Sava’s is a contemporary American restaurant at 216 S State St, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the downtown State Street District beside the University of Michigan’s Central Campus. Founded in 2007 by Albanian-born restaurateur Sava Farah, it brings seasonal cooking, Mediterranean influences, and an energetic, two-level dining room to one of the city’s busiest pedestrian corridors. Travelers come for brunch, a relaxed campus-side lunch, or dinner before a performance at the nearby Michigan Theater.
What to Expect at Sava’s
The restaurant’s identity is broad rather than narrowly regional: American comfort food, vegetable-focused dishes, and Mediterranean flavors share the menu. Sweet potato fries and macaroni and cheese are longstanding Sava’s favorites; seasonal preparations give repeat visitors reasons to return. Consult the official menu before choosing around a particular dish. Brunch is an established attraction, but check the current service format rather than assuming a Sunday buffet operates every week.
Inside, the high-ceilinged, bi-level layout creates different dining experiences: the main floor puts you close to the restaurant’s social bustle, while upstairs seating changes the perspective over the room. This is a full-service restaurant, not a quick campus counter. Its mix of students, faculty, visiting parents, and local regulars makes it equally useful for a casual meal or celebratory dinner. A full bar supplies cocktails, wine, and beer; discuss vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy requirements before ordering, since ingredients and kitchen handling matter more than a dish’s name.
- Since 2007: Sava Farah’s restaurant has become a familiar meeting place for university visitors and Ann Arbor residents.
- Two-level dining room: A spacious interior offers a livelier alternative to the district’s smaller cafés.
- Comfort-food favorites: Sweet potato fries and macaroni and cheese sit within the restaurant’s culinary history.
- Brunch destination: Weekend morning opening makes it convenient before museums, shopping, or a campus walk.
- Full-service bar: Cocktails, wine, and beer support both leisurely dinners and drinks with a meal.
Sava’s at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 216 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown State Street District; beside Central Campus |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Thursday: 10am–10pm; Friday: 10am–11pm; Saturday: 9am–11pm; Sunday: 9am–10pm |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; moderately priced, à la carte dining; drinks, tax, and gratuity additional |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | TheRide Route 6, State Street/William Street area; Maynard Street parking structure nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | Sava’s official website; +1 734-623-2233 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official website for weekend brunch, Friday and Saturday dinners, graduation, and home football weekends. For a less compressed schedule, choose a weekday late lunch and allow extra time before a theater curtain. Walk-ins can ask about availability, but larger parties should book ahead. Casual clothing fits the room; no formal outfit is needed. Bring a payment card and discuss separate checks before ordering if traveling with a group.
TheRide’s Route 6 serves the State Street corridor; Blake Transit Center is roughly a ten-minute walk west. Drivers can use the public Maynard Street structure rather than circling for curbside spaces. The restaurant has wheelchair-accessible entry and ground-floor dining; request a main-floor table when reserving rather than assuming access to upstairs seating. Strollers are easiest to accommodate with advance notice. Pair lunch with the University of Michigan Museum of Art, about five minutes south, the Diag across State Street, or Nickels Arcade, a short walk south along the shopping corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Sava’s open, and when should I visit?
Sava’s opens at 10am Monday through Friday and 9am on weekends. Choose weekday late lunch for a more flexible meal, and check holiday hours before traveling.
How expensive is Sava’s, and are reservations needed?
Expect a moderate, $$ restaurant rather than counter-service pricing. Reservations are advisable for peak meals and university event weekends; consult the official menu for current dish prices.
How much time should I allow?
Budget 60 to 90 minutes for a seated meal. Allow longer for multiple courses, a large party, or a busy brunch before another commitment.
Is Sava’s suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families are welcome, and casual dress is appropriate. Wheelchair users should request ground-floor seating and discuss any specific clearance or restroom requirements directly with the restaurant.
When planning your Ann Arbor travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Ann Arbor, pair this stop with standout local spots including University of Michigan Museum of Art, Hilton Garden Inn Ann Arbor, Juicy Kitchen, and Taste Kitchen (nearby).
