18 Incredible Detroit Michigan Restaurants for Your Ultimate Foodie Bucket List

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Detroit’s food scene is a wild mix of classic and creative that you don’t want to miss. From iconic Coney Island hot dogs and Detroit-style pizza to upscale spots blending Midwest comfort with a modern twist, this city has something for every vibe and craving. Imagine buzzing diners where locals grab brunch, sleek spots with craft cocktails, and hidden gems serving flavors from around the world. These 18 must-visit restaurants take you right to the heart of Detroit’s food culture, making them absolute must-hits for anyone’s ultimate foodie bucket list.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re a foodie with a sweet tooth, the Desserts of Detroit tour is a must see! You’ll hit up six incredible dessert spots while strolling past Detroit’s most iconic architecture. From artisanal pastries to rich ice cream, each stop is a blend of flavor and history. Plus, your local guide knows all the stories behind these landmarks, adding even more to the experience. Totally worth it for anyone wanting a taste of Detroit’s sweetest side!

Unique Restaurants in Detroit, MI: 18 Incredible Detroit Places to Eat

Are you ready to discover the most unique restaurants in Detroit? As mentioned above, there’s a wide range of places to eat in Detroit for everyone to enjoy. Keep reading to find out where to eat in Detroit, Michigan.

Are you looking to try new and innovative twists on world-renowned classics? Or would you prefer hearty soul food? Whatever you’d like to eat, there are incredible places to eat in Detroit that can accommodate your needs. Here’s your in-depth guide to the most unique restaurants in Detroit.

1. Bar Pigalle

If you love sultry, Parisian-inspired vibes, Bar Pigalle is a can’t-miss. Nestled in Brush Park, this charming spot fuses French cuisine with a Detroit twist, and the menu changes with the seasons. You have to try their signature Pigalle Burger or the Duck Leg Confit – they both deliver comfort and elegance in every bite. The cocktail program is an experience in itself, especially the boozy, floral-infused libations served behind a mosaic-tiled bar. Plush banquettes, moody lighting, and eclectic art fill the space, making it perfect for date night or a chic catch-up with friends. Ford Field and Little Caesars Arena are both walkable if you’re planning dinner before a show or game. For me, the music selection and cozy front patio stole the scene – I could easily linger here for hours.

2. Selden Standard

• 📍 Location: Midtown
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Farm-to-Table / Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Seasonal/local ingredients, wood-fired cooking, acclaimed/stylish.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies seeking local flavors, upscale casual dining, and sharing inventive plates.

Experience the best of Michigan’s bounty at Selden Standard in Midtown Detroit! This acclaimed spot is a true champion of farm-to-table dining, with a menu that sings with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, many kissed by the flames of their wood-fired oven.

A visit here is an invitation to explore their ever-changing menu. Popular recent dishes include their grilled halloumi, the roasted carrots with yogurt, and any of their wood-fired vegetable preparations. Their house-made pasta is also a consistent highlight.

3. Oak & Reel

Seafood in Detroit? Oak & Reel proves you don’t need an ocean to pull off a stunning Italian seafood dinner. This New Center favorite is helmed by a chef with Michelin cred, and it shows. The squid ink bucatini with crab is a must, as is the crudo tasting (so artfully plated, you’ll want a photo). The open, airy dining room blends industrial Detroit spirit with understated elegance. I was surprised by how relaxed yet refined it felt – perfect for impressing someone without feeling stuffy. They do a great brunch, and the nearby Fisher Building is an Art Deco icon you can easily wander afterward. Personally, the warm staff and inventive plating totally won me over.

4. SheWolf Pastificio & Bar

• 📍 Location: Midtown/Cass Corridor
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian / Roman-Inspired / Handmade Pasta
• 🔥 Standout Features: Roman-style pasta, contemporary Italian, chic/modern setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pasta perfectionists, upscale Italian dining, and refined authentic flavors.

Prepare for a Roman holiday for your palate at SheWolf Pastificio & Bar! This stunning Midtown Detroit restaurant is dedicated to the art of authentic Roman-style pasta, meticulously crafted in-house, alongside contemporary Italian dishes. The decor is chic and modern.

You really should try their incredible house-made pasta. The cacio e pepe is a masterclass in simplicity. The rigatoni all’amatriciana and the supplì (fried rice balls) are also frequently praised. It’s a true taste of Rome, made with exceptional skill.

