The Best Eats at DTW

Story by Michelle Martin

When you see people rushing toward the gate at DTW, it might not be because they’re late for their flight –– they might be in a hurry to get to one of the airport’s restaurants.

DTW – known to locals as “Metro Airport” – is a favorite destination for foodies. With everything from upscale dining to casual microbreweries, the airport has something to please any palate. And, best of all, many of the restaurants are uniquely Detroit.

Heading to DTW soon? Plan on getting there early to experience these six great restaurants.

Anita’s Kitchen

DTW’s Evans Terminal, previously known as the North Terminal, is home to one of metro Detroit’s oldest Lebanese restaurants, Anita’s Kitchen.

The restaurant, which also has locations in Detroit and Ferndale, serves many of the same delicious menu items at DTW. Sit-down and carry-out options are available.

Some must-try items include the Mediterranean bowl –– a blend of mujadara, caramelized onions, hummus, tabbouleh and pickled turnips –– and the chicken feta fattoush salad. For a to-go option, try the Master P smoothie, a blend of peanut butter, chocolate, banana and almond milk.

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Anita’s Kitchen
Credit: Cybelle Codish

Cat Cora’s Taproom

Celebrity chef Cat Cora brings her culinary inspiration to DTW’s McNamara Terminal. The restaurant features a sophisticated menu that uses organic ingredients and is complemented by local craft beers and spirits.

Favorite menu items include beer-battered Michigan lake fish and chips; bangers and mash served with Cora’s hot and sweet mustard; and roasted chicken pot pie. For dessert, try one of the taproom’s boozy shakes, or have a slice of the chocolate budino cake with a cup of coffee from Ann Arbor mainstay Zingerman’s.

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Cat Cora’s Taproom
Credit: @irish1luck

Leo’s Coney Island

Detroit is known for its coneys, and Southfield-based Leo’s Coney Island knows exactly how to serve a hot dog topped with chili, onions and mustard. Pair your coney with a Greek salad, made with Leo’s Greek dressing, or opt for a side of chili fries.

Those looking for a healthier option should try the Michigan salad ­­– a spring mix with dried cherries, Mandarin oranges, walnuts, mozzarella cheese and raspberry vinaigrette – or a chicken kebob served with rice pilaf.

Leo’s also serves breakfast. Favorites include the gyro omelet and the spinach and feta omelet. Have a later flight? You’re in luck – breakfast is served all day.

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Leo’s Coney Island
Credit: @gwinnettgirl

Atwater Brewery

Atwater was founded in Detroit’s Rivertown neighborhood in 1997 – a time when craft beer was new to the area.

Today, the brewery brings craft beer favorites like Dirty Blonde and Detroit City Juice Hazy IPA to DTW’s Evans Terminal.

The DTW location features craft beers paired with pub fare such as fish and chips and burgers. Appetizers – including Atwater’s famous giant pretzel – also are on the menu.

Andiamo

A longtime favorite in metro Detroit, Andiamo serves Italian cuisine in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The DTW location brings that same experience to the airport’s McNamara Terminal.

Andiamo’s DTW location serves salads, pasta and pizzas along with meat dishes such as chicken scallopini and veal parmesan. Wines by the glass, as well as craft cocktails, accompany the menu.

Reflections

Located inside the hotel lobby of the Westin in the McNamara Terminal, Reflections gets you away from the hustle and bustle of DTW – and doesn’t even require going through security.

The restaurant, surrounded by a reflecting pool, is a quiet place to enjoy small bites such as a shaved mushroom flatbread or chicken wings, as well as burgers, chicken sandwiches and salads. And when you’re done eating, skip DTW’s long security lines by entering the McNamara terminal through the Westin’s private security entrance.

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