The 24 Best Restaurants In Detroit Michigan

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Detroit, Michigan is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, with various must-try restaurants to choose from. From BBQ joints and soul food spots to upscale restaurants and trendy cafes, Restaurants in Detroit have something to offer for everyone. 

This article will highlight some of the city’s best restaurants, including classic and up-and-coming spots. 

Whether you’re in the mood for classic American comfort food or international cuisine, you will find something delicious in Detroit. 

So, let’s dive in and explore the must-try restaurants in Motor City.

Visiting Detroit? To fully experience the city, don’t miss our ‘Best Things to Do in Detroit, Michigan‘ article!

My Top Three Picks of the Best Restaurants In Detroit Michigan

Restaurant	Top Pick	Our Rating
Wright & Company	pork tenderloin	5/5
The Whitney	pecan-crusted walleye	4.5/5
The Apparatus Room	Smoked Pork Chop	4.5/5

The 24 Best Restaurants In Detroit

Ottava Via

1400 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, United States // +13139625500

If you are searching for restaurants in Detroit dont miss out the Otta Via, located on Michigan Avenue is a superb Italian fine dining establishment.

It’s positioned in the heart of Corktown, allowing guests easy access to all of Downtown Detroit’s attractions in only a few minutes by vehicle.

Otta Via has a limited menu of delicious share plates, pizzas, pasta, and hot plates. There may be specials available. However, it depends on the day you come.

Ottava Via has an excellent wine list, a craft cocktail menu, and a fantastic assortment of beers on tap, including Michigan craft breweries. We chose the wines and were thrilled to find a big selection available by the glass.

Their menu includes small plates, pizza, pasta dishes, and entrees. There was a fantastic selection of options. We chose two small plates and two pasta dishes.

With two big roasted garlic, crostini, and an excellent cheese spread, the small roasted garlic plate was everything but small.

The Roasted garlic was served hot and perfectly roasted. There was also a small plate of calamari – a huge portion well prepared. Ottava Via makes all of their pasta from scratch, showing that they know how to create good pasta. 

The Truffle Butter, Mushroom Linguini, and the Bolognese served over pappardelle were all delicious. It is a place that should not be missed!

Wright & Company

1500 Woodward Ave Floor 2, Detroit, MI 48226, United States // +13139627711

Wright & Company is one of the best rated restaurants in Detroit. Their downtown facility is a well-known eating venue for business lunches, romantic dinners, and family festivities.

We started with the chips and all accompanying toppings, then moved on to the roasted cashews, cold shrimp dish, and roasted beets.

We then went on to the cauliflower dish, which was tasty and unique. We then got pork sliders, one for each of us, which were delicious.

Last but not least came the pork tenderloin, which was undoubtedly the most tempting pig dish we had ever tasted. The night ended with butterscotch pudding and a chocolate brownie treat, both of which were devoured.

The mood was upbeat and sophisticated. The service was excellent, and the food was terrific. I wholeheartedly endorse it and would gladly return.

Flowers of Vietnam

4440 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209, United States // +13135542085

Flowers of Vietnam, run by chef/owner George Azar, is a classic Vietnamese cuisine restaurant in the heart of Detroit. Flowers of Vietnam is located at 4440 Vernor Hwy in Central Southwest, near the picturesque Ambassador Bridge.

Flowers of Vietnam mainly serves rice dishes, appetizers, famous meat platters, beautiful Vietnamese sweets, and some Asian fusion elements. Despite not being prepared exactly the way they would in Vietnam, Flowers of Vietnam brings some interesting new elements to traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

We decided on the papaya salad and chicken wings as appetizers and the fish as our main course. Everything was fantastic and did not let us down! Amongst all restaurants in Detroit this is the one for the best Vietnamese cuisine.

The taste of the papaya salad burst in your mouth, while the sweetness of the wings balanced it out. I’ve never eaten a fish dish like this before.

The entire fish is prepared and served bone-in on a tray, and personnel will assist you in spooning into it. I couldn’t believe how large the fish was. 

Once again, the tastes were incredible, and the service was really pleasing as well. Flowers of Vietnam is a must-see if you adore eating and are searching for an enjoyable experience.

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine

1250 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States // +13139628800

I had the pleasure of dining at Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine in Detroit, and I was blown away by the food, atmosphere, and service.

The restaurant is small and intimate, with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly and attentive, and they made sure our experience was top-notch.

The food was absolutely delicious. I started with the chicken empanadas, filled with chicken shreds and cooked to perfection. 

