Detroit, the heart of the American automotive industry, is not just about cars and Motown music. As Michiganders who have visited Detroit on countless occasions, we can confidently say that the Motor City has been revving up its gastronomic offerings. We have spent months sampling the local fare, from hole-in-the-wall diners to upscale eateries, to bring you this comprehensive guide. Detroit offers a diverse array of flavors that reflect its rich history and cultural diversity. From iconic Detroit-style pizza to soul food that warms the heart, this expert-curated Must-Try Eats guide will take you on a mouthwatering journey through the best local foods and restaurants that Detroit has to offer.
Detroit's Must-Try Local Eats and Restaurants 1. Detroit-Style Pizza 2. Coney Island Hot Dogs 3. Soul Food 4. Middle Eastern Cuisine 5. Greek Food 6. Polish Delicacies 7. Farm-to Table 8. Iconic Detroit Dessets 9. Detroit's Craft Beer Scene 10. Detroit's Food Halls 11. Favorites by Neighborhood |
1. Detroit-Style Pizza: A Slice of Heaven
No culinary tour of Detroit would be complete without indulging in the city's signature dish: Detroit-style pizza. This rectangular deep-dish pizza is characterized by its thick, crispy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and reverse layering of toppings.
Where to try it:
Buddy's Pizza: The birthplace of Detroit-style pizza, Buddy's has been serving their famous pies since 1946. Don't miss their original "Detroiter" pizza.
Shield's Pizza: Another local favorite, Shield's offers a variety of creative toppings on their perfectly crispy crusts.
Michigan & Trumbull: A newer addition to the scene, this pizzeria pays homage to Detroit's pizza heritage with modern twists.
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2. Coney Island Hot Dogs: A Detroit Institution
The Coney Island hot dog is a Detroit staple. It consists of a beef hot dog topped with an all-meat chili sauce, diced onions, and yellow mustard, all nestled in a steamed bun.
Where to try it:
American Coney Island: One of the oldest and most famous Coney Island restaurants in Detroit, serving hot dogs since 1917.
Lafayette Coney Island: Located right next door to American, Lafayette is its friendly rival. Try both and pick your favorite!
Duly's Place: A no-frills diner in Southwest Detroit that serves up delicious Coneys 24/7.
3. Soul Food: Comfort on a Plate
Detroit's soul food scene is a testament to the city's African American heritage, offering hearty, comforting dishes that warm both body and soul.
Where to try it:
Cornbread Restaurant & Bar: This Southfield restaurant serves up classic soul food dishes with a modern twist.
Sweet Potato Sensations: Specializing in all things sweet potato, from pies to cookies to ice cream.
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4. Middle Eastern Cuisine: A Taste of Dearborn
Thanks to its large Middle Eastern population, particularly in nearby Dearborn, Detroit boasts some of the best Middle Eastern cuisine outside of the Middle East itself.
Where to try it:
Al Ameer Restaurant: This James Beard Award-winning restaurant offers authentic Lebanese cuisine.
Shatila Bakery: Famous for its Middle Eastern pastries, especially the pistachio baklava.
New Yasmeen Bakery: A great spot for fresh pita bread, shawarma, and falafel.
5. Greek Food: A Slice of the Mediterranean
Detroit's Greektown neighborhood is the place to go for authentic Greek cuisine.
Where to try it:
Pegasus Taverna: Known for its flaming saganaki cheese and tender lamb dishes.
Golden Fleece: A casual eatery serving generous portions of Greek classics.
Astoria Pastry Shop: The perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional Greek pastries.
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6. Polish Delicacies: Hamtramck's Finest
The city of Hamtramck, surrounded by Detroit, is known for its Polish heritage and delicious Polish cuisine.
Where to try it:
Polish Village Cafe: Housed in a former rec center, this basement restaurant serves hearty Polish fare.
Polonia Restaurant: Another Hamtramck staple, known for its pierogi and stuffed cabbage.
7. Farm-to-Table: Detroit's Fresh Revolution
Detroit's culinary scene has embraced the farm-to-table movement, with many restaurants sourcing ingredients from local urban farms.
Where to try it:
Selden Standard: A trendy spot offering seasonal small plates made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails: Known for its creative dishes featuring produce from local farms.
Folk Detroit: A cozy cafe in Corktown serving locally-sourced breakfast and lunch dishes.
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8. Iconic Detroit Desserts: Sweet Endings
No meal is complete without dessert, and Detroit has some sweet treats that are worth saving room for.
