Best Restaurants in Detroit

Detroit has many great places to visit – from iconic architecture to local markets, world-famous museums and art galleries to local nature spots and more. However, for many the highlight of visiting any new city is the opportunity to check out the local food. If you want to take a tour of some of the best restaurants in Detroit, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites for you to enjoy, featuring everything from snacks and sweet treats to elaborate tasting menus from award-winning chefs. Start your Detroit food journey here with Hertz.

Mabel Gray

23825 John R Road, Hazel Park, MI 48030

Celebrate the industrial history of Detroit with dinner at Mabel Gray, one of the best restaurants in Detroit from James Rigatto of Top Chef fame. Where tradition meets modernity, expect mismatched vintage crockery and hand-written daily tasting menus featuring seasonal bests. All ingredients are sourced from Rigato’s extensive farm and foraging network and dishes are ethical, fresh and always cooked from scratch. Booking in advance is essential, with carry-out available when ordered online in advance during opening hours, which are Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm.

Book a table at Mabel Gray

Noble Fish

45 East 14 Mile Road, Clawson, MI 48017

Noble Fish began life as a market stall in 1984, with the restaurant opening in 1991. For over 30 years, the chefs at Noble Fish have been serving up oversized sushi rolls to locals and visitors. A quirky fan favorite, watch the authentic Japanese chefs create their masterpieces at the in-house sushi bar. Dishes range from individual nigiri to special rolls, hand rolls, combination platters and party trays .

Find out more or place an online order now

Petty Cash

20050 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221

Try something different at Petty Cash, featuring small plates influenced by Black Southern tradition and new American cuisine. This vegan-friendly, upscale casual restaurant opens for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays and for brunch on the weekend. For dinner, try the seafood risotto or peri-peri chicken with vegetable sides fresh from the garden. For brunch with a difference, choices range from French toast with mixed berry jam to crab benedict or a forager’s omelet.

View the full menus here

Joe Ann’s Bar B-Q

3139 Jerome Street, Detroit, MI 48212

If charcoal-fired meats are your thing, you’ll want to pay a visit to Joe Ann’s Bar B-Q on your next trip to Detroit. Family-owned and run since 1951, this restaurant serves up an authentic menu cooked over a charcoal barbecue pit. The house specialty is the mouthwatering sticky ribs with your choice of sauces and sides. Top side choices include collard greens, cornbread and classic mac ‘n’ cheese. A variety of chicken, beef, shrimp and seafood dishes are also available .

Call ahead or order online to guarantee a spot

Yemen Cafe

8740 Joseph Campau Avenue, Hamtramck, MI 48212

Local favorite Yemen Café dishes up simple yet delicious Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Yemeni food. Want to know where to eat in Detroit late at night? Yemen Café is open until 1am most days. Great for a quick and tasty group meal. Try the gallaba lahim with a side of bread to soak up every last drop of sauce – you won’t want to waste any!

Place your Yemen Café order online

Tacos Hernandez

16835 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48224

While not a restaurant as such, Tacos Hernandez is still one of the best places to eat in Detroit. Colorful, vibrant and with award-winning food (Eater Awards 2023), this is a food truck with a difference. This taqueria is the brainchild of chef Diana Gomez, who is famous locally for her brisket. Brined for 24 hours and slow-braised for eight hours, marinated in an array of secret ingredients, this is a must-not-miss experience for taco lovers.

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Sister Pie

8066 Kercheval Avenue, Detroit, MI 48214

For sweet treats that never fail to delight, visit Sister Pie community bakery. Featuring seasonal pie flavors on a rotating menu. Take a seat in the cozy window nook and watch the world go by while indulging in your favorite flavor, or order take-out and munch away as you explore the surrounding area. It’s first-come, first-served for the daily menu, or you can order online in advance for collection between 10am and 3pm Monday to Saturday. Options change daily but may include honey lemon meringue or salted maple pie, lavender grapefruit shortbread and seasonal scones and muffins.

Place your order online

Coriander Kitchen and Farm

14601 Riverside Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48215

Low-key and casual with a retro vibe, Coriander Kitchen and Farm takes farm-to-table dining to a whole new level. Although the menu changes daily, it’s guaranteed to feature produce grown by Gwen Meyer on Coriander’s own farm, crafted into superb dishes by chef Alison Heeres. Open Thursday to Monday for lunch and dinner, Coriander is a unique dining experience. Situated right on the waterfront, dine indoors or in the heated pergola, or outdoors from May, with spectacular views of nature and the water wherever you sit. You can even kayak right up to the terrace!

Make a reservation

Marrow

8044 Kercheval Avenue, Detroit, MI 48214

Marrow is a combination butcher shop and restaurant, serving ethically sourced local animal produce from farmers in the Great Lakes region. Chef Sarah Welch may look familiar, being twice featured on Top Chef. Take a seat at the 10-person bar in the butcher’s shop for a casual lunch featuring fresh charcuterie, panini, meatballs and inventive salads. Or book a table for dinner in the award-winning restaurant for a five-course tasting menu with daily changing chef’s favorites.

Book a table

Freya & Dragonfly

2929 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202

Freya & Dragonfly are two conjoined eateries offering unique styles of cuisine across multi-course, seasonal menus (Freya) and innovative small plates (Dragonfly). Try spicy honey duck wings or mussels with chorizo and leeks at Dragonfly. Or sit down for a prix fixe feast at Freya, featuring dishes such as yakitori swordfish, celery root cappelletti and rohan duck breast. Exciting features include an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work, and the chance to choose your own vinyl playlist.

Book a table at Freya or pop into Dragonfly

These are just a handful of the best restaurants in Detroit. Whether you want a sit-down meal, a snack on the go, or a casual brunch, treat yourself to some of the best food the city has to offer.

Get to know more about Detroit

If you’re planning a trip to Detroit, you might also want to know more about the Best Hotels in Detroit. Get to know the area and explore at your leisure when you book a rental car in Detroit from Hertz.