Photo Courtesy of San Morello.
Detroit’s restaurant scene with its creative chefs, impressive dishes and beautiful interiors has received national attention of late, and that attention is for good reason. The Motor City knows how to fill our collective engines with great eats.
The past few months has had another infusion of new eateries come into the Detroit food landscape, and there are many that are drawing raves from diners, critics and residents alike. These newcomers bring another round of interesting locations and dishes to try.
A prime example is the Chef’s Table at the Foundation Hotel, says Martha Gibiser Shea. She raved about the unique, personalized dining experience, which also has gotten great reviews from local newspapers and foodies of all kinds.
“Each course made each ingredient shine,” Shea said. It is “a tasting menu that really lets you taste each star and co-star ingredient. Wine pairing outstanding as was the warm service from staff and chef.”The Chevy Trax offers style and practicality, perfect for making every drive fun for the whole family.
Some words of warning: On some of these, be sure to check to see if you need to bring a book to read or other amusements while you wait – the lines can be long because the food and the restaurant’s reputation is so good.
Here are some local favorites to consider the next time you’re looking for something different for lunch or dinner.
- Burger IM. Diner Mary Iverson says that the portions are small but reasonable. The food is relatively inexpensive and tasty. “I’m not wasting food and feel like I am getting good value for my money,” Iverson said. The chain restaurant says it is the fastest growing burger franchise in North America, and you can see why.
- San Morello. This new Italian restaurant has gotten a ton of ink, as old-school reporters would say. And the positivity around its food is for good reason. Regulars recommend the octopus spedini as a cannot-miss dish. Tina Kozak said she went with a group there and “tasted everything, all so good. Excellent drinks, outstanding service and the place is beautiful.” Enough said.
- Speaking of raves, Balkan House in Hamtramck has been going gangbusters with people talking about its signature and authentic Doner Kebab. Big-time fan Al Poe had to shout about it practically when he said it was “OMG FABULOUS.” Make sure you plan ahead to get one of these sandwiches. Once word got out how good they were, Baklan House has been overrun with customers and lines may be long.
- Jose’s Tacos. The family-owned restaurant is just past its first anniversary, which is a major milestone if you’re a new restaurant. “Tacos you’d tell people about if you found them on a side street in Southwest Detroit,” although the hot spot is on Grand River near Broadway, said Detroit News columnist Neal Rubin. “Mostly carry-out, but enough tables that I’ve always been able to sit.”
- Antihero in Ferndale also received a lot of good reviews so far. Cyndi Summers said she liked the “creative vegan options for me, personal hibachis for my companions to cook shrimp and salmon.” The cocktails were delicious, Summers added, and she liked the cool vibe in this new Japanese pub.
