New Metro Detroit Restaurants, Bars, and Cafés
The Rectory, Detroit
Next door to The Congregation coffee shop and from the same owners, The Rectory is serving up pies in Detroit’s Boston-Edison neighborhood. The pizzeria is inside a historic home that once served as a rectory for the former church where the coffee shop is located. Pizzas come in two sizes: small (10 inches) or large (14 inches). They are hand-tossed with house-made sauce. Vegan and gluten-free alternatives are available, as well as adult beverages. 1920 Atkinson St., Detroit; therectorydetroit.com
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Red and the Wolf, Clawson
The new eatery from husband-and-wife team Aaron and Heaven Cozaad is now open in downtown Clawson in the former Zeoli’s space. The menu, which the couple describes as “elevated Midwest” cuisine, includes a wide selection of bao buns, soups, salads, and burgers. Entrees include steak frites, confit salmon, and Asian-inspired pastas like Beurre Noodles made with bucatini, miso butter emulsion, garlic, and scallion. Vegetarian options are abundant, such as a sous vide lion’s mane mushroom “ribeye.”
After years as an executive chef for Union Joints, Chef Aaron Cozaad opened Midtown’s Vigilante Kitchen and Bar in partnership with Mission Restaurant Group. The concept was quick to draw praise and accolades for its unique business model that offered support for staff recovering from substance abuse disorders. However, it closed in April 2024, about 10 months after opening.
In a Sept. 22 Facebook post, the Cozaads wrote: “Im sure a lot of people know, we were supposed to open Vigilante Kitchen in the old Lims building next to Clawson Auto. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to pivot [to opening Red and the Wolf].” 110 E 14 Mile Rd, Clawson; @redandthewolfclawson on Instagram
Bella Limone, Royal Oak
In late August, a new Italian eatery with freshly made pastas and an extensive wine list opened in the former Pinky’s Rooftop space. The concept comes from restaurateur Adam Merkel — who owned the previous restaurant and is a partner in Birmingham’s Big Rock Italian Chophouse, among others in Howell and out of state. “Bella Limone was created to capture the warmth and vibrancy of Italian hospitality,” Merkel told DBusiness in August. This month, Merkel plans to open the more casual Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar below Bella Limone. 100 S Main St Floor 2, Royal Oak; bellalimone.com
Cava, Detroit
The Mediterranean fast-casual chain opened its second Michigan location in downtown Detroit on Sept. 26. Known for its custom bowls, pitas, and juices, Cava’s latest location is near Campus Martius in the First National Building, next door to Shake Shack. In July, the chain made its Mitten debut in Canton. 636 Woodward Ave, Detroit; cava.com
313 Cinnamon Rolls, Detroit
A new vegan “cinntique” (cinnamon roll boutique) opened its doors in Midtown in August. Featuring a selection of over 25 different flavors that rotate daily, 313 Cinnamon Rolls makes its doughs, fillings, and icing in small batches to ensure the highest quality treats for its customers, AKA its “cinnafriends,” according to owner Brandy Jackson. 119 Garfield St, Suite 200 (facing John R), Detroit; 313cinnamonrolls.com
Rose’s Fine Food, Detroit
Before it closed in 2023, chef Molly Mitchell’s diner on the east side of Detroit operated for nine years, lauded for its thoughtful approach to food, with homemade everything, locally sourced ingredients, and the atmosphere of an old-school diner. This September, it picked up where it left off at the same location on Jefferson Avenue — with a new menu of Polish-inspired mains like a burger topped with pickle slaw, smoked kielbasa, and kopytka (potato dumplings with zucchini and herbs). 10551 E. Jefferson Ave.; Detroit
Sushi Lounge, Detroit
Detroit Shipping Co.’s newest dining destination opened Sept. 6. The all gluten-free sushi eatery is owned by Genevieve Vang, the James Beard-honored chef-owner of Bangkok 96 Street Food. Selections include Detroit-themed bites like the Whatuproll!, and The Big Three roll, plus vegan and vegetarian options, mochi, and new sakes at the Detroit Shipping Co. bar. Chef Jasmine White (Maru Sushi, Experience Zuzu) helms the kitchen. 474 Peterboro St., Detroit; sushiloungedetroit.com
Little Ghost, Ferndale
In August, this fast-casual eatery made its Ferndale debut. Little Ghost is the latest from Four Man Ladder, the team behind Grey Ghost, Second Best, and Basan. The main attraction here is a Ghost Burger (available in single and double), inspired by Grey Ghost’s popular cheeseburger. Other eats include a quinoa burger and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. 22305 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; eatlittleghost.com
Coming to the Table
Andiamo Italian Chophouse at Water Square, Detroit
On Monday, Oct. 20, Andiamo announced it will be the signature restaurant inside JW Marriott Detroit at Water Square. Both the hotel and the restaurant are set to open in January 2027. The hotel is being constructed on the former site of Joe Louis Arena, neighboring the Residences at Water Square, a luxury apartment complex completed last year. When complete, the hotel is planned to be 25 stories with 600 rooms. Besides the restaurant, expect a lobby bar, two ballrooms, a spa, fitness center, 50,000 square feet of meeting space, and direct access to the nearby Detroit Riverwalk, Huntington Place, and soon-to-open Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park.
