11 Must-Try Royal Oak Restaurants

Story by Danielle Alexander; Refresh by Biba Adams

Add these restaurants to your itinerary!

To make the most out of your next trip to Royal Oak, be sure to carve out some time to dine at one of its standout restaurants.

Royal Oak has long been known for its blend of small-town charm and the amenities of a large metropolis. From the beauty of the historic Royal Oak Music Theatre to its role as home to The Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak is a jewel in the crown of Metro Detroit.

Royal Oak is also home to some of the best restaurants in the area. Next time you find yourself in the Woodward Corridor, try one of our recommendations of the 11 Must-Try Restaurants in "The City of Trees."

1. beppé Restaurant

Known for its modern take on Italian cuisine, beppé is emerging as a restaurant serving thoughtful meals in a casual atmosphere that inspires positive energy. Featuring rich leather booths, textured white-and-gold walls, and a sleek marble bar, the 48-seat eatery will also soon have a patio enclosure allowing it to seat customers year-round.

Must Try: The ricotta cavatelli with lamb ragu, habanada pepper, manchego, and mint or the decadent risotto with hokkaido scallops, prosciutto, and burgundy truffle.

2. O.W.L

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night, O.W.L is the perfect destination to satisfy your cravings any time of day or night. Enjoy the creative takes on Mexican-American comfort food in industrial-chic digs. With thousands of five-star reviews, O.W.L. fans also rave about their fresh juices, excellent staff, and welcoming atmosphere.

Must Try: The Avocado Toast with Grilled sesame bread, hard-boiled egg, radishes, carrots & cilantro. Try elevating it by adding the seared ahi tuna.

3. Royal Eats Brunch & Dinner

Recently opened, this warm and inviting restaurant serves fresh, flavorful meals from sunrise to sunset. Uniquely, Royal Eats also has online ordering, bringing their hot gourmet burgers and delicious brunch to your home. New fans are raving about the excellent service and diverse menu.

Must Try: Cevapi Hash, a traditional Balkan dish with cevapi, peppers, onions, tomato, feta, poached eggs, and skillet potatoes.

4. Jim Brady's

A Royal Oak staple since 1954, nostalgia is on the menu alongside The Original Bad Axe Burger which claims to be the best burger in the world. This historically family-owned restaurant also serves some of the freshest salads and unique brunch items in the area.

Must Try: The 7 Mile Caesar that features classic Brady family Caesar dressing recipe from 1954 with fresh baked croutons and shredded hard cheeses. Honorable mention: The Blackberry Brie Turkey Burger--a House-made turkey burger stuffed with apple, Dijon, herbs grilled to order, topped with our blackberry jam with poblanos, jalapeños, cherries drizzled with chili-honey on brioche and served with seasoned fries.

5. Blind Owl Restaurant and Bar

Whether its lunch, dinner, or late-night bites, Blind Owl is known for blending the comfort of American classics with the excitement of international cuisine. Stop in for great food, great drinks and culinary experiences from across the globe. Blind Owl has unique tacos, burgers, wraps, pasta, and brunch dishes. They are also lauded for their delicious desserts and Italian gelato.

Must Try: Affrogato Indiavolato a vanilla bean gelato with a lavender habanero and home made hot honey and drenched in fresh made espresso.

6. Bigalora

With a passion for making healthy, high-quality food, Bigalora features their famous Napoletana-style pizzas. Made from fermented pizza dough, their pizza dough undergoes a natural 72 hour fermentation process without the use of commercial yeast or added sugar. Stop by for cocktails and several of their small plates.

Must Try: The shrimp pizza made with their house blend mozzarella, jalapeno, garlic, banana pepper, and thyme.

7. Ronin Sushi

Ronin features a kitchen menu that is just as popular as their sushi menu. They offer a diverse range of entrees, starters, and sides, including sliders, hoisin-glazed ribs, chicken teriyaki, miso cod lettuce cups, and wasabi whipped potatoes. Definitely a destination for Happy Hour, their sushi is served family-style and a great spot to meet up with friends.

Must Try: The Pink Blossom Roll featuring smoked salmon, tuna, shrimp, avocado, asparagus, masago, sesame seed, spicy mayo, and soy paper.


8. Lily's Seafood Grill and Brewery

Enjoy a 'creative menu, perfectly crafted beers and a cozy, relaxed family friendly atmosphere,' at Lily's. The restaurant has a carefully curated menu that even has yummy eats for kids. The seafood items are among some of the best in the area. They also have delectable chicken dishes, unique brunch items, and a carry-out family meal deal with made to order fish tacos.

Must Try: Lily’s Smoked Salmon Mousse. Perfect for sharing! Smoky salmon mousse made w/ fresh dill & onion, served w/ capers, onion & toast point.

9. Alchemi

This bar and restaurant features farm-to-table dishes with Thai and Indian influences. Highly-rated, Alchemi has a commitment to sustainability and creative craft cocktails aspiring to become a leader in the hospitality industry, offering a truly unique culinary adventure. Fans rave that the restaurant is an excellent destination for celebrations like birthday parties. Appetizers like their Gruyere Spread with house made sourdough focaccia and shrimp and crab cakes are house-favorites.

Must Try: Shanghai Lettuce Wraps--Ground prime NY strip stir fried with broccoli, red pepper, onions, kohlrabi and red pepper in a savory Asian glaze.

10. The Great Dane

Recently opened, The Great Dane Pub in Royal Oak blends an energetic downtown vibe with craft beers/cocktails, elevated pub fare, and a warm social atmosphere perfect for families, gatherings, and unwinding. The restaurant serves a blend of American and British pub food and, of course, craft brews. If you haven't been to London, but are curious about the taste of Bangers and Mash, stop by the Great Dane for a memorable dining experience.

Must Try: The Fish and Chips (of course.)

11. Rock & Brews

While not open yet, the new Rock & Brews, founded by former KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons is coming to Royal Oak this spring. According to reports, the restaurant and bar will include a concert space and rooftop lounge. Expect a focus on rock music that blends high-quality food, standout drinks, and an atmosphere rooted in great music. Reportedly there will also be more than 30 televisions and a 16-foot LED screen that will show sports and other entertainment.

EXPLORE MORE