Southwest Detroit is a vibrant neighborhood rooted in a rich Mexican and Latino culture. Shaped by its deep immigrant history and strong community ties, the lively community is home to many authentic restaurants that pride themselves on family recipes passed down through generations.
As Detroit continues to evolve, so does this beloved neighborhood. Today, Southwest Detroit not only celebrates the historic Mexican and Central American cuisines that shaped it into the foodie paradise it is today, but Filipino, Vietnamese and other cultures that proudly call the area home.
In Southwest Detroit, food is more than simply a meal. It’s a reflection of community and culture shaped by generations of immigrant families bringing their unique culinary traditions to the table.
From neighborhood taquerías to bakeries and family-owned restaurants, Southwest Detroit serves up authentic flavor and timeless traditions while embracing an evolving food scene that blends Detroit’s past with its future. Get a taste of Southwest Detroit’s flavorful and eclectic culinary scene by exploring its best-known restaurants, hidden gems and exciting new eateries.
Timeless Favorites
Southwest Detroit features a dynamic dining scene with more than two dozen eateries. Many anchor the neighborhood’s iconic Mexicantown district, which blossomed in the post-war era as Mexican families arrived to work in the auto industry and establish restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores. Today, modern Mexicantown continues to attract food lovers with its beloved culinary landmarks that have stood the test of time, as well as new faces that have taken root in the greater Southwest Detroit neighborhood with diverse cuisines, cultures and flavors.
El Barzon
El Barzon is an elegant Southwest Detroit restaurant that seamlessly blends Mexican and Italian cuisine. Each menu is individually curated to honor authentic flavors and recipes; on one end, you’ll find Mexican smoky mole poblano, chili rellenos and barbacoa de chino, while on the other, hearty Italian classics like strozzapreti, zuppa di pesce and saltimbocca alla Romana.
Xochimilco
As one of Southwest Detroit’s anchor restaurants, this Mexicantown staple is one of the area’s go-to Tex-Mex establishments. Its generous hours that run late into the night make it a popular late-night destination for tacos al pastor, sizzling fajitas, enchiladas and flaming cheese. Its festive and welcoming interior includes three dining rooms, as well as additional space upstairs.
El Asador Steakhouse
El Asador Steakhouse is a refined Mexican restaurant with a rustic exterior and warm Frida Kahlo-inspired interior. It blends Mexican cuisine with steakhouse traditions, serving up dishes like ribeye with creamy poblano sauce, chicken mole and mixed seafood casserole in smoked chili broth. While this restaurant doesn’t serve alcohol, it has a bring your own beverage policy.
Taqueria El Ray
For more than three decades, Taqueria El Ray has garnered a robust following thanks to its mouthwatering charcoal-grilled chicken, which is slow-roasted over smoky, natural hardwood. The Southwest staple is hailed for its affordable prices, hefty portions and quick service. Bring an appetite, because you won’t leave hungry. Just be sure to save room for its delicious fried ice cream, which is stacked with cinnamon sugar, cookies, cherries, whipped cream and sprinkles.
Flowers of Vietnam
Flowers of Vietnam may be a newer face compared to some of Southwest Detroit’s longer tenants, but the elegant Vietnamese restaurant shakes up the food scene with Asian-inspired dishes that add a new group of flavors to the historically Mexican and Latino neighborhood. Creative uses of green papaya, pickled daikon and seamed coconut custard lend their way to vibrant and colorful Vietnamese dishes that pack an explosion of flavor in every menu option.
La Terraza
If seafood is your jam, look no further than La Terraza. This restaurant specializes in regional Mexican seafood, serving up ceviche, shrimp cocktails and more shaped by authentic family recipes. With its familial atmosphere and lively surroundings, grab a delicious Mexican meal as you enjoy live entertainment, karaoke, generous margaritas and plenty of fun on weekends.
Family-Owned Establishments
Family-owned restaurants have long served as the backbone of Southwest Detroit’s rich culinary and cultural identity. These entrepreneurial families opened eateries that not only fed the community, but preserved generations of recipes, cultural heritage and traditions celebrated today. Restaurants established as early as the 1920s continue to serve up the same delicious meals their businesses were once built upon, shining a light on the region’s resilient nature.
Motz’s Burgers
Since 1929, this family-run burger joint has grilled up delicious 100% beef hamburger sliders topped with caramelized sweet onions and served with a generous helping of chili cheese fries. Although the classic slider diner has enjoyed a nearly 100-year stay in Detroit, it pays homage to its founding by continuing to offer the same famous sliders and farm fresh dairy milkshakes.
Honey Bee Market
Opened by Mexican immigrants in 1956, Honey Bee Market is a family-operated grocery store that whips up some of the best fresh salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole in town. Whether you pop in for a quick snack or to sample its celebrated house-made chorizo cooked with a secret family recipe, Honey Bee Market proudly offers a large selection of Central American goods.
Armando’s Mexican Restaurant
Serving Mexicantown since 1967, Armando’s Mexican Restaurant is a warm and inviting family-owned eatery with colorful Aztec warrior murals decorating its walls. Try decades-old favorites like a steaming bowl of Armando’s Mexican Chili or a perfectly melty Quesabirria served with consume, or go for one of several combination meals that offer a bit of everything.
Mexican Village
Hailed as Detroit’s oldest Mexican restaurant, Mexican Village was opened by an immigrant family in the 1940s. Today, its entrepreneurial spirit and community impact can be felt through its relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike time and time again. While you’re here, be sure to order their signature Grande Enchilada, a longtime fan-favorite.
