Detroit is having a moment. And no, I’m not just talking about the revitalized downtown or the stunning architecture that’s been here for over a century. I’m talking about the food.
The Motor City’s dining scene has quietly transformed into one of the most exciting in the Midwest, with chefs who are doing things their own way—smoky, bold, and unapologetically local.
It’s a city where you can eat your way through a James Beard nominee list while sitting in a converted firehouse, then grab a Coney dog from a joint that’s been around since forever.
The accolades are piling up faster than cars off the assembly line. With the 2026 James Beard semifinalists recently announced and the Detroit Free Press rolling out their Restaurant of the Year awards, the city has officially outpaced regional rivals in pure culinary innovation.
From the wood-fired magic of Midtown to the West African stews bubbling on the East Side, these 13 spots represent the absolute best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan right now. Let’s get into it.
1. Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse
Let’s kick things off with a heavyweight, even if it requires a short drive. Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse in Clarkston was just crowned the 2026 Hour Detroit Restaurant of the Year, and for good reason.
Chef Josh Stockton has taken the classic steakhouse playbook and elevated it into something approaching art.
It’s quiet luxury without the ego—the kind of place where the service is impeccable but never stuffy, and the food does all the talking.
The Wagyu cheeseburger is the stuff of legend, but don’t sleep on the iceberg wedge with bacon lardons that crunch just right.
It’s about a 30-minute drive from downtown, but trust me, this is a pilgrimage worth making. When people ask about the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan, this is the spot that’s on everyone’s lips right now. Make sure you book ahead—the word is definitely out.
2. Ladder 4 Wine Bar
Over in Core City, Ladder 4 Wine Bar is doing something truly special. Housed in a beautifully restored firehouse, this spot earned a 2026 James Beard semifinalist nod for Best Chef: Great Lakes, and Chef John Yelinek continues to dominate that category.
This isn’t just a wine bar—it’s a laboratory for seasonal Michigan ingredients, with a 2026 menu that focuses heavily on foraged Great Lakes greens.
The space itself is worth the trip. Exposed brick, warm lighting, and that sense of history you just can’t fake. The menu changes constantly based on what’s fresh, but you can always expect dishes that are thoughtful, inventive, and deeply connected to the region.
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something secret, even though the secret is definitely out. For a truly unique experience among the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan, Ladder 4 is non-negotiable.
3. Barda
If you’re in Brush Park and smell smoke, just follow your nose to Barda. Chef Javier Bardauil’s open-flame mastery earned him a 2026 James Beard nod, and one bite of his food will tell you exactly why.
This place is a sensory overload in the best way—smoke, high-end beef, and neo-steakhouse vibes that feel both modern and deeply traditional.
The asado de tira is arguably the best cut of meat in the city right now. We’re talking beef cooked over fire until it’s caramelized on the outside and meltingly tender within. The whole menu celebrates Argentine grilling traditions while feeling completely of-the-moment.
It’s loud, it’s energetic, and it’s absolutely unforgettable. For meat lovers hunting the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan, Barda is a must.
4. SheWolf Pastificio & Bar
Midtown is home to what might be the toughest reservation in town. SheWolf Pastificio & Bar is a pasta temple, plain and simple.
Chef Anthony Lombardo’s Roman-style pasta is legendary, and the 60-day booking window on Tock should tell you everything you need to know about the demand . People plan their entire Detroit trips around getting a table here.
The pasta is made fresh daily, and you can taste the love in every single strand. The cacio e pepe is a masterclass in simplicity, while the more complex dishes showcase Lombardo’s endless creativity.
If you can’t get a reservation, keep an eye out for their 2026 sister concept, Medusa Cucina Siciliana, opening soon . Until then, plan ahead and snag that table—it’s one of the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan for a reason.
5. Selden Standard
You can’t talk about Detroit’s food revival without giving serious props to Selden Standard. This Midtown anchor pretty much kickstarted the whole scene, and Chef Andy Hollyday remains a perennial James Beard favorite.
The concept is simple: farm-to-table small plates that showcase Michigan seasonality at its finest. The execution? Anything but simple.
The braised lamb is legendary—Trip.com users consistently rave about it—and the whole menu is designed for sharing . Bring a hungry crew, order a bunch of dishes, and pass them around the table like family.
The vibe is warm and bustling, the service is knowledgeable without being fussy, and the food is consistently knock-your-socks-off good. It’s a cornerstone of the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan, and a must for any visitor.
6. Baobab Fare
In the North End, you’ll find Baobab Fare, an award-winning Burundian restaurant that serves food with serious soul. This place has been getting national attention for years, and the 2026 Detroit Free Press coverage confirms its place among the city’s elite.
The warm stews, rice dishes, and sweet plantains come from family recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Don’t even think about leaving without trying the avocado-passionfruit mousse. It’s tart, it’s creamy, it’s utterly divine—the kind of dessert that makes your lips purse and your eyes roll back in pleasure.
