Restaurants near Matthaei Botanical Gardens

We enjoyed the Valentine’s menu, especially the fig and Stilton & braised carrots starters and the Cid special! James was super attentive and we’re glad he works for Zola! Nice to see him these past several years taking care of us.

Absolutely excellent meal as always... we were there a little longer than we wanted but it was valentine's day so it is what it is!

Me and my girlfriend went to the Earle for VDay. It was her first time and my second. (The first time was just as amazing.) I made reservations several weeks in advance and requested a specific bottle of wine. I did not get confirmation that they had it, so I called a few days prior to make sure. They did have it and said they were reserving it for us. Alex was our server and she was AMAZING. Very knowledgeable about the history of the restaurant. Very kind&efficient. My girlfriend and I are both actors, and I personally am also a performer/vocalist/musician. So we talked about that a lot with Alex who was very attentive. And I’m glad we did. Our bill was about $145 so I gave her $200 and told her to keep the rest for tip. She came back later and asked me to right down my Spotify artist name and the film that my gf and I just released. When I opened the folder there was only $5 in it and I asked if that was the change and she said yes. I told her I left her a $55 tip that there should have been $200. She went back to the bar that had cashed it out and told me the bartender said there was only $150…I was mortified and assured her I gave $200 and that I was a former service worker and would NEVER insult a waiter with that small of a tip. Eventually the owner came back and said they checked the drawer and indeed did find my 4 $50s that they were easy to find because they had been folded in my wallet and that they had been sticking together. I was very relieved. The food was amazing. The atmosphere was amazing. The wine, *chefs kiss*. And Alex was absolutely darling to talk to. Give that girl a raise!!! Thank you Alex for making our night so wonderful and enjoyable💜

Our recent visit to Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor was nothing short of exceptional. Nestled in a beautifully restored historic train depot, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is as unique as it is delicious. The ambiance is charming and nostalgic, with large windows overlooking the train tracks. During our meal, a train passed by, adding to the charm and making for an unforgettable moment. The food was outstanding. I enjoyed perfectly seared scallops and shrimp atop a creamy, flavorful risotto, while my wife had a delicious salmon dish with seasoned broccoli that was cooked to perfection. Each bite was rich in flavor and expertly prepared. We also indulged in some fantastic cocktails, which were well-balanced and refreshing. To top off the evening, we shared a decadent chocolate truffle cake, which was pure bliss—rich, velvety, and the perfect sweet ending to our meal. The service was impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who made our experience even more enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or simply a great meal in a unique setting, Gandy Dancer is a must-visit in Ann Arbor. We will definitely be returning!

I love the variety of and quality of menu items. Their Dutch Oven pancake is my go to! Try it!