The 12 Best Neighborhoods for Eating in Metro Detroit, Ranked

It’stoughto find fault a favorite locality in metro Detroit . Within urban center perimeter alone , highly applaud new restaurants and classic favorites challenge my palate ( and heart ) when I ’m forced to piece a exclusive place to eat out . cast in the hem in suburbs and ask me to rank them all – that ’s a pretty tenacious ( and delightful ) undertaking . But for you , our reader . I ’ll take it on .

12. West Village

Essential restaurants : Craft Work , Sister Pie , Detroit Vegan Soul

This diminished neighborhood on Detroit ’s east side has get a line a surge of culinary expansion within the last five years . This summertime , Reilly Craft Creamery , hide in a house on Kercheval Ave , opened its doors . Favorite Craft Work also launched a revamped menu with a new chef at the bicycle . Although heavy - hitters like Sister Pie and Detroit Vegan Soul have called the area home for a while , monolithic redevelopment and refurbishments of the buildings along Kercheval will shortly make style for a rumour Gallic cafe , sushi restaurant , barbecue articulation , and New Orleans - breathe in eating place and locus . Although there ’s still plenty of way to grow , West Village is rapidly turn into a hotspot for food and swallow in Detroit , warranting its inclusion on this competitive list .

11. Greektown

Essential restaurants : Redsmoke , Pegasus Taverna , Pizzapapalis

Going to Greektown was a family tradition when it come clock time to lionise birthdays , anniversaries , or a Stanley Cup win . Hellenic spots like Pegasus Taverna or New Parthenon ( every phratry has a orientation ) serve up Balkan ducky like flame saganaki ( opa ! ) , savory Charles Lamb , and unused , crusted cabbage . And , of course , you ca n’t visit Greektown without give up at Astoria for dessert . Take home flaky , glutinous baklava marry tight with the iconic red string or new additions like cronuts . The only thing keep Greektown far down on this list is the want of newfangled spots – namely , lieu that are n’t Wahlburgers . Other than some Modern weekend attractions and casual hamburger joints , the strip does n’t look much unlike than it did 10 age ago .

10. Midtown

crucial restaurant : Selden Standard , Chartreuse , Grey Ghost

Do n’t you roll your center . As much as we might be sick of hearing about it , Midtown really is continuing to develop as a all right food mecca . Home to this year’sDetroit NewsRestaurant of the Year , Chartreuse , andHour Detroit ’s Restaurant of the Year , Selden Standard , it ’s tough to argue against that . It ’s well-fixed to pass a day eating and drink your way through Midtown . Enjoy a brewage at Motor City Brewing Works , HopCat , or Jolly Pumpkin , or a serious loving cup of joe at Great Lakes Coffee , then take the air over to numerous art and history museums . learn out some of the newest opening like Grey Ghost , serve well up foxiness cocktail and meaty entrees , or Rock City Eatery ’s raw location , including a tiffin computer menu . And yes , it’stechnicallyin Chinatown , but I ’m live on to coil The Peterboro in here , too , if for no other intellect ( though there areplentyof others ) than the cheeseburger bollock rolls .

9. Dearborn

Essential restaurant : Al Ameer , Osteria 222,Miller ’s

" Oldies but goodies ” certainly apply to the eatery scene in this Downriver suburban area . Not only is Dearborn home to the best damn bar burger around – you just ca n’t beat Miller ’s – there ’s an abundant selection of spots serving up everything from bona fide in-between Eastern cuisine to fresh crepes and hand-crafted alimentary paste . ducky include La Fork , with a menu spotlight by “ outside ” poutines and specialty crepes , and Brome Burgers & Shakes . Once you have a cornflake milkshake , you ’ll never be the same . If you ’re looking for quick eats , Moo Cluck Moo is the position to be . While it may be “ degraded food , ” the choice of burgers , sandwiches , and french fries are sourced from 100 % natural ingredient . Room for afters ? stop out your evening with sweets from New Yasmeen Bakery with option like fresh sugar stuff with dates , cupcakes , or even cannolis . While it may not be your first thought , Dearborn has plenty of choice for a pleasant-tasting night out . The only reversal ? I wantmore . Since 2015 , there ’s been a lull . Hopefully succeeding eateries will see the value of opening their doors in the city .

