Restaurants know better than anyone that people don’t like going out when it is cold. That is why so many of them are teaming up with Main Street Ann Arbor for the 2026 Restaurant Week from January 18 to 23 with so many deals that anyone can go out and be a part of what makes A2 a great place to live and really feel included within the wider community.
“Restaurant Week continues to evolve each year, and 2026 brings some exciting additions. We’re thrilled to welcome new participants like Echelon, Saigon Kitchen & Bar and Bori Korean Kitchen, along with unique experiences such as Zingerman’s Roadhouse hosting a brunch pop-up at Greyline while their location is under construction, and the reopening of TAQ in its new location just in time to serve the community,” Main Street Ann Arbor Executive Director Ashley Shafer said. “For first-time Restaurant Week guests, this is a great opportunity to explore multiple restaurants at a fraction of the cost, making it easy to discover new favorites. Paired with Downtown’s Conquer the Cold, running January 12 through February 12, it’s the perfect time to get downtown and enjoy Ann Arbor’s dining scene.”
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The really nice thing about it is the price. Ann Arbor has long had an affordability problem, especially in downtown and the cost of living crisis is driving politics these days. But during Restaurant Week, you can eat out at any of the restaurants in the list bellow at a fixed rate. At restaurants where meals can regularly be $20, $30, or even higher you can get lunches “starting at $15” and “dinner starting at $28” according to a press release from Main Street Ann Arbor.
“Restaurant week, for us, is a way of reaching new customers that maybe haven’t been to Peridot in the past. We don’t necessarily see it as a way to compete with fast food or food delivery services, because what we offer, what people seek us out for, is completely different. People come to Peridot to be out, to enjoy the space to be with friends, to have a great cocktail. So for RW we offer a more streamlined menu, at a discount, which is great for this week where you have a bunch of new people coming through the door, looking to try the food and the space,” Adam Lowenstein, a partner at Watershed Hospitality—whose restaurants include Peridot, The Last Word, Good Time Charlies and Cantina Taqueria—said.
TAQ has been one of the most successful of Main Street’s relatively new establishments with its haute couture approach to tacos. It might be surprising that they started moving out during their holiday break, but that is only because they are moving across the alley, to a much larger space in the building at the southwest corner of Fourth and Liberty that once held Avalon; taking up its larger space with much larger groups.
“Our new space is much larger with 45 tables and ample bar seating available daily. There are a variety of seating options available inside, including high tops, 2-tops, 4-tops, and the ability to combine certain tables to accommodate up to 25 people at a single banquette,” TAQ says on their website.
They reopened on January 10. And with so much money and effort put into their new space, they are going to be pulling out all of the stops for new and returning customers, but they are far from the only option for Restaurant Week. Some will even be offering specials, like the folks at Blom Meadery.
“We offer a ‘Nosh for 2’ special, which includes a flight of six session meads and ciders, a warm hand pie with seasonal fillings, smoked Michigan whitefish pate with chips, and a spiced cheesecake with roasted apples and cardamom crumble. Several of the items included are vegetarian and gluten free,” Lauren Bloom, the co-owner of Blom Mead + Cider, said. “Having a week to highlight our food offerings is helpful, so folks have it on their radar and know they could come in and have snacks or a meal while they drink, play trivia, play a board game, meet with friends and so on. With more eyes on restaurants that week, and with folks feeling particularly eager to try something new, it gives our food menu a little more exposure!”
And despite the name, the over 50 participating restaurants are by no means limited to downtown. You can find deals as far afield as Dixboro, to the southside, to Jackson Road.
Ann Arbor’s Restaurant Week
Ashley’s
One of Ann Arbor’s quintessential college bars is located directly across State Street from the Diag. It boasts one of Ann Arbor’s biggest whiskey collections and according to the bar’s website, “Ashley’s will have a great three course dinner for two deal during Ann Arbor Restaurant Week, plus two special events. A Chimay Belgian Beer Dinner on Wednesday January 21 and a Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky Tasting on Thursday January 22.” Reservations are limited.
Avalon Cafe + Kitchen
This local chain focuses on Americana breakfast, brunch and lunch options using bread baked on the East Side of Detroit and food made to meet a high standard of quality. As Current reported last year, it is now in its new location across from the Cherry Republic on Main Street.
