Brian Nagele
Whether you’re in Detroit on business, seeing the sights, or even if you’re a local, you might wonder what the best restaurants in Detroit are. The Motor City is a premier foodie destination, and you don’t want to miss out on the best it has to offer.
In this article, I’ll go through where to eat in Detroit, including where they are, what dress code to expect, and what sort of cuisine they have to offer. I’ll also recommend some popular dishes that you might want to try during your visit. Sink your teeth into a massive steak or taste bite-sized complex creations from a four-course menu. Keep reading to find out where you can find whatever you’re craving on my list of the best Detroit restaurants!
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
15 E Kirby St D, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: 313-818-3915
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Named Detroit’s Best Restaurant of the Year by the Detroit Free Press in 2016, Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails is an exceptional seasonal farm-to-table restaurant. Chef Doug Hewitt and restaurateur Sandy Levine provide an immersive experience for every guest with attractive living wall decor and excellent service. Chartreuse is located right next to Wayne State University in Midtown Detroit. Although the menu is determined by what produce their partners bring each season, the chef provides a sample on their website. Freshly baked bread, spaghetti squash, and grass-fed rib eye are just a few things you can expect to find when visiting Chartreuse.
Selden Standard
3921 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-438-5055
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Selden Standard is a top-quality farm-to-table restaurant located in Midtown Detroit around Eastern Market, Cass Corridor, and Comerica Park. You can find it between Selden Street and West Alexandria on 2nd Avenue. This is an upscale establishment but features a casual dress code, so no need to come in a suit and tie. Crafted by Chef Andy Hollyday, the menu is New-American-style cuisine focused on turning fresh produce from local farmers into delicious share platters that the whole family will enjoy. Since it’s farm-to-table, Selden Standard has a seasonal menu that changes depending on what becomes available. I also loved that they have craft cocktail menus on rotation to match the food menu.
Grey Ghost Detroit
47 Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-262-6534
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Grey Ghost is a hip cocktail bar that’s usually buzzing on the weekends with young people and first dates. You can’t miss it walking the border of historic Brush Park and Midtown, close to all the main attractions in the area. Grey Ghost has a casual dress code and comfortable seating but plenty of standing room for when it gets busy. Driving the point of how excellent Midwestern hospitality can be, Grey Ghost Detroit provides an exceptional service experience from entry to exit. I enjoyed the elevated New American and European cuisine on their extensive menu, and there was something for everyone in my group.
Wright & Company
1500 Woodward Ave., Floor 2, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-962-7711
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Wright & Company puts a twist on the upscale gastropub formula with its shared plates concept. This restaurant has a cozy atmosphere that complements the sophisticated creations of Chefs Marc Djozlija and Kyle Schutte. The place can get busy, but it’s well worth it. I particularly enjoyed the rice balls and the udon carbonara, and the bar was a fun experience. Wright & Company also serves delicate snacks like mushroom pate or pork belly sliders if you’re in the mood for a small plate. I highly recommend this spot for the view on Woodward Avenue. It’s a prime downtown location only one block away from the Detroit Opera House and Comerica Park.
Detroit Vegan Soul
19614 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
Phone: 313-766-5728
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Owned and run by manager Kirsten Ussery and chef Erika Boyd, Detroit Vegan Soul is a healthy and hearty option with two locations in Detroit. While their riverfront location is temporarily closed, you can visit them in Minock Park near the Rosedale Historic Park District. With a menu inspired by promoting a healthy and delicious lifestyle through vegan food, chef Erika Boyd has outdone herself. Extremely popular offerings include the Okra Stew Bowl and vegan Mac ‘n Cheese, but their mouthwatering “Catfish” Tofu Sandwich was my favorite. They also have tasty homemade sweet tea to wash down their scrumptious food.
Mabel Gray
23825 John R. Rd., Hazel Park, MI 48030
Phone: 248-398-4300
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I couldn’t go to Detroit without checking out this industrial-inspired restaurant. Detroit has a rich history as an industrial city, and I love the idea of embracing the city’s past through a modern dining setting. Mabel Gray is also unique because it only uses fresh ingredients sourced from local partners. We ordered a tasting menu and were lucky enough to try creations like a lamb shepherd’s pie, a roasted beet salad, and a tuna crudo. Mabel Gray is in the Hazel Park area, a few blocks from the Detroit Zoo.