8. Downtown Wyandotte

Essential eatery : Nanna ’s Kitchen , Coastal Thai , Joe ’s Hamburgers

Downtown Wyandotte is a no - brainer for folks in Downriver await for a slap-up meal . Unlike its city counterparts , the region boasts excerpt that are typically inexpensive and family - well-disposed . Simply cruise up and down Biddle Ave for everything from Thai and Mexican nutrient to gastropubs and whisky legal profession . situate just off the main strip is favorite Magdaleno Ristorante , answer up Italian culinary art as good as any big city . It ’s easy to see why – the kitchen is head by chef Ernesto Magdaleno , formerly of Bacco , who discipline in Little Italy . look for something more local ? Stroll down the Detroit Riverfront to love a repast on the water at Portofino , a Downriver classic . Or , if you ’re sense juicy , Angelina ’s or Camino Real serve upseriousMexican bites for relatively bum . ( Taco six - packs for $ 8 ? Yes , please . ) Tucked into the residential neighborhoods are gems like Oak Cafe , Downriver ’s original foxiness beer bar . It ’s all here – and it ’s view the middle of developers looking to enlarge to the south of Detroit . Just this year , we see the opening of multiple new slur include Dangerously Delicious Pies , rive from its Midtown placement . Although it ’s already well - established , and has been for decades , this foodie destination has a hopeful future .

7. Hamtramck

Essential eating place : Polish Village,(revolver),Polonia

Few things are as substantial as good Polish food , and when you desire the real deal , you have to head a little south of the city . Hamtramck classics like the Polish Village or Polonia are always safe bets , with the lesser - recognize Krakus still hold in its own . If you ’re not feel pierogies and kielbasa , step into Royal Kabob or Yemen Cafe for mediate Eastern favorite , or into a oily spoon like the Conant Cafe or Campau Tower for free-and-easy , quick bites . Despite the loss of Rock City Eatery to Midtown , the field still houses mess of pelvic arch spots like Bon Bon Bon chocolate and Cafe 1923 , keeping the historic area young . Pair that with locale and gin mill like Kelly ’s Bar or Whiskey in the Jar for a badly underrated dining - out destination .

6. Mexicantown/Southwest

indispensable eating house : Evie ’s Tamales , Telway Hamburgers , Taqueria Lupita ’s

honestly , there ’s no better place to find well Mexican solid food than in Southwest , and everyone has their own ferociously defended favorite restaurant . But no matter if you chat Armando ’s , Mi Pueblo , Los Altos , or El Asador , you ’re in for a satisfying repast of monolithic proportions . Other hole - in - the - wall joints like Evie ’s Tamales , Pupuseria y Restaurante Salvadoreno , and Duly ’s Place have been long adored by local . you’re able to even find out Pisces & chips in Southwest at the Huron Room . The only thing keep the neighborhood far down on the inclination is walkability . Southwest is huge with spots scattered throughout . Do n’t let that discourage you , however . It ’s well worth the drive .

5. Eastern Market

Essential restaurants : La Rondinella , Vivio’s , Roma Cafe

Between the gorgeous mural and general walkability , Eastern Market is a premier fix for food . The Market is an obvious pick when it amount to purchase sassy produce , kernel , Pisces , cheese , and more , but newfangled eatery entwine with local institutions make it a dining - out harbour as well . Spots like La Rondinella , the sister eating place of neighboring Supino Pizzeria , have been yarn-dye tough nutrient critics around metro Detroit , and even - tougher - to - sway middling feeder . authoritative spot like the Roma Cafe and Vivio ’s are recognize for their famed solid food and drinks , including one of the best goddamn Bloody Marys in the metropolis at the latter . Limited hours for favorites like Zef ’s and the Farmers Restaurant are the only affair keeping the location down .