Where to try it:
Sanders Candy: Famous for their hot fudge cream puffs and bumpy cake.
Dutch Girl Donuts: A Detroit institution serving fresh, handmade donuts since 1947.
Sister Pie: A bakery known for its creative pie flavors and commitment to using local ingredients.
9. Detroit's Craft Beer Scene: Cheers to Local Brews
Detroit's craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with numerous breweries offering unique local brews.
Where to try it:
Batch Brewing Company: A nanobrewery offering a rotating selection of creative beers.
Atwater Brewery: Known for their German-style lagers and unique Detroit-themed brews.
Eastern Market Brewing Co: Located in the historic Eastern Market, this brewery offers a variety of craft beers in a lively atmosphere.
Motor City Brewing Works: Located in the heart of Midtown and offers hole-in-the-wall vibes in the center of a bustling neighborhood.
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10. Detroit's Food Halls: A Culinary Adventure Under One Roof
For those who want to sample a variety of Detroit's culinary offerings in one place, the city's food halls are the perfect destination.
Where to try it:
Detroit Shipping Company: A food hall and beer garden built from shipping containers, featuring a diverse range of local eateries.
The Brakeman: A beer hall made for socializing and eating fried chicken.
11. Favorites by Neighborhood
Detroit's diverse neighborhoods each offer their own unique flavors and dining experiences. Let's take a tour of some of our favorite restaurants in different areas of the city:
Midtown
Midtown is a neighborhood filled with young adults, and with that comes bars, restaurants, and a bustling nightlife. Our favorite affordable and delicious eats are listed below:
Hopcat (Bar & Grill)
Condado Tacos (Mexican)
Royale with Cheese (Burgers)
Great Lakes Coffee Company (Coffee)
Jolly Pumpkin (Pizza & Brewery)
Socra Tea (Tea)
Seva Detroit (Vegetarian)
Detroit Shipping Company (Food Court)
Elephant & Co. Detroit (Pizza and Beer)
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Downtown Detroit
Downtown Detroit is where you can try some local classics, such as the classic Coney Dog, Detroit-Style Pizza, and few other savory treats. Our top recommendations are outlined below:
Frita Batidos Detroit (Cuban)
Buddy's Pizza (Detroit-Style Pizza)
Madcap Coffee Company (Coffee)
Detroit Mini Donut (Donuts)
Mootz Pizzeria (Pizza)
Lafayette Coney Island (Hot Dog Diner)
Dime Store (Brunch)
Sister Pie (Bakery) *outside of downtown*
Corktown
Corktown is the oldest surviving neighborhood in Detroit and is home to a variety of eateries, from hole-in-the-wall establishments like Green Dot Stables, to fine dining and mouth-watering barbecue.
Green Dot Stables (Sliders)
Bobcat Bonnie's (Gastropub)
Slows Bar BQ (Barbeque)
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Mexicantown
Mexicantown is a vibrant neighborhood in Southwest Detroit known for its rich Hispanic culture and authentic Mexican cuisine. This colorful district is home to numerous family-owned restaurants, bakeries, and markets, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and those seeking to experience the city's diverse cultural heritage.
Taqueria El Rey (authentic tacos)
El Gloria Bakery (churros and tamales)
Eastern Market
Eastern Market is a vibrant neighborhood in Detroit known for its historic public market and thriving food scene. This bustling district is home to numerous restaurants, artisanal shops, and colorful murals, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Supino Pizzeria Eastern Market (thin-crust pizzas with inventive toppings)
Eastern Market Brewing Co (tasty experimental brews)
Detroit's food scene is as diverse and resilient as the city itself. In fact, it was named by National Geographic as an unexpected city for Food Lovers in 2017. From classic Coney dogs to innovative farm-to-table cuisine, the Motor City offers a wealth of culinary experiences that reflect its rich history and cultural tapestry. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, exploring Detroit's local foods and restaurants is sure to be a delicious adventure.
So, the next time you find yourself in Detroit, venture beyond the automotive museums and music venues. Take a bite out of the city's vibrant food scene, and you'll discover why Detroit is becoming known as much for its culinary delights as it is for its cars and Motown sound. From the crispy edges of a Detroit-style pizza to the flaky layers of baklava in Dearborn, every meal in Detroit is an opportunity to taste the city's past, present, and future. Bon appétit, or as they might say in Detroit, "Let's eat!"
