Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers a vibrant culinary scene with a growing emphasis on healthy and accommodating dining options. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking for a nutritious meal, Ann Arbor's restaurants cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. This guide explores some of the best healthy restaurants in Ann Arbor, highlighting their unique offerings and commitment to fresh, flavorful cuisine.
Toastique Ann Arbor: Start Your Day the Healthy Way
Located in the heart of Ann Arbor, Toastique Ann Arbor believes breakfast should be as nourishing as it is flavorful. This café offers a vibrant menu of gourmet toasts, healthy breakfast options, and artisan coffee to fuel your day. If you’re searching for coffee shops in Ann Arbor, Toastique is more than just a café-it’s a community hub. Their espresso bar and carefully sourced coffee beans make them a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. Start your day with a wholesome breakfast in Ann Arbor. From protein-packed toasts to refreshing smoothie bowls, their menu is designed to give you lasting energy. Hosting an office meeting, celebration, or community event? Their catering services bring the Toastique experience to you.
Plant-Based Paradise: Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Eating out on a special diet can be difficult, but Ann Arbor is full of restaurants that are incredibly accommodating towards vegetarians and vegans. There are even several restaurants that cater exclusively to plant-based diners!
Seva: A Vegetarian Nationally Recognized Gem
You might have heard of Seva, recently named one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the nation. An Ann Arbor staple since 1973, this vegetarian restaurant provides fresh ingredients in innovative meals.
Detroit Street Filling Station: A Community Hub with Plant-Based Delights
Detroit Street Filling Station offers exclusively plant-based menus and is well-loved and highly recommended by vegan AND non-vegans alike. Their location isn’t just a restaurant, they’ve created a community. Their mac and cheese is especially noteworthy and the baked goods simply can’t be passed up. Located in the Kerrytown district of downtown Ann Arbor, DSFS is a bright and inviting space. The building is situated on a triangle-shaped lot across from Farmer's Market and the People's Food Co-op. The dining area opens up onto an attractive, covered outdoor patio surrounded by beautiful planters. The indoor space is lined with operable windows, providing fresh air and a nice view of tree-lined Catherine Street. Integral to the ambiance is the blurring of the boundary between indoor and outdoor settings. The design incorporates both historic and modern elements. One of Ann Arbor's most recognizable historic buildings, the Detroit Street Filling Station dates its inception to 1925 as The Staebler Family Oil Company.
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The Staebler Family Oil Company opened a filling station at 300 Detroit Street in 1925. The original pillars and clay tile roof can still be seen inside and outside of the restaurant. By 1967 the building was converted to the Ann Arbor Fish Market. The front drive-through area was enclosed with white stucco, leaving the original brick columns exposed on the corners. Argiero's Italian Restaurant took over the space in 1977. A small addition was made along Detroit Street and the point of the intersection was extended as outdoor dining space. The Lunch Room expanded into this historical landmark and opened Detroit Street Filling Station August 2017. The restaurant's logo is inspired by the history of the building. The giant yellow lightning bolt on the roof is a nod to the original logo of The Staebler Family Oil Company.
Detroit Street Filling Station offers indoor & outdoor dining & carryout. They provide food, drink, and smiles, aiming to build community. Need a complimentary bowl of soup or chili? They are there to help.
OpenTable's Top Healthy Cuisine Restaurants in Ann Arbor
OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months to identify restaurants with the best overall healthy cuisine in Ann Arbor. The results are sorted by location and category to help diners discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review.
Bellflower: Midwestern Comfort with Southern Coastal Flavors
Located in the heart of historic downtown Ypsilanti, just steps from the Riverside Arts Center and the iconic Ypsilanti Water Tower, Bellflower is a vibrant neighborhood restaurant led by 2024 James Beard semifinalist Chef Dan Klenotic. Known for warm hospitality and a menu rooted in Midwestern comfort and Southern coastal flavors, Bellflower has been named one of the Detroit Free Press’s Best New Restaurants and voted Best Restaurant in Washtenaw County by Metro Times. Guests can dine inside or enjoy two outdoor spaces: a covered patio for year-round comfort and an open-air patio for sunny days. Bellflower blends casual elegance with genuine hospitality, making it perfect for everything from brunch and lunch to dinner and special occasions.
Zingerman's Roadhouse: A Celebration of American Foodways
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. They welcome 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 them. Beyond these tried-and-true dishes, the Roadhouse is also a destination for really good BBQ!
