If you haven’t been to Kalamazoo lately, you’re missing out on a whole lot of new food offerings.
From brunch cafés and cocktail bars to Turkish flatbreads and deep-dish pizza, the local dining scene has been buzzing with fresh flavors and creative concepts. Whether you’re craving chilaquiles and crab quiche, a round of duckpin bowling with cocktails, or a steak gyro burger followed by a strawberry malt, there’s a new place waiting for you to try it.
Here are 10 excellent eateries that have made their debut in the Kalamazoo area in the past year.
Kalamazoo’s brunch scene got a fresh new addition this June with the opening of Greenhouse Café at 505 E. North Street. This cozy, farm-to-table spot puts a local twist on the classics, serving up everything from made-to-order omelets and seasonal specials to standout dishes like chilaquiles, crab quiche, and berry-studded French toast. Grab a cup of fresh-brewed coffee and settle in—whether you’re craving something hearty or light, the menu has plenty to dig into.
Crafted Copper opened doors in Kalamazoo at 229 E. Michigan Ave. Okay, it’s more cocktail bar than eatery, but they do have snacks! Along with a tap wall and duckpin bowling. The cocktails span from classics like a Boulivardier to “Duckpond Group Cocktails” intended for 4 guests and more. The beer is all self-pour, meaning you can pick and choose exactly how much of each craft brew you want to drink. And the bowling is duckpin, so you don’t have to rent any special shoes or pick out the perfect ball for you—just walk up and get rolling on these smaller lanes with shorter pins.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Alibi is a modern American eatery where expertly crafted dishes delight every palate. Step into a warm, inviting space and be welcomed by a team dedicated to making your dining experience exceptional. From luxurious Dry Aged Steak and fresh seafood to vibrant vegan dishes and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone. The brunch menu features standout favorites like the unique Lobster Benny and signature Pork Belly Hash, perfect for a memorable mid-morning indulgence.
Opened in December 2024, and filling the void of the late Chicago Style Pizza, Kalako Pizza delivers original, thin-crust and deep-dish pizza to Portage. The location also offers sandwiches, salads and appetizers. They’re always experimenting with new flavors, so you can build your custom creation, or try one of their fun features like the Potato Bacon, with thin-sliced roasted potatoes, thick-cut bacon, cream sauce, rosemary, olive oil and parmesan.
Craving’s Deli, inside of Pacific Rim Foods, is a Kalamazoo favorite thanks to its extensive menu of delicious Asian fusion cuisine, offering bao buns, banh mi, noodles, stir fry, poke, boba and so much more—all with fresh ingredients and at a reasonable price. So it only makes sense they’d expand to Cravings Corners, a standalone takeout joint in the Texas Corners area offering many of the same goodies.
Lee’s Burgers and Malts came to town at 5234 Portage Road, offering everything from juicy burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches to cheesy, chili-smothered fries, ribs, wings, and more. Try out their famous Steak Gyro Burger, which comes topped with savory gyro meat, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and signature tzatziki sauce, plus fries or tots on the side. Then you can pair it with a tasty chocolate, strawberry or vanilla malt!
The new Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant at 528 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo has gained a lot of fans in a short time with its authentic Turkish cuisine. This may not be exactly the Mediterranean food you’re used to—Ayasofya serves up dishes like Iskandar Kabab, meat served over pan-sauteed pita, topped with fresh tomato sauce & served with yogurt and bulghur rice. Or you can get a Pide, a Turkish flatbread (think pizza). And don’t miss out on a chance to try authentic Turkish coffee!
If you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, you’ll want to make a beeline for Simply Sweet Desserts at 5032 Gull Rd, now serving up fresh-baked goodness at their new retail spot in Kalamazoo. After debuting in 2023 with wholesale treats at places like Meijer, SpartanNash, and Horrocks, Simply Sweet has stepped into the spotlight with a full-fledged storefront. Now, you can pick up their cakes, cookies, pies, and other made-from-scratch confections straight from the source—no special occasion required.
Downtown Kalamazoo got a little greener—Matchacita officially opened its doors at 120 South St., taking over the former Something’s Brewing spot. The café is the brainchild of Yazmine Vargas Root and Tyler Root, who first introduced Matchacita to the world in 2022 at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market. Now, they’re serving up their signature high-grade matcha alongside a lineup of vegan-friendly, dairy-free, and gluten-free treats. Whether you’re a matcha devotee or just looking for a bright, feel-good sip, this cozy new spot is worth a visit.
Mi Lindo Michoacán opened after years of preparation at 3104 Lovers Lane. Owner Fidencion Garcia named it after the state in Mexico where he grew up and where his parents still live. Here, you’ll find a large selection of delicious Mexican cuisine, including the usual tacos, quesadillas, tortas, burritos, gorditas, sopes, tamales, elote, enchiladas, molotes and so much more
