Detroit’s Dining Revolution: Why New Restaurant Openings Matter
Detroit restaurant openings are changing the Motor City into one of America’s most exciting food destinations. Here are the key new spots you need to know about:
- Downtown & Core City: Vesper (wine bar in former bank), Bev’s Bagels, Chenin at The Siren Hotel, Hiroki San (upscale Japanese in Book Tower)
- Cass Corridor & Midtown: Dirty Shake (neighborhood bar), Vecino (modern Mexican), The Peterboro (reopened), Basan (Asian-influenced)
- Eastern Market: Pocket Change (cocktail bar), Enomah (Asian-soul food fusion), Midnight Temple (Indian gastropub), Full Measure Brewing
- Coming Soon: Little Liberia, Waka by Baobab Fare, The Rectory, Toum and Tzatziki
Detroit’s restaurant scene is booming like never before. From James Beard-recognized chefs expanding their empires to innovative newcomers changing historic buildings into dining destinations, the city offers fresh flavors and unique experiences almost weekly. Whether you’re craving modern Mexican with nixtamalized masa, upscale Japanese in a basement speakeasy, or artisan bagels in Core City, Detroit’s new openings cater to every taste and budget.
This culinary renaissance isn’t just about great food – it’s reshaping entire neighborhoods. Areas like Eastern Market, Cass Corridor, and Core City are becoming dining destinations where corporate travelers and visiting professionals can find everything from quick breakfast spots to impressive dinner venues within walking distance of their accommodations.
I’m Sean Swain, and through my work with Detroit Furnished Rentals, I’ve witnessed how Detroit restaurant openings have transformed the neighborhoods where our guests stay, creating vibrant dining scenes that improve their visit experience. My background in hospitality and deep knowledge of the city’s evolving food landscape helps me guide visitors to the best new spots during their stay.
Learn more about Detroit restaurant openings:
Hot Off the Pass: The Latest Detroit Restaurant Openings
Hungry for what’s new in Detroit? The Motor City’s food scene is buzzing with fresh flavors. From cozy cafes to swanky supper clubs, these latest Detroit restaurant openings promise something delicious for everyone. Let’s explore what’s hot off the pass!
Downtown & Core City’s Newest Hotspots
Core City and Downtown are alive with new culinary energy. One of the most talked-about spots is Vesper, a unique book and wine bar in a former bank, complete with a cozy nook in the original vault. For a great morning bite, Bev’s Bagels in Core City is an artisan bagel shop that has become an instant go-to.
Downtown, Chenin is an intimate 10-seat wine bar in The Siren Hotel, perfect for a quiet drink. The iconic Book Tower is now a dining destination, home to Hiroki San, an upscale Japanese pub with fun, pop-culture-inspired cocktails, and Aladdin Sane, another Japanese cocktail experience. Other notable arrivals include Leila Detroit, bringing vibrant Lebanese dining to Capitol Park; Sakazuki Detroit, a modern Japanese pub; and Sloppy Crab Detroit, known for high-end seafood and a lively rooftop atmosphere.
Cass Corridor & Midtown’s Culinary Boom
The Cass Corridor and Midtown are introducing a fantastic variety of new flavors. Dirty Shake, from the team behind Chartreuse and Freya, is an inviting neighborhood bar with nostalgic drinks and hearty food. Modern Mexican cuisine shines at Vecino, which serves tortillas made with authentic nixtamalized masa. A familiar name, The Peterboro, has returned with its popular Asian-inspired dishes. Joining the scene is Basan, from the Grey Ghost team, offering a moody atmosphere and unique items like bologna buns and ube cocktails.
Eastern Market & Beyond: Fresh Flavors Emerge
Eastern Market continues to expand its offerings. Pocket Change is a New York-inspired cocktail bar with rooftop access, while Enomah in nearby Harmonie Park introduces a fascinating Asian-soul food fusion. The market is also home to Midnight Temple, an Indian gastropub, and Full Measure Brewing, focusing on craft beer with clearly marked vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options.
The deliciousness doesn’t stop there. You can grab a quick bite at Empacho, a pocket-sized empanada shop in Rivertown, or enjoy breakfast at Norm’s Diner in West Village. Lady of the House in Core City has happily reopened, and JP Makes and Bakes brings delightful Filipino baked goods to New Center. The metro area is also seeing an influx of popular fast-casual brands, including Raising Cane’s, Jinya Ramen Bar, Sweetgreen, and Cava, offering quick, quality meals for busy diners.
What’s Trending: A Look at the Detroit Food Scene
Detroit’s food scene is blossoming with exciting trends that are shaping how we eat. From a burst of global flavors to unique dining spots, Detroit restaurant openings reveal a city that’s getting more diverse and creative every day.
