The 20 hottest restaurants in the Detroit area right at this moment

By Metro Times editorial staff on Sat, Feb 8, 2020 at 4:52 pm

The restaurant scene in the Detroit area is hotter than hot, and all the options might make you dizzy. To help you decide where to dine, we've put together a list of the hottest spots right at this moment. These are eateries that have opened recently, moved locations, changed their menus, etc. Bon appétit!

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Leila

1249 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-816-8100; leiladetroit.com
With 4,500-square-feet, Leila has the space to serve family-style Lebanese dishes. Classic fare includes dry-rubbed pork, grilled meat dishes called mashawi, and a selection of seafood.

Photo via Leila / Facebook

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Smith & Co.

644 Selden St., Detroit; 313-974-7100; smithandcodetroit.com
A New American restaurant and beer hall, Smith & Co. features dishes like chorizo empanadas, corned beef sandwiches, and seared trout. In addition, the restaurant serves a variety of craft beers and cocktails.

Photo via Smith & Co. / Facebook

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Besa

600 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3000; besadetroit.com
In October 2019, Besa brought in a new chef, Nick Geftos, and recreated their menu.

Photo via BESA Detroit / Facebook

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Frita Batidos Detroit

66 W. Columbia St., Detroit; 313-725-4100; fritabatidos.com
Ann Arbor's Cuban/Miami inspired restaurant opened another location in downtown Detroit in October 2019.

Photo via Frita Batidos / Facebook

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Michigan & Trumbull

1441 W. Elizabeth St., Detroit; michiganandtrumbull.pizza
Opened by Detroit-area natives Kristen Calverley and Nate Peck, the restaurant features Detroit-style pizza and more.

Photo via Michigan & Trumbull / Facebook

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Bangkok 96

2450 S. Telegraph Rd., Dearborn; 313-730-816; 474 Peterboro, Detroit bangkok96.com
This Dearborn gem now serves new corned beef egg roll.

Photo by Jay Jurma

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Hazel, Ravines & Downtown

34977 Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-671-1714; hrd.kitchen
Taken over by a seafood and wine menu for limited time, this restaurant has been rebranded as "Hazel's Crab Trap" until Feb 16.

Photo from Hazel, Ravines & Downtown / Facebook

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Ima
2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-502-5959; imanoodles.com
When you're in the mood for food that's comforting any time of year, Ima should definitely be at the top of your list. In Corktown, Ima's spicy chicken sandwich has been the center of conversation. Ima's tiny dining room and heated patio with communal seating means you might be elbow-to-elbow with other Detroit foodies, but honestly, that's OK with us.
Photo by Tom Perkins

Ima

2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-502-5959; imanoodles.com
When you're in the mood for food that's comforting any time of year, Ima should definitely be at the top of your list. In Corktown, Ima's spicy chicken sandwich has been the center of conversation. Ima's tiny dining room and heated patio with communal seating means you might be elbow-to-elbow with other Detroit foodies, but honestly, that's OK with us.

Photo by Tom Perkins

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Buddy's

1565 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-334-5276; buddyspizza.com
Despite the fact that the chain started in the Motor City in 1946 and is widely credited as the originator of Detroit-style pizza, this is the company's first downtown location and only its second in Detroit. The restaurant opened in the former Angelina Italian Bistro. In addition to sit-down tables, the new space caters to the downtown lunchtime crowd with a to-go counter that sells pizza by the slice, as well as a new menu of sandwiches, salads, and pastas.

Photo via Franco PR

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Pietrzyk Pierogi

1429 Gratiot Ave. Suite 109, Detroit; 313-614-9393; pietrzykpierogi.com
Known for its thriving Polish community, Detroit is a destination for authentic Polish street food and pierogi. This former pop-up is now a favorite at Eastern Market where it produces delicious, traditional Polish food.

Photo via Pietrzyk Pierogi / Facebook

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Pink FlaminGo To-Go

17740 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-826-1454; guerrillafooddetroit.com
Based on the food truck of the same name, this eatery features to-go items and a commissary kitchen. With soups, salads, and an ever-changing selection of items, Pink FlaminGo is ideal for a quick bite.

Photo via Google Maps

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Karl’s

1509 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-855-2757; karlsdetroit.com
While Detroit has no shortage of diners, Karl’s stands out. Located in the beautifully decorated Siren Hotel, Karl’s is run by Chef Kate, the mastermind behind Corktown’s nationally recognized Lady of the House restaurant.

Photo via Karl’s / Facebook

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Savant

51 W. Forest Ave., Detroit; 313-285-9294; savantmidtown.com
Savant features French-influenced cuisine and drinks such as gruyere-infused cocktails, oysters, croissants with butter and gravy, vegan fruit carpaccio, and caviar "bumps." The eclectic menu is definitely worth checking out.

Photo via Savant Midtown / Facebook

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Mink Detroit

1701 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-379-6465; minkdetroit.com
Featuring an extravagant oyster selection, lobster rolls, and vegetarian braised burdock rolls, Mink has made a splash in the Detroit food scene since its recent opening.

Photo via Mink Detroit / Facebook

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Balkan House

1314 W Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-268-4920
The Hamtramck favorite has opened up another location in Ferndale. Make sure to stop in and try everyone's favorite döner kebab.

Photo via Balkan House Ferndale / Facebook

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El Harissa Market Cafe

1516 N Maple Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-585-0686; elharissa.com
The only Tunisian restaurant in Michigan is in our very own Ann Arbor.

Photo via El Harissa Market Cafe / Facebook

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Ivy Kitchen + Cocktails

9215 E Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-332-0607
New to Detroit's east side, this fusion restaurant gets its name from the ivy that was growing up the side of the building that remained vacant for almost 30 years before new owner, Nya Marshall, purchased and renovated it.

Photo via Ivy Kitchen + Cocktails / Facebook

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Republic Tavern

1942 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-446-8360 republictaverndetroit.com
This February marks Republic Tavern's fifth year in Detroit! Be sure to stop by and wish them a happy anniversary and while you're there, why not grab a drink?

Photo via Republic / Facebook

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Al-Ameer

12710 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-8185; alameerrestaurant.com
In an area well known for its Mediterranean cuisine, Al-Ameer stands out from the crowd. Family-owned and operated, Al-Ameer serves delicious, authentic dishes including hummus plates, chicken shawarma, and moujadara, a lentil and rice dish made with caramelized onions. Al-Ameer was recently featured Food Network's list of "Best Sandwiches in America" for its falafel pita.

Photo via Google Maps

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