For my main course, I ordered the ropa vieja, which was tender and flavorful. The black beans and rice were also excellent, and I couldn’t resist trying the tres leches cake for dessert. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful meal.

Overall, I highly recommend Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine to anyone looking for authentic and delicious Cuban food in Detroit. 

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is mouthwatering. It’s definitely worth a visit!

The Whitney

4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, the United States // +13138325700

The Whitney Detroit, located in a gorgeous historic timber baron’s mansion in Midtown, serves up-scale New American food with an English flair. After visiting the Detroit Historical Museum or taking photos at the Eminem D12 Memorial, stop in for dinner.

There’s also the impressive and educational Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History nearby. The Whitney Detroit only serves four-course dinners, with different alternatives for your second, third, and fourth courses. From all restaurants in Detroit here you will get the fastest service.

The pecan-crusted walleye was some of the best I’d ever had. The half chicken was tasty and juicy and large enough to sustain me for two days!

The vegetables that came with it were cooked to perfection. The carrots were naturally sweet, and the asparagus had just the right amount of crispiness.

It is a gorgeous old mansion that has been transformed into a Detroit landmark. Excellent restaurant for an evening of delicious food and history. A must-try!

Supino Pizzeria

2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207, the United States // +13135677879

6519 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, United States // +13133147400

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. This is one of the best restaurants in Detroit you can visit.

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.

Their pizza is delicious! Their cannolis are the nicest I’ve ever tasted; they’re not too sweet or bland, and I believe they’re made with mascarpone cheese. I had the City Wing Thing pizza with “City Wing” smoked turkey and garlic cloves – very tasty. 

My friend had a salad and raved about the lemon vinaigrette dressing. She also ordered the Bismark pizza with an egg on top, which was delicious! This is the place to go if you want thin-crust, fresh, delicious pizza!

Supino Pizzeria 

2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207, United States // +13135677879

Dining at Supino Pizzeria was an absolute treat. The restaurant has a cozy and casual atmosphere, with an open kitchen and an inviting bar area. 

The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.

As for the food, it was simply amazing. I started with the House Salad, which was fresh and flavorful. 

For my main course, I ordered the Pepperoni pizza, loaded with toppings and cooked to perfection in the wood-fired oven. 

The crust was crispy and chewy, and the combination of the toppings was perfect. I also appreciated the wide range of options available for those with dietary restrictions.

Overall, I highly recommend Supino Pizzeria to anyone looking for delicious, wood-fired pizza in Detroit.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the food is top-notch!

Grey Ghost Detroit

47 Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201, the United States // +13132626534

Grey Ghost is a trendy cocktail bar that is generally packed with young people and first dates on weekends. You can’t miss it as you walk along the border of historic Brush Park and Midtown, close to many of the area’s significant attractions.

Grey Ghost features a relaxed dress code and comfy seats, but there is plenty of standing room for when things become crowded. Grey Ghost Detroit, demonstrating how amazing Midwestern hospitality can be, gives an exceptional service experience from arrival to exit.

We ordered the fried bologna and Brussels sprouts as appetizers, and because it was our first time dining there, the server also brought us complimentary calamari. My friend had lamb for dinner, while I had halibut. I wish I could express how wonderful everything was!

The service was excellent, and you could tell there wasn’t a single unhappy person in the establishment, both personnel and customers. Overall, it was a fantastic experience in every way, and I one of the most interesting restaurants in Detroit.

Buddy’s Pizza

Madison Building, 1565 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States // +13137651500

17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212, United States // +13138929001

When I dined at Buddy’s Pizza, I was thoroughly impressed. 

The restaurant has a classic, old-school pizzeria vibe, with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.

I started with garlic bread, which was crispy and flavorful. 

I ordered the classic pepperoni pizza for my main course, which did not disappoint. The crust was thin and crispy, and the toppings were fresh and perfectly balanced. 

I highly recommend Buddy’s Pizza to anyone looking for delicious, classic pizzeria fare in Detroit!

Slows Bar BQ

2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, the United States // +13139629828

Looking for high-quality BBQ in Detroit? Slows Bar BQ is the place to go. Slows, which launched in 2005 and quickly became a fixture on the Detroit restaurant scene, has a location in Corktown near Roosevelt Park.

They also offer a To-Go location in Midtown that has no seats. I discovered all of the standard fares I’d expect from a good BBQ place.

Slows, on the other hand, is well-known for its ribs, and their sandwich dubbed The Reason is actually so excellent that it was the reason they opened Slows in the first place. They also have a wide selection of craft beer to pair with whatever meal you decide on. 

