The 10 Best Restaurants In Detroit USA

Detroit, or Motor City, is the cradle of the American automotive industry, and Motown music. Although Detroit may nowadays be associated primarily with economic problems, there are still many great dining venues around the city. We list the best spots in Detroit that reflect the city’s rich, multicultural heritage.

Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub

Pub, American, Beer, Pub Grub

Situated in downtown Detroit, the Grand Trunk Pub is considered one of the finest drinking establishments in Southeast Michigan. Housed inside the former Grand Trunk Railway Station, the building itself dates back to 1879 when it began its life as a jewellery shop. The menu includes a delicious selection of British pub food favourites, tweaked with a spicy American twist.

Café Muse

Cafe, Restaurant, European, American, Coffee, Vegetarian

Starting out as a brunch venue in small, cosy surroundings, this ‘food for inspiration’ restaurant has moved to a larger location due to sheer success. Café Muse is the venture of owners David Smith and executive chef Grey Reyner. The decor is eclectic and the dining room features close-set tables and high ceilings, with a late 1960s vibe. .

The Whitney

Diner, Restaurant, American, Seafood, Contemporary

This restaurant is housed within Detroit’s most iconic mansion, The Whitney. The Whitney sublimely balances historic refinement with contemporary cuisine and offers diners a charming atmosphere where the experience of days-gone-by can be enjoyed. The focus of the menu is to provide visitors with ‘elegantly American’ cuisine that focuses on beef, veal, lamb, fish and seafood.

Vinsetta Garage

Situated in a former garage, very few restaurants capture the historical and cultural feeling of Detroit as well as Vinsetta Garage. The venue has taken Detroit’s heritage, given it a modern shakeup and changed the purpose of the building, while ‘keeping the legend alive’. Lucky diners can also get their hands on the latest Vinsetta Garage pin-up calendar during visits, showcasing a selection of classic ladies-in-vehicles, all vying for the title of Miss Autorama.

The Rattlesnake Club

The Rattlesnake Club has been consistently creating innovative meals, with dedication, passion and precision since 1988. The Rattlesnake stands in Rivertown, on the site of a restored River Walk, where alfresco dining along the Detroit River is a relaxing option during summer months.

Andiamo (Detroit Riverfront)

Andiamo Detroit Riverfront is a recipe for success. The Andiamo philosophy is to work with the community, giving support to several different charity groups and organizations. Andiamo at Detroit Riverfront is beautifully situated at the water’s edge in the GM Renaissance Center Wintergarden.

The Majestic Café

Market

Using locally sourced ingredients bought at the Eastern Market, The Majestic Cafe offers diners the chance to eat in heart of the action. Located within Midtown’s Majestic Theatre complex, this place should not be missed, for ease of access to other attractions, and for its tasty menu. © The Majestic Café

Torino

Restaurant, American, French, Seafood

Torino offers an innovative and surprising five-course menu, which changes on a weekly basis and blends the classic and the contemporary, with a fine balance of aesthetics and flavor. Torino aims to ‘redefine the dining experience in Detroit’ and, with its pioneering kitchen, the restaurant is well under way to becoming a Detroit favourite.

Iridescence

Located inside the MotorCity Casino Hotel, the sophisticated, two-tier dining room is a popular venue for romantic evenings. Known for its spectacular views of the city, Iridescence has wines that are showcased prominently in a glorious glass wine cellar.

Mario’s

Restaurant, Italian, Vegetarian, Vegan

Mario’s is a perfect example of a timeless, traditional Italian restaurant in Detroit. The interior of Mario’s has a rustic wood-panelling look, with a fireplace and tables that have changed little since the early days. The food is cooked table-side, with traditional Italian recipes, and is simple, yet delicious.

About the author

James Norman

A Cardiff-born writer, James Norman is a professional wordsmith, creating content across several different sectors. A BA English (Hons) graduate, James has interviewed key figures in Welsh communities relating to the environment, health and tourism. His passion for writing began at an early age, contributing to collections of poetry published throughout his childhood. A keen traveller and photographer, James is equally happy trekking through historical ruins, or dining inside neon-dipped skyscrapers. His travel highlights include journeying through the People’s Republic of China and working in Edinburgh and Brussels. James’ cultural highlights include walking the Great Wall of China, and standing face-to-face with Munch’s masterpiece, The Scream, in Oslo. Follow James on Twitter @jamesnorman7_ for more of the above.