Aventura
A tapas restaurant located on Washington Street, west of Fifth Avenue and east of east of the alley before Fourth.
Azalea
An Asian restaurant located between Connor O’Neill’s and The Ark, on Main Street.
Black Pearl
A seafood restaurant who expanded last summer into the former Starbucks that they used to neighbor at the southwestern corner of Main and Liberty. They have developed a special three course menu for Ann Arbor Restaurant Week.
First Course
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- Fried Brussels – “bacon, hummus, truffle honey, black pepper, peanuts and parmesan” or Half Seasonal Salad – “ kale and arugula, mint pomegranate, vinaigrette, candied pecans, Manchego cheese, and Honeycrisp apple”
OR: - Seafood Gumbo – “Andouille sausage, tiger shrimp, holy trinity, ham stock, chicken stock and okra”.
- Fried Brussels – “bacon, hummus, truffle honey, black pepper, peanuts and parmesan” or Half Seasonal Salad – “ kale and arugula, mint pomegranate, vinaigrette, candied pecans, Manchego cheese, and Honeycrisp apple”
Second course
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- Za’atar Salmon – “pan-seared Alaskan salmon, eggplant tagine, wilted spinach, smoked cauliflower and tofu puree, topped with a micro cilantro, toasted almonds, fried chick peas, lemon oil and smoked sea salt”
or the - Fish Tacos – “tortilla crusted tilapia, cumin, chipotle mayo, spicy cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, lime and corn tortilla.” A vegetarian version of that dish is available.
- Shrimp and Andouille Penne – “blackened shrimp and andouille sausage with stewed kimchi and tomato marinara, English peas, roasted peppers and spinach. Topped with shaved Manchego, chili oil, green onion, and gochugaru”
- or the Big Love Roll – “shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, cream cheese, crab topped with a tropical sauce, sweet chili, eel sauce and tempura crunch”
- or the Spicy Tuna Roll – “spicy tuna salad, cucumber, avocado, jalapeno, siracha, tobiko.
- Za’atar Salmon – “pan-seared Alaskan salmon, eggplant tagine, wilted spinach, smoked cauliflower and tofu puree, topped with a micro cilantro, toasted almonds, fried chick peas, lemon oil and smoked sea salt”
Third Course
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- a Tres Leches Carrot Cake – “soaked carrot cake with crème cheese frosting, dusted with cinnamon sugar and candied pecans”
- or a Chocolate Torte – “flourless chocolate cake topped with chocolate ganache and fresh berries.”
Bløm
Blom is located on the ground floor of the Courthouse Square Senior Apartments The space operates as the Curious Coffee café during the day.
Blue Llama Jazz Club & Restaurant
The jazz club on Main Street, located between Le Dog and Connor O’Neill’s.
Bori Korean Kitchen & Bar
This newly opened Korean restaurant, recently reviewed by this magazine, is on the second floor above The Jolly Pumpkin’s Ann Arbor location.
Cafe Zola
A café and bistro located across from the old Keys Building on West Washington Street.
Chapala
This fun and reliably tasty Mexican restaurant is located across Main Street from the Washtenaw County Building. It is a great choice for a drink, lunch or dinner, especially if you like a lot of cilantro.
Conor O’Neill’s
Main Street’s traditional Irish pub is located directly across from the Ginza Marketplace on South Main.
Detroit Pizza Pub
The Detroit Pizza pub is a fairly new edition to North Main Street. It is located between Chapala and Bao Space.
Dixboro House
The Dixboro House is a fine dining establishment located in a former 1800s farmhouse. It primarily serves the ex-urban and rural community located between Plymouth and Ann Arbor.
Echelon Kitchen & Bar
Main Street has always been the most prestigious and competitive neighborhood in Ann Arbor, especially when it comes to restaurants, and with very few exceptions, it has always been where Ann Arbor’s best eateries have congregated. Echelon specializes in sustainable food practices and turning an absolutist approach to preventing food waste into a creative spirit of producing an ever-changing menu that finds creative ways to make new creations into something luxurious and delicious. They can be found where the former Mongolian BBQ used to be, at the southeastern corner of Main and Washington Streets.
