The ambience at Palio was disappointing from the moment we walked in. The lobby area was smoky and seating area had an unpleasant smell — at first, we thought it was just us, but we noticed a kid and his father leave because it was unbearable to wait inside. We even considered canceling our dine-in plans and switching to takeout.
Despite the atmosphere, the food (Ravioli Appetizer and Cavatapi Pesto Entree) itself was delicious, and the presentation was excellent. The portions were generous and filling, which we truly appreciated. Because of the poor ventilation and unwelcoming environment, however, we wouldn’t return here for celebrations or special occasions. We might order takeout in the future, but not dine in again.
Guests deserve a clean, comfortable, and well-ventilated environment along with good food, especially when choosing a place to celebrate important moments like an anniversary
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Justin Rutt
About the fifth time eating here. Host Stand was mildly unwelcoming for the second time in two weeks. Set us in the ‘cafeteria’ section as my wife joked - no music, old carpet. plastic tablecloths, cold, and directly across from the service station which should be behind a wall. Just terrible ambience for an expensive meal, kind of like eating in a church basement Everything else was OK, service was good, but we won’t be back to eat indoors - vibe ruined. If you go, definitely ask to sit in the main restaurant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 4
Robin
Very nice place to have a nice night out. The staff are very professional and very kind I'm happy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rusty Shackleford
The pizza was the best I’ve ever had
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
rhea bruen
walked in, just me, with no reservation at 5:30 on a sunday night. could be seated immediately at the bar, but all their tables were reserved. honestly, they didn't seem incredibly busy - there were a lot of empty tables. still, it took considerable time to be waited on. the waiter forgot to give me a glass of water (which he had promised) for nearly 30 minutes. i ordered the eggplant parmesan with tomato soup (all delicious!) ...and the waiter neglected to give me eating utensils for another few minutes. ordered an affogato when he asked if i needed a box (i did!!). sadly, about 15 minutes after i had ordered the affogato, i was informed that there was no ice cream for it. i was offered the espresso for free as the waiter had already pulled the shot. not great espresso though. overall, the pricing is genuinely good for the quality of the meal you receive and the portion, which i got three meals out of. i would come back again for the delicious food, though next time with a group of people, because the wait staff clearly prioritizes large parties (understandable due to most living off of tips). i have to say though, this was one of the worst solo dining experiences i have ever had - and i've had quite a few of them!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Questions Complaints
mediocre at best.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Alex C
Do not come here with your children. The portion is either a joke or robbery. Any dish should consist of more than three bites - even a child’s. Been here many times in the past and it’s been a slow decline. 10/16/2025
nooshin z
The food was okay overall. My pasta was delicious, but it could have been cooked a bit more al dente. Service was acceptable, but definitely inconsistent. I’d recommend Palio more for casual or friendly gatherings rather than any formal or business related meals
Local Gadabout
Delicious - I love the Pesto. Unfortunately they’ve added sun dried tomatoes to it the last couple times I’ve been there and that’s gross and not what I asked for. Never put sun dried tomato on pesto that’s wrong. Roof seating is probably the best in Ann Arbor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Matthew Renforth
Service was a tad slow bit everything was pretty good
Quality place and rooftop patio dining is one of the best places to eat in Ann Arbor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Claire S
The food is always delicious! Cavatappi pesto and the fettuccine Alfredo is incredible.
Dan Girvan
This place is old and dingy upstairs. Pizza was awful! Close the doors!!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 4
Kyle Seeber
At Palio, dined I did. Pizza Carne Amore, full of flavor, strong the force in it was. Zuppa Toscana—warm, hearty, comfort it brought. A Bell’s Two Hearted, balanced the meal did, refreshing like Dagobah rain.
Ken, our server—ah, much skill he has. Tentative, yet confident. Pride in his work he showed, but never overbearing he was. Spoke with us, yes, but too much chatter, no. The way of the Jedi, his service felt.
