Ann Arbor, Michigan is starting to become well known as a culinary mecca with literally hundreds of well-reviewed restaurants within walking distance of the campus and downtown hotels in Ann Arbor. Current Magazine recently released its “Best of Washtenaw County” issue where Current readers from around the area pick their favorite restaurants from around the area. So, this month, let’s talk about the Downtown Ann Arbor restaurants readers chose and add a few more that will be of interest to visiting foodies.

Best Fine Dining Restaurants

was carried by Pacific Rim a fine-dining Japanese restaurant located at 114 West Liberty (the Japanese-Style Sablefish is well worth the trip). Other great fine-dining options include Logan (American Cuisine) and Grange Kitchen and Bar (Locally-Sourced Farm-to-Table). Wine and Cheese bar Restaurant Spencer is so highly thought of that even the New York Times gave it a favorable review.

Best Chinese restaurant

chosen was TK-Wu which can be found at 510 East Liberty, TK’s is a family business (the name was chosen because TK are the first initials of the owner’s two children). TK’s is known for it’s unbeatable combination of taste, portion size, and price. Another great option is One Bowl at 1220 South University Avenue.

Best Burger

Current’s readers went to long-time, and well deserved, area favorites in Ann Arbor’s Blimpy Burger and Ypsilanti’s Sidetrack Bar and Grill. One name, however that should always be shouted loudly in any local burger contest is Frita Batidos.

Best Japanese restaurant

Tops in the Japanese category was sushi from the Ann Arbor location of Yotsuba but this a pretty hotly contested category with a wide variety of sushi options in the campus and downtown Ann Arbor areas. Some other popular options close to your hotel in Ann Arbor are Miki and Sadako.

Current chose not to cover area Steak restaurants, but a few consistently reliable options are The Chop House located at 322 S. Main Street and Ruth Chris at 314 S. Fourth Avenue.

Best Korean restaurant

If is more to your liking, Current’s top pick was Tomukun Noodle Bar at 505 East Liberty. If you have a passion for Ramen bowls (and we do) it is hard to go wrong at Tomukun Noodle Bar but they also have a connected Korean BBQ restaurant of the same name. There are also plenty of quick lunch counter style Korean restaurants all over downtown Ann Arbor like University Cafe.

Best Indian restaurant in Ann Arbor

The vote for the best Indian restaurant in Ann Arbor went to Cardamom at 1739 Plymouth Road which consistently and deservedly is recognized as one of the best restaurants in the area.

Best New restaurant

In the New Restaurants in Ann Arbor category, the winner was Mikette Bistro and Bar designed to bring a taste of Southern France to all of us in Washtenaw County and the runner up was Avalon Cafe and Kitchen (and Bakery).

Best Italian restaurant

Honors for best Italian went to Gratzi which is located at 326 South Main Street (try the Veal Chop). Also notable was Mani Osteria & Bar.

Best Deli:

as always, went to our world famous Zingerman’s Delicatessen located in nearby Kerrytown (just about a mile and a half from campus).

Also, If you are planning to visit Ann Arbor to take a food tour, twice a year (in January and June) Ann Arbor celebrates “Restaurant Week” where most of the Downtown restaurants create special menus at fixed prices.

We hope that you enjoy your trip and that while you are here you take full advantage of all of the great food Ann Arbor has to offer!

The Secret: The Bell Tower is Within Walking Distance

Staying at the Bell Tower, will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances (and all just minutes from the best in Ann Arbor lodging, the Bell Tower Hotel.

Please let us help you with planning, logistics, or whatever you need to have the best possible time while you are staying with us!

When you look for the best Ann Arbor hotel, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you! If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010 or at www.BellTowerHotel.com.