5. Freya

If you crave a tasting menu experience that feels fresh, not stiff, Freya delivers on all fronts. Located in Milwaukee Junction, this dining spot gives you a choice of creative fixed menus (with awesome drink pairings, alcoholic or not). Highlights include the jeweled beet tartare and whatever inventive dessert ends the night – these rotate but never disappoint. The space itself is part Scandinavian, part modern Detroit – think blonde wood, rich colors, and cozy booths perfect for lingering. Reservations are a must, but worth the planning. The vibe is intimate but casual, and I loved how attentive but down-to-earth the staff was. Detroit’s Museum of Contemporary Art is nearby if you want an artsy pre-dinner stroll. The level of care here had me raving to everyone I know.

6. Ima

• 📍 Location: Corktown & other locations
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese / Udon & Rice Bowls / Izakaya-Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Creative udon noodles, flavorful rice bowls, casual/trendy.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Noodle soup lovers, quick Japanese eats, and casual satisfying meals.

Slurp your way to happiness at Ima, a beloved Detroit spot serving up incredible Japanese-inspired noodle and rice bowls! This place is all about comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying fare, with a focus on delicious udon noodles and creative toppings.

A wise choice involves diving into one of their signature udon bowls, like the spicy Forest Udon with mushrooms. The Ginger Garlic Udon and the Phö Udon are also highly recommended. Their izakaya-style small plates like the karaage chicken are perfect for sharing.

7. Coriander Kitchen and Farm

Dreaming of veggies plucked from the garden and a cider by the canal? Coriander Kitchen and Farm is both urban oasis and restaurant, perched right off the Detroit River in Jefferson Chalmers. Their seasonal menus spotlight local produce – don’t skip the crispy chickpea fritters or whatever they’re tossing on their signature grain bowls. The outdoor patio is breezy and laidback, with picnic tables and string lights, and inside is cozy-casual with rustic touches. Pull up by kayak or bike, and you’ll fit right in. What I loved most was the obvious connection to the land and the community – you’ll spot families, friends, even the occasional live music night. Detroit Riverwalk and marinas are steps away if you want to stroll after your meal. This place feels like a secret escape in the city.

8. Flowers of Vietnam

• 📍 Location: Southwest Detroit
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Vietnamese / Eclectic
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chef George Azar, creative Vietnamese, vibrant/funky former diner.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous Vietnamese fans, unique flavor combinations, and cool dining.

Get ready for a Vietnamese flavor explosion that’s anything but ordinary at Flowers of Vietnam! Helmed by Chef George Azar, this Southwest Detroit gem, housed in a funky former Coney Island diner, serves up incredibly creative and elevated Vietnamese cuisine.

You’ll be thrilled by their inventive takes on Vietnamese classics. The phenomenal caramel chicken wings are an absolute must. The shaking beef and the papaya salad are also fantastic, showcasing bold and balanced flavors. Their unique cocktails also impress.

9. Midnight Temple

Midnight Temple channels the electric nightlife energy of Mumbai right into Detroit’s Eastern Market. The food is a wild ride through Indian street snacks (get the spicy vada pav slider) and comfort classics – but with bold, modern twists. Their cocktails pop with tropical flavors and cheeky names. Design-wise, think swanky, neon-pink mood lighting, mismatched art, colorful pop-culture murals, and plenty of plush seating you’ll want to sink into. There’s often a DJ spinning, and the late hours make it perfect for dinner that slides straight into a night out. I came for the food, but the people-watching and after-hours vibe are reasons enough to return. Throw in the mural-splashed streets of Eastern Market and you’ve got a real destination night.

10. Lady of the House

• 📍 Location: Corktown
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $90+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Irish-Inspired / Farm-to-Table
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Kate Williams, charming historic house, hospitality/seasonal focus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasion dinners, refined neighborhood dining, and Chef Williams’ cuisine.

Welcome back to a beloved Detroit culinary gem, Lady of the House in Corktown! After a hiatus, Chef Kate Williams has reopened this charming spot, once again offering her exquisite New American cuisine with Irish influences in a historic house setting that feels like a warm embrace.

Diners are already raving about returning favorites and new delights. You’ll certainly want to experience the delicate salmon gribiche. The unique and savory potato donuts are a must-try, and the rich shrimp butter is another highlight of the revived menu.

11. YumVillage

This fast-casual gem is where West African and Caribbean flavors come together for big, bold dishes that feel like a home-cooked celebration. Try the red stew chicken or coconut jerk chickpeas over jollof rice – both are hearty, spicy, and totally craveable. The bright, Afro-chic dining room is splashed with mural art, and there’s always great music pulsing through. You’ll find a welcoming crowd any time of day. Next door is the Fisher Building for a culture break, and the QLINE streetcar stops nearby for easy exploring. I always leave with leftovers (portion sizes are generous), and their house-made ginger drink packs a zingy punch. This spot nails flavor and hospitality like nowhere else.

