Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Ann Arbor

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Ann Arbor? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Mani Osteria

4.9

4.9 (215)

$31 to $50

Italian

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

Mani Osteria & Bar, our locally owned family-friendly Italian restaurant, has been serving wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and signature antipasti since 2011. You can find us in downtown Ann Arbor.

We take advance reservations for parties of 6 or more. Please note that not all of our large tables are displayed online, so please contact us to check for additional availability. We will do all we can to accommodate your group.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 4 days ago

Loved everything from the food to the service, but the one downfall this restaurant has is the noise level. You’re close in seating arrangements and the acoustics aren’t good so the noise level is high at full capacity. We had a business dinner and it was quite hard to hear at times. Other than that, I love it!

Zingerman's Roadhouse

4.7

4.7 (3922)

$31 to $50

American

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

The seventh member of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Roadhouse opened in 2003 with the vision of bringing really good American food to the community. The Roadhouse has worked hard to create its own truly unique food culture, transforming high-quality ingredients into traditional, full-flavored dishes after years of studying American foodways.

With chef Bob Bennett at the helm of the kitchen, and our James Beard Award nominated staff’s dedication to great service, the Roadhouse draws in regulars from all over. We welcome our fans from right down the block or from all over the country. Buttermilk Fried Chicken, award-winning Mac ‘n Cheese, NOLA Gumbo, Nashville Hot Chicken, Oyster Po’Boys, full-flavored burgers, and Donut Sundaes are just a few Roadhouse specialties that people look forward to every time they dine with us. Beyond these tried-and-true dishes, the Roadhouse is also a destination for really good BBQ!

Top review

Vivian

Dined 4 days ago

Great lunch with colleagues. People enjoyed the food, liked being at zingermans and trying their “famous” dishes.

Weber's Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (4828)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

Weber’s Restaurant is an Ann Arbor tradition serving authentic Classic American cuisine from our kitchen and bakery since 1937. Famous for prime rib and live Maine lobster, Weber’s offers a crowd pleasing selection of broiled steaks, local seafood, and house made desserts. Weber’s ambient dining room features stunning A-frame architecture with large vintage stained glass windows. An award winning wine selection and baby grand piano round out the perfect dining experience. Follow up dinner with a visit to attached bar, The Habitat, for a night cap, live weekend jazz and dancing.

Top review

Wilma

Dined 6 days ago

There was a pianist and bass player performing throughout our time dining. Otherwise soft holiday music. All tables occupied. Staff quietly and expertly serving all in a timely fashion.

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4.7

4.7 (1525)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

Immerse yourself in a world of flavors at Mediterrano, where culinary artistry shines. Our menu draws inspiration from over 14 countries, fusing ingredients & spices from Greece to the South of France, Spain, and beyond.

Savor the richness of our dishes, from a variety of Mediterranean classics. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to culinary excellence.

Complementing our offerings is an extensive, expertly curated wine list. Delight in a selection thoughtfully chosen to enhance your dining experience, catering to both wine enthusiasts and those seeking the perfect pairing.

While renowned for our exceptional restaurant experience, our primary focus is delivering an unparalleled dining experience within our welcoming ambiance. Reserve your table now for a journey into authentic Mediterranean flavors. Your extraordinary dining experience awaits.

Top review

Robert

Dined 5 days ago

Our waiter Dmitri was very attentive and pleasant to us. He gave phenomenal service during our lunch there the other day. He even recognized my birthday with a dessert of my choice! It's been a few years since we dined at Mediterrano, but we will definitely be back soon!

The Earle

4.7

4.7 (3879)

$50 and over

French

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

An award winning Ann Arbor institution since 1977, The Earle serves a rotating menu of fine Italian and French cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Selections include lamb chops, veal, beef tenderloin, salmon, duck breast, sea scallops and more. Live jazz plays Tuesday through Saturday in the dining room. The Earle's nationally recognized wine list (Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence) offers over 1,400 selections. Three private rooms are available and accommodate groups from 6 to 48.

If you have any questions or are interested in a party of 9 or larger, please call 734-994-0211.