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar

438 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201, United States // +13133153992

SheWolf Pastificio & Barb was a truly memorable experience. 

The restaurant’s modern decor and open kitchen create a chic and inviting atmosphere, and the staff was friendly and attentive.

The food at SheWolf is truly exceptional. I started off with the burrata, which was creamy and bursting with flavor. 

For my main course, I opted for the pasta with lamb ragu, and I was blown away by the depth of flavor in the sauce and the perfectly al dente pasta.

The menu also offers a wide range of options for those with dietary restrictions.

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar is a must-visit for delicious Italian food in Detroit. The atmosphere is chic and welcoming, and the food is truly outstanding. Don’t miss it!

Ima

4870 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States // +13138839788

32203 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071, United States // +12487810131

2100 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, United States // +13133069485

Ima is a hip noodle bar with three restaurants 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 also perfect for a romantic evening or business lunch. Ima’s menu is the same across its three locations, but specials may change depending on which day you visit. 

The food was great! We ordered dumplings, spicy pork udon, tori udon, vegan pho (the greatest I’ve ever had), and patio punch. We also had edamame, which I typically don’t like, but the chili/lemon/olive oil/salt combination was delicious!

This was a filling meal with generous amounts served in a relaxing setting. If you’re in the mood for good food, this is one of the must-visit restaurants in Detroit

Mudgie’s Deli and Bar

1413 Brooklyn St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States // +13139612000

Mudgie’s Deli remains a gathering place for Corktown residents. People from all walks of life come here to get a taste of what it’s like to live in Detroit and to unwind with a simple lunch or dinner. This is one of the most popular restaurants in Detroit.

Mudgie’s has it all, whether you’re searching for something light and healthful or hearty meal that feeds the soul. It’s a welcoming environment with friendly personnel who treat each customer like family. They have a “backyard” with plenty of sitting and fire pits to keep warm by.

You may delve into fantastic sandwiches like The Mayor — including salami, turkey, cheddar, banana peppers, romaine lettuce, and chipotle mayo on rye toast. I also ordered their special grilled cheese with tomato basil soup, which was excellent, warm, and flavorful.

The huge croutons that melted inside the soup were incredible. They also have an excellent beer variety and are really pleasant. Give this spot a visit if you want to experience one of the best restaurants in Detroit with a nice setting and good food! 

Detroit Shipping Company

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201, United States // +13134624973

The Cass Corridor neighborhood’s Detroit Shipping Company is a shipping container food hall that serves curbside pickup, delivery, and in-person eating. The space is made up of multiple shipping containers that have been rebuilt to include an open kitchen and a bar area.

On the other side of the food stands is an affordable bar with various microbrews on tap. There is seating available in the stands, on the patio, and on the second floor. 

The space offers a variety of food vendors serving international cuisine, including pad thai rolls, dumplings from Nepal, jerk chicken, lamb, rice bowls and ice cream.

This location is fantastic, in my opinion. A one-of-a-kind structure, delicious food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere. 

I recommend it if you have an adventurous palate and enjoy trying new things.

Taqueria Mi Pueblo

7278 Dix St, Detroit, MI 48209, United States // +13138413315

Taqueria Mi Pueblo is the ultimate authentic Mexican restaurant in Detroit, MI. The owner and employees are dedicated, honest and trustworthy; they care about their clients.

At the same time, they are one of Detroit’s most honest restaurants, serving the best tacos al pastor, tacos de Baja falda, and more!

They provide a considerably wider selection than your typical Mexican restaurant, featuring a variety of meats. They were packed, and the costs were extremely fair.

The chips were good, but they weren’t homemade. The mild salsa was very plain, but judging by the number of families there, it was ideal for children. The spicy salsa was tasty but not overly intense.

We ordered a complete dinner that included a Coke, a large piece of carnitas, rice, refried beans, grilled onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole. All of this at a very affordable price!

The service was friendly, attentive and fast, but we never felt rushed. It’s a place not to be missed if you want some authentic Mexican food in an authentic atmosphere!

The Apparatus Room

250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States // +13138005600

The Apparatus Room is a beautifully designed bar and restaurant located near the Detroit Riverwalk in Fort Cass, next to the TCF Conference Center.

This is one of the most stunning pubs and restaurants I’ve ever seen. It’s in a stunning historic downtown building with big arched windows and glazed brick inner walls.

Aprium & its architects & designers have done a superb job of renovating and repurposing it in unique ways that appreciate the building’s heritage by using & restoring many of the original elements and adding some new modern touches.

