The 20 hottest restaurants in Detroit right now

By Metro Times editorial staff on Sat, Aug 17, 2019 at 2:17 pm

Detroit's restaurant scene is hot right now. From new cocktail bars to date-night spots, there are plenty of ways to entertain your tastebuds. What follows are a few Detroit eateries that are either brand new, have all-new menus, updated digs, or have recently received some well-deserved kudos.

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Bodega Cat

2200 Scotten St., Detroit
A tamale shop named after a 20-year-old cat, with dreams of opening a restaurant one day. Honestly they might get there soon, as its tamales usually sell out by noon every day — so make sure to get some fresh in the morning.

Photo by Erik Paul Howard

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Saffron De Twah

7636 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
This Moroccan-American restaurant’s menu features lamb tagine bowls, hot chicken, and ras el hanout lamb ribs. What started as a carryout and delivery only joint has graduated to a brick-and-mortar space.

Photo via Saffron De Twah / Facebook

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Pietrzyk Pierogi

1429 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
If you plan to take a stroll through Eastern Market this weekend, consider paying a visit to these pierogi — they’re packed with traditional cheeses and meats, as well as more modern twists such as buffalo chicken, buttermilk ranch, and hot sauce.

Photo by Mar Manzarnes Bobadilla Brock

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Grandma Bob’s

2135 Michigan Ave., Detroit
This is not your typical pizzeria. Grandma Bob’s serves atypical pies like the coney pizza and the taco pizza. Their dough is made from a blend of all-purpose white King Arthur flour, and the bar serves a range of beers and craft cocktails.

Photo via Grandma Bobs Pizza / Facebook

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Ima 2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit With extra square footage in the restaurants third location, chef Mike Ransom said it will allow for an expansion of the menu. Ima mainly specializes in custom udon and rice bowls while also catering to traditional appetizers like edamame, dumplings, and steamed oysters. Photo by Tom Perkins

Ima

2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit
With extra square footage in the restaurant’s third location, chef Mike Ransom said it will allow for an expansion of the menu. Ima mainly specializes in custom udon and rice bowls while also catering to traditional appetizers like edamame, dumplings, and steamed oysters.

Photo by Tom Perkins

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ZZ Market & Grill

210 Henry St., Detroit
Looking for a quick bite for lunch? Or maybe after work? ZZ Market and Grill can help with that. They specialize in grab-and-go style food and support multiple Michigan-centric items.

Photo courtesy of ZZ Market & Grill / A. Victoria Mae

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Mootz Pizzeria and Bar

1230 Library St., Detroit
This New York style pizzeria is located near the Belt, and is divided up into two components — a full-service dining room with a bar, and a small counter with slices for carry out. The big, floppy, thin-crust triangle slices are made with higher-end ingredients.

Photo by Tom Perkins

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Peso Bar

2547 Bagley St., Detroit
This Mexican bar and restaurant serves tortas, burritos, and more. The bar offers 20 different types of margaritas as well as cantaritos and other cocktails.

Photo by Bridget Ekis

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PAO Detroit

114 W. Adams Ave., Detroit
A modern experience inspired by classic Asian flavors. Dishes include king crab truffle gnocchi and a 48-hour lamb lollipop. Happy hour is M-F from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Photo via PAO Detroit / Facebook

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Ochre Bakery

4884 Grand River Ave., Detroit
Specializing in small plates and sandwiches, Ochre Bakery is a cute new spot that’s perfect for a quick coffee, lunch bite, or a danish. Speaking of danishes… this bakery is one of the only in town — according to its owners — which has a laminating machine. The machine is able to fold multiple layers of butter within the dough, creating some of the flakiest danishes around.

Photo by Bridget Ekis

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Friend & Associate

501 Monroe St., Detroit
Full-service restaurant, serving contemporary American cuisine and thoughtfully crafted cocktails in the heart of Greektown.

Photo via Friend and Associate / Facebook

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Table No. 2 Restaurant

18925 Livernois Ave., Detroit
Located on the Avenue of Fashion, this upscale restaurant’s menu features Lake Michigan walleye, crab legs, and grilled oysters Rockefeller. On Sundays, the restaurant has a brunch-style buffet for $32.95.

Photo via TABLE No. 2 Restaurant / Facebook

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Momo Cha

474 Peterboro St., Detroit
Located in the Detroit Shipping Company, this dumpling shop is operated by husband and wife pair chef Lama and Louisa, and serves Nepalese dumplings and snacks. Everything is made from scratch and locally sourced.

Photo via Momo Cha Detroit/ Facebook

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Triangulo Dorado

8065 Vernor Hwy., Detroit
Mexican cuisine with roots in Sinaloa, Duranguense, and Chihuahuan food located Southwest.

Photo via Taqueria y Cenaduria Triángulo Dorado/ Facebook

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Poke Poke

4501 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Sushi with a twist. Rather than traditional sushi rolls, this restaurant serves bowls containing sushi ingredients. Customers can select from signature bowls or customize their own by selecting their own rice, protein, vegetables, sauces, and toppings.

Photo via Eat Poke Poke/ Facebook

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Detroit Mini Donut

214 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
The long wait for a store is over! Owners Karen Hudson and Karla Willis started Detroit Mini Donut as a food truck back in 2011, and Detroiters have been drooling over them ever since. They’re known for fresh, HOT donuts served by the dozen or in buckets.

Photo via Detroit Mini Donut / Facebook

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Penny Red’s

1400 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Located in the Shinola Hotel, this fried chicken restaurant and beer hall serves buckets of chicken, biscuits, several sides, and chicken sandwiches.

Photo via Eat Penny Reds / Facebook

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Michigan & Trumbull

160 W. Fort St., Detroit
Located at the Fort Street Galley, this restaurant features Detroit-style pizzas that reference Detroit. The Woodward White features mozzarella, ricotta, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and garlic oil. Gluten-free crust is available upon request. Sunday brunch is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo by Bridget Ekis

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Babo

15 E. Kirby St., Detroit
Slang for “dad” in Albanian. This high-end diner’s menu is comprised of creative takes on comfort food classics and chilaquiles.

Photo via Babo Detroit / Facebook

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Asian Corned Beef

19102 Woodward Ave., Detroit
While there’s nothing new about this chain, it’s worth mentioning that the chain is expanding and just opened its eighth location — all while still serving corned beef egg rolls for $3 a pop.

Photo by Lee DeVito

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