Bar Gabi, Hazel Park
Husband-and-wife team Gabriel and Gabriela Botezan (previously of Adelina and Bacco) plan to open the modern Romanian restaurant — the first of its kind in southeast Michigan — in the former Framebar space as soon as this month. 23839 John R Rd, Hazel Park; bargabi.com
Host, Romeo
The unique Utica eatery known for rotating chefs, daily brunch, a cocktail lounge, a coworking space, and even on-site child care services — so parents can enjoy a private date night — plans to open a second location in downtown Romeo at 209 N. Main St. Host Romeo is targeting a November opening date. For updates, follow @hostromeo_restaurant on Instagram.
Slows Bar BQ, Berkley and Ann Arbor
The popular Corktown barbecue spot has been planning two new locations: one in Ann Arbor at 207 E. Washington St., the other in Berkley at 3087 W. 12 Mile Road. At press time, the company estimated both will open before the end of fall. For updates, visit slowsbarbq.com.
Lola’s Taco Bar, Grosse Pointe Woods
Local chef Brandon Zarb partnered with Michelin-starred restaurateur and Grosse Pointe native Branden McRill and others (Mel Fuechtmann and Niko Moschouris) to bring a unique taco bar concept to Grosse Pointe Woods. The menu is said to include al pastor tacos topped with meat freshly cut from a rotisserie, pork belly, build-your-own bowls and burritos (veggie and vegan options available), and family-style rotisserie chicken meals for under $30. Plus, expect margaritas, beer, and plenty of spirit-free options to sip on. Lola’s plans to open in November. 20195 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods; lolastacobar.com for updates
The Beverly, Berkley
A few years ago, a vacant brick building on the corner of Beverly and Coolidge in Berkley caught the eye of restaurateur Travis Fourmont, a Berkley resident and the owner of Detroit’s Bar Pigalle. The new restaurant will feature a menu from Bar Pigalle chef Norman Valenti starring “New American comfort” fare, including steaks, cured meats, seafood (such as oysters on the half shell), charcuterie boards, and salads. The Beverly is slated for a November opening. 3180 Coolidge Highway, Berkley; beverlyrestaurant.com
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Little Liberia, Detroit
Earlier this month, the owner of what will be Michigan’s first Liberian restaurant shared a construction update on social media, highlighting her plans for the interior. Chef-owner Ameneh Marhaba, who has operated Little Liberia as a pop-up/catering business since 2016, said she will share an official opening date soon. 16530 E Warren Ave., Detroit; @little_liberia on Instagram for updates
Street Beet, Detroit and Birmingham
This pop-up supplying vegan comfort food like smashburgers and “Crunchywraps” with walnut chorizo is getting a permanent location in Corktown. It will be located in the space formerly occupied by the now-defunct Bobcat Bonnie’s flagship location. Washed Up Coffee, a new multi-roaster coffee concept, will be joining Street Beet in the space. Additionally, Street Beet is planning another location inside a grocery store in Birmingham, with plans to expand to Rochester and Ann Arbor. 1800 Michigan Ave., Detroit; streetbeet.online for updates
Mad Nice Coffee at the Somerset Collection
The trendy Italian eatery in Detroit’s Midtown is opening a café outpost in the middle of Troy’s popular complex for upscale shopping. Offerings will include locally roasted coffee, hand-rolled sourdough bagels, pastries, and specialty drinks like a Toasted Pistachio Latte or Coconut Whipped Espresso. It will be located on the mall’s south side on the second level, just outside the skywalk, and plans to start doing business in early November, with a final opening date to be announced soon, according to a recent press release. madnicedetroit.com/mad-nice-coffee for updates.
Recent Food & Beverage Headlines
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Birmingham’s Hunter House to Move Locations
After operating since 1952 at its iconic white-tiled storefront at 35075 Woodward Ave, Hunter House announced it will be relocating down the street to 33900 Woodward Ave, between Adams and Lincoln. Its last day of service at its current location will be Oct. 31 — and the new location is slated to open the following day, Nov 1.
Oakland Community College Dedicates New Culinary Institute Building in Royal Oak
Located at 739 S. Washington Ave in Royal Oak, the $74 million, three-story addition was formally dedicated on Oct. 17. Inside, the building features three classrooms, seven kitchens (two for demonstration, five for teaching). On the third floor is a 2,600 square-foot restaurant with an additional 3,452 square feet of flex space for special events. There’s also a full bar and custom glass wine storage room.