Oak & Reel Restaurant
2921 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: 313-270-9600
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Oak & Reel Restaurant is a contemporary take on classic Italian seafood dishes inspired by local Midwestern ingredients. It’s located in the center of Milwaukee Junction, putting it close to Wayne State and the beautiful Fisher Building. Owned and run by Michelin-star chef Jared Gadbaw, Oak & Reel regularly tops lists for the best restaurants in Detroit. The seafood comes in Oak & Reel from all around the world, but the fruit and vegetables used in all the dishes mainly come from local Midwest growers. The result is an eclectic combination that refines traditional Italian offerings. Try the Chef’s Daily Special for the best dish available on the day you visit.
Marrow
8044 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: 313-513-0361
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Marrow is a mix between an upscale bistro and a butcher’s shop. Tasting dishes prepared with fresh meat makes a difference, and I find that it adds something to the experience. I also liked the brick setting that adds flair to this unique bistro. This high-end restaurant offers an amazing tasting menu with five courses, but the a la carte menu is a true meat lover’s paradise with beef, lamb, and rabbit dishes. You’ll find Marrow on Kercheval Avenue in the Indian Village. The restaurant isn’t far from the Eastside Historic Cemetery.
Flowers of Vietnam
4440 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Phone: 313-554-2085
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Run by chef/owner George Azar, Flowers of Vietnam is a traditional Vietnamese cuisine restaurant located in the heart of Detroit. You can find Flowers of Vietnam at 4440 Vernor Hwy in Central Southwest, right near the scenic Ambassador Bridge. Featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes along with some Asian fusion elements, Flowers of Vietnam mainly serves rice dishes, appetizers, signature meat platters, and breathtaking Vietnamese desserts. While not strictly how they would make it in Vietnam, Flowers of Vietnam injects some interesting new elements into the classic tastes of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Mudgie’s Deli and Bar
1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-961-2000
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Mudgie’s is a deli, bar, and wine shop. It’s a unique spot with a relaxed atmosphere, memorable food, and fun wine-tasting events. I visited this small Corktown deli twice during my stay in Detroit. I tried the roasted bell pepper and gouda bisque and came back the next day to order their popular Madill sandwich, a delicious creation with turkey, bacon, and garlic-roasted mayo. This deli is on Brooklyn Street, directly across from Mudgie’s Playlot. It’s a little off the beaten path, but you won’t regret stopping by.
Sister Pie
8066 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: 313-447-5550
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Craving some delicious baked goods but don’t know where to look? Sister Pie on Kercheval Ave in Detroit’s West Village is where you want to be. The various neighborhoods like Indian Village and English Village are fun to walk through, and Sister Pie is perfect for giving you that midday pick-me-up to keep you going. Sister Pie has scrumptious sweet pies and filling savory pies for any occasion. While I had to preorder the food I wanted, it was definitely worth it. We grabbed one of their Salted Maple Pies along with a Seasonal Savory Hand Pie. You can even get dairy and meat directly from their suppliers!
Sweet Potato Sensations
17337 Lahser Rd., Detroit, MI 48219
Phone: 313-532-7996
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This bakery offers mouth-watering pies, muffins, cookies, cheesecakes, savory baked goods, and more. All these confections use sweet potatoes. I enjoyed the idea of exploring the taste of sweet potato in so many creations and can’t recommend the sweet potato cookies enough. The bakery also has some traditional baked goods that don’t use sweet potatoes if you’re not a fan of the taste.You’ll find this bakery in the Old Redford neighborhood on Lahser Road, across from the Redford Theatre.
Takoi
2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: 313-855-2864
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Beginning as a food truck in 2014, Takoi has evolved into a must-eat destination in Detroit if you like Thai food with a midwestern twist. You can find Takoi on Michigan Ave right in the middle of Corktown. There’s a ton of great restaurants in this area, so it’s worth coming back at different times of day to see what’s what. Takoi has impressive traditional Thai offerings like massaman curry and khao soi, as well as delicious fusion dishes like a fried chicken sandwich and oyster mushroom sour curry. I also thought it was super cool that Takoi’s bar has canned cocktails that you can get individually or in party packs to really get things started.
Detroit Shipping Company
474 Peterboro St., Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-462-4973
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We went to the Detroit Shipping Company after catching a show at the Little Caesars Arena. The Detroit Shipping Company is only two blocks away, near the intersection of Peterboro Street and Cass Avenue. The Detroit Shipping Company is a large food hall and beer garden with six restaurants and three bars. We had some delicious Nepalese dumplings from Momo Cha before ordering traditional Caribbean street food from the Coop. The selection is amazing, and we loved the friendly atmosphere of the beer hall with its outdoor seating area.
