Whether you are new to the Ypsilanti area or have been here for years, food is a big part of most people's lives, and I am personally always looking for amazing new food. While some people can be pretty picky, I’m definitely an adventurous eater and love trying dishes from a variety of different cultures, something I got from my mother who has been introducing me to food from around the world since I was young. Now, I love introducing great places to eat, sharing my love of food even further. Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Ypsilanti I have tried and loved:
Bon Appetit: Ypsilanti local Kenisha Diallo co-owns Bon Appetit with her husband Ismael Diallo, whose family is from Guinea. The couple wanted to bring African food to the area after noticing the food market going downhill during the pandemic. The menu is based on Ismael’s family cooking, and the food is made with the help of his mother and his friend.
After seeing Carmen Cheng’s article reviewing this new West African restaurant, I was excited to try it for myself. Located on Cross Street where Golden Wall Chinese used to reside, the family-run restaurant is super close to campus. An Ypsilanti local opened Bon Appetit with her husband this past July, wanting to bring good African food to the area. The menu was designed based on their family’s cooking from Guinea. Earlier in August, my mother and I were looking for somewhere to eat in Ypsilanti, and I knew this was the place as soon as I remembered it. We ended up trying two appetizers called Fataya and Nem, as well as a meal called Dibi, including grilled lamb, jollof rice, and plantains. Everything tasted amazing and was at a really great price too. I’ve heard many other people rave about this place, and I recommend everyone try it out for themselves ASAP.
La Torre Taqueria: This authentic Mexican spot on Washtenaw is probably one of the first places I tried my freshman year, and I’ve enjoyed it many times since. If you are used to the real family-made Mexican tacos from Southwest Detroit, this is the perfect place to get that same speciality super close to campus. With affordable prices and an amazing variety, everyone who loves authentic hispanic food should check this place out.
Casablanca: This Moroccan family-restaurant is super underrated, definitely worth a try if you’re in search of amazing Mediterranean cuisine. From dips to full meals and sweets, everything I have had here is full of flavor and I definitely plan on visiting them again soon. Whether you want to go on a quiet date or have a family dinner, checking out this beautiful place will be an experience you won’t regret.
Brookie’s Cafe: One of my closest friends introduced me to this soul-food place my first year at EMU and I have recommended it many times since. The black-owned restaurant is also located right on Washtenaw and is available to order on Doordash too. I have tried a variety of their food including the mac n’ cheese, fried okra, wings, fried shrimp, and egg rolls, all of which were extremely delicious. Go support this restaurant this semester and I assure that you will not be dissapointed.
Got Burger: Looking for something to eat late at night? This simple but delicious burger joint offers delivery and stays open until 1am Monday through Wednesday, 3am Thursday through Saturday, and midnight Sunday’s. Got Burger is perfect for when you’re late night cravings, with burger, fries, smoothies, and more. Next time you’re staying up super late to study and all of the dining halls are closed, call this spot on Cross Street for a quick and tasty snack or meal. If you’re more in the pizza mood, my favorite late-night delivery place is Mr. Pizza, so surely try that as well!
While many of the places I mentioned are simply takeout, these are some of my favorite meals in Ypsilanti, all affordable and super close to campus. Being a foodie myself, I love trying all types of food at a variety of places, and I love sharing my love for food with others as well. If you’re a food lover like me, I urge you to check out these places and try to find more delicious spots around the city too!