Baobab Fare is more than a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience and a testament to the diversity that makes Detroit’s food scene so special. For anyone seeking the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan with global flavors, this is your spot.
7. Takoi
Corktown is home to Takoi, an industrial-chic bunker serving electric Thai flavors with a Midwest twist. The space is loud, funky, and quintessentially Detroit—exposed concrete, edgy art, and a vibe that feels like the coolest party in town. The Khao Soi is non-negotiable.
We’re talking rich coconut curry broth, tender noodles, and crispy toppings that add texture and depth . The cocktail program is equally inventive, with drinks that complement the bold flavors without competing with them.
Takoi is the kind of place where you can settle in for a long, lively dinner with friends and leave already planning your next visit. It’s a true original and absolutely one of the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan.
8. More Life Foods
Over on Livernois Avenue, More Life Foods is proving that plant-based eating can be just as satisfying as the real thing.
This 100% vegan spot serves up Detroit-style comfort food with house-made meats, drinks, and sauces that will make even the most devoted carnivore do a double-take . The fried “chkn” pita is a thing of beauty—crispy, flavorful, and utterly convincing.
They started as a food truck and have grown into a beloved neighborhood spot with a loyal following.
In early 2026, they’re hosting a Vegan Brunch Buffet with a variety of dishes and live tunes, so check their schedule and plan accordingly.
For anyone looking for the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan with killer vegan options, More Life Foods is a total win.
9. Grey Ghost
Brush Park’s Grey Ghost is known for two things: its legendary bar burger and one of the most consistent cocktail programs in the city.
The burger is simple perfection—juicy, perfectly cooked, and served on a squishy bun that soaks up all the goodness. It’s the kind of burger you crave at 11 p.m. on a Tuesday.
The New American menu is inventive without being precious, and the whole place has a vibe that’s simultaneously sophisticated and approachable. Pro tip: they reserve their bar seats for walk-ins, so if you can’t score a reservation, show up at 5 p.m. and grab a stool .
Grey Ghost is a Brush Park staple and easily one of the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan.
10. Marrow
In West Village, Marrow is doing something truly unique. Chef Sarah Welch runs a hybrid butcher shop and restaurant with a nose-to-tail philosophy that’s both sustainable and delicious.
The space is warm and inviting, with a retail case up front where you can grab cuts of meat to cook at home and a dining room in back where you can let the experts do the work.
The 5-course tasting menu is the smartest way to experience their philosophy. Each course showcases a different cut or preparation, highlighting the incredible depth of flavor that comes from using the whole animal.
Vegetarians are well taken care of too, with creative veggie-forward dishes that get the same love and attention. For a truly memorable meal, Marrow is a standout among the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan.
11. Little Liberia
This is big news for Detroit. Little Liberia, the city’s first Liberian restaurant, just opened at The Ribbon on East Warren Avenue.
Owner Ameneh Marhaba has been operating this concept as a pop-up since 2016, serving halal maafe—a peanut butter-based stew with goat meat—at locations throughout metro Detroit. Now it finally has a permanent home.
The menu features dry rice, plantain chips, and that incredible maafe that’s been winning hearts for a decade. It’s a first-of-its-kind for the city, and it builds upon the existing African cuisines available within Detroit’s limits.
Little Liberia brings new depth to the dining scene and is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic, soulful food among the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan.
12. Alpino
Corktown’s Alpino is a 2025/2026 standout that’s bringing the flavors of the Alps to the Rust Belt.
Think raclette, wines from high-altitude vineyards, and incredible hospitality that makes you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Swiss chalet. The concept is unexpected, but the execution is flawless.
The cheese dishes are obviously a highlight, but don’t overlook the thoughtful vegetable preparations and the cured meats. Everything is designed for sharing and lingering, making it the perfect spot for a long, leisurely dinner with good friends.
Alpino proves that some of the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan are the ones doing something completely unexpected.
13. Detroit Jollof
Rounding out our list is a takeout-only gem that’s making waves. Detroit Jollof, a ghost kitchen in Midtown, landed at No. 7 on the Detroit Free Press/Chevy Detroit Top 10 New Restaurants and Dining Experiences list.
As the name suggests, they serve stellar jollof rice—a West African rice dish flavored with a mix of spices and a splash of tomato sauce.
It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s absolutely packed with flavor. The menu is tight and focused, because when you do one thing this well, you don’t need a million options.
For a quick, affordable, and unforgettable meal, Detroit Jollof is a total gem and a perfect example of why the best restaurants in Detroit, Michigan come in all shapes and sizes.
Conclusion
There you have it—a culinary tour of Detroit that spans centuries of tradition and a world of flavors.
From the James Beard-nominated elegance of Ladder 4 to the soulful Liberian stews at Little Liberia, from the pasta perfection of SheWolf to the vegan comfort of More Life Foods, this city’s dining scene is more vibrant and delicious than ever.
These 13 spots represent the very best of what Detroit has to offer right now.
Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your phone, book those reservations, and get ready to eat your way through one of America’s most exciting food cities. Your new favorite table is waiting in the Motor City.