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Best Sushi
Crave Lounge

The art of sushi, which combines both intricately matched flavors and unprecedented plating, relies on each cut of the roll to be a combustible bite of terrifically temptuous tastes — and according to the influx of votes that came in for this specific eatery (and stylish, hip lounge come night) from our weekly readers, Crave proves to be the most aesthetically pleasing and exponentially explosive.

With a high-end sushi/pan-Asian menu that is broad enough to encompass salads, steaks, chicken and lobster, one should not hesitate to investigate Crave Lounge, one of the absolute hottest joints you'll find within the borders of Dearborn — and there's a new locations on the horizon as well, but more on that in a minute. Often catering to large parties and special events, the staff of Crave, overseen by local proprietor Khalil Ramadan, highly recommends weekend reservations. And the buzz Crave has garnered is worthy to be sure; last time the New York Yankees were in town, guess where they were dancing and dining — that's right, none other than Crave Lounge. Word on the street is that Giambi just loves wasabi!

Whether you make your pilgrimage to Crave Lounge for their oh-so-hot Crave The Sunset parties or just want to grab a masterfully crafted meal, you can rest assured that all of your wants and desires will be accounted for. With its perfectly suited Michigan Ave. location and ample parking and valet service, Crave is both cool and convenient, but like we said, if you're heading there during prime hours, do yourself a favor and give 'em the heads up that you're coming.

With a highly anticipated second location coming very soon in downtown Birmingham to serve this succulent sushi, you'll want to be a recommender, as opposed to one not already in "the know," so get your butt there already ... no, really ... why are you still reading this?  | RDW

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Best Tapas
Small Plates

This smart-casual location is handsomely situated with proximity to the downtown theatre district. Literally steps away from the Detroit Opera House, and not much farther from the other theatrical houses, Small Plates offers the ability to accommodate any kind of palate to any kind of extent. With extended hours during events, diners come for the famous pan-Asian lettuce wraps, petite tenderloin or garlic shrimp, among other tapas-style items. And now with a new location in Royal Oak, we are just elated!

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Best Spanish
Sangria

This light, airy and altogether buoyantly Iberian-like bistro was originally named for the house-made sangria. With a menu that features many combinations of Spanish-inspired foods with the emphasis on tapas, anyone — and we mean anyone — can find something that will suit them wonderfully well. And if late-night activity is what you’re looking for, just pop right upstairs to the Sky Club for a bit of Salsa as we offer thanks to all for bringing sunny Spain to Detroit's dining denizens.

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Best Polish
Polish Village Cafe

In the basement of what was once a gentlemen’s house built in 1925 by Mr. Pileck, is a venue that “smacks of Babsha with her red tablecloths and permanent Christmas lights strung along the ceiling and quaint frillies scattered here and there. But most of all, it smells of her wonderful cooking that makes you want to cry for more.” (The Clean Plate Club, circa sometime in a teary-eyed past.)

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Best BBQ Restaurant
Slow’s BarBQ

Chef and owner Brian Perrone offers up “American old-school BBQ.” But what exactly is that? It involves a lot of love and care, seven days a week. It shows in the wonderful wood and brick interior. And it most importantly shows in the food. With some preparations on a slow-cook of eight hours, the various meats are tender and juicy. Just try the pulled pork sandwich — “the reason” that Brian and crew are there.

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The Real Best of Detroit 2008
Oral Pleasures

Most Impressive Restaurant: Coach Insignia
When wanting to amaze out-of-towners or, perhaps of even greater importance, wanting to leave the one-you-love-most breathless, Coach Insignia is the place to go. Offering a bird's-eye-view of the cityscape atop the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, Coach Insignia is in a league of its own. And the same could be argued for their menu, as well. The Matt Prentice Restaurant Group’s most illustrious eatery, the cuisine is nothing short of world-class.

Best Restaurant To Have Opened In The Last Year: Nomi
Fabulous — absolutely fabulous is the effect that Nomi has on the community coming from Northville (NOMI = NOrthville MIchigan). From the open, casually sophisticated European-influenced design and motif to the list of well thought-out and sumptuous food to the under-lit honey onyx bar commanding creative presence from the middle of the space, we welcome Rachel Stern and company to the culinary community. We wish you all the best!

Best Restaurant To Rediscover: D’Amatos Restaurant
In this casual, comfortable, upscale establishment, located a bit off the beaten path in downtown Royal Oak, one may find a trusted treasure to return to time and again, as this establishment was voted Best Restaurant to Rediscover. Enticed by the sweet macadamia nut-crusted Chilean sea bass, or the New Zealand lamb rack chops, one may come to find a preference for these tidy tenants near the train tracks. Touché!

Best Restaurant For Romance: Ristorante Café Cortina
Café Cortina, named after the city of Cortina d’Ampezzo in The Veneto of Northeastern Italy, is definitely one of the most charming dining destination locations in the Detroit area. If fortunate enough to secure a seat fireside, your experience will be twice warmed in this, the absolute best restaurant for that special romantic evening. The Tonon Family is most dedicated in what they do; from your arrival to your departure, permit the romance of Italy to transport you.

