Detroit’s culinary scene is thriving—buzzing with innovation, rooted in heritage, and serving flavors from every corner of the world. Whether you’re craving wood-fired steaks, vegan soul food, handmade pasta, or an elevated dining experience with skyline views, this list includes some of my personal favorite spots across Detroit and Metro Detroit. There’s no ranking here—just a diverse, delicious lineup worth checking out.

1. Selden Standard – Midtown Detroit

• Cuisine: New American
• Price: $$–$$$
• Rating: 4.9/5
• Description: Seasonal small plates crafted with locally sourced ingredients in a rustic-chic setting. ​

2. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails – Midtown Detroit

• Cuisine: American
• Price: $$$
• Rating: 4.8/5
• Description: Vibrant eatery offering inventive dishes and craft cocktails, emphasizing sustainability. ​

3. The Apparatus Room – Downtown Detroit

• Cuisine: American
• Price: $$$$
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: Located in the Detroit Foundation Hotel, serving refined American fare in a historic firehouse setting. ​If Waygu is on the menu, get it. An Old Fashioned too.

4. Highlands Detroit – Renaissance Center, Downtown

• Cuisine: Contemporary American, Fine Dining
• Price: $$$$
• Rating: 4.7/5
  Description: One of the city’s most elevated dining experiences—literally. Located on the 71st floor, it offers sweeping skyline views, upscale modern cuisine, and a curated wine list perfect for special occasions. Can’t go wrong with the 3-courses + sommelier’s wine pairings.

5. Wright & Company – Downtown Detroit

• Cuisine: Gastropub
• Price: $$$
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: Stylish venue offering shareable plates and an extensive wine list in a loft-like space. ​The scallops are to die for. I get them every time without fail.

6. Grey Ghost – Midtown Detroit

• Cuisine: New American, Butcher-Inspired
• Price: $$–$$$
• Rating: 4.7/5
• Description: A bold and creative spot known for inventive meat dishes, stylish ambiance, and award-winning cocktails—ideal for food lovers looking for something unique. Get the burger~

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Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Friendly

1. Breadless – Downtown Detroit (Patio Seating)

• Cuisine: Gluten-Free
• Price: $$
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Description: 100% gluten-free eatery specializing in breadless sandwiches and bowls.​ The vegan brownies are dangerous. I buy them 4 at a time (not even joking, haha)~

2. Detroit Vegan Soul – West Village (To-Go)

• Cuisine: Vegan Soul Food
• Price: $–$$
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: Beloved for plant-based versions of soul food classics like BBQ tofu, mac-n-cheese, and collard greens. Cozy, mission-driven, and locally loved.

3. Trap Vegan – Livernois, Detroit

• Cuisine: Vegan
• Price: $
• Rating: 4.7/5
• Description: Plant-based fast food with a Southern twist, featuring burgers, fries, and smoothies. ​

4. The Hudson Cafe – Downtown Detroit

• Cuisine: American, Brunch
• Price: $$
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: Popular brunch spot offering a variety of gluten-free pancakes and breakfast items. ​

5. Buddy’s Pizza – Downtown Detroit

• Cuisine: Pizza
• Price: $$
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Description: Home of Detroit-style pizza with gluten-free crust options available. ​

6. Folk Detroit – Corktown

• Price: $$
• Cuisine: Café
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: Bright café offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes with vegan and gluten-free options. If there’s a waffle on the menu, a waffle should be had. Delicous~

7. The Kitchen by Cooking with Que – New Center

• Cuisine: Vegan, Health-Conscious
• Price: $–$$
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Description: A Black-owned gem offering flavorful vegan fare and nutrition-focused meals.

8. Freya – Detroit

• Cuisine: Contemporary American, Farm-to-Table, Tasting Menu
• Price: $$$$
• Rating: 4.7/5
• Description: A modern tasting-menu restaurant offering a seasonal five-course prix fixe experience with options for vegetarians and vegans.

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Pizza & Italian

1. Supino Pizzeria – Eastern Market

• Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
• Price: $$
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: Thin-crust pizzas with creative toppings in a casual setting.​ Even a simple pep pizza here is incredible. I nearly ate an entire small on my own~

2. Little Nikki’s Pizza – Detroit (W. Vernor Hwy)

• Cuisine: Pizza, American
• Price: $
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: Beloved neighborhood spot offering handmade Detroit-style and round pizzas with creative toppings, cheesy goodness, and fast, friendly service. Great for a casual slice or a full pie with friends. Pizza’s are half off on Wednesdays!

3. Mootz Pizzeria + Bar – Downtown Detroit

• Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
• Price: $$
• Rating: 4.4/5
• Description: Modern pizzeria offering New York-style pies with gluten-free options. ​

4. Pie Sci Pizza – Woodbridge

• Cuisine: Artisan Pizza
• Price: $–$$
• Rating: 4.7/5
• Description: Science-pun-themed pizza joint serving inventive pies with rotating weekly specials. Popular for its funky combos, vegetarian-friendly options, and laid-back dine-in space across from Wayne State.

