Gratzi

Gratzi opened its doors to the people of Ann Arbor, a city known for its diverse culture and exciting atmosphere, in December of 1987. This contemporary Italian restaurant features regional food and wine from the North, in classic and tastefully fitted out surroundings. It is owned by the Mainstreet group that runs several distinctive properties, recognized as among the best in their localities.

The restaurant is housed in a former Orpheum theatre, which screened popular movies during the 1930s, and Gratzi has helped preserve times gone by, through their elegant décor. A grand sculpture of Orpheus, the Greek poet and musician, overlooks the dining room and a beautifully painted renaissance style mural highlights the restaurant's indulgent and enjoyable atmosphere - ideal for business meetings, intimate encounters, gatherings with family and everything in between.

You could visit their mahogany bar and choose from a wide selection of wines and beers, before heading on to occupy one of their neatly laid, linen covered tables in the balcony or alfresco dining area. Among appetizers, expect to find lightly fried calamari with saffron aioli and scampi al curry, made of grilled jumbo Gulf shrimp with aromatic curry sauce, and a blood orange fennel salad, as well panini di pollo of rolls with grilled chicken, tomato, bacon and fresh mozzarella.

Other than the popular Caesar, the salad list consists of the cobb with mixed greens, tomatoes, egg, grilled chicken, smoked bacon, green onions and gorgonzola cheese in a roasted garlic dressing. The rucola e arancia, with arugula and mache, and sweet marinated red onion, orange, toasted pistachios and orange infused olive oil is a perfect vegetarian choice.

If you feel like keeping your meal simple, try the fettuccine con pomodoro basilico pasta, with tomato basil, garlic and wild mushrooms and for those wanting something more fulfilling, there is a wonderful combination of potato gnocchi with shrimp, smoked apple wood bacon, rosemary, red pepper flakes and tomato sauce. The menu also has pizzas and house specials such as pollo al marsala, grilled breast of chicken served over roasted Yukon gold potatoes, spinach, grilled Portobello mushroom and herb polenta as well as crispy pan fried egg plant, layered with house made tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and parmesan, served with a side of capellini. The filetto di manzo, with herb crusted beef tenderloin, tomato, goat cheese, roasted potatoes and shallots is another tempting dish to please meat lovers.

Lunch and dinner dishes vary to some extent and they have a gluten free menu for diners with specific dietary requirements. Gratzi features desserts like cannoli wafers layered with berries, ricotta and pastry cream as well as coffees and traditional grappa, known as a long-standing creator of warmth and conversation after dinner.