12. Mabel Gray

• 📍 Location: Hazel Park
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $100+ per person (Often tasting menu/small plates)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Eclectic / Chef-Driven
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chef James Rigato, tiny/intimate, daily-changing/hyper-seasonal menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Serious food adventurers, tasting menu experiences, and innovative Michigan cuisine.

Prepare for a culinary adventure where every visit is a surprise at Mabel Gray in Hazel Park! This tiny, intimate spot, helmed by acclaimed Chef James Rigato, is renowned for its daily-changing, hyper-seasonal menu that showcases Michigan ingredients.

Recent standouts include unique seafood preparations like scallops with inventive pairings, creative pasta dishes, and surprising vegetable creations like their often-lauded mushroom dishes. (Reservations are absolutely essential).

12. The Brakeman

If you’re after a laidback beer hall with a Detroit twist, The Brakeman in downtown’s bustling District Detroit is calling your name. This place is all about local brews, draft cocktails, and fun food stalls (hello, fried chicken sandwiches and soft pretzels). There’s ping pong, shuffleboard, communal tables, and a wall of garage doors that spill onto a lively patio in good weather. The vibe is festively casual – think open warehouse space, string lights, and energetic crowds before games or concerts. Comerica Park is a two-minute walk if you want to pre-game, or just hang with friends. For me, the build-your-own drink tokens and people-watching made for a night that kept going long after the first beer.

13. Takoi

• 📍 Location: Corktown
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Northern Thai / Asian Fusion
• 🔥 Standout Features: Stylish industrial-chic, bold Northern Thai, vibrant cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Trendy group dinners, spicy/aromatic Thai lovers, and unique shareable plates.

Get ready for a blast of Northern Thai flavor in a stunningly stylish setting at Takoi in Corktown! Housed in a chicly renovated former warehouse, this spot serves up modern, inventive Thai-inspired cuisine that’s bursting with bold, aromatic, and often spicy flavors.

You absolutely have to try their incredible crispy fried spare ribs or the fragrant khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup). The crispy rice salad and their creative papaya salad are also fantastic for sharing. It’s a vibrant and delicious destination.

14. Marrow

• 📍 Location: West Village
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $100 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Butcher Shop / Farm-to-Table
• 🔥 Standout Features: In-house butcher shop, whole animal focus, seasonal tasting menus, nose-to-tail philosophy.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Serious meat lovers, sustainable dining fans, and special occasion dinners.

This is not your average steakhouse; it’s a full-on celebration of meat. Marrow is one-part neighborhood butcher shop and one-part sophisticated restaurant, creating a vibe that’s both rustic and totally polished. You can literally see the craft behind your meal in the gleaming butcher case, and the air has a clean, savory scent that’s all about quality, not grease.

You absolutely have to start with the rich, roasted bone marrow. For your main, let the experts guide you with the daily butcher’s choice steak, which is always a phenomenal cut. Even their cheeseburger is legendary for a reason.

15. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails

• 📍 Location: Midtown/Cultural Center
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / French-Inspired / Seasonal
• 🔥 Standout Features: Botanical-themed decor, fresh/seasonal/vegetable-forward, Chartreuse cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Stylish brunches/dinners, vegetarian/vegetable lovers, and unique cocktails.

Step into a verdant oasis of culinary delight at Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails in Detroit’s Cultural Center. This beautiful restaurant is a feast for the eyes, with stunning botanical-themed decor. The menu features New American cuisine with French influences.

You’ll certainly want to try their creative seasonal salads, artfully prepared vegetable entrees like the often-mentioned carrot dish, or fresh seafood dishes such as their scallops. And, as the name suggests, their cocktails featuring Chartreuse liqueur are unique.

16. Grey Ghost Detroit

• 📍 Location: Midtown/Brush Park
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Meat-Focused Gastropub
• 🔥 Standout Features: “Modern hunting lodge” vibe, creative meat/charcuterie, inventive cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Carnivores seeking refinement, sophisticated gastropub fans, and unique cocktails.

Prepare for a sleek and savory adventure at Grey Ghost Detroit in the Brush Park neighborhood. This stylish spot offers a “modern hunting lodge” vibe, with moody lighting, chic decor, and a menu that celebrates high-quality meats and creative charcuterie.

A meal here is an invitation to explore their menu of artfully prepared meat-centric small plates and entrees. Their famous dry-aged burger is a must. The fried bologna and unique charcuterie board options are also highly praised.

17. Detroit Vegan Soul

• 📍 Location: West Village & other locations
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Vegan Soul Food / Plant-Based Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: 100% vegan soul food, creative plant-based classics, beloved local.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Vegans/vegetarians craving comfort, soul food lovers, and flavorful guilt-free.

