Unique Dining Experiences in Oakland County

FRAMEbar
FRAMEbar in Hazel Park has been a trendy hotspot in an unlikely location since opening in 2017. With a rotating menu that features rotating chefs of varying styles, it’s hard to pin down what your experience will be from month to month, but it’s always positive. FRAMEbar also hosts regular live music performances and events on their all-seasons tented event space, impressive cocktails, and workshops for deepening your own culinary knowledge

Mabel Gray
While on the subject of Hazel Park, let’s talk about FRAMEbar’s neighbor, Mabel Gray. Mabel Gray is an equally impressive American cuisine destination featuring a rotating handwritten menu. This modern restaurant prides itself on embracing Detroit’s industrial roots and highlights that hard work in everything from the building to the ambiance. Everything here is made from scratch with ethical ingredients, selected by Chef Rigato himself. Mabel Gray has a small dining room, so reservations are highly encouraged, and even those may not be guaranteed at their exact time, but the staff will happily serve you craft cocktails as you wait.

Sozai
When you load up their website, you’ll get a prompt that says, “We do not make California rolls, have spicy mayonnaise, or serve cocktails. We are excited that you are ready to try something new.” – and that’s why you’re here. This is not the standard sushi joint you’ve been to many times. Sozai prides itself on its unique sushi, made from traceable ingredients with fish sourced from only sustainable farms and fish populations. Omakase is the premier experience at Sozai; it takes a few hours and requires a reservation. This multi-course meal is prepared by a professional chef, available only at the sushi bar, and comes with suggestions for an ideal sake selection. This experience is not inexpensive, but it’s one you’ll remember for quite some time.

Bill’s
Owned by the same group that runs Roadside B&G, Cafe ML, and Streetside Seafood, you’re possibly familiar with their attention to quality. Now put that same attention at your old-timey gastropub, and you’ve got Bill’s, and it’s a great time. The food is incredible and priced appropriately, but during the social hour pints are only $6.

Voyager
Coastal-themed, with seasonal and rotating menus, Voyager does not get old or familiar. In 2018, Voyager was featured in both Food & Wine and in Esquire as being among the best new restaurants in the country. Voyager features dine-in and a patio for parties of up to 6. It’s a small spot, so if you’re going to have more than that people stopping in, give them a call first. If you’re going on a busy day, be sure to make a reservation as space is limited. Given its sea-faring theme, expect a menu that’s heavy on impressively prepared, fresh seafood.

Toasted Oak Grille & Market
While you’re out at 12 Oaks Mall, hop over to Toasted Oak. The restaurant may be tricky to find the first time as it is in the back of a hotel, but it’s far better than your standard hotel fare. Toasted Oak states on their website that they offer an “imaginative menu of American brasserie cuisine.” This description is 100% accurate. Their brunch menu features favorites such as skillets and omelets, but the dinner menu is anything but standard. With options such as pan-seared swordfish or a coffee-black pepper-crusted steak, there are some unique flavors for you to explore.

220 Merrill
Located in the old Detroit-Edison building, approach this one as more of an experience than a meal. 220 Merrill serves a wonderful brunch, with appetizer options like sweet and spicy calamari or mini lobster rolls, and entrees like the wagyu hash and eggs or my favorite chicken parmigiano. 220 Merrill is also a wonderful spot for dinner in one of its large, elegant dining rooms. Be sure to look at the extensive wine and craft cocktails list, and due to a central location and lunch menu keep this one in mind for your next business meeting. Parking in Birmingham can be tricky, so find one of the public garages which are free for the first two hours.

Rochester Chop House
Right in the heart of downtown Rochester is the Chop House. It is owned and operated by Kruse and Muer, one of Metro Detroit’s more popular restaurant groups, so you should expect experienced chefs with deep culinary knowledge. Their chop house features a mix of expertly prepared steak, spectacular seafood, and unique creations such as the potato-encrusted whitefish. While worth visiting any time of year, I especially encourage the drive to Rochester during December where you can expect the entire downtown to be decorated with more lights than you can count.

Phoenicia Restaurant
Phoenicia features gourmet Middle Eastern fare, specifically Lebanese. Their dinner menu features vegetarian options, chef-crafted salads, and some of the most uniquely seasoned meats I’ve tried. Expect a mix of both standard Middle Eastern fare and more unique options for the adventure seeker. Personally, I have not yet tried the Frog Legs, but maybe someday. Phoenicia also features a large list of single-malt scotch, bourbon, and rare wines. Located on the south end of downtown Birmingham, it makes for a unique place to begin your evening.

Host
Technically, this is Macomb County, but this gourmet restaurant is absolutely worth a mention. Host is also a coworking space and an event venue. We’ll introduce the restaurant portion here, which has a rotating menu. August and September 2023 on Tues-Sat evenings, Host will feature Blue Collar French, prepared by Chef Steven Kling. If you’re here during the afternoon, you can enjoy the Host Cafe for lighter fare and distinctive sandwiches, and check their website often as chefs rotate every couple of months.