Brian Nagele
Detroit is known as Motor City, but it has much more than cars to offer residents and visitors.
From the revitalized downtown area to the exciting casinos, the entertainment scene in Detroit is continuing to grow.
Alongside the increase in activities is the growth of Detroit’s culinary scene. Particularly new and exciting restaurants have popped up along the waterfront.
From some vantage points in Detroit, guests can look out over the water and view Canada on the other side of the river!
From fabulous seafood restaurants to creative cocktail bars, anyone visiting has the opportunity to experience some of the best waterfront restaurants in Detroit.
The Rattlesnake Club
300 River Pl Dr, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: 313-567-4400
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The Rattlesnake Club is located in the Rivertown Warehouse District by the water. The restaurant serves steaks and specialty seafood dishes.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner service. The Rattlesnake Club is a fine dining restaurant perfect for a date night, anniversary, or other celebration.
My favorite dish at the restaurant is saffron tiger shrimp with sweet pea risotto. Guests also enjoy the veal porterhouse with a dill hollandaise sauce.
For dessert, try the carrot cake cheesecake or the white chocolate ravioli. Be sure to visit the website to make reservations online.
Joe Muer Seafood
400 Renaissance Center #1404, Detroit, MI 48243
Phone: 313-567-6837
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Joe Mauer Seafood is located along the Detroit River. It is a local classic for seafood dishes and perfectly-cooked steak.
The restaurant offers an extensive wine list and cocktail menu. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner almost every day.
My favorite appetizer at Joe Muer Seafood is the Oysters Rockefeller, a plate of a half dozen oysters topped with creamed spinach, crisp bacon, and gruyere cheese, then baked and served warm.
For an entree, I recommend ordering the crab-stuffed Atlantic flounder. The Wagyu short rib is equally delicious; it’s served with whipped potatoes and baby carrots.
Mike’s on the Water
24600 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080
Phone: 586-872-2630
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Mike’s on the water specializes in lobster rolls and other fresh seafood catches here in Detroit.
The restaurant has a nautical theme and a cute outdoor patio. Mike’s on the water is open for lunch and dinner.
The restaurant is located on the water near Blossom Heath Park and the US Coast Guard station at Saint Clair Shores.
When I visited Mike’s on the Water, I enjoyed A lobster roll with a side of tater tots and a cold draft landshark lager.
Also, be sure to visit the roof deck and order from the food truck; the salmon Ruben is a delicious option.
Guests also enjoy the chowder fries, a basket of fries smothered in creamy corn and shrimp chowder.
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront
400 Renaissance Center A-03, Detroit, MI 48243
Phone: 313-567-6700
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Andiamo Detroit Riverfront is located in the GM Renaissance Center. It is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner.
The restaurant is just steps from downtown Detroit and is located along the Detroit River. As you look out across the river from the restaurant, you can see Windsor, Canada, on the other side.
I recommend starting your meal with an appetizer of fried calamari. Popular entrée items include Mediterranean sea bass, seared sea scallops, and filet mignon.
Visit on Wednesday evenings for a special half-off price on select wines. The restaurant also offers grab-and-go carry-out so you can enjoy any of the delicious meals from the comfort of your home.
Portofino Restaurant & Banquet
3455 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192
Phone: 734-281-6700
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Portofino restaurant is an Italian restaurant along the waterfront. It offers patio seating as well as a dinner cruise.
The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, except for Mondays. Portofino is located by the Wyandotte Shores golf course.
The patio is the perfect seating to take in the beautiful and picturesque Detroit skyline. Try the lobster crab cake are the pepperoncini calamari.
Popular dishes at Portofino restaurant include the sweet ginger salmon and the wild mushroom pasta with penne.
The gazpacho and the Mahi tacos are underrated hits. The menu offers guess specialty dishes for particular diets like gluten-free and vegetarian.
Sindbad’s Restaurant and Marina
100 St Clair St, Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: 313-822-8000
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Sindbad‘s restaurant and marina is an ample space located on the water that has a neat nautical theme. The restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday.
Occasionally the restaurant will host live music for guests to enjoy. The restaurant is across the river from the Bell Island nature center and preserve.
If you were able to visit Sindbad’s restaurant for Sunday brunch, then I recommend ordering the eggs Benedict.
If you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, I recommend ordering the fried frog legs, the deep-fried cod fillet, or the fresh Atlantic salmon with a bourbon glaze.
The vegetarian ciabatta sandwich is an excellent option for lunch with portobello mushrooms and roasted red peppers.
The Waterfront Wyandotte
507 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192
Phone: 734-286-9046
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The Waterfront is open daily for lunch and dinner. The restaurant serves new American cuisine in a spacious atmosphere with various outdoor patios.
The restaurant often hosts local musicians to play live music. The bar is developing and serving beautiful creative cocktails that are worth the indulgence.
If you’re planning to visit, you could make a reservation online. My favorite dish at the waterfront is the chicken piccata with capers.
I also enjoy the cajun-crusted mahi-mahi and the Fish and chips. One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the chicken parmesan with pasta.
The wine list is extensive, and I enjoyed the Dona Paula Malbec, but be sure to visit your friendly bartender and see what custom cocktail creations they can mix for you.
