Best Detroit Restaurants: The Complete Guide
Detroit’s restaurant scene has transformed over the past decade into one of the best in the Midwest. You’ll find James Beard–nominated chefs, cult neighborhood spots, and a food culture shaped by the city’s immigrant communities — Yemeni, Lebanese, Mexican, Polish, and more. Here’s the definitive guide by neighborhood.
Downtown Detroit
Prime + Proper — Detroit’s premier steakhouse. Dry-aged beef, impeccable service, and a clubby atmosphere in the heart of Downtown. The 45-day dry-aged ribeye is the move. Best for special occasions. Reserve at Prime + Proper →
The Apparatus Room — Inside the Detroit Foundation Hotel. American cuisine done with precision — great cocktail program, excellent for business dinners or date nights. Reserve at The Apparatus Room →
Buddy’s Pizza — The originator of Detroit-style deep dish. The Conant location is the original, but the Downtown spot is convenient for visitors. Square pizza with crispy cheese edges — mandatory for anyone new to Detroit. Reserve at Buddy’s Pizza →
Midtown Detroit
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails — Midtown’s best restaurant, full stop. Vegetable-forward menu that changes seasonally, excellent natural wine list, intimate room. Book well in advance on weekends. Reserve at Chartreuse →
Magnet — Wayne State University area, French-American bistro with one of the best happy hours in Midtown. The duck confit and steak frites are reliable standbys. Reserve at Magnet →
Dime Store — Brunch is the specialty here. Weekend lines can be long; call ahead. Known for their hot chicken and creative egg dishes. Great for a group. Reserve at Dime Store →
Corktown
Corktown is Detroit’s most exciting dining neighborhood — historic, walkable, and packed with independent restaurants in converted buildings.
Gold Cash Gold — In a converted pawn shop (the sign is still up). New American comfort food: excellent fried chicken, great cocktails. Neighborhood staple that’s been consistently excellent for years. Reserve at Gold Cash Gold →
Takoi — Thai-inspired with a Detroit sensibility. James Beard buzz, wood-fired cooking, strong cocktail program. The whole menu is built for sharing. Reserve at Takoi →
Ottava Via — Corktown’s Italian spot. Roman-style pizza, housemade pasta, a comfortable room. Great for dates. Reserve at Ottava Via →
Greektown
Greektown is Detroit’s entertainment district, a block from Comerica Park and the Fox Theatre. Best for pre-show dinners and post-game meals.
Pegasus Taverna — Detroit Greek dining institution since 1980. Saganaki, fresh fish, and massive portions. Loud and fun, cash encouraged. Reserve at Pegasus Taverna →
Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen — New Orleans-inspired seafood in a high-energy room. The gumbo and catfish are the best reasons to go. Great for groups before a show. Reserve at Fishbone’s →
New Center / North End
Supergeil — One of Detroit’s most interesting restaurants. Eastern European-inspired small plates: blood sausage, schnitzel, house-made sauerkraut. Intimate, 30-seat room. Reserve at Supergeil →
Ferndale & Royal Oak
Just 10 miles north of Downtown, Ferndale and Royal Oak have their own thriving dining scenes — more casual and neighborhood-oriented, great for a date without the Downtown parking headache.
Como’s (Ferndale) — Thin-crust pizza, outdoor patio, one of the most beloved spots in metro Detroit. Reserve at Como’s →
Forest Grill (Birmingham) — Upscale American 15 minutes north. Chef Brian Polcyn’s flagship — one of the best restaurants in metro Detroit. Reserve at Forest Grill →
Tips for Visiting
Most top Detroit restaurants require reservations — book via OpenTable 3–7 days ahead for weekends. Valet is common Downtown and in Corktown. Parking is easier in Midtown (street parking on Woodward and Cass Ave after 6pm). Detroit is a late-dinner city; 8pm reservations are common and often easier to get than 6:30pm.
If you’re staying overnight to make the most of Detroit’s dining scene, Downtown hotels put you within walking distance of most of these restaurants. Check Detroit hotel availability →