Detroit, Michigan may be known for its automotive industry and artistic scene, but what people may not know is that it’s home to several incredible eateries for all food lovers will appreciate.
Detroit is a bustling city, full of excitement and wonder, and this holds true when it comes to the restaurants that reside in the city.
Whether it’s hole-in-the-wall, family-owned restaurants or trendy, photographic eateries — Detroit has an abundance of amazing restaurants scattered along the city. First time visiting Detroit and not too sure where to go?
Maybe you live there and you’re curious to know the best of the best restaurants in your hometown.
Don’t worry! If you’re in Detroit and you’re wondering where to go to get some of the best eats, these 15 restaurants are a definite must add to the list. Here are 15 of the best restaurants in Detroit, MI.
The Apparatus Room
$$$ | (313) 800-5600 | WEBSITE
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The Apparatus Room is decorated with waterfall-style lights surrounding the bar area, and decadent tiles throughout. If you’re looking for an extraordinary eatery with polished decorations, this is the one to go to.
Menu items include tasty fare like roasted duck breast and prime beef tartar while cocktails include drinks like surfer Rosa and a drink has no name.
Not only are the decor and the food incredible, but the staff is extremely kind and attentive. Whether you’re interested in a cherished night out or a lively, fun experience with friends — The Apparatus Room delights for every occasion.
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
$$$ | (313) 818-3915 | WEBSITE
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On the corner of Kirby Street in Detroit, Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails is a green haven for those wanting to get some American fare and cocktails. Food on the menu includes tasteful options like falafel, braised rabbit, grass-fed skirt steak, and Madagascar vanilla pudding.
Don’t skip out on the drinks. They are truly creative when it comes to coming up with green cocktails to match the neon green interior of this kitchen & cocktails eatery. Interested in a photo op? Take a stylish picture with their living wall, composed of plants and artistry.
Besa
$$$ | (313) 315-3000 | WEBSITE
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Interested in dining in a room surrounded by wine bottles? Besa is a bistro and raw bar with plenty of wine options to grace the palette. In the bottom of a tall white structure, this restaurant awaits with succulent menu items like open face spinach pie, roasted maitake mushroom, and double cut lamb chops.
Wondering what wines they have? There’s a lengthy list on their website full of some of the bold red wines and fruity white wines. Besa isn’t only known for its incredible dishes, but the service at this eatery is quite impeccable as well.
Oak & Reel
$$$ | (313) 270-9600 | WEBSITE
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You’ll quickly spot the lit letters spelling out “Oak & Reel” above large, open windows with a view of ample dining inside. For a lively dining experience, this eating house is stylish in its interior decor, full of lighting and views of Detroit. This is an Italian-inspired restaurant, focused on local ingredients and bold flavors.
The food here includes fare like hamachi, cannoli, and Dover sole. Don’t pass on their wine list, as well as their rich desserts. The staff is friendly, the chef is internationally recognized, and the seafood is fresh. Never miss out on a chance to dine at this must-see restaurant in Detroit.
Seldon Standard
$$$ | (313) 438-5055 | WEBSITE
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Seldon Standard is located in a black brick building, with an incredibly modernized interior that includes a tile backsplash and a wooden bar top. This restaurant is on the pricer side, but it’s worth the money. The menu includes pork ragu, grilled Italian sausage, and roasted parsnips.
Drinks include draft beers, bubbles, and sake! Interested in a private dinner or a chef’s dinner? Feel free to request a special event on their website. Seldon Standard is a restaurant that prides itself on teamwork, inventive recipes, and quality. A definite must for when in Detroit, but beware that their menu changes often!
Grey Ghost Detroit
$$ | (313) 262-6534 | WEBSITE
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This new American restaurant is a hip and trendy location serving up wine, craft cocktails, and steaks. Grey Ghost Detroit is a chic eatery in Detroit with a small patio for those to enjoy on a sunny day. Inside, the dimly lit dining area offers an intimate ambiance, perfect for a date night out.
Menu items here include Cornish hen, fried bologna, veal porterhouse, and steak tartare. While you’re munching on this delectable fare, expect cocktails like pretty magic which is made of ingredients like eel bitters and strawberry aquavit, and pillow talk which is made of ingredients like gin and dolin genepy.
Taqueria Mi Pueblo
$ | (313) 841-3315 | WEBSITE
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If you interested in some seriously good Mexican fare, Taqueria Mi Pueblo has just what you need. You’ll find affordable, jalisco-style food in this restaurant — with appetizing cocktails in addition. Food served here includes dishes like camarones empanizados, capirotada, and mojarra frita.
Not only are there traditional Mexican items here, but there’s also plenty of traditional Mexican decor scattered throughout this eatery. When it comes to Mexican food and time-honored traditions, this is the best spot to eat.
Wright & Company
$$ | (313) 962-7711 | WEBSITE
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Wright & Company is located in a tall brick building with ample seating and a tasty menu full of delicious cocktails and food items. Try out the branzino, the potato paves, or the chocolate & hazelnut ganache.
