Best Downtown Restaurants: Where to Eat in Detroit for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Story by Lindsay Whitman Drewes | Photos by Hudson Cafe courtesy of Hudson Cafe; Green Dot Stables and Mercury Burger & Bar by Bill Bowen

Heading downtown for a game at Comerica Park, a show at the Detroit Opera House or just part of the daily grind? Award-winning and crowd-pleasing restaurants are around nearly every corner in downtown Detroit.

Whatever brings you downtown, work or pleasure, you’ll want to give these restaurants a try. Organized by top picks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, many of these stops are open for 2 or 3 meals plus late-night bites. Keep reading to plan your gastro-adventure in The D.

Early Morning Eats: Breakfast in Downtown Detroit

Hudson Cafe

The Hudson Cafe puts a modern twist on traditional brunch. Try the Pesto Benny, Baklava French Toast, or have a specialty coffee. The Hudson Cafe was voted best breakfast or brunch in Wayne County.

Dilla's Delights

Dilla's Delights brings together organic eating, doughnuts, and hip-hop in a one-of-a-kind experience. All the doughnuts are made with 100 percent organic flour and high-quality ingredients.

Photo courtesy of Dilla's Delights

Milano Bakery

Stop in for a pastry breakfast at Milano Bakery and Cafe. This cafe style bakery has indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy your breakfast or lunch.

Zeff's Coney Island

Zeff's Coney Island keeps it simple but delicious. Stop by for a traditional diner breakfast of Corned Beef Hash or a Farmer's Omelette. The menu also boasts a variety of lunch items including Coney dogs, pitas, sandwiches, chicken dinners and more.

Volt

Enjoy contemporary urban dining at Volt. In the morning you can enjoy an American breakfast buffet or order from the menu. This casual yet stylish restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows and offers American cuisine and craft beers. Perfect if you're near the Renaissance Center.

Mid-Day Munchies: Lunch in Downtown Detroit

Wahlburgers

Mark Wahlberg and brothers bring The D a variety of specialty burgers, sandwiches, floats and spiked milkshakes. Wahlburgers is open for lunch and dinner.

Green Dot Stables

You'll be in slider heaven at Green Dot Stables. With more than 20 slider options, local ingredients, and global inspiration there's sure to be a slider for every appetite.

Bucharest Grill

Grab a quick lunch at Bucharest Grill and try their famous shawarma wraps with a side of hummus. Bucharest Grill is also a late night hot spot for a bite after a night of rocking out to local bands.

Lafayette Coney Island

This super-simple hot dog joint skips the frills and leaves visitors raving. Stop in for a classic Coney dog, or burger and fries. Make sure to take cash because that's all they accept. Lafayette Coney Island is perfect for a quick lunch or late-night bite.

Coney dogs courtesy of Bill Bowen

American Coney Island

Open 24/7; you can grab a quick bite at American Coney Island any time of the day. This classically themed, yet simple diner has been family-owned and operated since 1917. Stop in for a Coney dog and fries.

Fantastic Finishes: Dinner in Downtown Detroit

Slows Bar BQ

Slow cooked favorites from pulled pork to ribs paired with delicious sides and craft beer make Slows Bar BQ a favorite spot for lunch or dinner.

Mercury Burger and Bar

Mercury Burger and Bar is a great casual spot for lunch or dinner. It's an upbeat and modern diner in the shadow of Michigan Central Station that has an incredible selection of innovative burgers. You'll also enjoy their take on dogs, shakes and more.

Cliff Bell's

Have dinner at "The Best Jazz Club in Detroit." At Cliff Bell's you can start with charcuterie and dine on lamb chops or swordfish. Enjoy a nightly live jazz show in one of the D's oldest Jazz Clubs.

Z's Villa

Z's Villa is a favorite in The D. This family-owned restaurant serves a variety of specialties from "world's best corned beef" to pizza, seafood and ribs. Open for both lunch and dinner.

Motor City Brewing Works

Visit the Tap Room to try out Motor City Brewing Works' latest craft beers and have a brick oven pizza, soup, salad or appetizer.

This list will only get you started with excellent restaurant choices in downtown Detroit. Explore more options with insider information from our Detroit Restaurant Guide.