The 20 best metro Detroit restaurants to open in 2017, so far

Royale with Cheese
4163 Cass Ave., Detroit
Described as a “unique and retro style burger joint,” Royale with Cheese is located in the heart of Midtown. What appears to be a call back to a famous scene about burgers from Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film, Royale with Cheese was founded on the idea of Pulp Fiction. You can expect a selection of signature burgers like the Royale made with house-smoked brisket, Southwest corn relish, caramelized onions, avocado, smoked gouda, creamy coleslaw, and “Royale sauce.” Photo via Instagram user, @downtoeatindet

Press Room Cafe
615-799 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit
The Press Room Cafe was opened with concept of being geared towards downtown’s lunch crowd. This casual upscale eatery offers its customers Neapolitan pizza, salad, and soup. It also serves food that was made over a wood burning grill. Photo via Yelp user,Stephen B.

The Apparatus Room
Detroit Foundation Hotel, 250 W. Larned Street, Detroit
A refurbished firehouse is now home to The Apparatus Room. Thomas Lents, a Battle Creek native, presides over the eatery. The Michelin two-star chef decided to open the restaurant after a health scare. The menu offers plenty for everyone from, pine-roasted carrots for vegetarians to a lamb shank for the more carnivorous eater. Photo via Yelp User, Nadia B.

Shake Shack
660 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Known for its classic burgers, crinkle cut fries, and freshly made frozen custard, Shake Shack proves to be a popular spot for food lovers in and around downtown Detroit. Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in New York City later opening as a permanent burger stand in 2004. This burger joint does not disappoint and its extended lines of hungry customers are proof. Photo via Instagram user, @shakeshack

La Lanterna
1224 Griswold St, Detroit
The Barbieri family expanded their Italian restaurant empire this year. The family-owned restaurant has opened its doors in downtown Detroit’s Capitol Park. This modern version of La Lanterna offers simple and traditional Italian dishes. Photo via Yelp user,Raad R.

Maty’s African Restaurant
21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit
In the mood to try something you have never had before? Maty’s African Restaurant is the city’s first and only Senegalese restaurant located on Grand River Avenue. This restaurant is one of its kind and will leave you wondering why that is. Photo via Instagram user, @lawheezy

Avalon Cafe and Bakery
1049 Woodward, Detroit
Avalon Cafe and Bakery has opened a new location north of Campus Martius. The bakery serves all types of baked goods that both customers on the go or not on the go can enjoy. Their pizza and sandwiches makes this place worth a visit. Photo via Yelp by user, Gerry C.

Narrow Way Cafe
19331 Livernois Ave., Detroit
On the Livernois Avenue of Fashion you can find your favorite blend at the Narrow Way Cafe. On the menu, you can expect a range of coffee and espresso drinks including mochas, macchiatos, and lattes. Narrow Way Cafe is a project originally developed through the Straight Gate International Church which eventually became a hit among its congregation. Photo via Instagram user, @thenarrowwaycafe

Livernois Tap
567 Livernois St., Ferndale
Featuring a rotating list of 12 to 15 beers on draft, Livernois Tap is the modern American interpretation of a classic European beer hall. The menu ranges from Fried Bologna Corn Dogs to Floats hinting Axle’s beer and a rotating artisan ice cream. Enjoy craft beer, cider, and inspired beer food with friends among cool tunes and cheerful conversation. Photo via Instagram user, @axlebrewingco

Red Dunn Kitchen
1331 Trumbull Ave., Detroit
Chef Jay Gundy has introduced Corktown to the Red Dunn Kitchen. Gundy, who also ran the kitchen at Cork Wine Pub, offers contemporary American dishes at his restaurant. Traditional American meals are served with a twist here.The braised short rib sandwich and smoked corn beef hash are just some of the dishes that showcases the chef’s ingenuity. Photo via Yelp user, Mandy W.

Detroit Fleat
1820 E. 9 Mile Rd., Ferndale
Detroit Fleat, metro Detroit’s first and only food truck park, is home to your tastebud’s favorite rides. The park features a Mexican street food with a full bar, joined by Delectabowl, Pita Post, and the Mac Shack as well as a rotating selection of food trucks. This park is your tastebud’s favorite playplace. Photo via Instagram user, @detroitfoodiefinds

New Order Coffee
3100 Woodward Ave., Detroit
New Order Coffee made its way into Midtown this past July. The variety of brews and snacks are sure to make any coffee lover leaving the cafe satisfied. A unique aspect of the cafe is the Rare Share Program, which offers those who are enrolled a chance to try six to eight varieties of exotic beans. Photo via Yelp user, Alex M.

Caucus Club
150 W Congress St., Detroit
Completely renovated and restored, the Caucus Club continues to give a retro vibe. The Club dry-ages its own beef and servers offer to show you the raw slabs before ordering. On Friday and Saturday nights you can find yourself enjoying steaks and lobster tails while a pianist offers tunes at a grand piano. The cost in proportionate to the quality. Photo via Instagram user, @caucusclubdetroit

Joebar
23839 John R Rd., #1, Hazel Park
Downtown Hazel Park welcomed a new restaurant/bar in Joebar. Menu items include, buttermilk fried pickles, bahn mi, pho, grilled cheese, and more. The highlight of the establishment comes in the form of affordable drinks and friendly atmosphere. Photo via Yelp user, Sam R.

Voyager
600 Vester St., Ferndale
Looking for a good oyster in metro Detroit? Voyager, a raw bar/seafood restaurant partners with small fishermen and shellfish farmers on the coasts who are able to transport their catch/haul to Ferndale within 24 hours. You will find fresh oysters, pickled seafood cocktails, and ceviche on the menu as well as Mahi on the Hibachi. Photo via Instagram user,@voyager_ferndale

HopCat
208 5th St, Royal Oak
HopCat expanded into Metro Detroit this year. The bar and restaurant chain added another link to its chain in Royal Oak. Now, Royal Oak visitors and citizens alike, can enjoy the restaurant’s well-known “crack fries” with the newly added Detroit-style pizza. Photo Via Yelp user,Jeff H.

Gather
1454 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
Focusing on its affordability, Gather has renovated the concept of dining. For a party of six, one menu item is enough to share and cooked above “campfire” flames. Gather creates the perfect cozy spot near the Eastern Market. Photo via Instagram user, @christiannkoepke

Fat Salmon Sushi
11411 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtamck
Fat Salmon Sushi is a new spot that opened in Hamtramck. The establishment will provide all the classic sushi rolls such as, tuna, salmon, and California. Fat Salmon Sushi will also bring a new take on some rolls to the table. Appetizers like bulgogi (beef barbeque) and katsu (deep-fried cutlets) are also available. Photo via Yelp user,Marc D.

La Pecora Nera
1514 Washington Blvd., Detroit
La Pecora Nera or the Black Sheep puts a different spin on Italian sandwiches. The subs come wrapped in real deli paper and tied in a bow with twine. One of the biggest sellers, the loaded Italiano, includes mortadella, salami, capicola, turkey, and ham plus provolone and italian dressing. Do not forget to include their delicious gelato from Gelato Fresco in Toronto. Photo via Instagram user, @lapecoraneradetroit