4. Ferndale

of the essence eating place : One - Eyed Betty’s , Public House , Imperial

Of naturally , we have to show love to our suburban friends mildly hugging Detroit ’s borders . ( Is this a soft enough approach to such a touchy subject ? ) Ferndale is menage to countless personal favorites like One - Eyed Betty ’s , The Fly Trap , Imperial , Star of India , and Anita ’s Kitchen , to name a few . Some newcomers are flourish in the highly competitory market place , like Pop ’s for Italian , which recently announced it will be taking over the space which domiciliate familiar recently shuttered newbie , The Daily Dinette . Take a cruise down Woodward or Nine Mile to pick a place . option like vegetarian and vegan culinary art at GreenSpace Cafe and Om , meaty slider at Public House , and cheesy alimentary paste at Assaggi Bistro are all nestled close to Downtown . Make it an result and top the night off at one of many popular dive bar or even a renowned still – Valentine Distilling was named well in the world by none other than theWorld Vodka Awards .

3. Royal Oak

Essential eatery : Redcoat Tavern , Bistro 82,Ale Mary ’s

Downtown Royal Oak has long been home to foodie favorites like the Redcoat Tavern , featuring one of the best burgers around , Bigalora , Vinsetta Garage , and Jim Brady ’s . While upscale spots like Bistro 82 specialize in dishes like Alaskan king crab legs and steak tartare , the Downtown area has plenty of nonchalant selection . Fresh front-runner like The Morrie join other gastropubs like Ale Mary ’s and the admittedly bro - y Blackfinn , and new openings seem to be always soaring . HopCat late confirmed it will have a new three - story location on 5th St that ’s determine to open in 2017 . Beyond the cobwebby number of high - tone dining pick , Royal Oak ’s high ranking comes down to its proximity to amusement options . Within walk length of its business district lives the Royal Oak Music Theater , Mark Ridley ’s Comedy Castle , rich eclectic boutiques , coffeehouse , farmers markets , galleries , and more . Even family - friendly option are plentiful . Take a trip down the street to the Detroit Zoo , or spend the good afternoon in the beautiful Starr Jaycee Park . The combinations are almost endless .

2. Corktown

Essential restaurants : Katoi , Gold Cash Gold , Bobcat Bonnie ’s

With its cobbled street and older - Detroit charm , it ’s heavily not to love Corktown . Pair that with its commodious location to bar , distilleries , music venues , cafes , and the picturesque train station , and you ’ve incur yourself in the No . 2 best neighbourhood for dining out . Options in the area are vast despite its broadly small-scale geography . Michigan Ave host everything from pickled elegance at Gold Cash Gold , to classical burgers and fries at Mercury , and reinvigorated breakfast options at Detroit Institute of Bagels . turn back into the UFO Factory for unrecorded euphony , or bump off up Laika Dog , serving up classic hot dog-iron during the day and lesser - known brunch options on weekends . PJ ’s Lager House is another venue boast surprisingly good chow let in vegan po - male child . One of the most well - pick up openings in Detroit this year , Katoi , calls the blocking home . It ’s a fundamental point in the city which gain it a cheap hack ride away from Downtown , Midtown , even Hamtramck , change state it into a quite a worthful area in recent years . This summer , two massive developers , including Dan Gilbert , announced major plans for flat and townhome development on the box of Michigan Ave and Trumbull , which is expected to impart hundreds of residential units . More businesses and restaurant will surely follow . Although it ’s Detroit ’s oldest neighborhood , Corktown is anything but onetime word . If you ’re crave it , you canmost likely find itin this traditionally Irish neighbourhood .

1. Downtown

Essential restaurants : Sweetwater Tavern , Standby , Wright & Co.

Sure , it ’s the obvious choice . But when looking for an evening out on the town , it ’s a surefire bet – and Downtown Detroit is so much more than Tigers and Red Wings games . From small plate to all - you - can - eat , wine-colored bars to poulet wings , it is all here , and you most belike wo n’t postulate to take the air far for it . ( Though we’restill look on the QLINE , never fear . hoi polloi Mover stations are still plentiful . ) Brunches from Dime Store , Parks & Rec Diner , and Grand Trunk are always a good place to start . dinner party option are apparently endless , highlighted by far-famed mental hospital like Republic and Coach Insignia , or historic berth like Cliff Bell ’s , the London Chop House , or Joe Muer Seafood . fetch up out the night with quick chow from Lafayette Coney Island ( I refuse to even bring up the less choice , out of principle ) or posh cocktails at the Whiskey Parlor . If you may daydream it , on a plate or on the town , Downtown can almost surely render .

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Ale Mary’s Beer Hall Royal Oak