Romantic Ann Arbor Restaurants

Mani Osteria, meaning ‘hand-made’ in Italian, is a family-friendly Italian eatery offering traditional tavern-style fare made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in a casual, laid-back ambiance.

Recommended For: Italian food lovers, families, and anyone craving wood-fired pizzas and creative Italian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

• Indulge in wood-fired artisanal pizzas and other creative Italian dishes, including antipasti, handmade pasta, zuppe, and Insalata.
• Try Grand Piatti such as Whole Bronzino served with salsa verde and grilled lemon or Lamb Chops Scottaditto served with salt-roasted sunchokes, mint, arugula, and lemon.
• Pair your meal with regional craft beers, old and new world wines, and signature cocktails inspired by classic Italian and American spirits.
• Relax in a family-friendly, laid-back atmosphere perfect for a casual meal or celebration.

Mani Osteria, 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: 734-769-6700

Zingerman's Delicatessen is a traditional delicatessen that has been serving freshly made food and selling organic, locally sourced products for over 30 years. Located in a historic building near the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market, this beloved deli offers signature dishes like homemade corned beef, noodle kugel, beef brisket, and hand-shaped, traditionally made Bakehouse Bagels and Magic Brownies.

Recommended For: Lovers of classic deli fare, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking high-quality artisanal products in a charming, historic setting.

• Indulge in signature dishes like homemade corned beef, noodle kugel, beef brisket, and freshly made Bakehouse Bagels and Magic Brownies.
• Shop for artisanal products such as estate-bottled Tuscan olive oil, varietal vinegar, fresh cheeses, charcuterie, and home-roasted coffee.
• Enjoy a wide selection of freshly baked bread, pastries, and old-fashioned candy bars that bring a taste of tradition.
• Relax in the welcoming, historic atmosphere of a local favorite near the vibrant Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market.

Zingerman's Delicatessen, 422 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: 734-663-3354

The Chop House, located on South Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor, is an American prime steakhouse that combines a sophisticated ambiance with a comfortable vibe. Established in 1998, The Chop House offers an exclusive dining experience with exceptional service and outstanding cuisine.

Recommended For: Steak lovers, fine dining enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an elegant dining experience with top-tier service.

• Indulge in the finest USDA 28-day wet-aged prime beef, fresh top-catch seafood, and premium cuts of chicken, lamb, pork, and veal chops.
• Enjoy exquisite dishes in an elegant setting enhanced by ornate gas lamps and exquisite artworks that add a glamorous touch to your meal.
• Explore innovative digital menu tablets that present rich descriptions, food and wine pairing information, and tasting notes for an elevated dining experience.
• Relax in La Dolce Vita’s dessert and cigar lounge, where you can enjoy handcrafted cigars, signature martinis, top-shelf liquors, and decadent house-made desserts.
• Experience a fresh, sophisticated ambiance that impresses even the most discriminating diners.

The Chop House, 322 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: 734-769-5960

Ann Arbor Date Ideas:

Aventura brings Spanish flavor and flair to the streets of Ann Arbor with a unique tapas-style dining experience. Located in one of the town’s oldest downtown buildings, Aventura features original stonework, rustic brick arches, and a sleek interior with a diamond-white bar top.

Recommended For: Lovers of Spanish cuisine, tapas enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a vibrant, shareable dining experience with friends.

• Indulge in fusion tapas designed to share, from bite-sized croquettes to a whole suckling pig for the table, alongside quesos, charcuterie, surtidos, pintxos, sopas, cocos, and paellas.
• Pair your meal with a selection from over 30 Spanish wines, exotic cocktails, and housemade gin and tonics from the lively full-service bar.
• Relax in an inviting atmosphere with original stonework and rustic arches, complemented by a modern and sleek interior design.
• Share a truly unique and vibrant dining experience with friends in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor.

Aventura, 216 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: 734-369-3153

Knight’s Steakhouse is part of the Knight family group of eateries, including Knight’s Market and Knight’s Steakhouse & Grill. Founded by Ray Knight in 1984, this traditional steakhouse serves steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood, chicken, burgers, and a variety of other American dishes.

Recommended For: Steak lovers, those seeking hearty American classics, and anyone looking for a traditional, welcoming dining experience in Ann Arbor.

• Indulge in a variety of hearty dishes, including steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood, chicken, burgers, and more.
• Enjoy daily lunch and dinner specials, such as Pot Roast Wednesdays and Roasted Turkey Tuesdays for a taste of classic comfort food.
• Choose from an à la carte menu or a set banquet menu, featuring a buffet of freshly prepared American cuisine.
• Relax in a traditional setting that offers a welcoming atmosphere for casual meals and special occasions alike.

Knight’s Steakhouse, 2324 Dexter Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: 734-887-6899

Cardamom brings East and West together in culinary style with traditional Indian cuisine rich in flavors, textures, and aromas. Owner Binod Dhakal has crafted a menu that reflects the vast diversity of India, with touches of Western influences, all served in a friendly, inviting atmosphere.

Recommended For: Lovers of Indian cuisine, those seeking unique flavor combinations, and anyone looking for an authentic dining experience with a modern twist in Ann Arbor.

• Indulge in starters like vegetable pakoras, samosas, papri chat, and chicken tikka.
• Savor Tandoori entrées like Chicken Kali Mirch, seekh kebab, achari paneer tikka, and cardamom-infused dishes like Bapu's goat chops, Bihari Kabab, and grilled masala salmon.
• Explore a wide selection of curries, including goat, lamb, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options.
• Finish with sweet desserts like carrot halwa, mango ice cream, and cardamom rice pudding for the perfect end to your meal.
• Refresh with beverages such as coconut water, mango lassi, cardamom tea, ginger beer, and fine loose teas.

Cardamom, 1739 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: 734-662-2877

Pacific Rim by Kana is a casual, relaxed restaurant offering pan-Asian cuisine that reflects Chef Duc’s Asian-American roots. With a unique blend of Chinese-Vietnamese heritage and modern cooking techniques, Chef Duc creates a menu that brings together traditional ingredients and flavors in a contemporary way.

Recommended For: Fans of Asian and fusion cuisine, those seeking innovative dishes, and anyone looking for a relaxed yet flavorful dining experience in Ann Arbor.

• Indulge in signature starters like spring rolls, Thai-style calamari, and zucchini-scallion crepes.
• Savor entrées like Miso-Teriyaki Salmon, Quinoa-Crusted Scallops, Japanese-Style Sablefish, and Goat Cheese Pierogies for a mix of Eastern and Western flavors.
• Delight in desserts such as Chocolate Passionfruit Mousse, Orange Pannacotta, and housemade ice creams and sorbets.
• Refresh with a variety of loose teas, including Ginger Tea and Thai Iced Tea, or enjoy one of their handcrafted cocktails, spirits, wines, or sake.
• Relax in a casual setting that perfectly blends the best of Asian and American culinary traditions.

Pacific Rim by Kana, 114 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: 734-662-9303