Gandy Dancer
The building that houses the Gandy Dancer was originally built as Ann Arbor’s train station in 1886. From the dinning room you can watch the Wolverine Amtrak train come past on its route between Pontiac and Chicago. “The Gandy Dancer restaurant is known for its creative preparations of seafood, steaks and pasta dishes,” according to Destination Ann Arbor. They added that the former depot is “is both an architectural landmark as well as an elegant restaurant. The fine cuisine and sophisticated, historic atmosphere also makes a lovely setting for rehearsal dinners and receptions.”
Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.
This microbrewery stands across the street from Frita Batidos on West Washington. According to the University of Michigan Alumni Association “Alumni Association members can get a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees when dining at Grizzly Peak.”
Heidelberg
German pub food meets American bar food in this three story bar. It is across Main Street from the Wayne County building.
HopCat
HopCat has several locations across Michigan. Ann Arbor’s HopCat is located just north of the parking structure on Maynard Street.
Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery
The Jolly Pumpkin also has several locations. The Ann Arbor one is on South Main.
Le Bon Macaron
This French candy maker has locations in Holland and Grand Rapids as well as in Ann Arbor. You can find the one participating in Ann Arbor Restaurant Week on Fourth Avenue, between Washington and Liberty. According to Destination Ann Arbor, they are known for their coffee and sweet treats.
Little Kim
Little Kim is a great option for vegetarian-orientated eaters. For restaurant week, they are offering a three course meal for $24 a person.
First Course (choose one)
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- Fried Chickpeas
- French Fries w/ One Dipping Sauce
- Beet Hummus
- Soup of the Day
Second Course (choose one)
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- Jjajangbap
- Tofu Crumble Bowl
Third Course (choose one)
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- Vegan Cupcake
- Fruit Bowl
Mama Satto
Some of the best Japanese food in Ann Arbor can be found at Mama Satto. It’s in a building filled with a diverse array of restaurants, between the CVS and Hill Auditorium.
Mani Osteria
Anyone who has been to Sonic Lunch knows this Italian restaurant by site. It across from Liberty Plaza, at the northwestern corner of Liberty and Division.
Mediterrano
This Mediterranean restaurant is on the south side of town, near the corner of State and Eisenhower.
Miss Kim
Miss Kim is one of the top Korean restaurants in Washtenaw County. A part of the Zingerman’s family, this year, they have a three course meal going for $37 per person, according to Paige Biskaduros, the Marketing Director at Zingerman’s.
First Course (choose one)
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- Smashed Potatoes
- Broccolini
- Arugula and Apple Salad
Second Course (choose one)
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- Korean Fried Chicken with Chili Glaze, Sesame Rice (soy butter rice upgrade available)
- Korean Fried Tofu with Chili Glaze, Sesame Rice (soy butter rice upgrade available)
- Chicken Bibimbap (not stonebowl, stonebowl upgrade available)
- Tofu Bibimbap (not stonebowl, stonebowl upgrade available)
- Cacio e Pepe Tteokbokki
Third Course (choose one)
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- Tiramisu Cupcake
- Vegan Cupcake
- Sorbet by request only
Pacific Rim Restaurant
This fusion restaurants blends American, French and Pan Asian food with wine, across from the Ann Arbor Arts Center on Liberty Street.
Palio
Palio is the place you go when you’re in downtown Ann Arbor and you’re craving pasta. This Tuscan restaurant is located at the northeastern corner of Main and William.
Peridot
This Vietnamese restaurant is located right between Pacific Rim and the West End Gill.
Plate Sushi & Chicken
Lowertown is also participating in the 2026 Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. This Japanese place is in a strip mall between Plymouth and Broadway.
Pretzel Bell
By day, the ground floor of this restaurant at the northwestern corner of Main and Liberty is an Americana restaurant. By night, the basement turns into a night club. They offer an array of comfort food and craft cocktails. The decor is notably full of iconic history from the University of Michigan, making a perfect night out for any fan or student.
Real Seafood Co.
This upmarket seafood restaurant has several locations between Bay City and Florida. Its Ann Arbor location is on the eastern side of Main, between Liberty and William. They describe their fare as “a contemporary seafood restaurant that offers premium fresh fish and seafood from the waters of New England to the Great Lakes and to the Gulf of Mexico.”
Relish
Relish is the restaurant in the Kensington Hotel between Briarwood Mall and I-94.
Saigon Kitchen & Bar
This establishment recently absorbed both Red Lotus and Taste and they are located directly across Liberty Street from the Dawn Treader bookshop.