The lighting is wonderful. The old light well where fire hoses were previously hung to dry has been transformed into a gorgeous chandelier pendant loft

Featuring local Michigan ranchers and growers’ fresh vegetables, the Apparatus Room’s menu is New-American-style.

My friend ordered the stuffed Ravioli, and I had the Smoked Pork Chop. Both were beautifully presented, and the quality and flavor of our meals were superb.

We shared a Maurice salad and Brussels sprouts, which were the ideal size for the two of us and matched the entry in presentation and flavor.

Definitely, a spot to check out, with a beautiful setting to keep you captivated!

Dime Store

719 Griswold St #180, Detroit, MI 48226, United States // +13139629106

Dime Store, a few blocks from the Detroit Riverfront, serves scratch-made brunch and delicious lunch. This is a modest and casual location near Comerica Park and many other fantastic dining options.

There are many of hotels nearby, making it the perfect destination for a hangover treatment after a night on the town.

Dime Store isn’t your usual brunch location. It goes beyond the conventional eggs benedict and offers variants of brunch staples that I constantly dream about for weeks before and after coming.

I ordered a Corned Beef omelet with mild sauerkraut and a biscuit instead of toast. Their biscuits are homemade and the best darn biscuits I’ve ever had!

The omelet was delicious and cooked to perfection. I also ordered a waffle that was also delicious. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

The establishment felt friendly and welcoming, it’s hard to express, but I felt at home. I highly recommend it for a fantastic breakfast!

Green Dot Stables

2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216, United States // +13139625588

Green Dot Stables, located along the riverfront between historic Corktown and the West Industrial Park, serves quick and easy sliders, salads, and fries.

You may order it to go or sit inside and enjoy their beautifully built décor, which is designed to seem like a 19th-century bar and stables.

Enjoy a variety of sliders, including the conventional Cheeseburger and the Korean, created with a beef patty, peanut butter, and tangy kimchi. Even though they were little, each of these sliders had a great blast of flavor.

The GDS drink menu is also no laughing matter. It offers a few classics and twists on classics, as well as a hidden daily special that pairs well with their sliders. An amazing spot worth the visit!

And for those on a quest to find the city’s best burgers, our ‘The Best Detroit Burgers‘ article is a must-read, guiding you to Detroit’s top burger destinations!

Pegasus Taverna

558 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States // +13139646800

Pegasus Taverna, which serves the greatest and most authentic Greek food in Detroit, is now being recognized as one of the best Greek restaurants in the country.

Take a stroll down the Riverwalk before stopping for dinner at Pegasus Taverna in the nearby Greektown district.

Pegasus Taverna’s vast menu features all of the best standards of Greek food. Everything on the menu was amazing, from the Stuffed Grape Leaves to the Chicken Gyro to the sweet and flaky baked goodies.

Also, everything is fresh, so the chilly octopus appetizer may try to grab you as you take a bite! A must-visit spot if you want to delve into some delicious Greek Food!

Selden Standard

3921 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States // +13134385055

This popular Midtown restaurant delivers a variety of meals influenced by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, all made with locally sourced ingredients. This is an expensive restaurant with a relaxed dress code, so no need to wear a suit and tie.

The menu, created by Chef Andy Hollyday, is New-American-style cuisine focused on transforming fresh food from local farmers into delectable share platters that the entire family will love.

Because it is farm-to-table, the menu at Selden Standard changes seasonally.

The menu included Beef Tartare, Warm Spinach Salad,  Crispy Walleye, Roasted Cauliflower, Lemon Chitarra, Rabbit Ragu, Ricotta Agnolotti and Mushroom Rags.

Each was superior to the previous. They kept layering on flavor after flavor. This restaurant is a gourmet’s dream and one of the best restaurants in Detroit.

I also loved that they offer specialty drink menus on rotation to complement the food menu. I highly recommend giving this place a try.

Takoi

2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, United States // +13138552864

Takoi began as a food truck in 2014 and has now blossomed into a must-eat destination in Detroit for those who want Thai food with a midwestern twist.

You can find Takoi on Michigan Ave right amid Corktown. There are a lot of wonderful eateries in this area, so it’s worth returning at various times of day to see what’s what.

Takoi looks more like a government operation than a restaurant from the outside, with its all-white structure and tall fence.

When you go inside, you’re transported to a Blade Runner scene with bright green, pink, and blue lights that give it a “So this is what restaurants will be like in the future” vibe.

Takoi has impressive classic Thai items like massaman curry and khao soi, as well as delicious fusion meals like a fried chicken sandwich and oyster mushroom sour curry.

