Aerial Skyline of Detroit Michigan at night. Getty Images

Here’s Where to Eat and Drink in Downtown Detroit

From swanky cocktail bars, classic steakhouses, and juicy smash burgers, here’s where to eat downtown

View as Map

Downtown Detroit has experienced an incredible influx of restaurants, bars, and cafes over the past decade. The scene has gone from the expected coneys, boring chains, and tired fine dining establishments to creative tasting menus, elegant cocktail bars, and creative little nooks where one can grab a treat on the run.

Regardless of how one feels about the changes, for better or worse, the fact remains that if you’re visiting the city for the first time, travel to the Motor City often for business, or are just a suburb away from the action, there have never been so many eating and drinking places to choose from in the 21st century. In recent months, downtown has seen an influx of clubby restaurants, as well as a string of chains like Chipotle and Dunkin’ Donuts, giving Detroiters and visitors alike the option to splurge big on a sit-down meal or spend less on a casual bite.

Whether you’re downtown for the Detroit Jazz Festival, a convention at Huntington Place, the North American International Auto Show, or just headed out for a night on the town, here are 31 options ranging from fine dining brasseries, takeout-friendly walk-ups, and interesting cafes.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Union Assembly

Copy Link

The menu features Detroit-style pizza, triple pepper buffalo wings, macaroni and cheese, blood orange barbecue ribs, a variety of salads, and an extensive array of beers, wine, and cocktails like the Jobbie Nooner made with Tito’s Vodka, rosemary Demerara, and lime juice. If you’re looking for a little something touristy to write home about, head around the corner to the alleyway window service eatery Mom’s Spaghetti, a collaboration between Union Assembly and Eminem, where diners can get a to-go carton of spaghetti and take a stroll to nearby Grand Circus Park.

Frita Batidos Detroit

Copy Link

Cuban-influenced burger hotspot Frita Batidos first reached popularity with its original outpost in Ann Arbor and now it’s recreating that vibe on Columbia Street in downtown’s “District Detroit.” Guests can expect to see the spot’s popular Cuban-style burgers, twice-fried plantains, hibiscus shakes, and churros.

The Royce Detroit

Copy Link

The Royce is the Grand Circus Park-adjacent wine bar and bottle shop situated on the first and second levels of the Kales Building. The storefront features custom shelving made from walnut wood and piping, globe light fixtures, and library ladders. A 12-seat bar fills out the center of the first floor. Owner Ping Ho has curated a massive wine program featuring some 300-plus bottles available for retail, an extensive menu for pours by the glass or bottle, and a selection of cured meats and cheeses. The spot even offers classes for those who want to expand upon their wine knowledge base.

Candy Bar

Copy Link

After enjoying a bite at Karl’s stop by Candy Bar downstairs for a night cap that reveals hints of Hollywood glamor. Reservations are recommended to secure one of the plush booths, but the curved marble bar inside the tiny, luxe space is always open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take in the hulking glass chandelier bar top while sipping on a rotating menu of cocktails.

The Monarch Club

Copy Link

One of the highest rooftop patios in the city, The Monarch Club is perched atop the Metropolitan Building. It’s a chill and elegant place to sip classic cocktails and enjoy small plates while taking in sweeping views of downtown Detroit from three terraces. Make a reservation for seating with a fire pit.

Situated inside the Hollywood Casino at Greektown, chef Petro Drakopoulous brings a touch of modern updates to the classic steakhouse with a selection entree-sized salads like the chilled lobster salad, Grecian lamb chops, and the prime butcher burger. Opting to hit the gambling floor? Drakopoulous recently added a full food menu at the casino’s Rock Bar, located in the first floor gaming area. To eat, there’s a selection of sliders, wraps, desserts, a cocktail menu, and dozens of TV screens perfect for catching the sports games.

The interior of Prism inside the Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Hollywood Casino at Greektown

Madcap Coffee Company

Copy Link

The coffee experts from Grand Rapids-based roaster Madcap Coffee provide a full-service experience on the Farmer Street side of the Shinola Hotel complex. The primarily standing room cafe serves the typical coffee and espresso drinks as well as some rotating drink specials that mix coffee with unconventional ingredients like cola and bitters. Don’t miss Madcap’s silky smooth nitro cold brew.

Mister Dips

Copy Link

Mister Dips, the griddled burger and fancy soft serve joint situated in Parker’s Alley in downtown, features a number of burgers, including the Classic Wedge Dip, made with crispy bacon, tomato, iceberg lettuce, and blue cheese mayo. Round out the meal with waffle fries and one of the spot’s Dairy Dips — sweet soft-serve ice cream cones that come in several flavors.

