detroit restaurants

Dine at restaurants in Detroit like those helmed by Top Chef alum James Rigato. (Photo: Getty Images)

Detroit

Where to Have a Culinary Awakening in Detroit: 5 Can’t Miss Restaurants

Detroit in recent years has become a destination for foodies. The Motor City’s culinary scene is booming and dynamic—from New American to Lebanese delicacies and everything in between. Discover a few top picks in the city for a meal worth writing home about—or at the very least posting on Instagram:

Mabel Gray Kitchen

Fans of the television series Top Chef may recognize former contestant James Rigato behind the stove Mabel Gray Kitchen. There’s no set menu, with the kitchen creating everything from scratch based on what’s seasonal and locally sourced.

Roast

Celebrity chef Michael Symon (Food Network’s Iron Chef, ABC’s The Chew) takes fine dining to a new level in Detroit at his upscale steakhouse, Roast, located in the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit.

detroit restaurants
(Photo: Getty Images)

The restaurant is known for its selection of steaks and chops from Creekstone Farms, as well as its happy hour offered Monday through Friday. The latter features half off bar snacks, such as rosemary fries, stuffed peppers and the signature burger.

Wright & Company

Located in downtown Detroit, Wright & Company features a snazzy interior and food and beverage program to match. Helmed by chef Marc Djozlija, who previously worked with Wolfgang Puck, the restaurant specializes in creative small plates, such as pork belly sliders with tomato jam and arugula, and chickpea fritters with a red pepper aioli.

Cadieux Café

Recognized on the popular Travel Channel series No Reservations, Cadieux Café serves authentic Belgian food and drink, including steamed mussels and an extensive Belgian beer menu. During the Prohibition era, the café was a local-favorite speakeasy, and it continues as a late-night destination known for its live music performances.

Buddy’s Pizza

You probably have heard of Chicago-style and New York-style pizza, but Detroit-style is just as noteworthy.

detroit restaurants
(Photo: Getty Images)

The original Detroit-style square pizza was created in the kitchen of Buddy’s in 1946, and diners have been flocking to the restaurant (and its subsequent locations around the state) ever since. Be sure to treat yourself to a slice, as well as some signature Buddy wings and oven-baked meatballs, at this institution.