Top review

Madison

Dined 4 days ago

The server was really sweet, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lovely! There was a very talented pianist and everyone was very kind!

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Popular dish

Salmon in Puff Pastry

Popular dish

French Onion Soup

Carlyle Grill

4.7

4.7 (1630)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

Carlyle Grill, an Ann Arbor mainstay has proudly served the Ann Arbor Community since 2006. We work with some of Michigan’s finest food producers and purveyors to bring you the freshest offerings around. From steak dinners to burgers and salads and everything in between, we pride ourselves on providing you the best in flavor – offering generous portions to feed the hungriest of guests.

Comfort is the theme at our relaxed, family-friendly restaurant, where the menu runs to familiar, home-style dishes with top-notch regional ingredients. Enjoy our welcoming atmosphere featuring colorful yet classic design elements – bringing in added warmth and comfort with deep mahogany accents and large flagstone columns in our main dining room.

During the warmer seasons, take advantage of the two open-air dining areas surrounding the restaurant. We also have a dedicated, breathtaking dining room available for large reservations or private dining events.

Top review

EmilyVIP

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

The food and ambiance is always excellent and our favorite server Caitlin does an impeccable job and is always top notch!

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Popular dish

Carrot Cake

The Session Room

4.6

4.6 (691)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

Celebrating craft beer and quality food using local vendors and products. Housed in a conversion of a 6,000 sq. ft. brick machine shop on Jackson road, with 70 rotating taps and a large covered beer garden.

Top review

Adam

Dined 1 day ago

Great updates. I would bring lights down. It is very bright very very bright.

Salt Springs Brewery

4.6

4.6 (832)

$30 and under

Brewery

Saline

About the restaurant

"Mammoths & saber-tooth tigers once roamed these lands in search of their rich salts. Paleo-Indians hunted, farmed and raised families here because of the salt springs. Early settlers named their town Saline after the salt springs, and now in this stunning +120 year-old former church, so does this brewery.

Salt Springs Brewery offers lovingly crafted & locally sourced food, true-to-style ales, wine, cider, and craft cocktails. Located in the heart of Saline, complete with an outdoor Biergarten and main dining room filled with the original stained from 1899, Salt Springs Brewery will quench your thirst and nourish your soul."

Top review

Gene

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Celebrating birthday tonight and Stephanie did great job. Well done.

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Popular dish

BELT Pizza

Experience

Brunch at the Brewery

Experience

Half Time

Zola Bistro

4.3

4.3 (828)

$30 and under

Contemporary French / American

Ypsilanti

About the restaurant

Zola Bistro is a modern, independently owned and operated bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on Ann Arbor’s East Side.

Our menus are inspired by flavors and recipes borrowed from European and Mediterranean cultures and cuisine, including some Turkish recipes. We are committed to sourcing the most fresh and the highest quality ingredients available and supporting local businesses, farms and suppliers.

Zola Bistro’s seasonal menus emphasize organic and local produce, dairy, eggs, poultry, meat and seafood.
Our full service bar features artisanal cocktails, local craft on draft and a rotating wine selection that has been selected from various small production vineyards throughout the world.

Top review

William

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

Food was great! The service from Hadlea wonderful since she made great recommendations and provided tiptop service

Cafe Zola

4.1

4.1 (1004)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

Café Zola is an independently owned and operated restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in downtown Ann Arbor. Our menus are inspired by flavors and recipes borrowed from European and Mediterranean cultures and cuisine, including some Turkish recipes. We are committed to sourcing the freshest and highest quality ingredients available and supporting local businesses, farms, and suppliers. Café Zola’s seasonal menus emphasize organic and local produce, dairy, eggs, poultry, meat and seafood. Our full service bar features artisanal cocktails, happy hour specials, and a rotating wine selection chosen from various small production vineyards throughout the world.

Reservations move you to the top of the list.
You may still wait 10-30 minutes.
We may use more than one table for large groups.
If you are interested in a reservation for a large group or special event, please contact us directly.

Top review

Colleen

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

I love Zola but it is so loud and people packed into the space. Wish they would fix both of those annoyances but then again others may like the energy.

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