The Skip

Copy Link

One of the fun attractions to a trip downtown is exploring the decked out alleyways and The Skip, located in the Belt Alley, is worth a stop for a frozen beverage or other tiki-esque cocktails in an open-air alley bar with island vibes. For a snack, grab some street food from the Hell Yeah Dogs cart. For a more elegant affair, reserve a table at neighboring Standby.

HOUSE OF PURE VIN

Copy Link

With its Vibe on the Vin DJ nights on Fridays, jazz brunches, and heated igloo seating for up to six guests, House of Pure Vin makes wine sampling an adventure. The downtown wine spot stocks a wide variety of bottles for sale, including half-bottles. Guests can also enjoy virtual and in-person tastings by reservation.

Mootz Pizzeria + Bar

Copy Link

This downtown Detroit pizzeria serves New York-style slices with two different styles of service: Customers on-the-go can pick up a meal with to-go cocktails at the small carryout slice shop or dine in with full service and cocktails. The restaurant is currently open for outdoor and indoor dining and also accepts online orders for carryout.

Iggy's Eggies

Copy Link

Grab a hot egg sandwich to-go at this walk-up window in Capitol Park. Iggy’s serves build-your-own breakfast sandwiches, grass-fed burgers, and crispy hash browns daily.

Spkrbox

Copy Link

Spkr Box, a cafe and bar that flung open its doors in 2022, becoming the latest iteration for the space owned and operated by Josh Greenwood. During the pandemic, the space underwent an extensive facelift, including upgrades to the spot’s window panes, a tiny second-level bar, upgrades to the DJ booth, a new sound system, a liquor license, and food sourced by Village Hand Pies and thick breakfast burritos sourced from the iconic Evie’s Tamales in Mexicantown. One key highlight, the basement’s Orange Room, a futuristic looking underground lounge with soundproofing that produces crystal clear sound quality. Expect classic cocktails, beers, and of course, boozy coffee creations.

Cannelle Detroit

Copy Link

This French-style pastry shop serves a resplendent selection of breads and pastries alongside coffee and espresso drinks. Choose from options like rustic loaves of sourdough, golden croissants, chocolate eclairs, and well-seasoned ham and cheese quiche.

Le Suprême

Copy Link

This Parisian-inspired brasserie opened in late August 2023 and is the first of a handful of new food and drink tenants to enter the dramatically-restored Book Tower in downtown’s Washington Boulevard Historic District. Expect rich, butter escargot a la bourguignonne, extravagant seafood towers, a stylish martini service, and in-house patisserie serving decadent pastries. An extensive wine and champagne list, as well as traditional absinthe service makes this the place to go for celebrations. Breakfast and lunch service will also eventually become available. Reservations are recommended.

The Hudson Cafe

Copy Link

Named for the former department store, this downtown breakfast hotspot has a reputation for its mountain of luxuriant savory and sweet breakfast meals. The red velvet pancakes with cream cheese drizzle and the voodoo eggs benedict corn cakes, Spanish chorizo, cheddar cheese, and ranchero sauce are legendary.

This sophisticated destination brings an innovative approach to Lebanese food to downtown’s Capitol Park. Owned and operated by the father and son duo behind Birmingham’s critically-lauded Phoenicia, Sameer and Samy Eid, Leila is primarily on mezze, the small snack plates meant to be shared family-style. Guests can mix and match cold dishes like tabbouleh and labneh with hot items like grilled kibbeh, makanek (spicy lamb sausage), and falafel. With an impressive, open interior that looks into an open kitchen, Leila also offers a private dining space in the basement.

Eatóri Market

Copy Link

For a casual bite, generous pours of wine, and the option to grab a few grocery essentials, Eatóri Market is the spot to be. The spot recently underwent an extensive renovation, expanding the dining room area in the space formerly occupied by the grocery section (the grocery is now situated in the neighboring space, which used to house the Ten Nail Bar). What makes this spot stand out is its outdoor patio area where, weather permitting, one can while away a warm afternoon with people watching in Capitol Park.

Sugar Factory American Brasserie

Copy Link

The fantastical Las Vegas-based chain Sugar Factory American Brasserie famous for its outrageous Instagrammable sweets has made its way inside the One Campus Martius building. On top of its decadent “Sugar Factory’s Insane Milkshakes” — like the Cookie Monster Make a Wish shake made with cookies and cream ice cream and topped with a blue frosted cupcake — expect an overload of flavors with entrees like the Flaming Hot Cheetos Burger, rainbow-colored sliders, and more. The food and dessert spectacle is naturally set up in an immersive setting ideal for selfie-taking, complete with the obligatory neon sign, floral walls, and a colorful candy heart wall for posing.