Asty Time
You don’t have to look far for a taste of Dominican cuisine or the rich flavors of the Caribbean. The Acosta family opened Asty Time in 2017 to serve up delicious, home-cooked Dominican meals to the community. In its eight years of operation it's quickly become a Southwest Detroit favorite thanks to its flavorful dishes like salami con tostones and carne de res guisada.
Best-Kept Secrets
While Southwest Detroit has no shortage of culinary tourism, some of its most memorable flavors can be found in unassuming eateries tucked off the beaten path. From a no-frills corner coney joint to a traditional Mexican ice cream parlor serving up classic mangonadas, even the most seasoned of foodies can uncover fresh flavors and hidden delights throughout its streets.
Pupuseria y Restaurante Salvadoreño
At the unassuming Pupuseria y Restaurante Salvadoreño eatery, flavorful pupusas, carne guisada and other traditional Salvadoran dishes are the stars of the show. This family-run hidden gem is said to go through up to 100 pounds of handmade corn tortillas daily, with more than double the amount on weekends thanks to its authentic and inviting culinary experience.
La Jalisciense Supermercado y Taquería
Tucked away inside a Southwest Detroit grocery store is a family-run taquería frequented by those in the know, yet word-of-mouth is quickly growing the business. A demand for its delicious carne asada, spicy fried pambazo sandwiches, goat birria and chicharrones have prompted the family behind La Jalisciense Supermercado y Taquería to open a second location in Taylor.
Duly’s Place
Since 1921, this quiet and unassuming diner has served up classic chili dogs, cheese fries and sandwiches at its cozy counter bar. Duly’s Place may not be on the tourism radar quite as much as coney dog giants American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island, but its fair prices, down-home vibe and generous portions make it one of Southwest Detroit's best-kept secrets.
Ice Cream La Michoacana
While Southwest Detroit has no shortage of taquerias, it’s also home to quaint dessert shops with a variety of cold treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. Stop in to Ice Cream La Michoacana, a traditional Mexican ice cream parlor serving up chocolate-dipped frozen bananas, an array of fresh fruit ice cream flavors and refreshing mangonada with chili, lime and a tamarind straw.
Los Corrales
Los Corrales is a traditional Mexican restaurant quietly housed on the corner of Junction Avenue and Toledo Street. This casual eatery off the beaten path is a lunchtime favorite for locals that serves up a satisfying mix of Mexican dishes, like ceviche, chiles rellenos and chimichangas.
Gonella’s Subs
In Southwest Detroit is a small Italian market that’s quietly served up legendary Italian subs and sandwiches for more than 75 years. Stacked with Italian meats, hot peppers and thick cuts of cheese, Gonella’s Subs is an old-school deli that offers a delicious bite of Detroit history.
Up-and-Coming Eateries
As the Motor City continues to grow, so does its beloved Southwest Detroit neighborhood. Several new eateries are slated to open by late 2025, adding to the latest wave of restaurants and food trucks that have already chosen the vibrant region as their home. These newcomers honor Southwest Detroit’s rich Mexican and Latino roots while introducing new flavors, diverse cultures and menus that accommodate various dietary needs. These restaurants are more than just places to eat; they’re community spaces where culture and cuisine come together as one.
Tacos Wuey Detroit
This newly-opened taquería from Chef Eddie Vargas shapes its menu around birria-based dishes like quesabirria, birria ramen and birria egg rolls. Step inside an intimate Tulum-inspired dining room accented by woven rattan lighting and a breezy interior. If birria isn’t your thing, Tacos Wuey Detroit also offers spaghetti verde and tacos from different regions in Mexico.
Calamansi
Calamansi is a new Filipino cocktail bar set to replace the former PizzaPlex on Vernor Highway. The modern establishment is slated to open in late 2025 and will feature drinks crafted with fruit flavors, as well as small bites that feature a variety of traditional Filipino flavors.
Nepantla Cafe
Nepantla Cafe is a 2024 James Beard Emerging Chef Semifinalist that serves up traditional Mexican food with a vegan twist out of its trademark foodtruck. Stop by the trailer on Vernor Highway to sample its evolving chef-curated menu, organic vegan dishes and specialty coffee. Nepantla Cafe also whips up fresh-pressed juices, smoothies and non-alcoholic cocktails. Keep an eye out for the brick-and-mortar version of the cafe, which is expected to open late this year.
Vamonos!
Vamonos! is part fitness studio, part eatery that strives to offer healthy and fun food to the Southwest Detroit community. Come for the art shows and dance classes, stay for the fresh cold-pressed juices, protein-packed smoothies and flavored hand-shaken lemonades.
The Grand Porter
What was once a vacant 1890s Victorian home in Detroit’s Hubbard Richard neighborhood is now underway to become Southwest Detroit’s newest daytime restaurant and cafe. The cozy eatery is slated to open in late 2025 and will serve breakfast, lunch, pastries and coffee. Inside, discover a Belgian farmhouse aesthetic, ample seating for up to 30 guests and a full kitchen.
Gajiza Dumplins
While Gajiza Dumplins doesn’t yet have a permanent home, the Laotian- and Thai-inspired eatery has operated out of a temporary location on Bagley Avenue since 2023. Dumplings, noodles and curries make up its colorful and flavorful menu, which include choices for meat lovers, seafood fans and vegan eaters alike. Don’t forget to scoop up its delicious bottled dip and dressing, which you can snag with your next Gajiza Dumplins carryout or delivery order.
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