The hottest new metro Detroit restaurants to open in 2021

By on Fri, Dec 17, 2021 at 1:00 pm

Despite the pandemic, metro Detroit's dining scene is red hot. Between new restaurants, new locations of existing restaurants, new menus, new concepts, and reopening of familiar restaurants, there are a ton of options to try.

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Mister Dips 19 E. Grand River, Detroit; misterdips.com This new burger and ice cream joint is located in Parker's Alley, near the Shinola Hotel. Mister Dips already has a popular location in Brooklyn, New York, which chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini opened back in September 2016. Photo courtesy of Mister Dips

Mister Dips

19 E. Grand River, Detroit; misterdips.com

This new burger and ice cream joint is located in Parker's Alley, near the Shinola Hotel. Mister Dips already has a popular location in Brooklyn, New York, which chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini opened back in September 2016.

Photo courtesy of Mister Dips
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Baobab Fare 6568 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-266-5199; baobabfare.com It’s been a long time coming for casual East African concept and 2017 Hatch Detroit winners Baobab Fare. Owned by refugees Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, Baobab Fare offers a taste of Burundi here in Detroit. Photo courtesy of Baobab Fare

Baobab Fare

6568 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-266-5199; baobabfare.com

It’s been a long time coming for casual East African concept and 2017 Hatch Detroit winners Baobab Fare. Owned by refugees Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, Baobab Fare offers a taste of Burundi here in Detroit.

Photo courtesy of Baobab Fare
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Coriander Kitchen & Farm 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-822-4434; corianderkitchenandfarm.com What was once a vacant marina in the Jefferson-Chalmers area has turned into one of Detroit’s newest waterfront restaurants. Although construction delays and rising water levels threatened the restaurant’s completion, Chef Alison Heeres and farmer Gwen Meyer of Coriander Kitchen & Farm finally opened their waterfront farm-to-table restaurant earlier this year. Photo by Lizz Wilkinson

Coriander Kitchen & Farm

14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-822-4434; corianderkitchenandfarm.com

What was once a vacant marina in the Jefferson-Chalmers area has turned into one of Detroit’s newest waterfront restaurants. Although construction delays and rising water levels threatened the restaurant’s completion, Chef Alison Heeres and farmer Gwen Meyer of Coriander Kitchen & Farm finally opened their waterfront farm-to-table restaurant earlier this year.

Photo by Lizz Wilkinson
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Barda Detroit 4842 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 248-949-0008; bardadetroit.com Opening in the former Magnet space in Core City, Barda Detroit offers Argentinian fare. Barda Detroit offers a simple bar program (think wines from Argentina and Italian Fernet) and a range of vegetable, meat, and seafood dishes at a variety of price points to avoid feeling too “exclusive” for the neighboring area. Photo courtesy of Emma Sandler

Barda Detroit

4842 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 248-949-0008; bardadetroit.com

Opening in the former Magnet space in Core City, Barda Detroit offers Argentinian fare. Barda Detroit offers a simple bar program (think wines from Argentina and Italian Fernet) and a range of vegetable, meat, and seafood dishes at a variety of price points to avoid feeling too “exclusive” for the neighboring area.

Photo courtesy of Emma Sandler
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Joe Louis Southern Kitchen 3100 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-788-8338; joelouissouthernkitchen.com Giving New Center the ol' one-two punch is an ode to the legendary boxer Joe Louis. The all-day brunch-forward project comes from Johnny Cannon (owner of Sweet Magnolia's, former owner of New Center Eatery) in cooperation with Joe Louis II. The restaurant features classic southern breakfast staples like, buttermilk biscuits, croquettes and rice, shrimp and grits, country fried steak, pancakes, and New Center Eatery's speciality, chicken and waffles. Photo courtesy of Joe Lois Southern Kitchen

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen

3100 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-788-8338; joelouissouthernkitchen.com

Giving New Center the ol' one-two punch is an ode to the legendary boxer Joe Louis. The all-day brunch-forward project comes from Johnny Cannon (owner of Sweet Magnolia's, former owner of New Center Eatery) in cooperation with Joe Louis II. The restaurant features classic southern breakfast staples like, buttermilk biscuits, croquettes and rice, shrimp and grits, country fried steak, pancakes, and New Center Eatery's speciality, chicken and waffles.