Global Flavors on the Rise
Detroiters are embracing diverse international foods. Japanese cuisine is having a moment, with new ramen bars like Jinya Ramen Bar and upscale spots like Hiroki San. Modern Mexican is also getting an upgrade at taquerias like Vecino, which makes its own tortillas from scratch. We’re also seeing exciting African flavors on the horizon with Little Liberia (Michigan’s first Liberian restaurant) and Waka by Baobab Fare (Burundian street food). Greek and Lebanese tastes are making a mark with Blue Goat and the modern Beirut style of Leila Detroit. You’ll also find Filipino flavors at JP Makes and Bakes, Indian gastropub fare at Midnight Temple, and Asian-fusion at places like Basan.
Unique Concepts and Experiences
Beyond tasty food, new openings are about creating special experiences. Take Vesper, a “third place” that’s a cozy mix of a cafe, wine bar, and cookbook store inside a repurposed bank. High-concept cocktail bars like Pocket Change, Aladdin Sane, and Chenin offer creative spaces with special drink menus and unique vibes. Community is also a big focus, with the opening of the Black-led Detroit People’s Food Co-op and inclusive spaces like BasBlue Cafe. A cool trend is the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, with new restaurants opening in former banks, train depots, and Victorian houses, adding character to the dining experience.
The Growth of Fast-Casual and Plant-Based
Detroit’s dining scene is also delivering more quick and healthy options.
Fast-Casual spots are booming, offering fast service without sacrificing quality. Think Raising Cane’s, Cava, Sweetgreen, and Eureka Eatery. This trend is perfect for busy professionals needing a quick, tasty meal.
There’s also a growing love for Plant-Based Focus options. Many new restaurants are either fully vegan or have extensive plant-based choices, showing a demand for healthier, more sustainable eating.
Here are some top vegan-friendly new spots:
- Street Beet is popular for its vegan quesabirria tacos.
- Little Kim in Ann Arbor will have an all-vegetarian menu with many vegan choices.
- Santé in Farmington offers vegan small plates, including vegan charcuterie.
- Full Measure Brewing clearly marks all vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items on its menu.
On the Radar: Highly Anticipated Detroit Restaurant Openings
The buzz around future Detroit restaurant openings is just as exciting as what’s already here. These upcoming spots promise to add even more flavor and diversity to our thriving food scene.
Exciting Future Detroit Restaurant Openings
Detroit is about to make culinary history with Little Liberia, which will be Michigan’s first Liberian restaurant when it opens in East English Village. The beloved team behind Baobab Fare, Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, are bringing Waka by Baobab Fare to Eastern Market to serve Burundian street food. In the Boston-Edison District, The Rectory will be an intimate 24-seat pizza spot from the team behind The Congregation.
The city’s James Beard-recognized talent keeps growing. Chef Omar Anani of Saffron De Twah has two new restaurants planned, and the team behind Grey Ghost is working on a new fast-casual concept. Also, look for Toum and Tzatziki, a Greek-Lebanese street food spot coming to Woodbridge. In Southwest Detroit, The Grand Porter will open in a charming Victorian-era house as a daytime café. Finally, the James Beard-nominated Marrow is expanding into a larger facility in Eastern Market that will house its restaurant, butchery, and processing facility.
Suburban Buzz: What’s Coming to Metro Detroit
The excitement extends beyond the city’s borders. Big Rock Italian Chophouse is a highly anticipated Italian concept planned for a historic railroad depot in Birmingham. Downtown Detroit will welcome Sunda New Asian to the District Detroit dining scene. The biggest development to watch is Sakura Novi, Michigan’s first Asian-themed, mixed-use development, which will bring multiple dining destinations to the Novi area. In Ann Arbor, Little Kim will be a new grab-and-go spot from the James Beard-recognized Miss Kim, focusing on vegetarian and vegan options.
Navigating the Scene: Closures and Opening a Restaurant in Detroit
To truly appreciate the vibrant pulse of Detroit’s culinary scene, it’s helpful to understand that it’s a dynamic place. Like any thriving industry, it experiences both exciting new beginnings and, sometimes, bittersweet goodbyes. The restaurant world is constantly evolving, with fresh concepts emerging as others make their exit.
A Note on Recent Closures
While we celebrate the new Detroit restaurant openings, it’s important to acknowledge that the journey isn’t always smooth. Restaurant turnover is a natural part of any culinary landscape. In recent times, we’ve said goodbye to some familiar spots, including multiple locations of Bobcat Bonnie’s, the longtime Seva vegetarian restaurant in Detroit, and suburban mainstays like Bahama Breeze in Troy. Other notable closures have included Lazybones Smokehouse in Roseville and Lockhart’s BBQ in Royal Oak. The reasons for these closures are varied, from economic shifts to unexpected circumstances, highlighting both the challenges and the resilience inherent in the restaurant business.
So You Want to Open a Restaurant?
