Detroit Restaurants

While Detroit might not have a reputation as specialising in tasty treats or creative cuisine, a visit to the many restaurants in the city’s Greektown, Eastern Market or the many urban centres will soon correct this misconception. The city’s image as a capital of motor cars and music has eclipsed its status as a dining destination, but plentiful restaurants of immaculate quality will surprise visitors.

Local cuisine

Detroit’s unique style of hot dog is known as a Coney dog, and it is served at hundreds of Coney Island restaurants throughout the Detroit area. The Polish paczki is also celebrated in the Detroit area on Paczki Day, better known as Fat Tuesday in this region. Polish bakeries in the Polish enclave of Hamtramck sell a selection of paczkis, whose ingredients have departed somewhat from the original.

The Detroit area is home to many other large groups of immigrants, particularly the largest Arabic-speaking population outside of the Middle East and the most Lebanese stores outside of Lebanon. As a result, many Mediterranean restaurants can be found, and typical dishes such as gyros, hummus, and falafel are served at many unremarkable grocery stores and restaurants.

Where to eat

Mediterranean and Mexican dining options can best be found in the ethnic districts of Greektown and Mexicantown, while Eastern Market offers great lunchtime dining. Alternatively, visit one of Hamtrack's trademark Polish bakeries for a taste of Eastern European flavour.