As you pull into the parking lot of The Dixboro Project, you are greeted by a freshly renovated blue barn. Fleming Creek snakes behind the building and picnic tables are spread across the lawn and porch. From start to finish, The Dixboro Project dining experience is perfectly executed.

Visitors can opt to eat outside for a more casual dining experience or inside the elegant minimalist dining room. The lofty inside of the former barn is supported by exposed wood beams that extend into the ceiling. Noise-dampening panels are hidden amongst the ceiling beams and create a quieter environment.

I visited The Dixboro Project with my family to celebrate my father’s birthday. When we were brought to our table, which had a picturesque view of the creek, there was a candle and a handwritten note

wishing a happy birthday to the special guest.

My party of four started with the Japanese milk bread and the winter salad. The bread arrived first and was perfect for four people. Its tear-apart style was convenient and enjoyable. Topped with seasonal butter, the Japanese milk bread prepared us for an incredible meal. 

The winter salad arrived not long after the milk bread. The appearance of the salad inspired a millennial behavior in me and I had to snap a picture. Veined radicchio (a colorful Italian vegetable, comparable to cabbage) and citrus slices free of peel curated a medley of color that elevated the salad.

I have nothing but praise for the restaurant staff. Our waiter asked about any dietary restrictions before we ordered and helped my father identify which entrees would be garlic-free. He has a garlic allergy that can be challenging to navigate but the waiter’s communication with the chef eliminated this concern from our dinner.

I ordered the margarita pizza and it did not disappoint. As someone with a strong affinity for pizza, I can confidently say that The Dixboro Project offers some of the best pizza in Ann Arbor. This meal is simple and one of the more kid-friendly options. The Dixboro Project is classy, and not snobby. They were family-friendly and even brought us small glasses of in-house non-alcoholic champagne for my father’s birthday. I appreciated this kind of inclusion as a minor.

They sent us home with a boxed-up treat for my father to enjoy. This experience was full of little delights and courtesies. Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy a pastry by water or have a meal for a special occasion, The Dixboro Project is a lovely place to do so.