Photo courtesy of Joe Lois Southern Kitchen
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Madam 298 S. Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-283-4200; daxtonhotel.com It was announced last October that the Daxton Hotel, a swanky new 151-room boutique hotel, would open in Birmingham with some high-end dining options. That includes Madam, described on its website as offering “vegetable-forward dishes and classic cocktails with a modern twist,” Madam also promises a “graceful” dining space. Photo courtesy of Joe Vaughn

Madam

298 S. Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-283-4200; daxtonhotel.com

It was announced last October that the Daxton Hotel, a swanky new 151-room boutique hotel, would open in Birmingham with some high-end dining options. That includes Madam, described on its website as offering “vegetable-forward dishes and classic cocktails with a modern twist,” Madam also promises a “graceful” dining space.

Photo courtesy of Joe Vaughn
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Louisiana Creole Gumbo 29216 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; detroitgumbo.com An Eastern Market institution for decades, Detroit's Louisiana Creole Gumbo restaurant opened its first non-Detroit location in Farmington Hills in the spring. Photo by Kelley O'Neill

Louisiana Creole Gumbo

29216 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; detroitgumbo.com

An Eastern Market institution for decades, Detroit's Louisiana Creole Gumbo restaurant opened its first non-Detroit location in Farmington Hills in the spring.

Photo by Kelley O'Neill
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Kura Sushi 736 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy; 947-218-0707; kurasushi.com Kura Sushi is a Japanese chain in the style of the country's popular "sushi trains," where plates of sushi are delivered to customers via conveyor belts. The company is also known for partnering with Japanese brands to offer prizes and small toys. Kura Sushi the only conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Michigan. (There used to be Sushi Nara in Ann Arbor, but that has since closed.) Photo courtesy of Kura Sushi

Kura Sushi

736 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy; 947-218-0707; kurasushi.com

Kura Sushi is a Japanese chain in the style of the country's popular "sushi trains," where plates of sushi are delivered to customers via conveyor belts. The company is also known for partnering with Japanese brands to offer prizes and small toys. Kura Sushi the only conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Michigan. (There used to be Sushi Nara in Ann Arbor, but that has since closed.)

Photo courtesy of Kura Sushi
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Toney Island 13000 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; 313-469-7255; toney-island.business.site Detroit rapper Tone Tone opened this coney island-style restaurant earlier this year. Named after the rapper's 2007 hit, the $10 "Waddup Doe Burger" is a seasoned blend of beef or turkey and comes with lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, and “Toney Sauce,” which Tone says is so good “you don't even need ketchup and mustard.” Sandwiches start at around $6.99, with burgers and heartier entree options ranging from $10-$18.99. Sides and items like the Toney Dog start at $3.99 and Toney's Secret Seasoned wings start at $5.99 for a six-piece. As a nod to Wendy's "4 for $4" meal deal and as an affordable offering to Toney Island's neighborhood, there's a $4 deal that comes with two Whaddup Doe sliders, fries, and a pop. Photo courtesy of Toney Island/Facebook

Toney Island

13000 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; 313-469-7255; toney-island.business.site

Detroit rapper Tone Tone opened this coney island-style restaurant earlier this year. Named after the rapper's 2007 hit, the $10 "Waddup Doe Burger" is a seasoned blend of beef or turkey and comes with lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, and “Toney Sauce,” which Tone says is so good “you don't even need ketchup and mustard.” Sandwiches start at around $6.99, with burgers and heartier entree options ranging from $10-$18.99. Sides and items like the Toney Dog start at $3.99 and Toney's Secret Seasoned wings start at $5.99 for a six-piece. As a nod to Wendy's "4 for $4" meal deal and as an affordable offering to Toney Island's neighborhood, there's a $4 deal that comes with two Whaddup Doe sliders, fries, and a pop.

Photo courtesy of Toney Island/Facebook
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Coffee Down Under 607 Shelby St., Detroit; 313-444-6626; coffeedownunder.com This Australian-style coffee bar opened in Detroit's Financial District in a 400 square-foot space under Brome Modern Eatery. The sustainable coffee bar features espresso roasts from Proud Mary Cafe, a Melbourne-based establishment. It also serves Australian refreshments, including the long black — it’s stronger than an Americano and is created by pouring a double-shot of espresso or ristretto over hot water. Photo courtesy of Coffee Down Under/Facebook

Coffee Down Under

607 Shelby St., Detroit; 313-444-6626; coffeedownunder.com

This Australian-style coffee bar opened in Detroit's Financial District in a 400 square-foot space under Brome Modern Eatery. The sustainable coffee bar features espresso roasts from Proud Mary Cafe, a Melbourne-based establishment. It also serves Australian refreshments, including the long black — it’s stronger than an Americano and is created by pouring a double-shot of espresso or ristretto over hot water.

