Metro Detroit’s Best Coconut Creations

By: Carolyn Hall | July 28, 2025
Coconut layer cake slice on a plate

Whether you crave the subtle sweetness of coconut or love its texture, Metro Detroit restaurants offer a wealth of delicious infused options. From refreshing beverages and hearty entrées to indulgent desserts, local spits skillfully highlight this tropical ingredient. Dive into these coconut-featured offerings from standout businesses around Metro Detroit…

Baobab Fare

6568 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100, Detroit

Baobab Fare, a celebrated East African restaurant in Detroit, beautifully incorporates coconut into its authentic dishes, particularly through its coconut rice, which is served with many of its signature entrees. Try the Nyumbani, tender beef simmered in ripened tomato sauce, or the Mbuzi, slow-roasted goat shank and fresh corn salad, each served with rice if you choose. On the sweet side, don’t miss their Coco Mango dessert, made from a rich coconut cream accented with mango coulis, fresh mango pieces, and toasted coconut flakes, or the decadent Shokola y Karanga, a silky dark chocolate coconut cream dessert topped with spicy candied peanuts.

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Roast

525 East Brown Street, Birmingham

25070 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak

Roast is known for its laid-back atmosphere and exceptional café menu, including beautifully crafted specialty drinks. Their Almond Joy Signature Latte, for example, expertly combines dark chocolate, espresso, and almond and creamy coconut-infused milk. It’s a luscious, dessert-like drink that pairs perfectly with their breakfast and lunch options, which range from Almond Butter Toast and Berry Salads to Mediterranean Vegan Wraps and more.

Marilyn’s Detroit

316 East 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak

8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak

Marilyn’s Detroit brings a fresh twist to superfruit bowls and smoothies, with coconut playing a starring role in their vibrant treats. All of their açai bowls feature coconut cream, including their Blue Magic bowl with pineapple, banana, blueberry, lime, and blue majik for an antioxidant-rich breakfast that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Toppings include granola, seasonal fruit, shredded coconut, and drizzles of peanut butter, almond butter, or raw honey. Smoothies such as the tropical Goldfinch, with pineapple, mango, banana, ginger, and coconut milk, offer refreshing, health-conscious treats ideal for any time of day. You can find Marilyn’s Detroit daily at the Detroit Zoo behind the carousel and inside the Royal Oak Farmers Market Fridays through Sundays. 

Kitty’s Cheesecakes & More

681 East 8 Mile Road, Ferndale

Kitty’s Cheesecakes & More is a cherished family-owned bakery in Ferndale, celebrated for its creative desserts. Marketing & Operations Manager Diane Robinson shares, “At Kitty’s Cheesecakes & More, we’re known for our unique and fun flavors that keep our customers coming back for more.” Among their standout offerings is the Pineapple Coconut Cheesecake, a delightful, creamy treat pairing tangy pineapple and sweet, nutty coconut. Their Pineapple Coconut Layer Cake is another indulgence not to be missed by tropical enthusiasts. The German Chocolate Cheesecake and Cake options are also available, combining classic flavors in new forms. Other standout cheesecake flavors include Superman, Cherry Crumb, Peach Cobbler, and Strawberry Hennessy. 

German Chocolate layered cake/cheesecake, topped with shredded coconut
Photo courtesy of Kitty’s Cheesecakes & More

Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant

3999 Centerpoint Parkway, Pontiac

Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant brings authentic Thai cuisine to Pontiac, featuring dishes richly infused with coconut milk for a truly traditional flavor. Their creamy Tom Kha Coconut Soup stands out, made with coconut milk, Thai herbs, mushrooms, hot chili, and lime, delivering both comforting and bold flavors. Curry enthusiasts can savor dishes like Green Curry, Massaman Curry, or Pineapple Curry, each expertly blended with coconut milk to create rich and deeply satisfying entrées.

Detroit Perk Coffee House

22722 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights

Detroit Perk Coffee House has become a beloved local favorite for creative beverages that blend high-quality ingredients with innovative flavor combinations. Founder Mustafa Ajami captures this spirit perfectly: “At Detroit Perk Coffee, we believe that the perfect coffee drink is all about balance—rich flavors, quality ingredients, and a touch of creativity.” A prime example of this philosophy is their Blood Orange Coconut Refresher. Bursting with bright citrus notes balanced by smooth tropics, it’s a vibrant, energizing beverage perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re sipping on a refresher, enjoying a signature latte, like the Cinnamon Dolce or Sicilian Pistachio, or trying something new on the brunch menu, Detroit Perk is a favorite for good reason. 

Blood Orange Coconut Refresher from Detroit Perk
Photo courtesy of Detroit Perk Coffee House

Coconut lovers in Metro Detroit are spoiled with dishes and drinks ranging from sweet desserts and indulgent beverages to hearty meals and savory entrées. No matter how you prefer this versatile tropical ingredient, local spots are ready to satisfy your cravings in delicious ways.

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