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Carlyle Grill: Comfort Food with Regional Ingredients
Carlyle Grill, an Ann Arbor mainstay has proudly served the Ann Arbor Community since 2006. They 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, they pride themselves on providing you the best in flavor - offering generous portions to feed the hungriest of guests. Comfort is the theme at their relaxed, family-friendly restaurant, where the menu runs to familiar, home-style dishes with top-notch regional ingredients. Enjoy their 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. They also have a dedicated, breathtaking dining room available for large reservations or private dining events.
Mediterrano: A Mediterranean Culinary Journey
Immerse yourself in a world of flavors at Mediterrano, where culinary artistry shines. Their menu draws inspiration from over 14 countries, fusing ingredients & spices from Greece to the South of France, Spain, and beyond. Savor the richness of their dishes, from a variety of Mediterranean classics. Each bite is a testament to their commitment to culinary excellence. Complementing their 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 their exceptional restaurant experience, their primary focus is delivering an unparalleled dining experience within their welcoming ambiance. Reserve your table now for a journey into authentic Mediterranean flavors.
The Grateful Crow: Burgers, Sushi, and Hand-Crafted Cocktails
Located in downtown Chelsea, MI, The Grateful Crow burger and sushi restaurant is the perfect solution for diverse palates. With its romantic gothic industrial interior, hand-crafted cocktails and original artwork gracing every turn and table.
Shalimar: Exquisite Indian Cuisine
Welcome to Shalimar, Metro Detroit's finest Indian restaurant, specializing in superb Mughlai cooking of North India and tasty Tandoor delicacies. The magic of Indian cooking is in the blending of spices and other fresh ingredients. At Shalimar they make each entree to satisfy YOU. Representing the best in Indian cuisine, Shalimar offers an atmosphere that will make it an enjoyable experience for all. Serving both lunch & dinner, Shalimar also offers complete event catering & carry out services.
Salt Springs Brewery: Locally Sourced Food and Craft Beverages
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.
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Texas de Brazil: A Brazilian Steakhouse Experience
Texas de Brazil, is a Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, that features endless servings of flame-grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage as well as an extravagant salad area with a wide array of seasonal chef-crafted items.
Café Zola: European and Mediterranean Inspired Cuisine
Café Zola is an independently owned and operated restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in downtown Ann Arbor. Their menus are inspired by flavors and recipes from European and Mediterranean cultures and cuisine, including some Turkish recipes. They 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. Their full service bar features artisanal cocktails, craft beer and a rotating wine selection from various small production vineyards throughout the world.
Zola Bistro: Modern Bistro with Mediterranean Influences
Zola Bistro is a modern, independently owned and operated bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on Ann Arbor’s East Side. Their menus are inspired by flavors and recipes borrowed from European and Mediterranean cultures and cuisine, including some Turkish recipes. They 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. Their 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.
Clean Eating Options: Prioritizing Fresh and Natural Foods
Whether you are craving a flavorful salad or an energizing smoothie made fresh, the Ann Arbor area offers several options to eat clean with plenty of flavor. Eating healthy does not need to be complicated, and we're highlighting vegan and vegetarian dining, juice bars, and restaurants where you can prioritize eating clean. The term "clean eating" refers to foods that remains as close to their natural state as possible, and often includes lean proteins, healthy whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
First Bite: Food 4.0 - Positive Food, Positive Life
Vivek Dalela, the owner of First Bite, uses the phrase "Food 4.0" to reflect their Positive Food, Positive Life philosophy. Located in the heart of Kerrytown, this delicious restaurant features a full vegan menu and seven different mocktails.
Stray Hen Cafe: Healthy Meals and Delicious Breakfast
At Stray Hen Cafe, you cannot go wrong with its options of healthy meals and delicious breakfast dishes like the granola parfait.
Gora’s Grill: Fast-Casual Clean Eating in Ypsilanti
Among the many clean-eating options in the area, Gora’s Grill in Ypsilanti provides a fast-casual option to the selection of eateries.
What’s in your Cup?: Vegan and Dairy-Free Delights
The clean eating experience is versatile within the area, and no place better encapsulates that than 'What’s in your Cup?; in Ypsilanti, where every item is vegan and dairy-free. We recommend trying the Mang, Tang, Bang!
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