Sam Hill
Sam Hill is a American food restaurant located on Jackson Road.
Sava’s Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is no slouch when it comes to trendy brunch places. But even by A2s standards, Sava’s has always been impressive. It is a splurge-worthy place to celebrate a major anniversary or graduation, catch up with your best friends, or take someone who you really want to impress to. You can find it just across the street from the State Theater and Ama’s.
Seoul Garden
This Korean barbecue restaurant is also on the south side.
Seva Restaurant
Seva is a chain of vegetarian restaurants. Their Ann Arbor location is in the Westgate strip mall.
Shalimar
Shalimar is one of Ann Arbor’s top Indian restaurants. They are especially good at their lunchtime buffets and are located between Noteworthy and Shinola, on the east side of Main Street.
Slow’s BBQ
Slow’s started in Corktown, but have now moved into A2’s East Washington Street.
TAQ – Taqueria Restaurant & Bar
It is difficult in Ann Arbor to find any neighborhood that doesn’t have at least one good taqueria. TAQ stands out amongst them though for its gourmet quality, and the playful way that they apply culinary fusion to tacos. Sure, you can get the traditional chicken or fish tacos here, but you could also try a taco stuffed with falafel if you want.
The Circ Bar
Karaoke, drinks and bar food are what The Circ Bar specializes in. They also have a rooftop deck, providing views of Ann Arbor’s skyline.
The Earle Restaurant
The Earle stands out even amongst its Main Street fine dining crowd simply for how long it has been around. It is in the basement of its 121 West Washington Street location, serving a French and Italian combination.
The Habitat
Weber’s is a hotel situated near the interchange between M-14 and I-94. The Habitat is located inside.
The Last Word
Cocktails are the name of the game of this single story building at the southwestern corner of First and Huron Streets.
The Seoul
If you’re looking for a convenient and high quality Korean dish coming out of the Michigan or the State theaters, then The Soul is located conveniently between them. They represent some of the best Korean food in A2.
Vegano Italiano
Have you ever found yourself deeply in love with all things Italian food but want or need to have it in vegan form? This food truck is for you. And as we previously reported, they can be found at various locations across town and are regulars at the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market.
Venue by 4M
Venue is a restaurant and bar and a local gathering place for the Ann Arbor community. It is a unique and flexible space that offers an elevated selection of food and drinks, indoor and outdoor private event spaces, a coffee shop, a patio, and coworking. For restaurant week, they are offering their famous fried chicken sandwich for $6 during lunch and a 2 for $39 dinner special. You can view their full restaurant details here!
Vinology
This is one of the top eateries in Ann Arbor for wine and food. Tou can find them between First Bite and Mynt House.
Weber’s Restaurant
Weber’s Restaurant is on the extreme west end of Ann Arbor.
Zingerman’s Roadhouse
“Zingerman’s Roadhouse is participating for the two days that week we are offering service at our Greyline location,” Biskaduros said over email. “The dinner menu we are promoting offers some Mardi Gras specialties, including Crawfish Étouffée, Dry-Aged Ribeye with Creole Butter, Blue Crab Salad and more.”
Zola Bistro
Zola Bistro is a fusion of American and Mediterranean in what they describe on their Instagram page as “farm-to-table with an eclectic twist” . It can be found in a newish strip mall right between Country Farm Park and Whole Food’s on Washtenaw Avenue.
Visit Ann Arbor’s Restaurant Week
Reservations are not strictly necessary. But spaces do tend to fill up quickly, the press release Main Street Ann Arbor released does highly encourage that you do make one.
“We have a menu priced for two people, because our food is meant to be shareable, and it includes all of our most popular best selling dishes. So it’s $80 for two people which includes three small plates, a large plate and a dessert. Depending on which items you choose, this ends up being about a 10 to 20% discount,” Lowenstein said. He added that Restaurant Week is “a great way of showcasing our business to a bunch of new people. And it comes at a great time: January tends to be one of the slower months in the restaurant business so it’s fun to have a busy week and be able to greet some new guests.”
Drew Saunders is a freelance business and environmental journalist who grew up just outside of Ann Arbor. He covers local business developments, embraces his foodie side with reviews restaurants, obsesses over Michigan's environmental state, loves movies, and feels spoiled by the music he gets to review for Ann Arbor!