Prime + Proper

Copy Link

Dry-aged beef in a variety of cuts — prepared by an in-house butcher — is showcased prominently inside in a special display case at this Capitol Park steak fortress. Another Heirloom Hospitality property, this opulent place is all about old-school Hollywood glamour. Make reservations for one of the establishment’s swanky, rounded booths, treat yourself to a Miyazaki Gyu wagyu strip, caviar service, and a bottle of Bordeaux. For a more intimate setting, opt for an experience at Cash Only Supper Club, the fancy new space below.

Sweetwater Tavern

Copy Link

Ask a Detroiter where to find the best wings and Sweetwater Tavern in Bricktown probably tops the list. The wings here are a house recipe, marinated overnight, covered in spices, and fried to finger licking perfection.

Parc is literally in the middle of all the action in downtown’s always active Campus Martius Park. Retractable windows provide a front row seat to the Woodward Fountain in the summertime and the tree lighting ceremony in the winter.

Central Kitchen + Bar

Copy Link

Since 2015, Central Kitchen + Bar has become downtown’s unofficial gathering spot for the city’s movers and shakers. The popular scaled-up gastropub is often packed and lively with loud music, making for an energetic atmosphere. Grab a table indoors or on the patio facing Cadillac Square or at the bar and indulge in a variety of burgers, small plates, and craft cocktails.

Sloppy Crab Restaurant

Copy Link

Located in Bricktown, Sloppy Crab attracts diners with lobster tacos and saucy seafood boils. The restaurant also sports a rooftop deck for laid-back outdoor drinking. To drink, expect premium spirits, specialty cocktails, and to accompany the libations, great conversation with regulars.

Dime Store

Copy Link

This hip, airy all-day brunch spot gets high marks in Detroit for its tasty and creative spins on classics. Made-from-scratch breakfasts include omelets (bacon avocado, house-made sausage), sweet stuff (brioche French toast, malted Belgian waffles), and hashes.

Townhouse Detroit

Copy Link

Proprietor Jeremy Sasson of Heirloom Hospitality operates Townhouse Detroit, which recently renovated its space into a brighter and more refined aesthetic. The restaurant based in the heart of the city is great for larger parties with its stunning greenhouse-like atrium with a retractable roof. To eat, expect modern American flavors like a dry-aged burger, shareable plates of baby squid or black truffle, caviar, and raw bigeye tuna. This destination also serves lunches, an essential for downtown power players to make deals.

London Chop House

Copy Link

In 2012, this classic downtown chop house was revived to its original splendor, featuring full caviar service with vodka pours, steaks finished with garlic butter and served with au poivre with chimichurri or béarnaise sauce. Steaks include 35-day dry aged ribeye, American wagyu ribeye, among other premium cuts. Even the “hamburger steak” is opulent and it’s made with A4 wagyu and foie gras.

This intimate underground restaurant in the Financial District may be hard to find initially, but it’s worth the little extra effort. Superb cocktails have included the classic espresso martini or the Rip Tide, a twist on the classic negroni made with roasted, pineapple Averna, rum and Bruto Americano, round out the cocktail experience with a fanciful shared plates menu featuring beef tartare, and “escar-no” a vegetarian dish that trades shelled gastropods for mushrooms in buttery sauce.

Sexy Steak

Copy Link

The Grand Army of the Republic Building downtown is bringing sexy back. Sexy Steak, that is. Diners can expect premium all-halal steak offerings like cuts of Japanese and American wagyu — all prominently showcased in a Himalayan salt-lined display, where customers can peruse and make their own selections. In addition, modern takes on Italian cuisine, seafood, and oysters are also available. A wine list boasts a number of reds like Napa cabernet sauvignon, French burgundy, and Bordeaux — ideal for pairing with red meat. The first two floors are dedicated to the restaurant (there’s also a lounge on the second level), while the remaining upper two stories make way for private event spaces.

Adelina

Copy Link

Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani is behind this new downtown establishment, which offers an Italian menu inspired by the broader Mediterranean region. Viviani has opened dozens of restaurants, bars, and venues across the country, and is also a cookbook author and TV host. For his Detroit venture, he brought on two veterans of the region’s food scene to head the kitchen. Chefs Gabriel Botezan and Marco Dalla Fontana come from a long background in the local Italian food world themselves, having worked together at the lauded Bacco Ristorante in Southfield. The menu features pastas made in-house, tuna crudo, sausages, wagyu meatballs, braised lamb shank, and more.

