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Photo courtesy of Màre Mediterranean
In an era where dining out competes with the allure of delivery services, some restaurants elevate the experience to an art form, offering not just a meal but a spectacle. Tableside service, a tradition reminiscent of a bygone era, provides a unique blend of culinary skill, theatrics, and personalized service that transforms dining into an unforgettable event, whether by carving meats or setting desserts aflame right next to your seat. Among the distinguished establishments maintaining this practice, each brings its own flavor to the table—quite literally.
MR. PAUL’S CHOPHOUSE
29850 Groesbeck Highway, Roseville
At Mr. Paul’s Chophouse, the experience is as much about the ambiance as it is about the exquisite cuisine. This family-owned and operated establishment prides itself on a legacy of impeccable service and culinary mastery, as it has been a must-visit for almost 60 years. The chophouse’s commitment to tradition is evident in its famous Caesar salad prepared tableside, completely crafted in a cart wheeled out from the kitchen. Also served tableside is the chateaubriand for two, which is meticulously carved while surrounded by flames. Enjoy a dinner experience in this intimate and cozy spot and see it for yourself.
MÀRE MEDITERRANEAN
115 Willits Street, Birmingham
At Màre Mediterranean, the sea comes to you with an array of dishes that capture the essence of coastal cuisine. Shannon Dwyer, General Manager, explains, “The proprietors are passionate about the Mediterranean lifestyle and cuisine. We’ve crafted a menu from the land and sea that distinctively offers the flavors of the Mediterranean.” With daily fresh imports from Italy, Greece, Sicily, Portugal, Spain, and beyond, Màre Mediterranean strives to offer innovative preparations that are as fresh as they are flavorful. Their vision is clear: “Exceptional food, wine, and celebration. Mediterranean lifestyle at its best!” To create a more hands-on experience, Màre’s fish market display allows customers to select their fish and cooking style, for it to then be presented and deboned at your table.
MARIO’S RESTAURANT
4222 2nd Avenue, Detroit
A Midtown classic since 1948, Mario’s Restaurant provides traditional Italian dining with a flare for tableside service. Their entire list of house specialties as well as many of their desserts are prepared tableside, like the cherries Jubilee, banana tropicale, and peach flambeau. Additionally, some of the entree options even come with an element of fire to add to the excitement, like the steak Diane. If you’re looking for another example of perfection on a plate, get the Alfredo served tableside.
TABLE NO. 2 RESTAURANT
1045 Brush Street, Detroit
Chef Omar Mitchell of Table No. 2 Restaurant succinctly captures the essence of the establishment’s mission: “We are the perfect venue for stunning dates, remarkable events, and corporate gatherings.” Here, the tableside service is a delightful feature; it’s a promise of a dining experience that combines elegance, creativity, and unparalleled service. You can create an entire evening of it, starting with the double-smoked spiced candied bacon as an appetizer. Continue with a Caesar salad, and select the prime tomahawk as your entree. Finally, the bananas foster is a delectable way to end the evening of tableside experiences.
MORO’S
6535 Allen Road, Allen Park
Moro’s has been dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience for almost 45 years. One way it shines is through its tableside service, where the preparation of each dish becomes a part of the evening’s entertainment. All of the salads are tossed at your table, and Moro’s has four tableside specialties: veal Olympic, shrimp bordelaise, beef Maison, and chateaubriand. To conclude your meal, try one of the flaming desserts, like the Macedonian, made with flambeed cherries, bananas, and peaches served over vanilla ice cream.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on April 20, 2023, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
