Article by: The Culture Trip
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.
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Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub
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.
Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub, 612 Woodward, Detroit, Michigan, USA
+1 313 961 3034
Café Muse
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. .
Café Muse, 418 South Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, Detroit, Michigan, USA
+1 248 544 4749
The Whitney
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.
The Whitney, 4421 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, USA
+1 313 832 5700
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.
Vinsetta Garage, 27799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, Detroit, Michigan, USA
+1 248 548 7711
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.
The Rattlesnake Club, 300 River Place Drive, Detroit, Michigan, USA
+1 313 567 4400
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.
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront, 400 Renaissance Center, Suite A-403, Detroit, Michigan, USA
+1 313 567 6700
The Majestic Café
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.
Torino
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.
Torino, 201 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, Detroit, Michigan, USA
+1 248 247 1370
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.
Iridescence, 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, USA
+1 866 752 9622
Mario’s
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.
Mario’s, 4222 2nd Avenue, Mack, Detroit, Michigan, USA
+1 313 832 1616
