Detroit, Michigan is a city with a rich history and a vibrant food scene. From classic Detroit-style pizza to international cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Motor City.
The city has long been a hub for immigrants and has been influenced by the diverse cultures that have made their home there.
One of the earliest restaurants in Detroit was the City Hotel, which was established in 1796. The hotel served as a gathering place for both locals and travelers and was known for its fine dining. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Detroit saw an influx of immigrants from Europe, including Italians, Germans, and Eastern Europeans. These immigrants brought their own culinary traditions to the city and opened restaurants and markets featuring their native cuisines.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Detroit was home to a thriving jazz scene and many of the city’s restaurants and clubs featured live music. Some of these establishments, such as the Graystone Ballroom and the Celebrity Club, became iconic landmarks in the city.
Detroit’s food scene continued to evolve over the years and in the 1950s and 1960s, the city became known for its classic American diner culture. Many of these diners, such as the famous Hudson’s Grill, were popular gathering places for the city’s residents.
In more recent years, Detroit has experienced a resurgence and the city’s food scene has continued to grow and evolve. Today, the city is home to a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from classic diners and pizzerias to trendy restaurants featuring contemporary American cuisine and international flavors. Detroit’s diverse food culture is a reflection of the city’s rich history and its vibrant, diverse population.
Detroit, Michigan has a unique and diverse food scene that sets it apart from other cities in the United States. Here are a few ways in which restaurants in Detroit are different from those in other parts of the country:
- Detroit-style pizza: Detroit is home to a style of pizza that is unique to the city. Detroit-style pizza is made in a rectangular pan with a crispy and chewy crust, topped with cheese and sauce. This style of pizza is distinct from the more common round pies found in other parts of the country.
- Middle Eastern cuisine: Detroit has a large Middle Eastern population and as a result, the city is home to a number of excellent Middle Eastern restaurants. From shawarma and kebabs to falafel and hummus, these restaurants offer a taste of the region’s flavors and traditions.
- International flavors: Detroit’s diverse population has brought a variety of international flavors to the city. From Argentinean steakhouses to Thai-inspired cuisine, the city has a wide range of international restaurants to choose from.
- Comfort food: Detroit is home to a number of classic comfort food joints, including diners and soul food restaurants. These establishments serve dishes such as burgers, fried chicken, and mac and cheese, providing a taste of home-style cooking.
Here are the top 10 places to eat in Detroit:
- Supino Pizzeria: Located in the heart of Eastern Market, Supino Pizzeria is known for its delicious Detroit-style pizza. The restaurant’s square-shaped pies are cooked in a pan with caramelized cheese on the edges, creating a crispy and chewy crust. In addition to pizza, Supino also serves sandwiches and salads.
- Al Ameer: For authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, Al Ameer is a must-try. The restaurant’s menu includes dishes such as shawarma, kebabs, and falafel, all made with fresh ingredients and served with a variety of sides.
- Slow’s Bar-B-Q: Slow’s Bar-B-Q is a popular spot for barbecue in Detroit. The restaurant’s menu includes a variety of meats, including ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, all slow-smoked to perfection.
- Green Dot Stables: Green Dot Stables is a unique restaurant in Detroit that serves “sliders,” small burgers made with a variety of meats and toppings. The restaurant has a fun, laid-back atmosphere and a menu that features over 50 different slider options.
- Lady of the House: Lady of the House is a trendy restaurant in Corktown, known for its contemporary American cuisine and local ingredients. The menu includes dishes such as whole roasted chicken and seafood chowder, as well as a selection of cocktails and wines.
- El Asador Steakhouse: El Asador Steakhouse is a traditional Argentinean steakhouse in the heart of Detroit. The restaurant serves a variety of meats, including steaks, ribs, and chorizo, all grilled over an open fire.
- Union Street: Union Street is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch in Detroit. The restaurant’s menu includes classic dishes such as omelets, French toast, and eggs Benedict, as well as a selection of sandwiches and salads for lunch.
- Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles: Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles is a popular spot for comfort food in Detroit. The restaurant’s menu includes a variety of fried chicken and waffle options, as well as sides such as mac and cheese and collard greens.
- Takoi: Takoi is a trendy restaurant in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, known for its Thai-inspired cuisine. The menu includes dishes such as curry, noodles, and dumplings, as well as a selection of cocktails and beers.
- Selden Standard: Selden Standard is a popular spot for contemporary American cuisine in Midtown Detroit. The restaurant’s menu features dishes such as roasted chicken and lamb meatballs, as well as a selection of wines and cocktails.
Overall, Detroit has a diverse food scene with something for everyone to enjoy. From classic pizzas and barbecue to international cuisine and contemporary American fare, the city has it all.