Photo courtesy of Coffee Down Under/Facebook
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Supino 6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; supinopizzeria.com The owner of one of Detroit's favorite — and busiest — pizzerias is now serving its New York-style pies in New Center. Supino Pizzeria owner Dave Mancini secured a building on the same block in 2018, but it’s been a while to get things going. Photo by Lee DeVito

Supino

6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; supinopizzeria.com

The owner of one of Detroit's favorite — and busiest — pizzerias is now serving its New York-style pies in New Center. Supino Pizzeria owner Dave Mancini secured a building on the same block in 2018, but it’s been a while to get things going.

Photo by Lee DeVito
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Goblin Sushi Bar 2547 Bagley St., Detroit; goblinorder.com Occupying the recently shuttered Peso Bar space in Southwest Detroit, Goblin Sushi Bar officially made its debut. The sushi bar, which already has a location in Clinton Township, offers a variety of rolls including Philadelphia Roll, Shrimp Nigiri, and BBQ Eel. Photo via Goblin Sushi Bar/Facebook

Goblin Sushi Bar

2547 Bagley St., Detroit; goblinorder.com

Occupying the recently shuttered Peso Bar space in Southwest Detroit, Goblin Sushi Bar officially made its debut. The sushi bar, which already has a location in Clinton Township, offers a variety of rolls including Philadelphia Roll, Shrimp Nigiri, and BBQ Eel.

Photo via Goblin Sushi Bar/Facebook
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Detroit Beer Exchange 1260 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-638-2361; thebeerexchange.com This bar first opened in 2010 in Kalamazoo, known for its casual environment, pizza and beer combos, and, well, the fact that they operate like the stock market, with fluctuating beer prices and spontaneous market crashes, and now they're serving downtown Detroit. Similar to their Kalamazoo offerings, Detroit Beer Exchange features dozens of beers, 10 ciders, as well as meads and nonalcoholic beverages. Photo courtesy of The Beer Exchange/Facebook

Detroit Beer Exchange

1260 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-638-2361; thebeerexchange.com

This bar first opened in 2010 in Kalamazoo, known for its casual environment, pizza and beer combos, and, well, the fact that they operate like the stock market, with fluctuating beer prices and spontaneous market crashes, and now they're serving downtown Detroit. Similar to their Kalamazoo offerings, Detroit Beer Exchange features dozens of beers, 10 ciders, as well as meads and nonalcoholic beverages.

Photo courtesy of The Beer Exchange/Facebook
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Promenade Artisan Foods 3011 E Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-462-8166; promenadeartisanfoods.square.site Trenton-based Promenade Artisan Foods expanded with a second location, situated in the Fisher Building. The Detroit spot opened in time for Fat Tuesday, offering "craczki," or their take on the Polish favorite using croissant dough. Aside from pastries, the spot serves lunches and grab-and-go dinners. The restaurant takes the space of the former City Bakery, which closed during the pandemic. Photo by Promenade Artisan Foods/Facebook

Promenade Artisan Foods

3011 E Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-462-8166; promenadeartisanfoods.square.site

Trenton-based Promenade Artisan Foods expanded with a second location, situated in the Fisher Building. The Detroit spot opened in time for Fat Tuesday, offering "craczki," or their take on the Polish favorite using croissant dough. Aside from pastries, the spot serves lunches and grab-and-go dinners. The restaurant takes the space of the former City Bakery, which closed during the pandemic.

Photo by Promenade Artisan Foods/Facebook
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Oak and Reel 2921 East Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-270-9600; oakandreel.com Michelin-starred chef Jared Gadbaw's Italian seafood restaurant opened in Milwaukee Junction in September. The menu changes seasonally, and it's divided into four sections — primi (small plates), pasta, entrees, and desserts. Choose from three- ($58), four- ($68), or five- ($78) course meals. Plates can be shared, but courses cannot be split. Photo by Tom Perkins

Oak and Reel

2921 East Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-270-9600; oakandreel.com

Michelin-starred chef Jared Gadbaw's Italian seafood restaurant opened in Milwaukee Junction in September. The menu changes seasonally, and it's divided into four sections — primi (small plates), pasta, entrees, and desserts. Choose from three- ($58), four- ($68), or five- ($78) course meals. Plates can be shared, but courses cannot be split.