For those dreaming of adding their flavor to the Detroit scene, the process involves careful planning and regulatory steps. The Detroit Health Department is the key agency for ensuring food safety and compliance. Anyone planning to build a new food establishment or significantly remodel an existing one must have their plans reviewed and approved before construction begins. A new license is also required any time a facility changes ownership. For detailed guidance, prospective owners should consult the city’s official resources, such as the steps for opening a new restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions about Detroit Restaurant Openings
Wondering where the culinary action is or who’s behind the city’s latest flavors? We’ve got the answers to your most burning questions about Detroit restaurant openings!
What neighborhoods in Detroit are seeing the most new restaurants?
If you’re looking for the heart of Detroit’s dining boom, you’ll find it in Downtown, Core City, Cass Corridor, and Eastern Market. These areas are buzzing with new concepts. But the growth is city-wide, with exciting new establishments also popping up in neighborhoods like the North End (home to the Detroit People’s Food Co-op), West Village (Norm’s Diner), East English Village (the upcoming Little Liberia), New Center (JP Makes and Bakes), and Brush Park (Bar Pigalle).
What are the most popular types of cuisine for new restaurants in Detroit?
Detroit’s new culinary landscape is incredibly diverse. Some of the standout trends include:
- Modern Mexican: Sophisticated eateries focusing on authentic techniques, like the nixtamalized masa at Vecino, and a rise in chef-driven taquerias.
- Diverse Asian Cuisines: Japanese cuisine is booming with new ramen bars (Jinya Ramen Bar), upscale concepts (Hiroki San), and innovative cocktail bars. You’ll also find Asian-fusion (Basan, Enomah) and Filipino bakeries.
- Concept-Driven Cocktail Bars: These are immersive experiences like Pocket Change, Dirty Shake, and Chenin, which feature curated drink menus and unique atmospheres.
- Plant-Based Options: There’s a clear emphasis on plant-based dining. Many new restaurants are either entirely vegetarian/vegan or offer extensive plant-forward choices, like Santé and Full Measure Brewing.
- Specific Ethnic Cuisines: The scene is being enriched by the introduction of Liberian (Little Liberia), Burundian (Waka by Baobab Fare), and modern Greek (Blue Goat) cuisines.
Are there any notable chefs opening new places in Detroit?
Absolutely! The current wave of Detroit restaurant openings is driven by talented chefs and restaurateurs. Here are a few to watch:
- James Beard-Recognized Chefs: Chef Omar Anani (Saffron De Twah) is planning two new restaurants. The team from the James Beard-nominated Marrow is undertaking a major expansion in Eastern Market. And the James Beard-recognized Miss Kim is opening a second location in Ann Arbor.
- Acclaimed Culinary Teams: The teams behind some of Detroit’s most beloved restaurants are launching new ventures. The minds behind Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails and Freya opened Dirty Shake, the Grey Ghost team is behind Basan and a future fast-casual spot, and the owners of Baobab Fare are opening Waka by Baobab Fare.
- Reality TV Talent: Former Hell’s Kitchen contestant Chef Jared Bobkin is set to helm Vive Restaurant in West Bloomfield.
Conclusion
Detroit’s restaurant scene has truly transformed into something extraordinary. The Detroit restaurant openings we’ve explored show a city that’s not just growing – it’s blooming with creativity, diversity, and incredible flavors that cater to every taste and budget.
From Vesper’s playful wine bar nestled in a historic bank vault to Hiroki San’s upscale Japanese experience in the iconic Book Tower, these new spots prove that Detroit is serious about its culinary future. Whether you’re craving authentic Liberian cuisine at the upcoming Little Liberia, modern Mexican with hand-made tortillas at Vecino, or Asian-soul food fusion at Enomah, there’s always something new and exciting to find.
What makes this culinary renaissance even more special is how it’s breathing new life into Detroit’s neighborhoods. Eastern Market, Cass Corridor, Core City, and Downtown are becoming genuine dining destinations where you can walk from a morning bagel at Bev’s to evening cocktails at Pocket Change, all while exploring the rich history and character of each area.
The trends we’re seeing – from James Beard-recognized chefs expanding their empires to innovative fast-casual concepts and plant-based options – show that Detroit’s food scene isn’t just following national trends. It’s setting them, with unique concepts like book bars and community-driven food co-ops that you won’t find anywhere else.
For visitors wanting to experience this incredible culinary change, staying with Detroit Furnished Rentals puts you right in the heart of the action. Our fully equipped kitchens are perfect for those moments when you’re inspired to recreate something amazing you tried at one of these new spots, and our centrally-located apartments mean you’re never far from the next great meal.
The Motor City’s dining revolution is just getting started, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what opens next. Now get out there and start exploring these delicious new flavors! Explore our guide to Detroit’s best restaurants.