Get ready for some seriously soulful and satisfying vegan eats at Detroit Vegan Soul! This beloved spot is a true Detroit institution, proving that plant-based food can be incredibly hearty, flavorful, and comforting. They take classic soul food and give it a vegan makeover.

You absolutely have to try their incredible vegan “catfish” sandwich (made with tofu). Their rich and creamy mac ‘n’ “cheese”, or their flavorful collard greens, and the “Soul Platter” (which includes several favorites) are fantastic.

18. Supino Pizzeria

• 📍 Location: Eastern Market & New Center
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New York Style Pizza / Thin Crust
• 🔥 Standout Features: Legendary Detroit pizzeria, thin/crispy NY-style, fresh/quality toppings.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pizza purists, NY-style fans, and classic delicious pie.

Grab a slice of Detroit pizza perfection at Supino Pizzeria! This legendary spot is renowned for its incredible New York-style thin crust pizza, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a whole lot of love. The aroma of baking dough is pure pizza heaven.

A visit here requires you to try their classic pepperoni pizza or one of their creative specialty pies like the “Supino” (with roasted garlic and black olives). The City Wing Thing pizza is another unique favorite. You can also get it by the slice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Most Unique Restaurants in Detroit, Michigan

Looking to further your knowledge of the most unique places to eat in Detroit? Here are some common questions I get asked a lot about the best restaurants in Detroit, MI.

What is the most famous food in Detroit?

Detroit is known for several iconic dishes, but the most famous is probably the Detroit-style pizza. This unique pizza is rectangular in shape, with a thick, crispy crust and cheese that goes all the way to the edges. It’s traditionally topped with pepperoni and a tangy tomato sauce.

Is Detroit a foodie city?

Absolutely! Detroit has a vibrant and diverse food scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From its famous Detroit-style pizza to its innovative fine dining establishments, Detroit offers a culinary adventure for foodies of all kinds.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Detroit?

Yes, Detroit has a variety of restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans. One standout is Detroit Vegan Soul, which offers a plant-based take on classic soul food dishes.

What types of cuisine can I find in Detroit?

Detroit’s food scene is incredibly diverse. You can find everything from classic American and soul food to Italian, Vietnamese, Thai, and more. The city is also known for its unique fusion restaurants that combine different culinary traditions.

Are there any unique dining experiences in Detroit?

Definitely. Detroit is home to several unique restaurants that offer more than just great food. For example, at Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, you can enjoy a meal in the Detroit Institute of Arts, and at Takoi, you can experience a Thai-inspired menu in a vibrant, modern setting.

What can you only get in Detroit?

Here are some food and drink items that are uniquely tied to Detroit:

1. Faygo Soda: A popular soft drink that originated in Detroit, available in a wide variety of flavors.
2. Vernors Ginger Ale: Known as the original ginger soda, Vernors has been a Detroit favorite for over 150 years.
3. Coney Dogs: A Detroit-style Coney Dog consists of a beef hot dog with an all-meat chili, mustard, and chopped onions. Many Coney Island restaurants throughout Detroit serve their own unique versions.
4. Better Made Potato Chips: Produced in Detroit since 1930, these potato chips are a beloved local snack.
5. Detroit-Style Pizza: This rectangular pizza with a thick, chewy crust, topped with Wisconsin brick cheese and a signature sauce on top of the cheese, is a Detroit original.
6. Sanders Bumpy Cake: A well-known dessert created by Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe in the Detroit area. It’s a type of buttercream cake with distinctive bumps on the top.
7. Square Knish: A delicacy found in Detroit’s Jewish bakeries, different from the typical knish found elsewhere.
8. Al-Mar Orchards’ JK’s Scrumpy Organic Farm Cider: This particular cider is an example of a product from the Detroit area.
9. McClure’s Pickles: A brand that started in Detroit, making hand-packed, all-natural pickles.

These culinary items represent the distinct flavor and culture of Detroit and are a testament to the city’s rich and diverse food scene. Many of these products are available only in Detroit or are best experienced there.

Wrapping up Detroit’s Unique Restaurants

Detroit’s culinary scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From the hearty soul food at Detroit Vegan Soul to the innovative dishes at Takoi, each restaurant on our list offers a unique dining experience that reflects the spirit of the Motor City.

Whether you’re a local looking to explore new flavors or a visitor seeking the best the city has to offer, these unique restaurants in Detroit are sure to satisfy your culinary cravings. Next time you’re in Detroit, why not embark on a culinary adventure? Explore the city’s neighborhoods, taste its diverse cuisines, and discover the stories that each unique restaurant has to tell. After all, food is not just about nourishment; it’s about community, culture, and the joy of discovery. And in Detroit, there’s always something new and delicious waiting to be discovered.