Experience Zuzu

Copy Link

Among the latest downtown restaurants that bills itself as a clubstaurant, Experience Zuzu provides couples with a complete night out on the town in one space. The restaurant’s food menu includes sushi, appetizers, and other dishes prepared in a wok, charcoal oven, and wood-fired grill — with clubby vibes. The adjoining Upstairs Bar serves cocktails and small plates in a space described in a media release as “a techno-fantasy brought to life, melding Detroit’s distinctive sound with Japan’s colorful anime aesthetic.”

Union Assembly

The menu features Detroit-style pizza, triple pepper buffalo wings, macaroni and cheese, blood orange barbecue ribs, a variety of salads, and an extensive array of beers, wine, and cocktails like the Jobbie Nooner made with Tito’s Vodka, rosemary Demerara, and lime juice. If you’re looking for a little something touristy to write home about, head around the corner to the alleyway window service eatery Mom’s Spaghetti, a collaboration between Union Assembly and Eminem, where diners can get a to-go carton of spaghetti and take a stroll to nearby Grand Circus Park.

Frita Batidos Detroit

Cuban-influenced burger hotspot Frita Batidos first reached popularity with its original outpost in Ann Arbor and now it’s recreating that vibe on Columbia Street in downtown’s “District Detroit.” Guests can expect to see the spot’s popular Cuban-style burgers, twice-fried plantains, hibiscus shakes, and churros.

The Royce Detroit

The Royce is the Grand Circus Park-adjacent wine bar and bottle shop situated on the first and second levels of the Kales Building. The storefront features custom shelving made from walnut wood and piping, globe light fixtures, and library ladders. A 12-seat bar fills out the center of the first floor. Owner Ping Ho has curated a massive wine program featuring some 300-plus bottles available for retail, an extensive menu for pours by the glass or bottle, and a selection of cured meats and cheeses. The spot even offers classes for those who want to expand upon their wine knowledge base.

Candy Bar

After enjoying a bite at Karl’s stop by Candy Bar downstairs for a night cap that reveals hints of Hollywood glamor. Reservations are recommended to secure one of the plush booths, but the curved marble bar inside the tiny, luxe space is always open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take in the hulking glass chandelier bar top while sipping on a rotating menu of cocktails.

The Monarch Club

One of the highest rooftop patios in the city, The Monarch Club is perched atop the Metropolitan Building. It’s a chill and elegant place to sip classic cocktails and enjoy small plates while taking in sweeping views of downtown Detroit from three terraces. Make a reservation for seating with a fire pit.

Prism

Situated inside the Hollywood Casino at Greektown, chef Petro Drakopoulous brings a touch of modern updates to the classic steakhouse with a selection entree-sized salads like the chilled lobster salad, Grecian lamb chops, and the prime butcher burger. Opting to hit the gambling floor? Drakopoulous recently added a full food menu at the casino’s Rock Bar, located in the first floor gaming area. To eat, there’s a selection of sliders, wraps, desserts, a cocktail menu, and dozens of TV screens perfect for catching the sports games.

The interior of Prism inside the Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Hollywood Casino at Greektown

Madcap Coffee Company

The coffee experts from Grand Rapids-based roaster Madcap Coffee provide a full-service experience on the Farmer Street side of the Shinola Hotel complex. The primarily standing room cafe serves the typical coffee and espresso drinks as well as some rotating drink specials that mix coffee with unconventional ingredients like cola and bitters. Don’t miss Madcap’s silky smooth nitro cold brew.

Mister Dips

Mister Dips, the griddled burger and fancy soft serve joint situated in Parker’s Alley in downtown, features a number of burgers, including the Classic Wedge Dip, made with crispy bacon, tomato, iceberg lettuce, and blue cheese mayo. Round out the meal with waffle fries and one of the spot’s Dairy Dips — sweet soft-serve ice cream cones that come in several flavors.

The Skip

One of the fun attractions to a trip downtown is exploring the decked out alleyways and The Skip, located in the Belt Alley, is worth a stop for a frozen beverage or other tiki-esque cocktails in an open-air alley bar with island vibes. For a snack, grab some street food from the Hell Yeah Dogs cart. For a more elegant affair, reserve a table at neighboring Standby.

