Your Downtown Detroit Dining Guide

By: Carolyn Hall | June 30, 2025
Crab Gnocchi from Wright & Company, Downtown Detroit restaurant

Photo courtesy of Wright & Company

Downtown Detroit is brimming with exceptional dining experiences, offering a wide array of global cuisines and culinary creativity. From comforting soul food and innovative brunch spots to eclectic international dishes, there’s truly something for every palate and every occasion. Next time you’re looking to explore some of Downtown Detroit’s standout restaurants, be sure to check out each of these that contribute to Detroit’s thriving food culture.

BESA

600 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

At BESA, Adriatic flavors meet elevated dining experiences. The menu blends fresh ingredients with globally inspired dishes, such as the Sweet Corn Cacio e Pepe with Caledonian blue shrimp. Appetizers like Roasted Eggplant Toast and Seared Manouri Cheese stand out, as do the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Kabobs and Prime Steak Tartare. For entrees, enjoy the Ribeye Steak Frites accompanied by BESA fries, or the Loch Duart Salmon with a citrus glaze and sweet corn relish, perfect for those seeking an upscale dinner. With a thoughtful selection of desserts, like Pistachio Raspberry Cake or Huckleberry Bread Pudding, BESA provides a well-rounded dining experience.

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Wright & Company

1500 Woodward Avenue, Floor 2, Detroit

Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, Wright & Company offers an upscale yet approachable dining experience. General Manager Roxanne Phillips emphasizes, “We have something for everyone! We look forward to continuing to serve Detroit for years to come.” Guests enjoy creative small plates like Crab Gnocchi with lemon cream and ramp oil, and Adobo-Scented Chicken Breast featuring a banana and peanut butter mole. Other choices range from loaded House Made Potato Chips and Crispy Chickpeas to Michigan Mushroom Pate and Shaved Cucumber Caesar salad. Wright & Company’s sophisticated ambiance, combined with inventive cocktails and shareable dishes, makes it an ideal spot for gatherings and special occasions alike.

Shaved Cucumber salad from Wright & Company
Photo courtesy of Wright & Company

Fixins Soul Kitchen

1435 Randolph Street, Detroit

Fixins Soul Kitchen brings traditional soul food to a contemporary setting within Detroit’s historic Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District. The Fixins Soul Kitchen Detroit team shares, “Founded by former NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson and his wife, Michelle, Fixins’ menu is rooted in the Southern recipes passed down through generations from Kevin’s family and friends…Centered around dishes from the Johnson family’s favorite recipes, our food is the heartbeat of the business.” On the menu, main highlights include fried chicken brined for 24 hours, smothered oxtails, fried fish, and shrimp and grits, while appetizers range from Deep Fried Deviled Eggs, Fish Nuggets, and Fried Green Tomatoes. Classic Southern sides are available, like collard greens, black eyed peas, and charred okra. Excelling in comfort food, Fixins Soul Kitchen also nods to the Classic Motown Era. 

Fixins Soul Kitchen Fried Deviled Eggs and Shrimp and Grits
Photo courtesy of Fixins Soul Kitchen

Experience Zuzu

511 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100, Detroit

Experience Zuzu takes diners on a stellar culinary journey with contemporary Asian cuisine. Start with shareable plates of Wagyu Beef Gyoza, Miso Sea Bass Wraps, candied Walnut Shrimp, or Crab and Lobster ube Tacos. As for sushi, specialty rolls include the Bluefin Toro Tuna rolls, Jalapeño Hamachi, and Truffle Scallop with Asian Pear, while dishes with tableside service range from Hot Stone Bowl Fried Rice to Prime Miso Lamb Chops. Experience Zuzu’s innovative offerings, such as the Chili & Ice Oysters and Spicy Steamed Edamame, make it a delightful spot for foodies looking to explore modern Asian flavors.

Dime Store

719 Griswold Street, Detroit

6920 North Rochester Road, Rochester Hills

Dime Store is a favorite brunch destination in downtown Detroit, known for inventive takes on breakfast classics. Owner/Operator Ann-Marie Murphy shares, “While our menu has a variety of options to choose from, we’re known for our more creative dishes like the Duck Bop Hash (breakfast potatoes tossed with house-confit duck leg, Korean bbq sauce, spinach, and onion, and topped with over easy eggs, house-pickled veggies, and Sriracha) and the Cheesesteak Benny.” Sweet options include malted Belgian waffles, while savory choices range from Spicy Cuban Rice bowls to Reuben omelets. With seasonal Chef’s specials and an extensive house-made menu, Dime Store ensures that each visit offers something exciting and new.

Corned Beef Hash from Dime Store, Downtown Detroit
Photo courtesy of Dime Store

Nuevo Seoul

220 West Congress Street, Suite B, Detroit

Nuevo Seoul brilliantly merges Korean and Mexican cuisine, offering diners a unique fusion street food experience. Popular dishes include Korean Beef Short Rib Birria Tacos, Bone-in Burritos loaded with Korean BBQ beef rib and Mexican rice, and their signature Korean Fried Chicken available with multiple flavorful glazes (soy garlic, sweet gochujang, spicy Seoul, to name a few). Shareable dishes like Kimchi Fries and Chorizo Mandu (beef chorizo-filled Korean fried dumplings) further elevate the dining experience, making Nuevo Seoul a standout choice for adventurous eaters. Don’t forget to finish your meal on a sweeter note, with Deep Fried Churro Ice Cream or Churro Chips with chocolate ganache and honey drizzle. 

Downtown Detroit’s dining choices continually celebrate culinary innovation and diversity, making it an exciting spot for food lovers and adventurous diners. Each restaurant highlighted presents just a percentage of Detroit’s flavorful mosaic, inviting visitors to indulge, explore, and savor.

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