Green Dot Stables
2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: 313-962-5588
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Situated in between historic Corktown and the West Industrial Park along the waterfront, Green Dot Stables offers quick and easy sliders, salads, and fries. You can either grab it takeaway or sit inside and enjoy their carefully crafted interior made to look like a 19th-century saloon and stables. Enjoy unique sliders that range from the traditional Cheeseburger to the Korean, made with a beef patty, peanut butter, and tangy kimchi. While small, these sliders had a delicious kick of flavor no matter which one I ate. The GDS cocktail menu is no joke either. It has a few classics and twists on classics, along with a secret daily special that went perfectly with their sliders.
Ima
Multiple locations
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Ima is a hip noodle bar with three locations in Detroit: Corktown, Madison Heights, and Midtown/Wayne State. As a result, delicious fusion-style noodles are close by no matter where you are in Detroit. It’s a popular spot for students and young professionals but perfect for a romantic evening or business lunch as well. Ima’s menu varies across its three locations, so there are plenty of different dishes to enjoy across the city! Rich udon dishes, filling rice mains, and small appetizer plates like tacos and edamame to share round out the menu nicely, giving everyone something to love. Popular dishes include the vegan Forest Udon and the Spicy Tuna Don, among others.
Lafayette Coney Island
118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-964-8198
If you’re in Detroit, then you need to get a Detroit-style hotdog. If you talk to locals, there’s no better place to get one than Lafayette Coney Island, located in Downtown Detroit. You can find it on the corner of Griswold Street and W Lafayette Boulevard near the waterfront. Unlike other hotdog joints in the area, Lafayette Coney Island only uses natural-casing dogs from Dearborn Sausage Co., one of the best sausage producers in the country. The menu hasn’t changed much at this spot. You can get a few different kinds of dog, including the famous Coney Island Hotdog, along with some gyros, chili cheese fries, and dessert options as well.
Otta Via
1400 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: 313-962-5500
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Otta Via, located on Michigan Ave and 8th Street, is another excellent Italian fine dining establishment. It’s right in the center of Corktown, giving patrons access to all of Downtown Detroit’s attractions within just a few minutes car ride. Otta Via has a select menu with tasty share plates, pizzas, pasta, and a few hot plates. There may be specials available, but it will depend on the day you visit. Customers always rave about the Truffle Butter Pasta and the Chef Polpete, a rotating meatball selection, and I have to say that it doesn’t disappoint. Ask about their especially paired cocktail list as well.
Taqueria Mi Pueblo
7278 Dix St., Detroit, MI 48209
Phone: 313-841-3315
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Taqueria Mi Pueblo is a favorite among locals. This inexpensive Mexican spot serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other classics. We tried the fish tacos and the carne molida tostadas. The portions were generous, and I found that the food had the perfect amount of spice.The dessert menu and fresh juices are also worth mentioning. Taqueria Mi Pueblo is the perfect spot for a night out with friends or family with its welcoming atmosphere. You’ll find this restaurant at the intersection of Dix Street and Stair Street in the Springwells area.
The Whitney Detroit
4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-832-5700
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Situated in a picturesque old lumber baron’s mansion in Midtown, the Whitney Detroit serves up-scale New American cuisine with an English twist. Come in for dinner after visiting the Detroit Historical Museum or taking some photos at the Eminem D12 Memorial. There’s also the rich and educational Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History nearby as well. The Whitney Detroit exclusively serves four-course dinners with various options for your second, third, and fourth courses. My party went for the 8oz. Creekstone Filet Mignon and the Shrimp and Scallop Saute, both of which were exquisite. The Whitney also does a sophisticated afternoon tea and tour of the mansion you shouldn’t miss.
Buddy’s Pizza
Multiple locations
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If you’re looking for some legendary Detroit-style pizza, you need to check out Buddy’s Pizza. It’s a historic mainstay for cheesy, crispy, delicious Detroit-style pizza, and you’ll often hear locals talk about it with stars in their eyes. You can find the original Buddy’s Pizza at 17125 Conant Street in North Campau and the second at 1565 Broadway Street next to Comerica Park in Capitol City. At Buddy’s, I started my meal with some yummy wings and garlic bread as an appetizer and moved on to a large square pizza and signature pasta for our mains. They also have tasty salads and burgers to round off the already comprehensive menu.
