We arrived a little late and ended up ordering from the late-night menu instead of the full dinner menu, but honestly, the food did not disappoint at all. Everything was delicious and seasoned to perfection. Our server, Lee, was incredibly kind and helpful, making the experience even better. The drink I ordered was excellent—balanced and refreshing. I can’t wait to come back for round two, this time to try the full dinner menu!
Overview
Peridot is an absolute gem located at 118 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. If you're craving a cozy yet vibrant dining experience, this spot has it all, offering a delicious variety of dishes perfect for any mood. Whether you're looking for a casual brunch, a fine dinner, or something to satisfy your late-night cravings, Peridot delivers on all fronts.
The ambiance inside is modern yet welcoming, with a unique mix of contemporary design and comfort. From the warm lighting to the rustic wooden tables, every element invites you to relax and enjoy your meal. But let’s talk about what really makes Peridot stand out-the food. Each dish is crafted with attention to detail, showcasing both local ingredients and international flair.
Start with their brunch menu, where you'll find everything from fluffy pancakes drizzled with syrup to savory options like avocado toast topped with poached eggs. I’ve personally tried the latter, and it was perfectly balanced-creamy avocado, just the right amount of seasoning, and eggs cooked to perfection. The crispy bread gave it the right texture, and the subtle hint of lemon made the whole dish pop. It's a great way to kick off your day.
For lunch or dinner, Peridot offers a wide range of options. Their small plates are perfect for sharing, allowing you to try a little bit of everything. One standout is their fried calamari, which is light and crispy, paired with a tangy dipping sauce. The texture of the calamari was soft yet crunchy, making it the ideal starter. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, their braised short ribs are a must-try. These ribs are tender, falling off the bone, and served with mashed potatoes that complement the richness of the meat.
If you’re a fan of seafood, the salmon at Peridot is worth mentioning. It’s cooked to perfection with a crisp skin, while remaining moist and flavorful inside. It’s paired with seasonal vegetables, adding a nice balance of freshness and earthiness to the plate. The dishes are well-portioned, ensuring you feel satisfied without being overstuffed.
For dessert, don't miss out on their signature chocolate lava cake. It's decadent, warm, and oozing with rich chocolate. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it's the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
What really sets Peridot apart, however, is their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The service is always attentive and friendly, making you feel at home from the moment you walk in. I’ve been there several times, and each visit is consistent-whether it’s the freshness of the ingredients or the impeccable presentation of each dish, the team clearly takes pride in their work.
The location itself is ideal for those visiting downtown Ann Arbor. It's close to everything, making it a great place to stop by for a bite before or after exploring the town. Plus, if you’re in the mood for a drink, their cocktail menu is expertly curated, offering everything from classic concoctions to innovative new blends.
When it comes to reviews, Peridot continues to garner praise from regulars and newcomers alike. Many locals rave about the restaurant's atmosphere and menu variety, with frequent mentions of how the dishes change seasonally, ensuring that there’s always something new to try. It’s this dedication to freshness and variety that has earned Peridot a reputation as one of the best spots in Ann Arbor.
In terms of pricing, it’s definitely on the higher end of casual dining, but for the quality you get, it’s well worth it. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a meal with friends, Peridot provides an unforgettable dining experience.
Overall, Peridot is a must-visit restaurant if you find yourself in Ann Arbor. The combination of a welcoming environment, delicious food, and excellent service makes it a standout choice for any meal. So next time you're in the area, make sure to stop by 118 W Liberty St-you won’t be disappointed!
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsParking
✓ Paid multi-storey car park ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Peridot is such a great spot — a fresh, elevated twist on Vietnamese flavors. Kicked things off with the cucumber salad, and wow… the chilis gave it just the right amount of flavorful heat without overpowering it. The hamachi crudo was another favorite — a perfect mix of sweet and spicy that made every bite pop. The cocktails here are seriously next level. Jonah is an amazing mixologist — he took a bold rhum agricole and somehow turned it into a perfectly balanced, crisp beauty called Earth Angel. One of the best cocktails I’ve had in a long time. Delicious food, creative drinks, and a fun, welcoming vibe. Worth a trip to Ann Arbor if you’re not a local!
Delicious! Highly recommend crab fried rice and their pickles! My friend loved the duck but I thought it was just ok. The service was above and beyond. Cocktails were very tasty and inventive.
I had an amazing experience at the restaurant. The staff, especially the bartender was really nice. The drinks, crab fried rice and dessert we ordered were all delish. Highly recommend this place.
Everything we ordered was excellent! Crab fried rice, smashed cucumber salad, papaya salad, baby squid, curried prawns. Interesting cocktails. Even two desserts: banana cake? And Vietnamese chocolate something! Soooo good. Lee was a great server - not overly attentive but just perfect! It was a lovely experience for our son’s birthday!
So, so delicious. Cocktails (and mocktails) were amazing too. Will definitely be coming back many times! The only thing is that the dishes tasted more Thai-inspired than Vietnamese, but again, delicious nonetheless!!
I have dined at Peridot for dinner on a double date and for drinks/shareables with friends and this place is perfect for both! We agree this is a top contender for best cocktails in Ann Arbor if not THE best! The food and ambiance is spectacular and will definitely be back. I love that it's locally owned and the staff goes above and beyond. Definitely a must-go in downtown AA!