Taste of Detroit: Navigating the City's Cuisine from A to Z
Story by Amelia Ritter
Embark on a culinary journey and discover the unique tastes and flavors of Detroit. Get ready to eat your way through the alphabet while learning about some of the city's most enticing dining destinations, spanning from iconic Coney Island joints to elegant Italian trattorias and beyond.
A
The Apparatus Room is a chic, modern bar located in the Foundation Hotel. They specialize in thoughtful and unique cocktails and iconic dishes with ingredients rooted in the Midwest.
Honorary mentions: American Coney Island and Armando's Mexican Restaurant
B
Buddy's Pizza is the originator of Detroit-style pizza and a staple beloved by any Michigander. For a first-time visitor to Detroit, it's a great place to stop for a first introduction to a square slice of pizza.
Honorary mentions: Baker's Keyboard Lounge and Bobcat Bonnie's
C
Coriander Kitchen & Farm prides themselves on being the only restaurant in Detroit that is both farm AND table. Each menu item uses local farm-grown seasonal produce and herbs to enjoy while you take in the waterfront views.
Honorary mentions: Cliff Bell's and Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
D
Dime Store is a brunch bar that features locally-roasted coffee, unique twists on classic favorites, and fresh ingredients in a hip and trendy atmosphere.
Honorary mentions: Detroit Institute of Bagels and Detroit Shipping Co.
E
Eatori Market is a bar/market hybrid with specialty grocery items, prepared foods, and a chic bar and restaurant with a delicious menu of hot food and hand-crafted cocktails.
Honorary mentions: Elwood Bar & Grill and Empacho Detroit
F
Farmer Frank's in Eastern Market offers delicious breakfast and lunch options with market-fresh ingredients. It's a spot well-loved by locals and traveling foodies alike.
Honorary mentions: Firebird Tavern and Fishbone's
G
Good Cakes and Bakes is a Black, woman-owned bakery located on the historic Livernois Avenue of Fashion. They offer baked goods, drinks, and whole custom cakes.
Honorary mentions: Grand Trunk Pub and Grey Ghost
H
Hygrade Deli is a historic spot in Corktown where you can order a Detroit signature corned beef sandwich.
Honorary mentions: Honest? John's and Hudson Cafe
I
Ima offers creative takes on udon noodles, rice bowls, ramen, and delicious fusion appetizers. with three locations, it's an easy pick to satisfy your next craving.
Honorary mention: Iman Bakery
J
Jacoby's German Biergarten has been serving Detroiters for over 100 years. This dive bar is a great place to grab a beer and a bite to eat before a game, and to enjoy delicious German cuisine.
Honorary mentions: Jolly Pumpkin and Johnny Noodle King
K
Kresge Court, located inside of the DIA, is a beautiful cafe with gourmet charcuterie, sandwiches, desserts, and coffee. On Friday nights, they also offer a variety of tapas and a full bar.
Honorary mentions: Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles
L
Louisiana Creole Gumbo was founded in Detroit in 1970 and has been a local staple ever since, serving up authentic Louisiana Southern-style fare.
Honorary mentions: Lafayette Coney Island and La Pecora Nera
M
McShane's Irish Pub and Whiskey Bar in Corktown is a popular pre-game spot for sports fans and features incredible food, live entertainment, and a lively outdoor patio.
N
Niki's Pizza in the heart of Greektown has been serving authentic Greek favorites and delicious Detroit-style pizza since 1980.
Honorary mentions: New Order Coffee Roasters and Northern Lights Lounge
O
Oak & Reel is a contemporary Italian restaurant with a primary focus on seafood. They combine local, fresh ingredients from Detroit with seafood imported from all over the world to create carefully curated dishes.
Honorary mentions: Old Shillelagh Irish Pub
P
Penny Red's is a fried chicken spot, serving up buckets of fried chicken, honey-butter biscuits, and local farmstand sides.
Honorary mentions: PJ's Lager House and PAO Detroit
Q
Queen's Bar is a hip, casual corner spot that's perfect for a date night or an after-work happy hour.
Honorary mention: The Kitchen by Cooking with Que
R
The Red Hook offers specialty coffee and teas, as well as baked goods (many of which are vegan), in their four locations across the Detroit area. Each is a wonderful spot to sit and enjoy a slow morning.
Honorary mentions: Red Smoke Barbeque and Royale with Cheese
S
At Savannah Blue you'll find contemporary northern soul food made with fresh ingredients and southern flavors, presented with Detroit style.
Honorary mentions: Seva, Supino Pizzeria, and Sexy Steak
T
Takoi began as a food truck and has expanded into a full-fledged restaurant in downtown Detroit. Nominated for a James Beard Award in 2017, this should be your go-to spot for Thai fusion.
Honorary mentions: Town Pump Tavern and Townhouse
U
Union Assembly is a go-to spot for grabbing a drink before the game or some late-night food after a concert. It's signature American comfort food in a fun and energetic atmosphere.
Honorary mentions: Urban Soul and Uptown BBQ
V
Vincente's Cuban Cuisine offers an array of Havana-style eats, as well as salsa dancing and live music.
Honorary mention: Vertical Detroit
W
The Whitney is the perfect spot for your next romantic date night or ladies' tea party and brunch, housed in a historic 52-room 1890s mansion on Woodward Avenue in the heart of Detroit’s Midtown district.
Honorary mentions: Wright & Co. and Wasabi Korean & Japanese Restaurant
X
Xochimilco is one of Southwest Detroit's anchor restaurants, offering great service, inexpensive entrees and night owl hours.
Y
YumVillage offers chef-prepared, Afro-Caribbean meals & fresh juices at two locations in Detroit. Local and proud, 85% of the ingredients in YumVillage’s food come from the Detroit area.
Z
Z's Villa is a family-owned restaurant in Midtown that prides itself on serving hundreds of friends, family, and neighbors each year. It's a great place for classic American comfort food and the "world's best corned beef."
Honorary mention: Zeff's Coney Island