The Apparatus Room
250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-800-5600
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The Apparatus Room is an immaculately designed bar and restaurant next to the TCF Conference Center near the Detroit Riverwalk in Fort Cass. You can visit the Detroit Spirit Statue and return for lunch within minutes. While it has a casual dress code, most people wear smart casual over the weekends or weekday nights. The Apparatus Room has a New-American-style menu that focuses on fresh produce from local Michigan ranchers and growers. I tried the sumptuous Beef Short Rib & Smoked Cheddar Hash for breakfast, then came back for the fresh and popular Maine Diver Scallops in the evening.
Pegasus Taverna
558 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-964-6800
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Featuring the best and most authentic Greek food in all of Detroit, Pegasus Taverna is garnering attention as one of the best Greek restaurants in the whole country as well. Take a stroll on the Riverwalk and then stop by Pegasus Taverna for dinner in the nearby Greektown neighborhood. Pegasus Taverna has all the best staples of Greek cuisine on their extensive menu. We thought everything on the menu was absolutely delicious, from their Stuffed Grape Leaves to the Chicken Gyro to the sweet and flaky baked goods. Plus, everything is very fresh, meaning that chilled octopus appetizer might try to grab you as you take a bite!
Supino Pizzeria
2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: 313-567-7879
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If you’re visiting Detroit from the East Coast and want a taste of home, check out Supino Pizzeria. It’s right down the block from Comerica Park, putting it within a stone’s throw from the Detroit Riverwalk. You can find Supino for takeaway at their two locations in Eastern Market and New Center. While Supino offers standard cheese and pepperoni pizzas, they also put a creative spin on their East Coast Pizza heritage. For example, my go-to at this spot is the City Wing Thing, a pizza with smoked chicken, smoked gouda, fresh mozzarella, banana peppers, and roasted garlic! They also have a range of delicious salads and appetizers available as well, which are always fresh and filling.
Giovanni’s Ristorante
330 Oakwood, Detroit, MI 48217
Phone: 313-841-0122
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Giovanni’s Ristorante is a five-star Italian dining experience nestled in the River Rouge neighborhood outside downtown Detroit. It’s right along the Rouge River across the bridge from the beautiful Woodmere Cemetery. You can find it on the cross street between Powell and Oakwood. While outside the main area of Detroit, it’s well worth taking the drive for Giovanni’s. Cooking up delicious Italian-American classics like pasta alfredo and lasagne, Giovanni’s also has house signatures that make it stand out. I always lick the plate clean when I get the Filletto alla Giovanni or but the Salmon Carciofini is divine if you want a taste of the sea.
Baobab Fare
6568 Woodward Ave, Suite 100, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Phone: 313-265-3093
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In 2021, Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, two refugees from Burundi, opened Baobab Fare. The restaurant quickly became a sensation thanks to its amazing menu inspired by East African cuisine. I tried two of the restaurant’s signature dishes, Nyumbani and Intore. Nyumbani is a hearty beef and rice dish, while Intore is a vegetarian dish with greens and coconut rice. Baobab Fare is on Grand Boulevard in the New Center Commons neighborhood. I highly recommend taking a stroll in the neighborhood for some window shopping!
Freya & Dragonfly
2929 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Phone: 313-351-5544
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Freya & Dragonfly is an upscale spot with some unique menu items. You’ll find original creations with everyday ingredients, like the delicious apple carpaccio or the pork tenderloin, along with some high-end dishes, like the bison tartare or sturgeon. The menu feels very creative, and the setting has a touch of modernity that evokes class and sophistication. This upscale spot is on E. Grand Boulevard, between the Chroma and Grand Haus event venues in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood.
Michigan & Trumbull Pizza
1441 W Elizabeth St, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: 313-637-4992
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Right next to The Corner Ballpark, Michigan & Trumbull Pizza is a casual, no-nonsense Detroit-style pizzeria. It’s also nearby historic Corktown and the MGM Grand Detroit if you’re into some gambling after dinner. It’s the perfect spot to hit after bouncing around the many bars that dot the area. On the menu, you have the typical Detroit-style pizza divided into red and white sauce options. One popular pizza is the McLovin, named after the iconic character in Superbad, or maybe the Stanley Stix with vodka sauce is more your speed. No matter what you choose, it will be delicious.
I’m so excited for this list! I’m a big fan of Detroit food and I can’t wait to try out some of these restaurants!
This is really helpful thanks! Much appreciated 🙂