Detroit Restaurants to Discover in 2026

Craving incredible local flavor? Opened since 2014, Detroit 75 Kitchen serves hearty, healthy, and budget-friendly meals that perfectly match the value of a Red Roof stay. Their menu has something for everyone, but the absolute crowd-favorites are the legendary Detroit-style cheesesteak and the Russell Street veggie for vegan diners. Expect every bite to be packed with flavor, as premium toppings and sauces dominate the menu, from peppers and Swiss cheese to their famous house-made vinaigrette.

Duly’s Place is a sanctuary of authentic flavor in the heart of Detroit. With its simple design, this beloved diner has been drawing crowds since 1921. Approved by Chef Anthony Bourdain, it offers quick and great-value comfort food. Here, visitors can’t miss the classic Coney dog enriched by the venue’s spiced chili sauce and the Mexican omelet.

Detroit celebrates Asian cuisine through Takoi, a Pan-Asian restaurant filled with signature cocktails, noodles, and tender stewed chicken since 2017. This is the perfect place to take your taste buds on a memorable Oriental journey while in the U.S.

With a focus on authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine, Louisiana Creole Gumbo welcomes guests ready for a delicious surprise. Here, you can enjoy rich, thick stews, traditional Southern sides, and cocktails that have celebrated the vibrant spirit of the American South since 1970.

Folk makes brunch a true delight for both the soul and the appetite. Upon arrival, this charming venue welcomes you with deli-style sandwiches, strong coffee, and light bites celebrated for their sustainability, freshness, and premium ingredients. For a cozy meal, we recommend ordering the Kimchi Melt and a refreshing Blueberry Matcha.

Located near West Riverfront Park, the well-frequented Mudgie’s Deli and Bar offers authentic American sandwiches paired with comforting homemade soups, loaded with bacon, fresh lettuce, and every topping you can imagine.

Pietrzyk Pierogi is a culinary symbol of Polish culture in Detroit. Here, a welcoming team pays honor to Eastern European traditions, offering Polish dumplings, meat-filled pierogi, and more. Guests love the venue’s warm hospitality and the rich menu, which is full of vegan-friendly alternatives.

Looking for a special farm-to-table experience? Rose’s Fine Food has you covered. This local venue offers an array of flavors, ranging from fresh baked goods and signature breakfast classics to rich lamb stews and fine caviar. To elevate your meal, make sure to pair your dishes with their natural and organic wines, ready to be enjoyed in a vintage and elegant setting.

Rocco’s Italian Deli brings the true essence of Italy and its timeless culinary traditions to Detroit. Since 2018, this venue celebrates culinary tradition through Italian-American style sandwiches packed with tasty cold cuts, fresh cheeses, and house-made pickles. Here, nostalgia, passion, and dedication come together to honor old-school deli traditions paired with natural wines and beers. We suggest you try their signature sandwich “Il Rocco,” and you’ll never want to leave.

Asian cuisine is loved all around the world, and in Detroit, it finds its perfect home at Shangri-La. Opened in 1995, this restaurant offers Cantonese and Thai dishes for guests looking for a traditional immersion into authentic Asian flavors, ranging from classic Dim Sum to premium sushi.

Located at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Woodward Avenue, the dynamic Baobab Fare is the perfect stop for visitors looking for a warm, welcoming atmosphere and unique dishes. This family-owned restaurant serves up vibrant East African cuisine made with fresh ingredients, featuring a menu that is 100% Halal.

As the heartbeat of Eastern Market since 1987, Bert’s Marketplace is a beloved local institution known for its vibrant combination of live music, smoky barbecue, and soulful flavors. Paired with live jazz shows and concerts, this venue is a paradise for guests who love fried chicken, ribs, and hearty comfort food.

Coop Caribbean Fusion is the Latin heart of Cass Corridor, in Midtown Detroit. A combination of Caribbean culture, soul food, and timeless culinary techniques delivers a journey filled with Caribbean-style ribs, burgers, and loaded sandwiches. Once here, Red Roof recommends you order their bestselling chicken wings.

A stop at Fat Daddy’s Hot Chicken and Waffles is the ultimate cure for the blues. Since 2019, this place has been the place where Nashville-style heat meets Detroit. Guests can indulge in hot chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, fluffy waffles, and fried catfish. The real specialty here is their masterclass in frying, which delivers a perfect texture and an unbeatable crunch in every single dish.

Looking for an alternative meal? Head to Joe Louis Southern Chicken, a temple of fluffly pancakes, waffles, and Foster French toast, available from breakfast to brunch. This place celebrates the beauty of the South with fried food and interiors filled with photos of J. Louis’ career milestones.

Located on the city’s South Side, Motor City Soul Food is a 20-year neighborhood staple that is simply impossible to miss. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a business lunch, the restaurant features its iconic cafeteria-style counter service that brings legendary, massive portions of crispy fried chicken, gooey mac and cheese, and a grandma-approved peach cobbler straight into takeout containers.

Norma G’s redefined the Jefferson-Chalmers culinary landscape when it transitioned into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2018. Skipping predictable menus, this eatery is popular for its modern twists on classic West Indian comfort food, ranging from mouthwatering tacos and nacho appetizers to their legendary tender oxtails.

Managed by a Nigerian and an African American duo, Yum Village takes center stage for its Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Travelers can’t leave Detroit without having the jerk chicken jollof rice or their Suya pepper-seasoned fried chicken. Red Roof included this place in its list as it offers budget-friendly dishes near key attractions, while focusing on freshness.

Mexico is always a good idea, especially when it comes to what’s on your plate. If you are in Ferndale, give Mexcal Mexican Bar and Kitchen a try. It’s a temple for modern mixology, known for its portfolio of 30 different types of agave spirits, paired with latino bites like rich birria, tacos, and sustainable fish.

Detroit has plenty of love for its vegan crowd, and Trap Vegan is the ultimate proof. Located in the heart of the Green Acres area, this place offers an incredible menu of plant-based burgers, loaded nachos, and grilled vegetables, alongside a selection of organic smoothies and juices. It’s the perfect place to experience the city’s vibrant culinary culture without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.