HOUSE OF PURE VIN

With its Vibe on the Vin DJ nights on Fridays, jazz brunches, and heated igloo seating for up to six guests, House of Pure Vin makes wine sampling an adventure. The downtown wine spot stocks a wide variety of bottles for sale, including half-bottles. Guests can also enjoy virtual and in-person tastings by reservation.

Mootz Pizzeria + Bar

This downtown Detroit pizzeria serves New York-style slices with two different styles of service: Customers on-the-go can pick up a meal with to-go cocktails at the small carryout slice shop or dine in with full service and cocktails. The restaurant is currently open for outdoor and indoor dining and also accepts online orders for carryout.

Iggy's Eggies

Grab a hot egg sandwich to-go at this walk-up window in Capitol Park. Iggy’s serves build-your-own breakfast sandwiches, grass-fed burgers, and crispy hash browns daily.

Spkrbox

Spkr Box, a cafe and bar that flung open its doors in 2022, becoming the latest iteration for the space owned and operated by Josh Greenwood. During the pandemic, the space underwent an extensive facelift, including upgrades to the spot’s window panes, a tiny second-level bar, upgrades to the DJ booth, a new sound system, a liquor license, and food sourced by Village Hand Pies and thick breakfast burritos sourced from the iconic Evie’s Tamales in Mexicantown. One key highlight, the basement’s Orange Room, a futuristic looking underground lounge with soundproofing that produces crystal clear sound quality. Expect classic cocktails, beers, and of course, boozy coffee creations.

Cannelle Detroit

This French-style pastry shop serves a resplendent selection of breads and pastries alongside coffee and espresso drinks. Choose from options like rustic loaves of sourdough, golden croissants, chocolate eclairs, and well-seasoned ham and cheese quiche.

Le Suprême

This Parisian-inspired brasserie opened in late August 2023 and is the first of a handful of new food and drink tenants to enter the dramatically-restored Book Tower in downtown’s Washington Boulevard Historic District. Expect rich, butter escargot a la bourguignonne, extravagant seafood towers, a stylish martini service, and in-house patisserie serving decadent pastries. An extensive wine and champagne list, as well as traditional absinthe service makes this the place to go for celebrations. Breakfast and lunch service will also eventually become available. Reservations are recommended.

Related Maps

The Hudson Cafe

Named for the former department store, this downtown breakfast hotspot has a reputation for its mountain of luxuriant savory and sweet breakfast meals. The red velvet pancakes with cream cheese drizzle and the voodoo eggs benedict corn cakes, Spanish chorizo, cheddar cheese, and ranchero sauce are legendary.

Leila

This sophisticated destination brings an innovative approach to Lebanese food to downtown’s Capitol Park. Owned and operated by the father and son duo behind Birmingham’s critically-lauded Phoenicia, Sameer and Samy Eid, Leila is primarily on mezze, the small snack plates meant to be shared family-style. Guests can mix and match cold dishes like tabbouleh and labneh with hot items like grilled kibbeh, makanek (spicy lamb sausage), and falafel. With an impressive, open interior that looks into an open kitchen, Leila also offers a private dining space in the basement.

Eatóri Market

For a casual bite, generous pours of wine, and the option to grab a few grocery essentials, Eatóri Market is the spot to be. The spot recently underwent an extensive renovation, expanding the dining room area in the space formerly occupied by the grocery section (the grocery is now situated in the neighboring space, which used to house the Ten Nail Bar). What makes this spot stand out is its outdoor patio area where, weather permitting, one can while away a warm afternoon with people watching in Capitol Park.

Sugar Factory American Brasserie

The fantastical Las Vegas-based chain Sugar Factory American Brasserie famous for its outrageous Instagrammable sweets has made its way inside the One Campus Martius building. On top of its decadent “Sugar Factory’s Insane Milkshakes” — like the Cookie Monster Make a Wish shake made with cookies and cream ice cream and topped with a blue frosted cupcake — expect an overload of flavors with entrees like the Flaming Hot Cheetos Burger, rainbow-colored sliders, and more. The food and dessert spectacle is naturally set up in an immersive setting ideal for selfie-taking, complete with the obligatory neon sign, floral walls, and a colorful candy heart wall for posing.

Prime + Proper

Dry-aged beef in a variety of cuts — prepared by an in-house butcher — is showcased prominently inside in a special display case at this Capitol Park steak fortress. Another Heirloom Hospitality property, this opulent place is all about old-school Hollywood glamour. Make reservations for one of the establishment’s swanky, rounded booths, treat yourself to a Miyazaki Gyu wagyu strip, caviar service, and a bottle of Bordeaux. For a more intimate setting, opt for an experience at Cash Only Supper Club, the fancy new space below.

