Skip to content
73°F
0
Saved
Navigation
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Getting Around
    • Weather & Average Temperatures
    • Detroit Travel Guide
    • Newsletter Sign-Up
    • Explore Detroit Pass
    • International Visitors
    • VISITEURS INTERNATIONAUX
    • Contact Us
  • Things to Do
    • Detroit Auto Culture
    • Arts & Culture
    • Live Music
    • Cruises & Tours
    • Family Fun
    • Outdoors
    • LGBTQ
    • Shopping
    • Entertainment & Nightlife
    • Sports
    • Spas & Wellness
    • Itineraries
    • Detroit Experiences
  • Events
    • Annual Events
    • Submit Your Event
  • Destinations
    • Downtown Detroit
    • Macomb
    • Oakland
    • Wayne
    • Windsor, Canada
  • Food & Drink
    • Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
    • Eats in the D
  • Where to Stay
  • Detroit Stories
  • Meetings & Groups
  • Partnership
  • Who We Are
  • Media Resources
  • < Back

The Local's Guide to the Best Downtown Detroit Restaurants

Story by Chloe Seymour | Photos by Grand Trunk Pub, Central Kitchen + Bar, Savannah Blue

Detroit has recently taken the “foodie” world by storm. With National Geographic naming The D an “unexpected city for food lovers” and Detroit-style pizza finally getting the recognition it deserves, the restaurant scene in the city finds itself bursting at its delicious seams.

The rest of the country is finally catching on to what locals have known all along – one of the best activities in Detroit is eating.

It’s hard to narrow down the best places to grab snacks, soup, sweets and savories across the city, with each neighborhood curating their own unique sets of restaurants, menus and ambiances. But the downtown Detroit core has always had a range of powerhouse food stops and the list continues to grow.

Looking for a casual yet lovable dive bar before you hit Ford Field for a Lions’ victory? Downtown has that. Seeking a super classy date night before a show at the Fox Theatre? This area of the city has that, too.

Downtown Detroit Restaurants

Here’s the lowdown to eating like a local for any occasion in downtown Detroit:

  1. Dime Store One of the best brunch spots in the city, Dime Store’s downtown location in the Chrysler House serves up eggs benedict, hashes and gourmet mac and cheeses that would make any foodie smile. Perfect for: Saturday (and maybe even Sunday too…) brunch with good friends who don’t mind squeezing into the busy space for a couple delicious bloody marys.
  2. Central Kitchen + Bar Central’s prime location in downtown’s Cadillac Square makes it a perfect stop for any meal, any time of year. Overlooking Campus Martius Park, Central is one of the best stops for dinner after a day of ice skating, live music or beach time at the park. Perfect for: A glass of wine and appetizers before an exciting night out. (Extra points for visiting Central’s to-die-for patio during the summer.)
  3. Savannah Blue Savannah Blue touts itself as being Detroit’s stop for southern flavors and it doesn’t disappoint on that guarantee. Their menu is full of catfish, fried chicken and grits that would fit into any southerner’s idea of amazing soul food. Perfect for: A traditional date night for a couple seeking an nontraditional menu and great ambiance.
  4. American Coney Island/Lafayette Coney Island A two-for-one stop, but only if you haven’t picked your favorite yet. Locals know, once you pick a favorite downtown Coney Island, you’re locked into that choice for life – switching allegiances from Lafayette to American (and vice versa) is frowned upon in these parts. That being said, a Coney dog is a vital part of any good Detroiter’s diet. Perfect for: A classic taste-of-Detroit meal after a ballgame at Comerica Park or after a night out at one of downtown’s many bars.
  5. Avalon International Breads One of Detroit’s most beloved bakeries, Avalon’s downtown location is one of their newest outposts in the city. A staple in the Midtown neighborhood for a number of years, Avalon’s new space offers some of their classic baked goods and new salad and sandwich options. Perfect for: A casual lunch that includes both great local beer and savory vegan carrot cake.
  6. Grand Trunk Pub The name acting as an ode to one of Detroit’s most prolific rail lines, Grand Trunk Pub is a favorite local bar with a comfy, familiar atmosphere. The bar supplies patrons with an enormous selection of local draft beers (and some of the yummiest fries in the city!) Perfect for: An after-work or after-conference drink for unwinding with coworkers after a tough work day.
  7. Wright & Co. One of downtown’s newer additions, Wright & Co. has made a name for itself quickly, and for good reason – their food is excellent for any nice night out on the town. With ambiance and decor that is unmatched, Wright & Co. can make any culinary experience special. Perfect for: Drinks and dinner with a sweetheart or good friends who appreciate beautiful atmospheres.
  8. Golden Fleece Serving up classic fare in Greektown, Golden Fleece’s gyros are no joke – people travel from around the area just to grab one for lunch. Golden Fleece reminds us that the golden days of traditional cuisine are never out of style. Perfect for: A pre-game pump-up meal before any Detroit sporting event.
  9. Astoria Pastry Shop Dessert counts as an entire meal, right? A hometown favorite, Astoria has been serving up treats to Detroiters for decades, with hundreds of sweets to choose from all day. Perfect for: Whenever the sweet tooth calls for it.

