As the largest city in the state of Michigan, Detroit has so much to offer visitors and locals alike. The “motor city” has been making a comeback in recent years. There’s culture to be found in the museums, nightlife, and of course, the food. Detroit has so many excellent restaurants, cafes, and bistros to experience, but maybe you want a little something extra.
If you have an event to plan, then you may require a private room. Plenty of Detroit restaurants have savory menus and venues for a private event. You’ll find views, ambiance, and top-notch service at all of our picks. No matter if you’re just passing through for business, planning a formal event, looking for an epic blowout, or treating yourself and your family to a fine dining experience, you can find excellent food and private dining throughout Detroit. I will point out what makes each restaurant special, so you know where to book your private dining room. Check out my list of the best private dining in Detroit below!
Giovanni’s Ristorante
330 Oakwood, Detroit, MI 48217
Phone: 313-841-0122
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Serving up excellent Italian food since 1968, Giovanni’s is the top choice for pasta lovers. Apparently, Frank Sinatra once ate at this family-run eatery famous for its rustic Italian fare and handmade pasta. The unassuming exterior of this location opens up to a warm and chic interior where you can enjoy fine drinks at the all-wood bar or get decadent pasta dishes. Located in the Oakwood Heights neighborhood, you can visit after spending the day at nearby museums. The Scampi Alla Giovanni is a simply done standout dish. If you’re so inclined, treat yourself to something off the cocktail menu. Their signature cocktail list offers twists on classics (like the Italian Margarita) and some more creative options (such as the La Capone).
The Rattlesnake Club
300 River Pl Dr, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: 313-567-4400
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A modern and sleek interior opens up to river and skyline views along the outdoor dining area. Thanks to the views and location (the extremely trendy Rivertown warehouse district), The Rattlesnake Club, Detroit, is often booked for weddings and other large private events. This high-end eatery is known for its steak and seafood dishes. For steak, I recommend the 16oz cider glazed porterhouse pork chop, seasoned to perfection and served with excellent Yukon fries. You can’t go wrong. If you’re a fish lover, the hazelnut-crusted filet of walleye is perfectly made. You should be aware that there are minimal vegetarian options if you or someone in your party doesn’t eat meat. I spotted one vegetarian main dish and some starter salads.
Mario’s Restaurant
4222 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-832-1616
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Mario’s is very old-school Italian. It’s been around since 1948. The interior has been kept as close to the original as possible, so you’ll eat amongst elegant and timeless decor. They offer six different private booking areas, so there’s something to suit many different setups. Located in midtown, Mario’s offers complimentary shuttle service to all downtown venues. The menu is extensive, and you can’t go wrong with anything on it. They have a full range of veal, beef, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes. I haven’t even mentioned the many starters and desserts. I had the tortellini a brodo (tortellini in broth) and the shrimp bordelaise. Both were packed with flavor and exquisitely prepared. I’m told this spot often has dancing, so stick around for a drink and continue your partying.
The Whitney
4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-832-5700
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The Whitney began life as a turn of the century, romanesque revival mansion, once owned by a wealthy lumber baron. The restaurant and event space retains all the glamor and elegance you would expect of the location. The Whitney has private rooms for parties ranging from 10-400 people. The Whitney has different menus which change by season and event. You could go for afternoon tea, Christmas eve, or attend any day for dinner. All dinner entrees are served with four courses. You pick your main dish, choice of salad, dessert, and appetizer. This set-up is likely what you would have at your own event. The Beef Wellington is The Whitney’s signature entree, and I can see why. It’s mouthwatering and decadent. You may not have room for dessert. This one came with a wine recommendation on the menu, but whatever you order, ask your server for a wine suggestion as they have an extensive wine list. Please note that you’re supposed to limit cell phone use and only use your phone in the lobby. This place is too nice for all that noise!
BESA
600 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-315-3000
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Located smack in the middle of everything happening in downtown Detroit, BESA’s high-end and intimate space will wow you. BESA has the feel of a high-end yet modern supper club with a world-inspired and delicious menu to match. You’ll wow your guests at first sight of BESA’s dining areas.They’re more known for their seafood, so that’s what I had, but they certainly offer some savory meat dishes too. The Caledonian blue prawns with Turkish-inspired flavors were to die for. However, I caught a glimpse of the lamb chops and almost regretted my decision. If you still have room for dessert, the labneh cheesecake with blueberries and cookie crumble is a must-try.
The London Chop House
Murphy Telegraph Building, 155 W Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-962-0277
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Dark wood, low lights, and live jazz describe The London Chop House, which is an upscale steakhouse that feels like a real throwback to an elegant era. This place has a long Detroit history, with the original restaurant consistently named one of the best in the country. Located amid the financial district, this is the perfect place to wow your work buddies. Sundays are reserved here for private events, so book yours soon. Going to this restaurant just for a drink is something of an experience. They have an extensive “cellar collection” of rare wines from around the world, as well as a long and enticing classic cocktail list. They have some great seafood dishes, but you must try a steak if you’re only going once. The 14oz dry-aged boneless ribeye is the one to go for. The London Chop House is priced like a high-end steakhouse expect to spend at least $75 per person.
Prime + Proper
1145 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-636-3100
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You can book the private dining room at Prime + Proper for 6-20 guests. Located near the Detroit Opera House, come here before the show. This more intimate event takes place in an opulent room surrounded by fine wines. If you’re looking to impress and treat yourself to an authentic private dinner, this is the place to be. You can rent the art deco-inspired supper club for more significant events as well. Prime + Proper’s reasonably priced private dining menu offers a few options from their full menu. Everything is fresh and delicious, so whatever menu you choose will be fantastic. Get the family-style PROPER PLATEAU to start. This dish is a medley of all the best fresh seafood (oysters, lobster, shrimp, king crab) served with four sauces. To make it surf’n’turf, make sure to try the 8oz prime ribeye “filet,” which is incredibly succulent.
