Vegan, Vegetarian
Little Kim is a new fast-casual Korean inspired restaurant featuring vegetarian and vegan dishes.
From Chef Ji Hye Kim of Miss Kim, Little Kim provides a grab-and go lunch option – with a few dining tables inside the restaurant and outside in the Kerrytown courtyard. Note they are only open until 5p.
Days Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
Miss Kim
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Miss Kim is one of my favorites – and has been my birthday meal choice several times! It is part of the Zingerman’s family of businesses and features Korean food.
My family’s recommendation – start with the smashed potatoes appetizer! The soy butter rice is also fantastic.
It can be a bit noisy inside, but they do have outdoor picnic tables.
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Days Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted, Order by Snackpass, Other Online Ordering
Detroit Street Filling Station
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Vegan
Detroit Street Filling Station offers both indoor and outdoor dining of their vegan menu.
Their dishes feature a variety of cuisines such as Mexican tacos and burritos, fried rice and pad thai, and more.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
Zingerman’s Deli
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Deli
No list of where to eat in Ann Arbor would be complete without Zingerman’s Deli!
They offer a Jewish deli experience with tons of sandwich options sure to please many diners. They can accommodate a variety of diets including gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian.
They do get very crowded on weekends – especially home football games, move-in and other busy weekends with wait times for sandwiches topping an hour.
We like to place our order on SnackPass so it is ready when we arrive instead of waiting for the sandwiches to be made. You can’t pre-select a time, so I start watching the prep time to place my order at the right time.
After your meal, stop by the Zingerman’s Next Door cafe to try some sweets including gelato.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Order by Snackpass
No Thai
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
No Thai is a local fast casual chain offering Thai food cooked to order.
With 3 locations walkable from different parts of UM’s campus plus a location outside downtown on S. Main St, they are well positioned to serve Ann Arbor.
You can’t go wrong with their Pad Thai, Drunken Fried Rice or Drunken Noodles, or other dishes. I’ve also enjoyed their appetizers like crab rangoon. Their portions are always large and feed us for 2-3 meals – perfect to send your college student home with leftovers.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
Main Street Area Casual Dining Restaurants
Here are some great options for Main Street Area restaurants. We will be building this area out, in the next two weeks. Two Ann Arbor classics in this area are Fleetwood Diner and Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger. They are considerably more casual than most of the Main Street area restaurants.
The list of Main Street Restaurants does not include higher end table service restaurants like The Earle, Pacific Rim, West End Grill, Vinology, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and more.
Culantro
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Latin American
Culantro is a newer Peruvian restaurant on North Main Street. They opened in late 2023.
Culantro is a bit of a cross between a counter service and table service restaurant. We ordered at the counter but they delivered our food – on real plates. They also bussed the tables for us.
Their menu included 2 vegan entrees.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
Fleetwood Diner
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Breakfast
Fleetwood Diner is a 24 hour diner known for their Hippie Hash – hash browns, vegetable additions, and topped with eggs. In addition to Hippie Hash and omelets, they also offer sandwiches and burgers.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options:
Earthen Jar
Restaurant Type: Buffet
Cuisine: Indian
Earthen Jar is a vegetarian, kosher Indian Buffet with your plate priced per pound.
Days Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Plan Ahead Options:
Jerusalem Garden
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Jerusalem Garden offers a variety of Middle Eastern dishes. Enjoy their falafel, shwarma, hummus, and more. They offer both sandwiches and plates.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: African
Blue Nile is an Ann Arbor staple where you share a plate and bread. . Order an all-you-can-eat vegetarian feast for the table and try their vegetarian dishes. Each person can then add-on the meat dishes they want to.
Days Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted
Mani Osteria
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: European, Italian, Pizza
Mani specializes in wood fired pizzas and pastas. Tuesdays through Thursdays they only offer dinner. They are also open for both lunch and dinner on Fridays-Sundays.
I recommend sharing the pickled tomatoes to start..
They accept reservations for groups of 6 or more. They have both indoor and outdoor seating.
Days Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted
Avalon Bakery
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: American, Breakfast
Avalon Bakery is a bakery and cafe offering breakfast and lunch.
Enjoy breakfasts like brioche French Toast, Omelets, Eggs Benedict, or Avocado Toast. Or pick a more traditional lunch like a burger, BLT, or Salad.
In summer 2025, they moved from their Liberty St location to share a kitchen with Pretzel Bell.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
TAQ – Taqueria
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Mexican
TAQ offers tacos in a fusion of flavors. Tacos are sold individually with a recommendation of 2-3 mix & match tacos to make a meal. But, we have also gone in for a light meal and just done one taco each.