Whether you’re in the mood for classic Detroit dishes or jumping headfirst into the city’s vibrant culinary scene, Detroit’s downtown neighborhood is one of the best places to start any foodie adventure.

Read more about Detroit restaurants

Mentioned Attractions And Venues

  • Dime Store Detroit, image courtesy of Dime Store
    Dime Store
    Get Directions (313) 962-9106

    The Dime Store Detroit is an American brunch bar in downtown Detroit, specializing in breakfast…

    Learn More
  • SavannahBlue
    Get Directions (313) 926-0783

    Contemporary northern soul food made with fresh ingredients and southern flavors, presented with Detroit style…

    Learn More
  • American Coney Island
    Get Directions (313) 961-7758

    Since 1917, the distinctive taste of a specially seasoned hot dog, secret recipe chili, fine…

    Learn More
  • Lafayette Coney Island
    Get Directions (313) 964-8198

    This hot dog diner offering a no-frills menu of chili topped dogs, burgers and fries.

    Learn More
  • By Emily Berger
    Wright & Co.
    Get Directions (313) 962-7711

    A gathering place serving contemporary American small plates, craft cocktails and international beer and wine.

    Learn More
  • Golden Fleece
    Get Directions (313) 962-7093

    Traditional Greek food from Gyro, Shish Kabob, Lamb Chops, and Steaks. Enjoy a variety of…

    Learn More
  • Astoria Pastry Shop
    Get Directions (313) 963-9603

    A Greektown staple, this is one of the best pastry shops in Detroit. Astoria Pastry…

    Learn More

You May Also Like

Eats In The D: Toasted Oak Grill & Market | Episode 21

Toasted Oak Grill & Market is a farm to table restaurant in Novi, Michigan, not…

Learn More

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Even though its exact borders may be a subject of debate, one thing is certain…

Learn More

Don’t Call it a Comeback: Yes, Brussels Sprouts Really are Detroit’s Favorite Side Dish

The mushy, overcooked Brussels sprouts of our childhood are gone. The popular leafy green is…

Learn More
Start Planning Your Trip
Get The Detroit
Visitor Guide
Learn More
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Getting Around
    • Weather & Average Temperatures
    • Detroit Travel Guide
    • Newsletter Sign-Up
    • Explore Detroit Pass
    • International Visitors
    • VISITEURS INTERNATIONAUX
    • Contact Us
  • Things to Do
    • Detroit Auto Culture
    • Arts & Culture
    • Live Music
    • Cruises & Tours
    • Family Fun
    • Outdoors
    • LGBTQ
    • Shopping
    • Entertainment & Nightlife
    • Sports
    • Spas & Wellness
    • Itineraries
    • Detroit Experiences
  • Events
    • Annual Events
    • Submit Your Event
  • Destinations
    • Downtown Detroit
    • Macomb
    • Oakland
    • Wayne
    • Windsor, Canada
  • Food & Drink
    • Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
    • Eats in the D
  • Where to Stay
  • Detroit Stories
  • Meetings & Groups
  • Partnership
  • Who We Are
  • Media Resources

211 W. Fort Street
Suite 1000
Detroit, MI 48226

800-DETROIT (338-7648)

  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023 Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.
Cookies & Privacy

We ask that you read the following terms of use, which constitutes a license that covers your use of this website and any transactions that you engage in through this website (“AGREEMENT”). Legal/Privacy Policy

Experience Builder
Quick Search
Search
Top Stories

Detroit Auto Culture

The whole world knows it – Detroit is THE Motor City. From Henry Ford to…

Learn More

Live Music

Aside from being known as the Motor City, Detroit is also commonly known as Motown…

Learn More

Cruises & Tours

Yacht cruises, pub crawls, home tours, bike rides and beyond. Set yourself up with hassle-free…

Learn More

Family Fun

Bring the whole family to Detroit for an educational and fun vacation. Museums, zoos, parks…

Learn More
Location Map
Email Newsletter

Would you like to get the insider’s scoop on the best things to do and experience in Detroit? Take the first step and sign up for the Detroit Vibe email update.

Sign Up