Sweetwater Tavern

Ask a Detroiter where to find the best wings and Sweetwater Tavern in Bricktown probably tops the list. The wings here are a house recipe, marinated overnight, covered in spices, and fried to finger licking perfection.

Parc

Parc is literally in the middle of all the action in downtown’s always active Campus Martius Park. Retractable windows provide a front row seat to the Woodward Fountain in the summertime and the tree lighting ceremony in the winter.

Central Kitchen + Bar

Since 2015, Central Kitchen + Bar has become downtown’s unofficial gathering spot for the city’s movers and shakers. The popular scaled-up gastropub is often packed and lively with loud music, making for an energetic atmosphere. Grab a table indoors or on the patio facing Cadillac Square or at the bar and indulge in a variety of burgers, small plates, and craft cocktails.

Sloppy Crab Restaurant

Located in Bricktown, Sloppy Crab attracts diners with lobster tacos and saucy seafood boils. The restaurant also sports a rooftop deck for laid-back outdoor drinking. To drink, expect premium spirits, specialty cocktails, and to accompany the libations, great conversation with regulars.

Dime Store

This hip, airy all-day brunch spot gets high marks in Detroit for its tasty and creative spins on classics. Made-from-scratch breakfasts include omelets (bacon avocado, house-made sausage), sweet stuff (brioche French toast, malted Belgian waffles), and hashes.

Townhouse Detroit

Proprietor Jeremy Sasson of Heirloom Hospitality operates Townhouse Detroit, which recently renovated its space into a brighter and more refined aesthetic. The restaurant based in the heart of the city is great for larger parties with its stunning greenhouse-like atrium with a retractable roof. To eat, expect modern American flavors like a dry-aged burger, shareable plates of baby squid or black truffle, caviar, and raw bigeye tuna. This destination also serves lunches, an essential for downtown power players to make deals.

London Chop House

In 2012, this classic downtown chop house was revived to its original splendor, featuring full caviar service with vodka pours, steaks finished with garlic butter and served with au poivre with chimichurri or béarnaise sauce. Steaks include 35-day dry aged ribeye, American wagyu ribeye, among other premium cuts. Even the “hamburger steak” is opulent and it’s made with A4 wagyu and foie gras.

shelby

This intimate underground restaurant in the Financial District may be hard to find initially, but it’s worth the little extra effort. Superb cocktails have included the classic espresso martini or the Rip Tide, a twist on the classic negroni made with roasted, pineapple Averna, rum and Bruto Americano, round out the cocktail experience with a fanciful shared plates menu featuring beef tartare, and “escar-no” a vegetarian dish that trades shelled gastropods for mushrooms in buttery sauce.

Sexy Steak

The Grand Army of the Republic Building downtown is bringing sexy back. Sexy Steak, that is. Diners can expect premium all-halal steak offerings like cuts of Japanese and American wagyu — all prominently showcased in a Himalayan salt-lined display, where customers can peruse and make their own selections. In addition, modern takes on Italian cuisine, seafood, and oysters are also available. A wine list boasts a number of reds like Napa cabernet sauvignon, French burgundy, and Bordeaux — ideal for pairing with red meat. The first two floors are dedicated to the restaurant (there’s also a lounge on the second level), while the remaining upper two stories make way for private event spaces.

Adelina

Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani is behind this new downtown establishment, which offers an Italian menu inspired by the broader Mediterranean region. Viviani has opened dozens of restaurants, bars, and venues across the country, and is also a cookbook author and TV host. For his Detroit venture, he brought on two veterans of the region’s food scene to head the kitchen. Chefs Gabriel Botezan and Marco Dalla Fontana come from a long background in the local Italian food world themselves, having worked together at the lauded Bacco Ristorante in Southfield. The menu features pastas made in-house, tuna crudo, sausages, wagyu meatballs, braised lamb shank, and more.

Experience Zuzu

Among the latest downtown restaurants that bills itself as a clubstaurant, Experience Zuzu provides couples with a complete night out on the town in one space. The restaurant’s food menu includes sushi, appetizers, and other dishes prepared in a wok, charcoal oven, and wood-fired grill — with clubby vibes. The adjoining Upstairs Bar serves cocktails and small plates in a space described in a media release as “a techno-fantasy brought to life, melding Detroit’s distinctive sound with Japan’s colorful anime aesthetic.”

Related Maps