Dining Downriver: Treat Yourself to One of These Suburban Detroit Restaurants

Story by Lindsay Whitman Drewes; Refreshed by Ken Welsch | Photos by Pexels

Are you looking for a riverside dining experience?

The restaurant scene in Detroit’s Downriver area is as robust as ever, with wide-ranging menus and amenities..Downriver Detroit has incredible dining options waiting for you.

From authentic Hungarian fare to classic American dishes like steak and seafoodthe tastes of Mexico City, the options are never-ending wide ranginghighly varied and sought after.

Whether you’re looking for an elegant night out in an upscale waterfront dining room or are looking for a more casual evening with live music, the Downriver dining scene delivers. Here are a few of our favorites in the suburbs just southwest of the city.Explore a few of the many fan-favorite restaurants downriver.

1. The Waterfront

Located on the Detroit River in Wyandotte, The Waterfront offers great views and upscale American fare. You can enjoy everything from burgers, to pasta, seafood and more. Other features include live music, a cigar lounge, access to the Motor City Marina, and outdoor seating that offersdining a sweet view at the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Menu highlights: Start with the Lobster Crostini with a blue cream sauce. For your main course, try the Eggplant Parmesan or Chicken Scampi.

2. Hungarian Rhapsody

Get your fix of traditional Hungarian cuisine at Hungarian Rhapsody. Featuring authentic made-from-scratch dishes from Hungary along with other European and American favorites, Hungarian Rhapsody has been a staple for over 20 years.

Menu highlights: The Chicken Paprikas with Dumplings is a fan favorite. This traditional Hungarian dish is done to perfection at Hungarian Rhapsody. Expect succulent chicken smothered in creamy, warm, paprika-imbued sauce.

3. JP’s Waterfront

A relative newcomer to the Downriver scene, JP’s is popular year-round but is really in-demand during the warmer boating months. Located on the Detroit River near the mouth of Lake Erie, the restaurant delivers a casual vibe, whether you’re seated in its spacious indoor dining room, around the bar, or on one of its outdoor decks. They keep it fun at JP’s, so plan your trip to enjoy a night of trivia (Mondays), music bingo (Tuesdays), or live music (Fridays).

Menu highlights: Get started with their massive pub mushrooms, a highlight on JP’s appetizer menu. Entrees range from handhelds like burgers and shrimp tacos, fish offerings including beer-battered cod, lake perch, Atlantic salmon, and walleye. If you’re hankering for pizza, don’t miss JP’s brick-over pizza.

4. Latitudes

The latest addition to downtown Wyandotte’s thriving restaurant scene takes the place of Portofino’s, a longtime local favorite. Latitudes brings Caribbean-inspired cuisine to Downriver diners. Located on the Detroit River, Latitudes offers stunning views, a raw bar, and memorable cocktails.

Menu highlights: Kick things off with Latitudes’ East Coast oysters. While the entree menu includes classic standards such as steaks, seafood and roasted chicken, don’t bypass one of the house favorites - lobster mac n’ cheese.


Other favorite dining spots Downriverin the areainclude Truago in Trenton, The Roc in Flat Rock, Coastal Thai in Wyandotte, Glass Onion Griddle in Allen Park, Auburn Cafe in River Rouge, Big Bear Lodge in Brownstown, the Tipsy Fish in Grosse Ile, and Sibley Gardens in Trenton.

You May Also Like