Go Nuts: Must-Try Pistachio Favorites

By: Carolyn Hall | May 27, 2025
pistachio options from JJ's Custard Co.

Photo courtesy of JJ's Custard Company

Pistachio enthusiasts in Metro Detroit have plenty of reasons to rejoice. From creamy gelato and decadent pastries to innovative pizzas and rich beverages, local businesses have elevated pistachio into unforgettable culinary experiences, including the latest trend of Dubai chocolate treats, made with a mix of pistachios and rich milk chocolate.

JJ’s Custard Company

Multiple locations in Metro Detroit

JJ’s Custard Company, a beloved ice cream destination across the Metro Detroit area, is celebrated for its inventive menu items and outstanding service. According to Karim Kadouh, VP of Operations & Marketing, “JJ’s emphasizes great customer service and high-quality products.” Pistachio lovers can indulge in JJ’s loaded Dubai cup or Dubai strawberry sundae, which features layers of fresh strawberries, Dubai mix, vanilla custard, chocolate hard dip, and Nutella. Other choices previously available include Kunafa sundaes and loaded Ashta desserts, like a loaded cone or filled waffle sandwich, showcasing a longstanding trend of embracing this nut. These delightful treats perfectly blend pistachios’ unique flavor with other rich fruit and chocolate ingredients, offering an irresistibly sweet experience.

Loaded strawberry Dubai chocolate cup with pistachio from JJ's Custard Company
Photo courtesy of JJ’s Custard Company

Bigalora

Multiple locations in Metro Detroit

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Bigalora excels in crafting authentic Italian dishes with a creative twist, including several standout pistachio-centric items on its menu. Their pistachio white pizza is a customer favorite, showcasing imported buffalo mozzarella cheese, pistachio pesto, house-made sausage, and lemon confit. For dessert, guests can savor pistachio gelato or a traditional cannoli filled with whipped ricotta, citrus zest, chocolate, and crunchy pistachios. Bigalora’s inventive use of ingredients ensures every bite is memorable, whether you want to lean into sweet or savory flavors.

Cannelle by Matt Knio

Multiple locations in Metro Detroit

Chef Matt Knio of Cannelle passionately incorporates pistachios into his exceptional pastry creations. Reflecting on his personal connection to the ingredient, Chef Knio shares, “I craved pistachios for 15 years, but my family couldn’t afford them when I was a kid. I didn’t get to have them until I was studying to become a pastry chef. They are still one of my favorite nuts, and now I want them to be accessible to everyone.” Visitors can delight in a variety of pistachio pastries, including pistachio cream or chocolate croissants, pistachio raspberry macarons, cakes, tarts, and the decadent pistachio cake also dazzles, combining a chocolate biscuit base, chocolate mousse, berry compote, and whipped ganache.

Chocolate pistachio pastries from Cannelle
Photo courtesy of Cannelle by Matt Knio

For the Love of Sugar

100 Erskine Street, Detroit

Located in Detroit, For the Love of Sugar merges Middle Eastern influences with expert baking techniques. Founder Manal emphasizes, “By combining my Middle Eastern roots, creativity, and love for sugar, I am creating comforting sweets and delectable treats you can’t find anywhere else.” The bakery’s pistachio offerings include delightful pistachio and ashta macarons and the extraordinary Knafeh cake, featuring flavored yellow cake filled with rose water and orange blossom ricotta buttercream, shredded phyllo dough, and topped with crushed pistachios. Each item is crafted with care and passion, making every bite a sweet delight.

Knafeh cafe from For the Love of Sugar
Photo courtesy of For the Love of Sugar

Azal Coffee

15010 West Warren Avenue, Suite 113, Dearborn

Azal Coffee caters to coffee enthusiasts with its specialty pistachio latte, a unique beverage blending rich espresso with nutty pistachio flavors. For a delightful treat, guests can also enjoy Azal’s pistachio-topped loaded waffles or mini pancakes, perfect accompaniments to any coffee break. Azal Coffee’s inventive use of pistachio flavors ensures a memorable café experience for visitors seeking something deliciously different.

These Metro Detroit establishments demonstrate the delightful versatility of pistachios, creatively transforming them into desserts, drinks, and meals. Whether you’re looking for your Dubai chocolate fix or want to try something more savory, these spots promise satisfying culinary adventures.

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