The 20 hottest restaurants in Detroit right now

By Metro Times Staff on Sat, Aug 17, 2019 at 2:17 pm

Detroit's restaurant scene is hot right now. From new cocktail bars to date-night spots, there are plenty of ways to entertain your tastebuds. What follows are a few Detroit eateries that are either brand new, have all-new menus, updated digs, or have recently received some well-deserved kudos.

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Bodega Cat

2200 Scotten St., Detroit
A tamale shop named after a 20-year-old cat, with dreams of opening a restaurant one day. Honestly they might get there soon, as its tamales usually sell out by noon every day — so make sure to get some fresh in the morning.

Photo by Erik Paul Howard

Saffron De Twah

7636 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
This Moroccan-American restaurant’s menu features lamb tagine bowls, hot chicken, and ras el hanout lamb ribs. What started as a carryout and delivery only joint has graduated to a brick-and-mortar space.

Photo via Saffron De Twah / Facebook

Pietrzyk Pierogi

1429 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
If you plan to take a stroll through Eastern Market this weekend, consider paying a visit to these pierogi — they’re packed with traditional cheeses and meats, as well as more modern twists such as buffalo chicken, buttermilk ranch, and hot sauce.

Photo by Mar Manzarnes Bobadilla Brock

Grandma Bob’s

2135 Michigan Ave., Detroit
This is not your typical pizzeria. Grandma Bob’s serves atypical pies like the coney pizza and the taco pizza. Their dough is made from a blend of all-purpose white King Arthur flour, and the bar serves a range of beers and craft cocktails.

Photo via Grandma Bobs Pizza / Facebook

Ima
2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit
With extra square footage in the restaurants third location, chef Mike Ransom said it will allow for an expansion of the menu. Ima mainly specializes in custom udon and rice bowls while also catering to traditional appetizers like edamame, dumplings, and steamed oysters.
Photo by Tom Perkins

Ima

2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit
With extra square footage in the restaurant’s third location, chef Mike Ransom said it will allow for an expansion of the menu. Ima mainly specializes in custom udon and rice bowls while also catering to traditional appetizers like edamame, dumplings, and steamed oysters.

Photo by Tom Perkins

ZZ Market & Grill

210 Henry St., Detroit
Looking for a quick bite for lunch? Or maybe after work? ZZ Market and Grill can help with that. They specialize in grab-and-go style food and support multiple Michigan-centric items.

Photo courtesy of ZZ Market & Grill / A. Victoria Mae

Mootz Pizzeria and Bar

1230 Library St., Detroit
This New York style pizzeria is located near the Belt, and is divided up into two components — a full-service dining room with a bar, and a small counter with slices for carry out. The big, floppy, thin-crust triangle slices are made with higher-end ingredients.

Photo by Tom Perkins

Peso Bar

2547 Bagley St., Detroit
This Mexican bar and restaurant serves tortas, burritos, and more. The bar offers 20 different types of margaritas as well as cantaritos and other cocktails.

Photo by Bridget Ekis

PAO Detroit

114 W. Adams Ave., Detroit
A modern experience inspired by classic Asian flavors. Dishes include king crab truffle gnocchi and a 48-hour lamb lollipop. Happy hour is M-F from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Photo via PAO Detroit / Facebook

Ochre Bakery

4884 Grand River Ave., Detroit
Specializing in small plates and sandwiches, Ochre Bakery is a cute new spot that’s perfect for a quick coffee, lunch bite, or a danish. Speaking of danishes… this bakery is one of the only in town — according to its owners — which has a laminating machine. The machine is able to fold multiple layers of butter within the dough, creating some of the flakiest danishes around.

Photo by Bridget Ekis