Over several visits we have enjoyed Asian, Caribbean, and Latin flavors in various taco. At lunch on the weekend you can enjoy sweet waffle tacos or savory breakfast tacos. I also recommend their Chips with Elote Corn as a starter.
TAQ has very limited indoor seating. During nice weather they have outdoor seating greatly increasing their service capacity.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted
Grizzly Peak Brewing Company
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: American, Bar and Grill
Grizzly Peak Brewing Company is a local brew pub. They offer American cuisine in addition to their craft beer. Check out their pizzas, sandwiches, or entrees.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted
Jolly Pumpkin Brewery
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: American, Bar and Grill
Jolly Pumpkin is a local brewpub. Their food specialties are individual pizzas and sandwiches/burgers.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted, Other Online Ordering
Shalimar Restaurant
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Shalimar offers North Indian food on Ann Arbor’s Main Street. At lunch they offer a buffet with a variety of dishes or you can order from the regular menu.
We have enjoyed many of their dishes. I do enjoy the lunch buffet where I can sample a variety of dishes.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted
Palio Restaurant
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Italian
Palio Restaurant is an Italian restaurant offering Tuscan inspired dishes. In the warmer months, take advantage of dining on their rooftop.
Their menu seems to have shrunk over the years, but still offers a variety of pasta dishes as well as seafood and chicken.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Reservations Accepted
Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub
Restaurant Type: Table Service
Cuisine: Bar and Grill, European
Are you looking to catch an international football match? This is the place to go! They frequently air games from various European leagues and international tournaments.
They offer traditional Irish Fare. Some of our favorites are the Shepherd’s Pie, Fish & Chips and the Guinness & Jameson BBQ Pork sandwich. I used to love their Mussels appetizer, but it is no longer on the menu.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options:
Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: American
While their location has changed a few times, Blimpy Burger is an Ann Arbor tradition since 1953. As the name implies, they are the place to go for burgers. Be sure to check out the How to Order page on their website to simplify your visit.
Days Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options:
Frita Batidos
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Latin American
Frita Batidos serves Cuban Street Food. Fritas are inspired by traditional Cuban burgers and served with shoestring fries on top. Fritas come in Chorizo, beef, chicken, fish, and black bean versions. A Batido is inspired by a traditional Cuban milkshake with fresh fruit, ice cream, and crushed ice.
Beyond the Fritas and Batidos, I also enjoy the Best Snack Ever. Don’t miss their churros for dessert.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options:
North Campus Area Restaurants
North Campus is less convenient to downtown restaurants. You will need to take the bus or drive to any of the State, South U, or Main St restaurants. These restaurants are located on Plymouth Rd, Some of them are walking distance (1/2-1 mile) from North Campus dorms. We are still working on our list in this area since it is not an area of town we have traditionally spent a lot of time.
Haifa Falafel
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Haifa Falafel has had a location on Washtenaw Avenue for years. They recently opened a second location in the Courtyard shops on Plymouth Rd. I am not sure when they opened, but I first noticed them in August 2025.
My daughter is happy for the option near north campus.
Days Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options: Call Ahead Seating Option, Other Online Ordering
Cardamom
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Indian
Cardamom offers fresh Indian food and is a popular location for both dine-in and take-out in Ann Arbor. They offer a selection of curries both vegetarian and with meats.
Days Open: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Plan Ahead Options:
No Thai
Restaurant Type: Counter Service
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
No Thai is a local fast casual chain offering Thai food cooked to order.
With 3 locations walkable from different parts of UM’s campus plus a location outside downtown on S. Main St, they are well positioned to serve Ann Arbor.
You can’t go wrong with their Pad Thai, Drunken Fried Rice or Drunken Noodles, or other dishes. I’ve also enjoyed their appetizers like crab rangoon. Their portions are always large and feed us for 2-3 meals – perfect to send your college student home with leftovers.
Days Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Plan Ahead Options: Other Online Ordering
Gone but not Forgotten Restaurants
Several popular long-time restaurants have closed in recent years. You may see them on other lists of where to eat near campus, but they are sadly no longer options..
- Angelo’s (Ann St) closed in December 2023 and sold their property to the University.
- The Original Cottage Inn (William St) – closed in early 2024 – A new pizza and bocce restaurant will be opening in their place
- Neopapalis (William St) – closed after a fire in 2021. Pita Way has had coming soon signs for awhile.
