Also known as a table d’hôte (French for “table of the host”) and prix fixe (fixed price), a restaurant’s tasting menu is a set selection of what are typically the chef’s signature dishes, served in small portions.
Its history goes back centuries, but the modern trend caught on nationally in the ’90s, popularized by highbrow eateries like the former three-Michelin-starred Catalonia restaurant El Bulli and Napa Valley’s French Laundry.
The metro Detroit culinary scene was a little behind on the trend, with tasting menus for years relegated to white-tablecloth establishments often heavy on steak and light on personality. In the past few years, however, local restaurants have caught up, making tasting menus available at all manner of new eateries. Here are a few to try.
Mabel Gray
With a menu so capricious it’s handwritten daily, Mabel Gray is known for its globally inspired and artfully prepared New American dishes. The multi-course tasting menu comprises a selection of whichever dishes are on the menu that day, served over a leisurely 90 minutes. $89 per person plus $45 for beverage pairings. Mabel Gray, 23825 John R Road, Hazel Park; 248-398-4300; mabelgraykitchen.com.
Oak & Reel
Opened in September 2020, and named Hour Detroit’s Restaurant of the Year for 2022, Oak and & Reel is an Italian restaurant with a focus on seafood. This high-dining environment hosts Michelin star Jared Gadbaw’s six course tasting menu. Plus, the restaurant is also home to The Upright, an underground cocktail bar. $109 for the tasting menu plus $48 for beverage pairings. Oak & Reel, 2921 E Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-270-9600; oakandreel.com.
Mink
Mink is a seafood restaurant offering oyster bar-style seating and an immersive dining experience. The five-course chef’s tasting menu changes once a month and offers several appetizers and main meals with optional beverage parings. While indoor high-top bar seating is reserved for the chef’s tasting menu, Mink also offers first come, first served patio seating for walk-in diners. While the restaurant is pristine, it shows its liveliness with an oyster shucking class for those interested in an even more immersive experience. $85 per person. Mink, 1701 Trumbull, Detroit; 313-351-0771; minkdetroit.com.
Marrow
The menu on Marrow’s 5-course tasting dinner changes daily with both signature dishes alongside chef favorites not available on the regular menu. Opened in 2018, this restaurant-butcher shop hybrid focuses on whole-animal butchery and offers dishes created from ingredients available locally. This often results in plates, expertly prepared by executive chef Sarah Welch, that make uncommon cuts of meat (like beef tongue) suitable for even the most discerning eaters. $90 per person. Marrow, 8044 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-652-0200; marrowdetroit.com.
PAO Detroit
This upscale Detroit restaurant features an asian fusion menu that includes two 6-course rotating tasting menus every Wednesday. Items currently on the first menu include Blue Fin Tuna tacos, Wagyu sliders, Caesar Salad, and more for $50 per person. The other menu is $65 a person and includes tuna carpaccio, tongin octopus, shoyu lamb chops, and more. PAO, 114 W. Adams Ave., Detroit; paodetroit.com.
Freya
Looking to create a more specific culinary experience, owners of Chartreuse Kitchen and Cocktails opened Freya in November of 2021. When you make a reservation, you have the option to select a 5-course omnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan course plan. Menus can be made gluten-free with notice. $85. Freya, 2929 E Grand Blvd, Detroit; 313-351-5544; freyadetroit.com.
This post has been updated for 2024.
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