Dine Like a Local: 14 Best Kalamazoo Restaurants
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Kalamazoo Michigan is known for many things, including craft beer and Western Michigan University. With about 73,000 people, exciting Kalamazoo restaurants and lots of tasty dishes fill the city.
A true foodie town, Kalamazoo has something for everyone — from the best sushi in the state to ice cream destinations that people come back to every year. From high-end to fun and casual, no matter the type of experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
For those looking for something special, romantic, or just downright good, here are more than a dozen restaurants in Kalamazoo Michigan that you don’t want to miss.
Brick and Brine
100 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Brick and Brine is a staple in downtown Kalamazoo cuisine. The chefs set out to create an artful blend of dishes that aim to connect classic duos with each other and a strong presence of flavor.
During the warm months of the year, the open-air dining concept is perfect, with beautiful views from each table.
The dinner menu offers a range of good choices, including artisan pastas, a butchers-cut 10-ounce hanging tender steak, and Faroe Island salmon with some of the best fingerling potato hash you’ve ever had.
Bell’s Eccentric Café
355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
While Bell’s Brewery may be most notable for having over 20 draught options and a beautiful Beer Garden, the menu of food here is excellent as well.
A true eclectic pub grub destination, the menu is noted for its Cudighi smash burger — made with Cudighi smash patty — and its chickpea parm burger. A sustainably focused location, it is also home to weekly concerts and hosts private events.
Crow’s Nest
816 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Whether you’re coming in for breakfast — the All Pigs Go to Heaven omelet is a favorite — or lunch, Crow’s Nest is a local favorite.
It’s the type of place to go on Saturday morning for banana nut bread French toast or for a Rickard Royale burger for lunch — noted for its fried egg and scratch sausage gravy.
The restaurant also has a full vegan menu, including the vegan Queen Anne’s revenge scramble with marinated organic tofu and veggies.
Saffron
1710 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Noted for its Northern Indian dishes, Saffron — Fine Dining Indian Cuisine offers authentic cuisine. The lunch buffet provides the perfect opportunity to try something interesting.
From the moment you step inside, the warm, powerful Indian spices come to life, especially the freshly baked tandoori bread.
Reservations are preferred for this white-table dining experience. If you like the heat, ask for the “hot and spicy’ version of your chosen dish.
Elysium
505 E North St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
With freshly sourced, local cuisine, Elysium is a dining experience full of new food adventures. Located in the Rivers Edge District, be sure to ask for the wine and cocktail menu when arriving for an exciting assortment of options.
For dinner, consider the Jamaican Delmonico steak, lamb shank with cheesy spaetzle, or the truffle custard and smoked trout roe. Save room for the crème brulee or Nutella pie. A distinct, upscale location, it’s often best to schedule a reservation here.
Old Dog Tavern
402 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
With quite an eclectic menu of bar grub, Old Dog Tavern is the ideal place to come when you want to bring along your dog. Enjoy an old-fashioned cocktail, a game of pool or ping-pong, and some live music while you’re here.
This bustling, happy place has some fantastic foods to choose from, including the smoking Frenchman or the Cuban. It serves brunch on the weekend too, with options like crab cake Benedict.
Zooroona Restaurant
1710 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
With a flavorful Middle Eastern menu and some of the best teas, Zooroona Restaurant is a place you’ll want to return to many times. It has a full wine list and bar that includes a large selection of international brands and flavors.
The ambiance here is fabulous, with a red hue throughout and authentic decor. Reservations are recommended and well worth calling in advance for, especially for items like the tabbouleh, spiced beef with figs, and kafta kabob. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.
Amorino Gelato
2965 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Coffee at its best and some of the best desserts are just two of the tempting reasons to visit Amorino Gelato. Each and every bite of the gelato has a unique depth of flavor and freshness, and it looks like a beautiful rose sitting on a cone.
If you don’t want a cone, the waffles and crepes are magical choices. The shop has numerous hot drinks and gelato macaroons as well. For a playful option, consider the waffle sticks, which have plenty of topping options — gianduja sauce, chocolate sauce, and caramel.
The Big Burrito
5036 W Kl Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
When you want a quick bite that’s full of flavor and even some spice, visit The Big Burrito. This eatery has become a local neighborhood staple and offers everything from homemade tamales to stuffed tacos.
Authentic Mexican cuisine is the only way that this family-owned location will have it. Ninety-nine percent of the food prepared is from scratch, including skillet-grilled burritos, tortas, and vegan options. It’s easy to pop in, pick what you like, and get it to go if you need to.
Anna’s House
4700 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Located in University Commons, Anna’s House is a must when you want a dine-in option for breakfast (or lunch). This family-owned restaurant offers something for everyone — including options for vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, and more.
A popular Sunday morning destination, the menu is packed with fantastic goodies like chocolate quinoa breakfast bowls, numerous omelet combinations, and the corned beef Benny — one of the best hand-pulled corned beef treats you’ll find in the area.
Roca
247 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Though this Latin restaurant is noted for its libations, especially its fabulous tequila cocktails, the menu is exceptional.
Choose from sea bream frito with a whole fried fish and chimichurri or the pescado stew with shrimp, salmon, potato, golden hominy, and tomato. The line-up of tacos is also fabulous, including the braised lamb tacos and al pastor choices.
Martell’s
3501 Greenleaf Blvd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Upscale and beautiful, Martell’s is a romantic destination for those who enjoy refined American-Italian cuisine. Request a seat overlooking the waterfront for a special experience.
The menu is extensive with options such as malt scotch and rye whiskey drinks, a smoked salmon spread appetizer, and braised port short ribs. You can also choose from numerous pasta dishes, including seafood pappardelle and mushroom risotto.
Don’t forget the house-made desserts, such as the chocolate torte with berry glaze or the pallazolla creamery trio.
Bold
6915 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Bold holds true to its name. It is an exquisite, upscale location offering small plates but big flavor. You’ll enjoy fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, and whiskey peppercorn sauced filet.
For starters, check out the Brussels sprouts and risotto fritters. Noted for its limited menu, everything is served in-season and with attention to the intimate details of crafting a fine meal.
Erbelli’s Restaurant
6214 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
The custom pizza options are one of the best reasons to check out Erbelli’s, but there’s much more to this fun location. There’s pasta, calzones, and a wide range of sub options.
Try the spicy chicken “Q-It-Up!” sammies, which are fire-seasoned and wood-smoked small chicken sandwiches full of flavor.
The restaurant serves pulled pork nachos when you want something filling and rich. Still, of all of the Kalamazoo restaurants out there that offer pizza, Erbelli’s is easily one of the best. The award-winning pizza features the freshest combination of ingredients.
Find the Right Dining Experience for You at Kalamazoo Restaurants
Kalamazoo restaurants offer something special, interesting, and full of flavor for just about every appetite. You’ll find smiling faces and excellent atmospheres at many of these locations too.
Combined with options for just about every diet, you have the best restaurants that any foodie will love. The Kalamazoo Michigan choices even offer affordability, especially if you choose a location that’s locally owned.