Ferndale’s Coeur Announces Closure
One of Hour Detroit’s Best New Restaurants of 2024, Coeur shared in a statement earlier this month on social media that its final service would take place Oct. 19. The restaurant’s reasoning: “[T]he reality of this economic climate is less than ideal. Simply put: We can’t keep to our mission without raising prices beyond what makes sense for our guests. So after a lot of painful reflection, we’ve made the tough decision to close Coeur.”
Lawsuits Rock Lady of the House
Amid a legal spat between chef Kate Williams and the restaurant’s co-owner and investor Jay Singer first reported by the Detroit Free Press, the Core City restaurant is currently operating with limited hours, Thursday through Sunday, according to its website.
Willis Show Bar Goes Up for Sale
After a temporary closure that began in July, the owners of Willis Show Bar announced on Oct. 16 that the Cass Corridor mainstay was up for sale. According to the statement, the decision to sell the seven-year business “did not come easily. Willis has been more than a business — it’s been a home for Detroit’s musicians, artists, and music lovers. Our decision is rooted in a desire to preserve the historic spirit of the venue and ensure its next chapter continues to honor the creative heartbeat of this city.”
Upcoming Dining and Drinks Events
Michigan Brewers Guild 16th Annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival
- When: Saturday, Oct. 25.
- Where: Eastern Market
- Cost: $60+, tickets available on EventBrite
The 21+ annual event features hundreds of beers from across Michigan, plus local food and live music. Proceeds support Michigan Brewers Guild, a non-profit dedicated to increasing sales and awareness for Michigan beer.
Bourbon and Brews Fest
- When: Saturday, Oct. 25
- Where: Royal Oak Farmers Market
- Cost: $40+, tickets available on EventBrite
This event is said to feature more than 150 types of bourbons, whiskies, beers, and spirits for sampling, plus food from Twisted Street BBQ, Bro’s Burger Joint, and Torta Express Taco Truck. Entertainment will include music from Cosmic Groove (and don’t worry — the Michigan vs. Michigan State game will be on).
Anna Ansari Cookbook Meet-and-Greet/Dinner
- When: Monday, Oct. 27
- Where: Zingerman’s Roadhouse, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $45, tickets at com
Be among the first to own Silk Roads— A Flavor Odyssey with Recipes from Baku to Beijing, the debut cookbook from Iranian American food writer and metro Detroit native Anna Ansari. Enjoy a light menu with three selections from the cookbook while Zingerman’s co-founder Ari Weinzweig interviews Ansari about her journeys and inspirations behind the book.
Feast of the Beast
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Where: Marrow in Detroit’s West Village
- Tickets: Available at Eventbrite
Enjoy a five-course meal highlighting sweetbreads, beef tendon, tripe, foie gras, and more. The restaurant says the meal is designed to show that “whole-animal utilization is not only sustainable, but downright delicious when crafted by experienced hands.” Two seatings are available, and guests are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best.
Bagels with Buds featuring Carlos Parisi
- When: Oct. 30
- Where: Bev’s Bagels, Detroit
- Cost: Varied
Bev’s Bagels in Detroit’s Core City is introducing a new chef series. Once a month, chef-owner Max Sussman and team are inviting local talent to collaborate on a one-day menu item. Kicking off the series is local influencer and owner of Aunt Nee’s chips Carlos Parisi. The featured items of the day will be a Mexican Chocolate & Spiced Pumpkin Twist Bagel with Mazapan Schmear; Chorizo & Muenster Bialy with Salsa Verde; and Shrimp Ceviche on Sesame Bagel Tostada. Future “buds” being invited to collab will include chefs James Rigato (Mabel Gray), Ji Hye Kim (Miss Kim), Mike Ransom (Ima), and Brad Greenhill (Takoi).
Trader Ghost’s
- When: Friday, Oct. 31
- Where: Grey Ghost, Detroit
- Cost: $75 per person, tickets available at Resy
On Halloween, Grey Ghost is transforming into a “ghostly luau,” with a Tiki-inspired food menu and specialty drinks. Enjoy a four-course family-style dinner that includes one complementary Tiki beverage, and the night will include a rum-centric beverage list.
Café Cortina’s Annual Spanish Dinner — Nov. 3
- When: Monday, Nov. 3
- Where: Café Cortina, Farmington Hills
- Cost: $160 per person, reservations can be made on OpenTable
At this annual event, guests can enjoy a multi-course dinner inspired by Spain’s sub-regions, each with a wine pairing and narration from Chef Ernesto Antopia, as well as local producers providing insight into ingredient sources and cultural context. Dinner will include tapas, amuse bouche, and Spanish dishes like gambas al ajillo, paella, iberico ham — plus seasonal vegetable, seafood, and meat
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