Photo by Tom Perkins
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Cafe Alto 3100 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-638-1646; alto.coffee Cafe Alto is a new café shop that opened in Detroit's Brush Park in the former New Order Coffee space. In addition to roasting their own beans, Cafe Alto serves treats from White Wolf Patisserie and Cannelle. Photo courtesy of Cafe Alto/Instagram

Cafe Alto

3100 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-638-1646; alto.coffee

Cafe Alto is a new café shop that opened in Detroit's Brush Park in the former New Order Coffee space. In addition to roasting their own beans, Cafe Alto serves treats from White Wolf Patisserie and Cannelle.

Photo courtesy of Cafe Alto/Instagram
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Isla 2496 Metro Pkwy., Sterling Heights; 586-883-7526; isladetroit.com This Filipino restaurant resided in Detroit's former Fort Street Galley food hall before it shuttered last year, but established a brick-and-mortar on the border of Sterling Heights and Troy this year. Isla’s menu features rice and noodle bowls, as well as Filipino pastries. Photo by Tom Perkins

Isla

2496 Metro Pkwy., Sterling Heights; 586-883-7526; isladetroit.com

This Filipino restaurant resided in Detroit's former Fort Street Galley food hall before it shuttered last year, but established a brick-and-mortar on the border of Sterling Heights and Troy this year. Isla’s menu features rice and noodle bowls, as well as Filipino pastries.

Photo by Tom Perkins
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Saucy Brew Works 2671 John R. St., Detroit; 734-926-8933; saucybrewworks.com It was announced in 2019 that a new brewery would be heading to Brush Park in 2020 by way of Cleveland-based Saucy Brew Works. The pizzeria and brewery takes up residence inside Bedrock’s City Modern development, making it the chain’s fifth outpost. Saucy Brew Works’ catalogue of beer includes canned and bottled options like the Habituale, a kölsch-style golden ale, and the IPA ASAP, an American IPA. Saucy also specializes in Neapolitan New Haven-style pizza. Photo courtesy of Saucy Brew Works/Facebook

Saucy Brew Works

2671 John R. St., Detroit; 734-926-8933; saucybrewworks.com

It was announced in 2019 that a new brewery would be heading to Brush Park in 2020 by way of Cleveland-based Saucy Brew Works. The pizzeria and brewery takes up residence inside Bedrock’s City Modern development, making it the chain’s fifth outpost. Saucy Brew Works’ catalogue of beer includes canned and bottled options like the Habituale, a kölsch-style golden ale, and the IPA ASAP, an American IPA. Saucy also specializes in Neapolitan New Haven-style pizza.

Photo courtesy of Saucy Brew Works/Facebook
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Portillo’s 14425 Lakeside Cir., Sterling Heights; 630-954-3773; portillos.com The Chicago based fast-casual chain opened its first Michigan location in Sterling Heights, offering Italian-style beef, Chicago-style hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, and malts. Photo courtesy of Portillo's/Facebook

Portillo’s

14425 Lakeside Cir., Sterling Heights; 630-954-3773; portillos.com

The Chicago based fast-casual chain opened its first Michigan location in Sterling Heights, offering Italian-style beef, Chicago-style hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, and malts.

Photo courtesy of Portillo's/Facebook
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The Shelby 607 Shelby St., Detroit; shelbydetroit.com This speakeasy-style spot opened in a former bank vault in Detroit's Financial District earlier this year, under the same ownership as nearby Coffee Down Under. Aside from cocktails, the space also has a food menu with items like "Escar-No" (vegan escargot, but with mushrooms). Photo courtesy of The Shelby/Instagram

The Shelby

607 Shelby St., Detroit; shelbydetroit.com

This speakeasy-style spot opened in a former bank vault in Detroit's Financial District earlier this year, under the same ownership as nearby Coffee Down Under. Aside from cocktails, the space also has a food menu with items like "Escar-No" (vegan escargot, but with mushrooms).

Photo courtesy of The Shelby/Instagram
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