Ive had food from here a couple times and its always been the best Italian food Ive had. It is definitely worth the extra money that it costs. I keep wanting to go back because theres things on the menu I havent tried yet. My last visit we got an appetizer to share and I got pesto chicken pasta and it was delicious. I dont normally like pesto sauce but there's something different about the sauce here. Anyway, the foods good, good restaurant!!
Overview
If you're ever in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and craving delicious, authentic Italian cuisine, look no further than Palio Ann Arbor. Nestled at 347 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, this cozy and inviting restaurant has become a local favorite for anyone who enjoys high-quality food paired with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you're a longtime Ann Arbor resident or just visiting, this gem is definitely worth checking out.
From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by the warm ambiance of rustic yet modern decor that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. The atmosphere is casual yet refined, perfect for a family dinner, a romantic night out, or a celebratory gathering with friends. What truly sets Palio Ann Arbor apart is the impeccable blend of traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, each made with the freshest ingredients, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
One of the highlights of the restaurant is their extensive selection of pizzas. The wood-fired oven pizzas are a crowd favorite, with the crust perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Each pizza is topped with high-quality ingredients like locally sourced vegetables, fresh mozzarella, and an array of meats that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. If you're a fan of classic pizza, the Margherita pizza is a must-try. For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, the Diavola, featuring spicy salami and a rich tomato sauce, will leave you wanting more.
In addition to their pizzas, the pasta dishes at Palio Ann Arbor are nothing short of exceptional. You can taste the care that goes into each plate, from the perfectly cooked spaghetti to the rich, flavorful sauces. The fettuccine Alfredo is a rich and creamy delight, while the Bolognese sauce, made with slow-cooked beef, offers a comforting depth of flavor that's hard to beat. If you're craving seafood, their linguine with clams is a popular choice, with the tender clams perfectly complementing the garlic and white wine sauce.
The restaurant's menu doesn't stop at pizza and pasta. For those looking for something a bit different, Palio Ann Arbor offers a range of appetizers, salads, and desserts. The bruschetta, served with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze, is a great way to start your meal. For a light and refreshing option, the mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette is a perfect choice, and the tiramisu is a decadent dessert that will leave you dreaming about it long after your meal.
But it's not just the food that makes Palio Ann Arbor stand out. The service here is friendly, attentive, and always ready to offer recommendations or share details about the ingredients in each dish. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, you'll feel right at home thanks to the restaurant's warm and welcoming staff.
Another great feature of Palio Ann Arbor is its location. Situated in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, it offers the perfect place to stop by after a day of exploring the local shops, galleries, or parks. The vibrant, artsy neighborhood adds to the charm of the dining experience, and you'll find yourself wanting to linger over a cup of espresso or glass of wine as you soak in the atmosphere.
Palio Ann Arbor has also earned its reputation through rave reviews from both locals and visitors. Many guests have shared how they always feel like they're getting great value for their money, with generous portions and top-tier ingredients. Plus, the restaurant regularly updates its menu to feature seasonal specials, so there's always something new to look forward to with each visit.
For those looking to try something outside of the usual Italian fare, Palio Ann Arbor also offers a selection of wine and cocktails that complement the menu perfectly. Whether you prefer a glass of red wine to pair with your pasta or a refreshing Aperol spritz to sip on a warm afternoon, you'll find something to suit your taste. The knowledgeable bartenders are always happy to suggest the best pairings for your meal.
If you're planning a special event or celebration, Palio Ann Arbor also offers private dining options, making it an ideal spot for a gathering with family and friends. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere, combined with its delicious food and impeccable service, ensures that your event will be one to remember.
In short, Palio Ann Arbor offers a delightful Italian dining experience that blends traditional flavors with modern flair. Whether you're in the mood for pizza, pasta, or just a refreshing drink, this local favorite is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its inviting atmosphere, exceptional food, and outstanding service, it’s no wonder that Palio Ann Arbor is consistently rated as one of the top dining spots in the city. Make sure to stop by and see what all the buzz is about next time you're in the area!
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Rooftop seating ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Paid multi-storey car park ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1359 reviews
We had heard this was the best Italian in Ann Arbor from the locals, the first night we attempted to go there it was an 1.5 hour wait, we made reservations for the next night. We are so glad we did, everything was outstanding. The ravioli appetizer was wonderful! They are huge fried ravioli on pesto and red maniara sauce. Both chicken dishes were absolutely amazing! Would absolutely go back next time were in town!
The food was okay overall. My pasta was delicious, but it could have been cooked a bit more al dente. Service was acceptable, but definitely inconsistent. I’d recommend Palio more for casual or friendly gatherings rather than any formal or business related meals
Beautiful place, first time visiting. We didn’t have reservations and only waited 5 minutes to be seated. Our server was nice but nowhere to be found during the dinner. Appetizers were good but not fantastic, I order Fettuccine Alfredo with Salmon this was absolutely delicious, hubby ordered Chicken Parmesan it was good too.
Everything here was top notch. They really seem to care about the customer's experience. Food tasted fresh and so flavorful, service was friendly and inviting (thank you Sienna!) and the atmosphere cozy and warm. What more can you ask for? We will be back next time we are in Ann Arbor.
walked in, just me, with no reservation at 5:30 on a sunday night. could be seated immediately at the bar, but all their tables were reserved. honestly, they didn't seem incredibly busy - there were a lot of empty tables. still, it took considerable time to be waited on. the waiter forgot to give me a glass of water (which he had promised) for nearly 30 minutes. i ordered the eggplant parmesan with tomato soup (all delicious!) ...and the waiter neglected to give me eating utensils for another few minutes. ordered an affogato when he asked if i needed a box (i did!!). sadly, about 15 minutes after i had ordered the affogato, i was informed that there was no ice cream for it. i was offered the espresso for free as the waiter had already pulled the shot. not great espresso though. overall, the pricing is genuinely good for the quality of the meal you receive and the portion, which i got three meals out of. i would come back again for the delicious food, though next time with a group of people, because the wait staff clearly prioritizes large parties (understandable due to most living off of tips). i have to say though, this was one of the worst solo dining experiences i have ever had - and i've had quite a few of them!
Stopped here for dinner after The Game. Every course was fantastic. The salad was the perfect size: a simple, perfectly dressed green salad. Both the gnocchi and the eggplant parm were delicious. We split a HUGE piece of carrot cake, which was out of this world. Great food and friendly service.