32 Best Restaurants in Detroit in 2022 – Restaurant Clicks

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!

Selden Standard

3921 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-438-5055
Visit Website

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. 

Buddy’s Pizza

Multiple locations
Visit Website

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. 

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails

15 E Kirby St D, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: 313-818-3915
Visit Website

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. 

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. 

Ima

Multiple locations
Visit Website

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 is the same across its three locations, but specials may change depending on which day you visit. 

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. 

Flowers of Vietnam

4440 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Phone: 313-554-2085
Visit Website 

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. 

The Apparatus Room

250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-800-5600
Visit Website

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. 

Detroit Vegan Soul

19614 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
Phone: 313-766-5728
Visit Website

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. 

Slows Bar BQ

Multiple locations
Visit Website

Are you looking for top-quality barbeque in Detroit? Look no further than Slows Bar BQ. 

Quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Detroit restaurant scene when it opened in 2005, Slows’ location in the city is in Corktown next to Roosevelt Park.

They also have a To-Go location in Midtown that doesn’t have any seating whatsoever. 

I found all the staples I expected from a self-respecting BBQ joint. However, Slows is particularly well-known for their ribs, and their sandwich called The Reason is literally so delicious they initially opened Slows because of it. 

They also have a wide selection of craft beer to pair with whatever meal you decide on. 

Supino Pizzeria

2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: 313-567-7879
Visit Website

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. 

The Whitney Detroit

4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-832-5700
Visit Website

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. 

Grey Ghost Detroit

47 Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-262-6534
Visit Website

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. 

Takoi

2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: 313-855-2864
Visit Website

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. 

Sister Pie

8066 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: 313-447-5550
Visit Website

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!

Green Dot Stables

2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: 313-962-5588
Visit Website

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. 

Voyager

Multiple locations
Visit Website

Voyager is a casual seafood bar located in the beautiful Ferndale neighborhood in the Northern Detroit metro area. It’s the perfect spot to hit for brunch or an early dinner as you’re on your way in or out of midtown Detroit. 

It has a seasonal menu that changes depending on what is freshest throughout the year, but Voyager almost always has oysters, crab, and lobster available. With seafood, taste depends on freshness and suppliers, and Voyager has the best of both. 

I went for the Blue Crab Toast and the Swordfish au Poivre. Both had an unbeatable depth of flavor that I can’t recommend more!

Pegasus Taverna

558 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-964-6800
Visit Website

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!

American Coney Island

114 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-961-7758
Visit Website

For over one hundred years, American Coney Island has served up hotdogs to Detroiters and visitors, and they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. 

Located right next to their competitors at Lafayette Coney Island, American Coney Island has some of the best hot dogs around. 

While there’s nothing on the menu that’s truly out of the ordinary, the freshness of the ingredients and the classic taste knocks most other hot dogs out of the park. 

After hitting the town, I grabbed a side of chili cheese fries with my classic Coney dog for lunch and usually go for a dog for a late-night snack. 

Oak & Reel Restaurant

2921 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: 313-270-9600
Visit Website

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. 

Michigan & Trumbull Pizza

1441 W Elizabeth St, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: 313-637-4992
Visit Website

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.

BARDA

4842 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48208
Phone: 313-952-5182
Visit Website

Barda is a brand new bar and restaurant opened in June 2021 by owners Ignacio Gerson and Javier Baraduil that features the only Argentinian-inspired menu in all of Detroit. It’s located on Grand River Ave in Core City, right at the start of 16th Street. 

While you might immediately think of barbecued meats when Argentina comes to mind, BARDA’s menu reflects the reality that Argentina is a melting pot.

The cuisine draws influence from neighboring countries as well as Argentina’s European heritage and continued migration. 

Don’t miss the burrata appetizer with salmon roe and the walleye in brown butter sauce. 

Giovanni’s Ristorante

330 Oakwood, Detroit, MI 48217
Phone: 313-841-0122
Visit Website

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. 

Otta Via

1400 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: 313-962-5500
Visit Website

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. 

Dime Store

719 Griswold St #180, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-962-9106
Visit Website

Just a few blocks from the Detroit Riverfront in Fort Cass, you can find Dime Store, scratch-made brunch, and lunch to die for. 

This is a simple and casual spot nearby Comerica Park and a ton of other amazing dinner spots to try afterward.

There are plenty of hotels nearby, making it the perfect place for a hangover cure after a night on the town. 

Dime Store isn’t your typical brunch spot. It goes beyond the standard eggs benedict and offers twists of brunch staples that I always dream about for weeks before and after going.

Ask for whatever the chef has on special that day, like the Chilaquiles Benny or the Duck Bop Hash. 

Texas de Brazil

1000 Woodward Ave Ste 1B07A, Detroit
Phone: 313-964-4333
Visit Website

Texas de Brazil provides mouthwatering meats served on skewers, sauteed vegetables, and huge steaks – the perfect blend of hearty Brazilian cuisine and Texas hospitality.

It’s a casual sit-down eatery that you can find on the border of Greektown and Fort Cass in Downtown Detroit. 

Pick your appetizers from Texas de Brazil’s chef-crafted salad bar with all sorts of cheeses, produce, and cured meats for you to enjoy.

Then, move on to the main event, the meats on skewers cooked gaucho-style over an open flame. 

Chicken, pork, and beef of all kinds are available and seemingly endless. I’m always sure to make some room in my stomach before heading to Texas de Brazil. 

Savannah Blue

1431 Times Square, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-926-0783
Visit Website

Savannah Blue is a departure from the elevated Midwestern cuisine you find all around Detroit. Featuring Southern-cuisine-inspired dishes, Savannah Blue has a relaxed vibe and smart casual dress code.