Upon the balcony we sat, cool the evening air was. Peaceful, calm, the city below. A fine place, Palio is. Return, I shall.
The ambience at Palio was disappointing from the moment we walked in. The lobby area was smoky and seating area had an unpleasant smell — at first, we thought it was just us, but we noticed a kid and his father leave because it was unbearable to wait inside. We even considered canceling our dine-in plans and switching to takeout.
Despite the atmosphere, the food (Ravioli Appetizer and Cavatapi Pesto Entree) itself was delicious, and the presentation was excellent. The portions were generous and filling, which we truly appreciated. Because of the poor ventilation and unwelcoming environment, however, we wouldn’t return here for celebrations or special occasions. We might order takeout in the future, but not dine in again.
Guests deserve a clean, comfortable, and well-ventilated environment along with good food, especially when choosing a place to celebrate important moments like an anniversary
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
About the fifth time eating here. Host Stand was mildly unwelcoming for the second time in two weeks. Set us in the ‘cafeteria’ section as my wife joked - no music, old carpet. plastic tablecloths, cold, and directly across from the service station which should be behind a wall. Just terrible ambience for an expensive meal, kind of like eating in a church basement Everything else was OK, service was good, but we won’t be back to eat indoors - vibe ruined. If you go, definitely ask to sit in the main restaurant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 4
Very nice place to have a nice night out. The staff are very professional and very kind I'm happy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The pizza was the best I’ve ever had
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
walked in, just me, with no reservation at 5:30 on a sunday night. could be seated immediately at the bar, but all their tables were reserved. honestly, they didn't seem incredibly busy - there were a lot of empty tables. still, it took considerable time to be waited on. the waiter forgot to give me a glass of water (which he had promised) for nearly 30 minutes. i ordered the eggplant parmesan with tomato soup (all delicious!) ...and the waiter neglected to give me eating utensils for another few minutes. ordered an affogato when he asked if i needed a box (i did!!). sadly, about 15 minutes after i had ordered the affogato, i was informed that there was no ice cream for it. i was offered the espresso for free as the waiter had already pulled the shot. not great espresso though. overall, the pricing is genuinely good for the quality of the meal you receive and the portion, which i got three meals out of. i would come back again for the delicious food, though next time with a group of people, because the wait staff clearly prioritizes large parties (understandable due to most living off of tips). i have to say though, this was one of the worst solo dining experiences i have ever had - and i've had quite a few of them!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
mediocre at best.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Do not come here with your children. The portion is either a joke or robbery. Any dish should consist of more than three bites - even a child’s. Been here many times in the past and it’s been a slow decline. 10/16/2025
The food was okay overall. My pasta was delicious, but it could have been cooked a bit more al dente. Service was acceptable, but definitely inconsistent.
I’d recommend Palio more for casual or friendly gatherings rather than any formal or business related meals
Delicious - I love the Pesto. Unfortunately they’ve added sun dried tomatoes to it the last couple times I’ve been there and that’s gross and not what I asked for. Never put sun dried tomato on pesto that’s wrong. Roof seating is probably the best in Ann Arbor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Service was a tad slow bit everything was pretty good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Quality place and rooftop patio dining is one of the best places to eat in Ann Arbor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is always delicious! Cavatappi pesto and the fettuccine Alfredo is incredible.
This place is old and dingy upstairs.
Pizza was awful! Close the doors!!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 4
At Palio, dined I did. Pizza Carne Amore, full of flavor, strong the force in it was. Zuppa Toscana—warm, hearty, comfort it brought. A Bell’s Two Hearted, balanced the meal did, refreshing like Dagobah rain.
Ken, our server—ah, much skill he has. Tentative, yet confident. Pride in his work he showed, but never overbearing he was. Spoke with us, yes, but too much chatter, no. The way of the Jedi, his service felt.
Upon the balcony we sat, cool the evening air was. Peaceful, calm, the city below. A fine place, Palio is. Return, I shall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice atmosphere and food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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