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 to try in the area. While some people can be pretty picky, I’m 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 around the world since I was young.
Now, I love introducing great places to eat to people I know, to share my love of food even further.
Here are some restaurants that anyone new to Ypsilanti should check out:
Cuppy’s Best Soul Food
If I’m being honest, I have yet to try this southern food joint, but plan to as soon as I get a chance. Previously located in a gas station on Ecorse, the Ypsilanti restaurant has just opened a full-size location on Washtenaw this month.
Cuppy’s has great reviews from community members and offers great options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bon Appetit
“Kenisha Diallo, born and raised in Ypsilanti, co-owns Bon Appetit with her husband Ismael Diallo, who handles the cooking with his mother and his friend. The just-married couple planned to start their own business back when the pandemic first hit, and while seeing the food market is going downhill, the couple came up with the idea to bring good African food to the Ypsi-area. The menu was designed based on the family cooking from Ismael’s mother, whose family is from Guinea.”
After seeing an article on the Echo’s page last year that Carmen Cheng wrote reviewing this new West African restaurant, I was excited to try it for myself. Located on Cross Street, the family-run restaurant is super close to campus.
My mother and I visited the spot in August of last year and 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 soon.
Miny’s Mexican Restaurant
After being on a taco kick in March of this year and trying a large amount of Mexican restaurants and food trucks in Ypsilanti, I concluded that Miny’s is my favorite. Not only is their meat flavored the best, but their hot sauces are also phenomenal and everything is super affordable.
Located in a strip on Washtenaw, I often call this place to order a few tacos before sitting outside of the Student Center on campus on a nice day.
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 to 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.
Got Burger
This late night spot is my friends and I’s first choice when we’re leaving an Ann Arbor club at 2 a.m.
This simple but delicious burger joint offers delivery and stays open until 1 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, 3 a.m. 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.
