Outdoor patios, best brunch spots, city food guides and more: All the dining news you need
Melody BaetensIf you're looking for new restaurants to try across Metro Detroit, brunch spots to note, outdoor dining options and more, The Detroit News has you covered.
Below, find all you need to know to prepare for a summer of eating and drinking.
This guide is available thanks to the support of our readers, allowing us to bring you the latest news on the Metro Detroit dining scene. If you are a subscriber, thank you. If not, please consider checking out our subscription offers here.
Outdoor dining
Warm, sunny weather means the demand for outdoor dining skyrockets. So many restaurants offer at least a few seats outside, and some have made serious investments in their al fresco offerings.
Here is our list of great restaurant patios in Metro Detroit.
Brunch spots
You never really need a reason to gather for brunch.
View this list of where you can get your fill of bacon and bloody marys in Detroit.
Dining guides
Ann Arbor: Home to the University of Michigan as well as many museums, parks and gardens, and nightlife destinations, Ann Arbor draws people from across the region to visit all it has to offer, especially the densely packed downtown area that is stacked with restaurants, bars and shops. Here's our guide to dining in Ann Arbor.
Downriver: Since the start of 2021, a few new places to eat have popped up in the Detroit suburbs south of the city. Here are the details.
Hamtramck: Any time is a good time to visit Hamtramk and satisfy some food cravings, be it burgers, baklava, pierogi or shawarma. Here's your 2022 guide to Hamtramck food.
Macomb County: From longstanding family-owned businesses to hip and diverse destinations, the 500-or-so square miles just north and east of Motown has a lot to offer. Much more, in fact, than I can fit in this guide, but here's a start.
For vegans: When you're trying to please everyone in your group, use this guide to Metro Detroit restaurants that cater to both vegans and meat eaters.
Near the Detroit Golf Club: Some of these are grab-and-go only, others are for a special night out. All of them are great to take out-of-towners and all help tell the story of the city's food scene.
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Where to find ....
Detroit style pizza: Of course, we couldn't have a dining guide without where to find Detroit-style pizza. In honor of Detroit Style Pizza Day, which took place June 23, The News put together this list of where to go.
Lobster rolls: Do we need to say more? Get your lobster rolls at these places.
Best Italian subs in Macomb County: A good Italian sub on fresh bread with quality meat, cheese and a great sauce has been my go-to lunch for years. Where to get some great ones in Macomb County.
Faygo ice cream: Browndog Barlor, an ice cream parlor, bar and restaurant with locations in Farmington and Northville, released a co-branded line of Faygo ice cream flavors. Where you can snag some.
Dill pickle pizza: Obviously, it's a must for pickle fans, but garlic hounds and those who like salty and savory snacks should give it a try, too. Here's where to find pickle pizza in your neck of the woods.
More:2 years into pandemic, what restaurants did to survive and what they would have done differently
Restaurant reviews:
In the middle of the strip of Auburn Road that is peppered with neighborhood pubs, an Italian restaurant and a music shop sits the 55-seat Vino & Vibes, a new hangout space that is exactly what it sounds like: a chill place that has a focus on wine. Read the review here.
Come to Fly Trap for the collection of whimsical collection of salt-and-pepper shakers, and stay for the colorful atmosphere and consistently good breakfast and lunch cuisine. Read the review here.
At Sylvan Table, there's an honesty and an effort to do good both on the plate and behind the scenes. Read the review here.
A good neighborhood restaurant – one that you can visit at least once a week – has friendly service, a decent selection of dishes and is moderately priced. Alma Kitchen has all of that plus has unique and interesting cuisine, a full bar and food for any time of the day. Read the review here.
A new venture from the team behind Chartreuse Kitchen, Freya gets four stars from our restaurant critic for its tasting menus for a variety of diets, plus an inclusive bar program. Read the review here.
Part of the charm at Boodles is that it doesn't bend over backward to be cool or in vogue. It's a classic. Read the review here.
At Oakland Tea House, the salty crispy chicken is one of the dishes I'd go back for. Read more in this review.
Since opening in summer 2021, Supergeil has been my go-to answer when people ask me which new restaurant they should try. Read the review here.
Restaurants that have opened and closed:
Here are lists of what restaurants have opened and closed in Metro Detroit, by month:
More:14 hot new bars and restaurants that have opened so far this year in Metro Detroit
More dining news
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Everything we saw and tasted at the Flint Farmers' Market
Inside the last Sign of the Beefcarver restaurant in Royal Oak
East Lansing's Peanut Barrel sold to new owners
Historic, beloved Loui's Pizza expands hours to five days a week
Ima in Corktown reopens in new space, old location to host pop-ups
New restaurant Alpino coming to former Lady of the House space this winter