A bustling town and one of Michigan Detroit’s main suburbs, Sterling Heights is home to a thriving culinary scene, with a large number of local restaurants offering unique, delicious dishes perfect for lazy breakfasts, quick lunches or relaxed, elegant dinners. We check out 10 of the best restaurants in Sterling Heights.
For those who can’t resist generous mounds of spaghetti and meatballs or steaming hot paninis made with authentic Italian mozzarella, Antonio’s Italian Cuisine is the place to be. Established in 1987 by Antonio Picano, who is still personally involved in the day to day running of the restaurant, Antonio’s Italian Cuisine promises authentic, creative Italian recipes made with the freshest of ingredients. House specialities include the penne mezzegiorno – Italian sausage sautéed with firey hot peppers, garlic, spinach and topped with freshly grated cheese – or the senza lasagne made with layers of breaded aubergine, mozzarella, portobello mushrooms and goat’s cheese.
A bustling, cheerful local restaurant, Flaming Grill Family Restaurant is remarkable not for its niche menu or cuisine, but rather for the fact that it specialises in everything. Spanning breakfast to dinner, and Greek to Mexican cuisine, Flaming Grill caters to everyone’s tastes, however international or discerning. Its delicious breakfast items include the classic bacon and eggs and waffles, as well as the popular Polish skillet with potatoes, green peppers, onions and Polish sausage covered in cheddar cheese and baked in an omelette. Later in the day, diners can choose from a BBQ ribs or a chicken stir fry served with rice.
A small, family owned and run chain, with five restaurants in the greater Detroit area, Grand Azteca seeks to bring tasty, authentic Mexican cuisine to the people of Sterling Heights. Using traditional cooking techniques and tried-and-tested recipes passed down in the family for generations, Grand Azteca’s menu offers all the classic favourites of Mexican cuisine prepared and served just as they would be in their native country. For those who want a taste of everything, try one of the restaurant’s combination platters, which offer a mixed range of burritos, enchiladas, tacos and chilli. There is also an excellent drinks menu with a tempting variety of freshly made margaritas, perfect for relaxing over on one of the restaurant’s live music evenings.
One of Sterling Heights’ most popular restaurants, Ike’s Restaurant is the perfect destination for a party, a special evening out, or simply a great dining experience with excellent food. The interior is sleek and contemporary, with curved booths, dramatic lighting and a fully stocked bar creating an upscale atmosphere, while the spacious rooms and large banquet halls make it ideal for hosting events and celebrations. Ike’s Restaurant specialises mainly in Lebanese cuisine, with a range of Italian, Greek and American-inspired options. Try the delicious chicken shawarma, or the kibbeh cooked in a yoghurt sauce and topped with mint.
Considered one of the best bakeries in the greater Detroit area, Mannino’s Bakery has become a staple of the Sterling Heights food scene, having been serving delicious baked goods for over 20 years. The bakery offers a wide range of home made breads, cakes, pies and cookies, as well as more elaborate desserts and even bespoke wedding cakes. Where the bakery truly excels, however, is in its Italian specialities, including delightful, cream-filled cannoli and traditional cassata cakes. While the bakery does not have a café area, it remains the perfect place in Sterling Heights to pick up unique, home made baked goods, be it for a special occasion or just a quick yet decadent lunch.
An outstanding Lebanese option, Ollie’s Lebanese Cuisine is remarkable both for its delicious Middle Eastern menu, and for its stunning décor. Aiming to create an authentic, Middle Eastern atmosphere, the restaurant features antique decorative lanterns, hand engraved walls and granite tables, with a dramatic staircase leading up to a mezzanine level. The food entirely adds to the beautiful dining experience, with a range of delicious dishes sure to tempt even the fussiest eater. Highlights include the vine leaves stuffed with rice, vegetables and a mouthwatering mix of herbs and spices, and the shish taook, made of tender, marinated cubes of chicken served with a fragrant rice.
The Pantry was founded in 1978 by Joe Moceri, and has continued to be run by his family ever since. A quintessential family owned restaurant, The Pantry promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere in a cosy, laid back setting. Serving a tempting range of lunch options, from burgers and fish and chips to soups and sandwiches, it is however, in breakfast which the Pantry’s strength truly lies. The breakfast menu offers all the classic American dishes, including country fried steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and waffles smothered in whipped cream and fresh fruit, as well as a number of unique house specials, such as the cinnamon glazed apple pancakes and the honey roll French toast.
A Sterling Heights’ institution, Roger’s Roost Restaurant has been serving the people of Sterling Heights for over 40 years. The interior is filled with quirky, nostalgic touches that make it perfect for adults and children alike, from a penny farthing hanging from the ceiling, to a vintage car parked in the corner. The menu similarly blends the unique and the classic, with something to please everyone: try the barbecue chicken flatbread for a new twist on the pizza, or the coconut cod – fresh fish dipped in a coconut-almond batter and then deep fried. For an extra touch of relaxation, order a beer from the tap, or a freshly made mason jar cocktail.
American dining at its finest, Sterling’s Bistro offers a fresh, sumptuous menu in a classic location filled with ambiance. The interior is styled with polished wood, sparkling, contemporary chandeliers and a stone pizza oven, creating a cosy yet chic atmosphere, heightened by the promise of excellent food. The menu is temptingly creative, focusing on seasonal variations on dishes created with the freshest of ingredients. Some of the most popular items include the miso roasted Chilean sea bass served with jasmine rice, and the bacon mac and cheese made with smoked Gouda and fontina.
Ventimiglia Italian Foods is a classic Italian establishment right in the heart of Sterling Heights. Doubling as both café and delicatessen, Ventimiglia Italian Foods features a meat, cheese and olives counter, where customers can pick up fresh, authentic Italian ingredients for use at home. For the truly peckish, or those on the go, the café also offers a selection of delicious, generously filled sandwiches made with the delicatessen’s fresh produce. Try the turkey, pastrami or range of Italian cheeses served in a crusty roll or soft Italian bread. For a truly decadent meal, there is also a mouthwatering range of freshly made pastas and raviolis served with a bottle of wine.