You can find it in DTE Plaza right next to Comerica Park. It can get busy, so be sure to make a reservation beforehand, especially as they’re just reopening. 

Savannah Blue is the definition of elevated Southern soul food. The fried chicken and collard greens are immaculately presented, and the crab cakes are light yet rich and sumptuous.

In particular, I thought the braised oxtail over saffron risotto was the best thing on the menu. 

The London Chop House

Murphy Telegraph Building, 155 W Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-962-0277
Visit Website

Just a stone’s throw from the waterfront, The London Chop House is nestled in the heart of the Fort/Cass neighborhood in Downtown Detroit.

It’s right next to the TCF Center and Camp Martius Park if you’re up for a stroll to burn off the calories you’re about to eat. 

The London Chop House serves up some of the best steaks in the city, featuring wet and dry-aged options of all different cuts and sizes. 

You can get a huge tomahawk to share with your partner or wolf down a buttery filet mignon all on your own like I did.

They even have the legendary Imperial Wagyu steak available most nights that just melts in my mouth every time. 

BESA

600 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-315-3000
Visit Website

Located on the corner of East Congress and Woodward Ave in Downtown Detroit is BESA, an upscale Adriatic cocktail bar, and eatery with plenty of options for everyone. Take a walk down the river before your reservation and enjoy the chic decor along with some delicious seafood.

Aside from the typical Mediterranean small plates, you might expect to find on the menu, BESA has a range of Midwestern-inspired dishes to satisfy your stomach no matter what season it is. 

I went for the Amish Chicken Breast with a side of creamy Butternut Squash, but maybe the Double-Cut Lamb Chops with a tangy Citrus Salad will be my dinner next time. 

Roast

1128 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-961-2500
Visit Website

Right across from the greens of the Alexander Macomb Monument sits Roast, a modern steakhouse perfect for private events of a romantic evening on the town. 

You can find Roast on Washington Boulevard, just off Michigan Avenue. It has a smart casual dress code but features a relaxed bar setting where you can grab snacks and drinks before your meal. 

House favorites on the menu include their Roasted Marrow appetizer and Dry-Aged Ribeye, both of which were an explosion of complex flavors of delicious fat and spices. 

There’s a separate bar menu for smaller bites and an extensive dessert drink list to accompany their sinful pastries. 

Vertical Detroit

1538 Centre St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-732-9463

Vertical Detroit is an elegant eatery with crystalline chandeliers and exposed brick walls focusing on fine wine, craft cocktails, and small share plates. 

Ironically, Vertical is located on the ground level on Centre Street in Downtown Detroit. It’s situated between Grand Circus Park and Harmonie Park and has a smart casual dress code, perfect for stopping by after a show. 

Customers of Vertical Detroit often talk highly of the Brussel Sprouts appetizer and then start to drool at the thought of their Wolverine Lamb Strip afterward. 

I loved that there were plenty of small platters to share with my friends and family. Plus, the expertly crafted wine list pairs perfectly with everything. 

Lumen Detroit

1903 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-626-5005
Visit Website

Lumen Detroit stays true to its name, with huge windows that let in plenty of daylight or light from the city at night.

It’s a casual dining spot with a casual dress code but has the feel of an upscale establishment with a modern interior and vaulted ceilings. 

You can find Lumen on the corner of Cass Avenue and Plaza Drive, in between 1st Street and Bagley Street. 

The Seared Tuna appetizer is always a hit here, and the Michigan Porkchop has all the fresh seasonal flavors I’ve come to expect from the best restaurants in Detroit.

I highly recommend coming with friends and sharing a few things because they’re all great!

Parc

800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-922-7272
Visit Website

Located directly in the center of Campus Martius Park, Parc is a fresh take on New American cuisine driven by the produce and animals of the great state of Michigan. You can find it inside the Woodward Avenue traffic circle where Michigan Avenue ends.  

Described as “redefined Detroit cuisine,” Parc has seafood, steaks, pasta, and share plates to choose from. The Branzino alla Piastra has a buttery kick of chili that I always crave, and the Cowboy Ribeye is dry-aged to perfection. 

While Parc has a couple of shareable plates, most are meant for individual consumption, so be sure to order enough!

Best Restaurants in Detroit

  1. Selden Standard
  2. Buddy’s Pizza
  3. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
  4. Lafayette Coney Island
  5. Ima
  6. Flowers of Vietnam
  7. The Apparatus Room
  8. Detroit Vegan Soul
  9. Slows Bar BQ
  10. Supino Pizzeria
  11. The Whitney Detroit
  12. Grey Ghost Detroit
  13. Takoi
  14. Sister Pie
  15. Green Dot Stables
  16. Voyager
  17. Pegasus Taverna
  18. American Coney Island
  19. Oak & Reel Restaurant
  20. Michigan & Trumbull Pizza
  21. BARDA
  22. Giovanni’s Ristorante
  23. Otta Via
  24. Dime Store
  25. Texas de Brazil
  26. Savannah Blue
  27. The London Chop House
  28. BESA
  29. Roast
  30. Vertical Detroit
  31. Lumen Detroit
  32. Parc

Final Thoughts

By now, you should have a better idea of what the best restaurants in Detroit are. There’s something for everyone, and every restaurant I included produces some of the best food in the state, even the country. 

And if you’re looking for something more specific in Detroit, maybe sushi, check out our list of the top sushi spots in the city. 

What did you think about the list? Did I miss a restaurant you think deserves a spot? If so, leave a comment below so that I can make plans to check it out!

This page may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we’ll earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.