Detroit’s culinary scene has once again captured national attention. Two local favorites, Mike’s Famous Ham Place and Leila, earned spots on The New York Times’ prestigious list of “26 of the Best Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2024,” showcasing the city’s rich and diverse food culture.
The Times’ food writers crisscrossed the country, dining at hundreds of restaurants in 30 states over several months. The dishes that made the cut were described as “some we couldn’t forget,” and Detroit’s contributions proved unforgettable.
On a quiet stretch of Michigan Avenue in Southwest Detroit, Mike’s Famous Ham Place has been a mainstay for hearty ham sandwiches and classic comfort food. The New York Times singled out its poppy-seed roll sandwich stacked with thick slices of ham, cheese, mustard, and pickles for its “honest and satisfying” flavor.
Owner Mike Muftari, who ran the business for 50 years before recently selling it, has stayed on temporarily to teach the new owners, Kim and John Lambert, the ropes. While the Lamberts have introduced credit card payments, they’re keeping everything else — from the menu to the ambience — unchanged. The small 772-square-foot building, a nostalgic nod to Detroit’s past, has been serving loyal customers since its days as Lile’s Sandwich Shop.
In downtown Detroit’s Capitol Park, Leila dazzled with its Lebanese Sundae, a dessert that combines fairy floss, pistachios, and ashta — a rose-flavored ice cream infused with hints of orange blossom water. The New York Times said the dessert “delights with its simplicity and whimsy,” likening its presentation to a “Star Trek tribble ready for a night on the town.”
Owned by the Eid family, who also operate Phoenicia, Forest, and Wilder’s in metro Detroit, Leila is a tribute to the family matriarch. Its menu is rooted in Lebanese home cooking, offering a blend of tradition and modern flair. The Lebanese Sundae encapsulates the restaurant’s philosophy: celebrating heritage while delivering playful culinary experiences.
This isn’t the first time Detroit’s food scene has earned accolades from The New York Times. Earlier this year, Amar Pizza in Hamtramck was named one of the country’s best pizza spots, while Clawson’s Noori Pocha landed on the Times ’“50 Favorite Places in America Right Now” list.