Also, Takoi’s bar had interesting canned beverages that you could buy singly or in party packs to get the party started. There are many great restaurants to visit in Detroit, but this one is worth returning to.

Detroit Vegan Soul

19614 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223, United States // +13137665728

Detroit Vegan Soul, owned and operated by manager Kirsten Ussery and chef Erika Boyd, is a nutritious and hearty alternative.

With a cuisine inspired by encouraging a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle through vegan food, chef Erika Boyd has excelled herself.

Detroit Vegan Soul is a beautiful spot where vegans and carnivores can come together and agree on one thing: the hush puppies are amazing. They also provide lovely homemade sweet tea to wash down their wonderful food.

My mouth was watering from the deliciousness of it, and I couldn’t believe how much it tasted like non-vegan food. There was nothing like catfish and tartar sauce, a seitan pepper steak that was out of this world, and a delicious carrot cake! 

The place was packed, and it was encouraging to see so many people eating well! This vegan gem is a must-try!

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails

15 E Kirby St D, Detroit, MI 48202, United States // +13138183915

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. Freshly baked bread, spaghetti squash, and grass-fed rib eye are just a few things you can expect to find when visiting Chartreuse. 

I ordered the steak fries, which came with chimichurri, queso fresco, and fantastic fries on the side. The flavors and presentation were excellent.

I also ordered an incredibly rich chocolate cake for dessert, and the staff came by with shots of green chartreuse on the house! Sweet, delicious, and actually quite excellent.

Highly recommend this spot if you want fantastic service with delicious food.

Lafayette Coney Island

118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, United States // +13139648198

If you’re in Detroit, you must try a Detroit-style hotdog. Locals say Lafayette Coney Island in Downtown Detroit is the greatest place to get one. It is located near the seaside on the crossroads of Griswold Street and W Lafayette Boulevard.

Lafayette Coney Island, unlike other hotdog businesses in the neighborhood, only uses natural-casing dogs from Dearborn Sausage Co., one of the greatest sausage producers in the country.

You may buy a variety of dogs, including the iconic Coney Island Hotdog, as well as gyros, chili cheese fries, and dessert selections do not miss out one of the Restaurants in Detroit.

However, one coney dog is insufficient, so your normal order is two up with everything, chili cheese fries, and a cold beer. It’s the best hole in the wall hot dog joint there is; give it a try and enjoy one of the best restaurants in Detroit.

If you’re looking to explore the local culinary scene further, check out our ‘15 Michigan Dishes You Must-Try‘ article, where we highlight the essential eats that define Michigan’s rich food heritage!

FAQ: Restaurants in Detroit

What types of Restaurants in Detroit exist?

Detroit has a diverse restaurant scene, with everything from fast food chains to fine dining locations.

There are many options for different cuisines, including American, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and more. There are also several vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the city.

What are some popular local dishes in Detroit?

Some popular local restaurants in Detroit include local dishes such as coney dogs, square pizza, and Detroit-style chili. Coney dogs are hot dogs topped with chili, onions, and mustard and are often served with a side of fries. 

Square pizza, also known as Detroit-style pizza, is a thick, chewy pizza with a crispy crust and toppings that go all the way to the edges. 

Detroit-style chili is a hearty chili made with ground beef, beans, and spices and is often served over spaghetti or hot dogs.

What are some popular food neighborhoods in Detroit?

Some popular food neighborhoods in Detroit include Corktown, Eastern Market, and Midtown.

Corktown is a historic neighborhood known for its diverse food scene, with restaurants serving everything from BBQ to tacos to pizza. 

Eastern Market is a bustling public market that features a variety of food vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and baked goods. 

Finally, Midtown is a thriving neighborhood that is home to many popular restaurants in Detroit and food trucks.

Final Thoughts About The Best Restaurants In Detroit Michigan

In conclusion, the restaurants in Detroit Michigan, are full of diverse and vibrant food scenes, offering a wide range of varieties to choose from. 

From BBQ joints and soul food spots to upscale restaurants and trendy cafes, there is something for everyone in Motor City. 

Whether you’re in the mood for classic American comfort food or international cuisine, you’re sure to find something delicious in Detroit.

So, if you’re planning a trip to the city or just looking for a new dining destination, check out some of the restaurants highlighted in this article. You won’t be disappointed.

Visiting other cities in Michigan? Check out our foodie guides to the following cities:

• 10 Fun Things To Do In Holland MI
• Best Mexican Food In Holland MI
• 5 Best Must-Try Restaurants In Holland Michigan
• 10 Must-Try Grand Rapids Restaurants MI
• Best Pizza In Holland MI