Best New Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Your Fave New Dining Spots

best new restaurant in Kalamazoo

cover image: The Backyard of Kalamazoo

Find a Favorite New Restaurant in Kalamazoo

We are lucky to live in Kalamazoo with so many culinary masterpieces nearby.

While we LOVE our restaurants (10,600+ votes for the best restaurants in Kalamazoo support that notion), we never settle for good enough when it comes to our food.

And neither do our local restaurant owners: they continue to innovate and open new dining spots for Southwest Michigan to enjoy.

We polled our readers and found the best new places* to eat in our area.

*Note: to qualify as nominees on our 2024 ballot, a “new” Kalamazoo restaurant must have opened in 2023 or early 2024.

HighDive, best new restaurant in Kalamazoo
HighDive Kitchen + Bar in Downtown Kalamazoo
Best of KZOO Logo 2024

Where Are the Best New Restaurants in Kalamazoo?

Here are the top 5 favorite new restaurants that opened in 2023 or early 2024 in SWMI:
1 – The Backyard of Kalamazoo
2 – HighDive Kitchen + Bar
3 – Z&W Chinese Cuisine
4 – Blue Kitchella
5 – Casa Tequila

Directory: Best New Restaurants

🍽 Voted # 1 Best New Restaurant
10420 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002


Kalako Pizza

Opening in December 2024, Kalako Pizza delivers Chicago style pizza to Portage.

The location also offers traditional style pies, sandwiches, salads and appetizers.

Build your custom creation, or try one of their fun features, including Chef Kody's favorite (pictured): fresh Italian sausage, mushrooms, Calabrian chilis (Hot), fresh basil, red sauce and extra virgin olive oil.

Where to Find Kalako Pizza
Find Kalako just north of Osterhout, on Portage Road (next door to Great Skate).

🍽 Voted # 2 Best New Restaurant
8896 N 32nd St Richland, MI 49083

🍽 Voted # 3 Best New Restaurant
5234 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

🍽 Voted # 4 Best New Restaurant
5032 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048

🍽 Voted # 5 Best New Restaurant
1528 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Tell Us: What is Your Favorite New Dining Spot in Kalamazoo?

Leave us a comment with your fave new spot to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner in SW Michigan.