5. SheWolf – Brush Park

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $$$
• Rating: 4.7/5
• Description: Contemporary Italian restaurant known for house-milled flour and fresh pasta.​

6. Amore da Roma – Eastern Market

• Cuisine: Italian, Classic Detroit
• Price: $$
• Rating: 4.4/5
• Description: One of Detroit’s oldest Italian restaurants, offering hearty pasta dishes, homemade sauces, and a nostalgic ambiance. A cozy, family-owned spot with real old-school charm.

7. Mario’s Restaurant – Midtown

• Cuisine: Italian, Classic Fine Dining
• Price: $$–$$$
• Rating: 4.3/5
• Description: A Detroit institution since 1948, Mario’s delivers traditional Italian fare with white-tablecloth service and old-school ambiance, perfect for pre-theater dinners or a vintage Detroit night out.

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Global Flavors

1. Baobab Fare – New Center

• Cuisine: East African
• Price: $$
• Rating: 4.8/5
• Description: Authentic East African cuisine with a focus on Burundi flavors. ​

2. Blue Nile – Ferndale

• Cuisine: Ethiopian
• Price: $$
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: A Ferndale staple offering a classic Ethiopian experience with richly spiced lentils, stewed meats, and endless injera for scooping up your meal. Excellent vegetarian options and a peaceful, sit-down setting.

3. Le Suprême – Downtown Detroit

• Cuisine: French, Brasserie
• Price: $$–$$$
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: A stylish French brasserie serving steak frites, seafood towers, and Parisian-inspired classics in a luxe, art-deco setting. A great spot for cocktails and conversation. The escargot and crispy duck confit…beyond words. Nothing on their menu is a bad choice.

4. Bar Pigalle – Brush Park

• Cuisine: French Bistro, Cocktail Bar
• Price: $$–$$$
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Description: A modern French-inspired bistro with a pink-accented interior, thoughtful cocktails, and seasonal dishes perfect for an intimate date or elevated night out.

5. BARDA – Core City

• Cuisine: Argentine Wood-Fired Grill
• Price: $$$
• Rating: 4.7/5
• Description: Detroit’s first fully open-fire restaurant brings bold South American flavors with a modern twist. Expect smoky steaks, creative small plates, and dramatic plating in a sleek industrial space.

6. Frita Batidos – Downtown Detroit

• Cuisine: Cuban
• Price: $$
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: Cuban-inspired street food, including burgers and tropical milkshakes. ​

7. Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine – Downtown Detroit

• Cuisine: Cuban
• Price: $$
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Description: Traditional Cuban dishes with a lively atmosphere and gluten-free options. ​

8. Besa – Downtown Detroit

• Cuisine: Modern European
• Price: $$$
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Description: Elegant and upscale with a globally inspired menu, Besa combines refined technique with warm hospitality—perfect for business dinners or a romantic night out.

9. New Seoul Garden (Daebak Korean BBQ) – Southfield

• Cuisine: Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
• Price: $$–$$$
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Description: A Metro Detroit go-to for authentic Korean cuisine with table-grill BBQ and hearty stews. Family-friendly with excellent banchan and a wide-ranging menu.

10. Ima Izakaya – Midtown

• Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired, Light Options Available
• Price: $–$$
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Description: Offers clean broths and rice bowls with fresh, health-conscious ingredients.

11. Soraya – Downtown Detroit

• Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi Bar
• Price: $$–$$$
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Description: A sleek and refined Japanese dining experience featuring high-end sushi, expertly crafted cocktails, and a moody, modern ambiance that makes it ideal for date nights or upscale gatherings.

12. Takoi – Corktown Detroit

• Cuisine: Thai / Contemporary Asian
• Price: $$$
• Rating: 4.8/5
• Description: Takoi is a vibrant, neon-lit restaurant in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, offering inventive Thai-inspired dishes that highlight seasonal Michigan produce. Make that Rez!

13. Flowers of Vietnam – Southwest Detroit

• Cuisine: Vietnamese-American Fusion
• Price: $$–$$$
• Rating: 4.7/5
• Description: Once a hidden gem, now a Detroit dining staple. Expect elevated takes on Vietnamese street food, inventive cocktails, and a hip, converted diner vibe.

14. Vecino – Midtown Detroit

• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / Wood-Fired
  Price: $$–$$$
  Rating: 4.8/5
  Description: Cozy and colorful neighborhood spot serving wood-fired Mexican-inspired dishes with a Detroit twist, known for its vibrant flavors, cocktails, and relaxed vibe.

15. Xochimilco Restaurant – Southwest Detroit

• Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
• Price: $–$$
• Rating: 4.4/5
• Description: A longtime staple for hearty Mexican comfort food, famous for its sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and generous portions in a casual, no-frills space.

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What are your favorite restaurants in (or just outside) the city? Leave a comment!

Also, keep your eyes peeled for my favorite cafes, bars, brunch, and date day/night spots in Metro Detroit~