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront
400 Renaissance Center A-03, Detroit, MI 48243
Phone: 313-567-6700
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Andiamo’s Detroit riverfront location is an ample open space with (you guessed it) stunning river views. Stroll down here on the Detroit Riverwalk, and you’ll find a charming restaurant and event space that features live music. Private brunch, work holiday party, or special occasion, the views alone make this a fabulous private dining option. The pasta is made the old-fashioned way, by hand. The Linguine con Punti di Manzo (Beef Tenderloin Tip Pasta) had perfect seasoning, and the linguine was top-notch. The Suppli al Telefono (Italian rice balls) are simple yet delicious if you choose to get a starter. This upscale Italian restaurant also has a lengthy wine list. Unless you’re an expert, you should ask your server about pairings to help you out.
Selden Standard
3921 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-438-5055
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Selden Standard is a laid-back yet stylish Detroit restaurant with an ever-changing menu. You’ll never run out of delicious dishes to try. Situated in the lively Midtown of Detroit, they’re perfectly equipped to hold stellar private dining events for between 10-30 people. Selden Standard describes their menu as “new American small plates.” You should know that they’re a seasonal restaurant, so the menu is constantly in flux. While this makes it hard to recommend, I can assure you that whatever you order will be perfectly fresh as it only uses locally-grown in-season ingredients. This seasonality includes their drink menu, which they update along with their dinner menu.
Grey Ghost Detroit
47 Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-262-6534
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Grey Ghost is named after the most famous pirate to travel the Detroit River during prohibition. Nestled between the historic Brush Park and Midtown neighborhoods, Grey Ghost is the place to go for expertly crafted cocktails and an eclectic and savory menu. Despite its high-end dishes, Grey Ghost has the intimate feel of a neighborhood eatery. I call the menu eclectic because, in addition to a couple of Japanese-inspired dishes, you can find such things as a hamburger, oysters, fried bologna, and classic New York strip steak. Even the more traditional dishes are infused with exciting and bold flavors. I don’t usually see curry and blueberry chutney on a cauliflower dish. The half roast chicken is incredibly flavorful, and for dessert, the apple crisp is anything but ordinary.
The Apparatus Room
250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-800-5600
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The Apparatus Room is an industrial-chic craft cocktail and American restaurant located in the Detroit Foundation Hotel (Downtown Detroit). This open and historic-with-a-modern-twist space is perfect for any significant event. You’ll find that the area itself is upscale without being stuffy; it’s a showstopper. The pork tenderloin is outstanding here, though everything in the place looked fantastic. The wine list at The Apparatus Room is several pages long, so ask your server about that. The only real downside is that this venue is trendy. You’ll need to make a reservation often more than a month in advance. Start planning your event now!
Iridescence – Event Space at MotorCity Casino Hotel
2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-237-6732
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Located a little way outside the city center in the North Corktown neighborhood, The Iridescence Event Space at MotorCity Casino Hotel lets you gaze out at the rest of the city with sweeping 16th-floor views. It probably has the best views in the city so be sure to get a window seat! Classic, large, lavish, and pricey Iridescence feels like a traditional event space. Iridescence has different private rooms for both intimate and considerable events in Detroit. They offer a banquet menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner time events. They also have the option of a la cart snacks and carving stations. There are vegetarian options, seafood, meat, and laidback fare like hotdogs. Anything you could ask for for your party is here, and it’s all top-notch.
Vertical Detroit
1538 Centre St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-732-9463
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Located in bustling downtown Detroit right next door to the Detroit Opera House, you have Vertical Detroit. Start here before attending a show or heading over to the many area bars for an evening out. The rooms are comfortable yet elegant. Tin ceilings, chandeliers, and tile floors make for an interesting setup. They have several separate and elegant private dining spaces to suit different needs and tastes. It is not my usual recommendation, but you should try the starter Brussel sprouts here. They’re fried and served with Arbol chili, lime, queso fresco, and cilantro. The star of the dinner menu was the soy-glazed pork chop. They have a creative craft cocktail list and a vast wine menu. I’d recommend a nice glass of white wine to accompany dinner at Vertical.
Roast
1128 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-961-2500
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Roast is a high-end steakhouse located in an equally high-end hotel, The Westin Book Cadillac, in Downtown Detroit. They offer two private dining spaces perfect for anything from corporate events, lavish birthdays, or simply a fancy night out. Simple, intimate, and refined, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped away from the hustle and bustle outside. Roast was once awarded Detroit’s restaurant of the year, so you know that everything on the menu is a treat. They are a steakhouse, so unless you’re off red meat, get a steak. The Filet Mignon with Alaskan King crab bearnaise is decadent and worth it, but you can’t go wrong with any of the different steak choices on the menu.
Caucus Club Detroit
150 W Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-965-4970
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The Caucus Club is a classic steakhouse filled with old-world dignity. It’s the kind of place that still has a dress code (business casual at a minimum). This Detroit landmark has plush carpets, dark wood, and comfortable seating to sell that supper club vibe. They have live music on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s one stylish place to fuel up before a night out or the place to host a perfect party. They have several different layouts for private events and can book for up to 125 people. You won’t need a starter (though the tuna tartare is worth a try) if you get the aged-to-perfection 28oz porterhouse steak. Make sure you ask for a good Red to go with it off the Caucus Club’s colossal wine list (that’s not including their delicious after-dinner wines). If you want to order dessert, the layered chocolate mousse cake is light and fluffy.