Admire the chandelier as you sit inside with your friends or simply sip on cocktails like an executive old fashioned or the fantasma.
In addition to great eats and juicy cocktails, the vintage decor and elongated red booths add to a great atmosphere. Wright & Company is a gastropub with high-end cocktails committed to giving the friendliest service and mouthwatering meals.
The Whitney
$$$$ | (313) 832-5700 | WEBSITE
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In a decadent mansion with a luxurious interior and a brick exterior, a fine American dining restaurant awaits at The Whitney. From the mosaic windows to the stunning garden, this is an iconic restaurant in Detroit. Interested in a tea party?
Enjoy a tea room experience at this eatery, with tea cakes and desserts to enjoy while you sip your tea. Dinner items here range from filet mignon to vegan jambalaya. Stay tuned for special events on their website with friendly service to boot. Special events can range from paranormal dining experiences to virtual tours!
Marrow
$$$ | (313) 513-0361 | WEBSITE
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This butcher shop and restaurant is full of inventive dishes with excellent presentation as well as an intimate dining experience for all. Peruse the butcher shop options in the glass case and take some meat home with you, or dine in on items like tinned fish, Thai style meatballs, and foie gras eggrolls.
Interested in joining a meat club? The butcher shop has a monthly subscription for you to buy all your meat cravings! You’ll love hearing about the family-inspired story that created this eatery, and the farm-to-table cuisine every time you visit Marrow.
Cork & Gabel
$$ | (313) 638-2261 | WEBSITE
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Cork & Gabel is a uniquely structured eatery in the heart of Detroit, MI that simply cannot be passed up. Not only is the exterior of the distressed brick building a rare sight, but the liveliness of this restaurant will keep you coming back again and again.
Brunch here includes items like corned beef hash and eggs and cinnamon rolls. Dinner items served are delicious options like Cajun shrimp Alfredo and vegetable & beef stew. This Italian, Irish, German-inspired fare has dishes to delight every taste bud, with unique patio options as well as a rare inside dining experience.
The Rattlesnake Club
$$$ | (313) 567-4400 | WEBSITE
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Head into this brick building and surround yourself with the scents of flavorful plates! The Rattlesnake Club offers a lively atmosphere, with a large outdoor patio and can’t-miss events for special occasions.
Menu items range from saffron scented tiger shrimp and sauteed filet to jump crab cakes and chipotle glazed veal. You’ll also find Tuesday and Wednesday happy hour specials here from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This fine dining, white-tablecloth establishment offers an intimate ambiance perfect for every occasion.
The Elephant Room
$$ | (313) 462-4889 | WEBSITE
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You’ll spot golden elephants on the black awning with a lit up black and yellow sign at a restaurant called “The Elephant Room.” Inside, the golden ceiling and dimly lit restaurant will grab your attention, but the food and cocktails will win you over.
There’s Greek calamari, steak fries, and crispy cauliflower to go along with incredibly tasty cocktails. Don’t forget to take a picture of the side art on the building — it’s true talent showcased on an equally incredible food spot.
Duly’s Place Coney Island
$ | (313) 554-3076 | WEBSITE
Open 24 hours, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant is not typically what you’d expect. It’s ten times better. Duly’s Place Coney Island is an old school diner offering tasty chili dogs, chili fries, and breakfast all day. It’s affordable, retro, and family-owned.
In fact, you’ll feel like you’re eating with family every time you step inside this tasty hot spot. Bring your appetite when you come to this eatery because you’ll want to eat handfuls of hot dogs and delicious dishes after one taste. After your first visit, you’ll see why this hot spot is on the top best restaurants of Detroit, MI.
Savannah Blue
$$ | (313) 926-0783 | WEBSITE
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Passing by this dark brick building, you would have no idea of what delicious eats are waiting inside. From fried chicken to collard greens, this is the soul food that everyone craves when they’re in Detroit, MI. The portions are large here, with decadent presentation and tasty drinks to go along with it.
Drinks include options like Suit & Tie, which is made of Remy Martin, Aperol, Vermouth and Bitters. Indoor dining is dimly lit, offering intimate vibes along with the attentive service, and the outdoor patio is ideal for those who want to enjoy some sunshine while they eat delicious fare.
Summary
Detroit, Michigan is the heart of creative food and trendy eateries. Whether it’s a crafty cocktail, patio vibes, or an intimate dining experience you’re looking for — each of these restaurants offers a little something special for everyone.
Restaurants vary in fares, from soul food and Mexican food to fine dining and quick eats.
No need to ponder any longer on the best restaurants to go to in Detroit, MI. These 15 restaurants are so to delight and excite your tastebuds from the first spoonful to the very last.
Kyler Johnston is a certified food lover but a vegan also. He works on his physical fitness, but he never forgets to enjoy food from time to time. At Birch Restaurant, he dramatically contributes to food restaurant ideas, especially places with gluten-free options.