Best Place For Appetizers: Centaur Bar
Inviting approximately 300 guests in through their doors at capacity, the staff of Centaur welcomes the public into an original 1920s art deco environment with two levels. Originally the old Iodent toothpaste factory, now such items as mini crab cakes and “lollipop” lamb chops, lovely sautéed shrimp and caviar are the order. Perfectly situated for downtown sporting events or entertainment events at the nearby theatres, coming here becomes a requirement.

Best Patio: Fishbone's
No matter which of the Fishbone's locations you frequent, you’re sure to feel as if you have entered a time gone by, consistently serving some of the best shrimp Creole, crawfish étouffée and jambalaya that will leave you sated but wanting more. We especially love the big beautiful patio at the St. Clair Shores location. Beautifully designed and very expansive, this fantastic addition in SCS is the best. Also of note: the fabulous indoor patio buttressing GreekTown Casino and that awesome waterfall.

Best Restaurant For Live Music: Memphis Smoke
House of the “smokin’ casual blues,” Memphis Smoke has some of the best damn ribs, catfish and pulled pork you can ever wrap your lips around. Don’t forget to chew your food well, because you’re gonna have a raucous good time with all that live music six nights a week — and Real Detroit doesn’t want you to get hurt. So enjoy the pig-couture interior design and rooftop dining, too. Weather permitting, of course!

Best 24-Hour Restaurant: Leo’s Coney Island
With over 20 locations in the greater Detroit area, the Royal Oak site is one of the larger Leo’s that also stays open 24 hours. It is the perfect place to procure that late-night nibble and nosh. The Greek salads always do right, as does the spinach pie. A hearty bowl of chili is always to be considered, perhaps with a side of fries. The people-watching is at a premium, so enjoy the visit!

Best Sunday Brunch: Fishbone's
Fishbone's is feel-good: The food is warming, the menu marvelous and the atmosphere outstanding — no matter which location you may frequent. Of special interest here is the stellar Sunday brunch. With boundless options to fill your fancy into fruition with fantastic food-fluidity, you may just want to start with a plate of this, or a plate of that or the other, as you enjoy the best Sunday brunch in town.

Best Breakfast: Toast
This sassy little joint on Michigan One opened to overwhelming accolades and has not turned back since. Driven and sincere, the good people at Toast muster up the strength to present their best seven days a week for those breakfast and lunch crowds. Sample the Greek omelet or breakfast burrito. It’s all good in this upbeat, happy and fun little breakfast joint.

Best Coffee: Starbucks
There is something very valid to be said for good standards that are set by right minds in corporate environments; good products are procured with right variety to be used in correct preparations at friendly, fun, locally-managed environments. Starbucks pays very real attention to the quality of beans bought, the roasting techniques and delivery to the customer. With a host of “single origins, blends & exclusives” from vast corners of the world, we as local consumers should be very pleased for the great coffee Starbucks brings us.

Best Coffee House: AJ’s Cafe
Coffee, cold beverages, sandwiches and soups, entertainment, activity, communityannouncements and more — this is what we expect from a quality coffee house. A coffee house doesn't just sell coffee and pastries and the like, a coffee house is a community gathering place where acquaintances are made, friendships are formed and deals are done. And AJ’s is just that: a coffee house that is true in concept to providing community placed-ness while posturing itself to the mighty bean. Good job!

Best Bagel: New York Bagel Baking Co.
The Goldsmith Family has been boiling and baking bagels for three generations. So many of us grew up on this Central/Eastern European import that we hardly know it is not an American invention. With enough varieties to knock your socks off, there is a bagel for every buyer. So walk in and ask for a classic plain, egg or onion bagel. Try something different if it's sweet you like or cheese is your thing. But what you cannot ignore is the preeminence of the New York Bagel.

Best Bakery: Astoria Pastry Shop
We have always adored Astoria in Greektown. But when a new location was opened a few years ago in Royal Oak, well now — we were just delighted. Displaying the most visually stimulating baked goods in Detroit, the eye cannot help but be attracted to the street-side windows. Offering traditional, special occasion and special diet delights, this local company shines sumptuously in its pristine pastries pulling paradoxical flights of feeling from every follower.

Best Diner: Plaka Café
If ever there was a classic diner to be found in D-Town, Plaka Café is the one. Known for their breakfast service in this very casual environment on the Greektown strip, one can come back for lunch (Coney dogs), dinner (gyros) or breakfast again at 4 a.m. Open 24 hours, this is as good as it gets for a true urbanite. Eat up and enjoy the people parade that passes before your eyes. Amen!

Best Vegetarian Food: Sweet Lorraine’s
Gloriously ancient in image, her Southfield, Livonia and Downtown Detroit locations embrace our community. Starting with her famous sweets, Lorraine has grown to offer the entire metro-Detroit area good quality, smartly plated, reasonably priced fare for everyone with fabulous vegetarian options that have gotten her praise across the board. The dining environments are smart, sassy, and lend a bit of bounce to the experience.

Best Coney Island: National Coney Island
James Giftos established his first National Coney Island in 1965. As the Giftos Family is still running the show, and home base is in Roseville, you can frequent one of many locations throughout the state of Michigan. The grilled chicken salad with the poppy seed dressing is a favorite, as well as the Hani Special. The Coney dogs, of course, are a huge draw along with the fries, shakes and other goodies.

Best Fast Food: McDonald’s
As our culture takes healthier and greener directions, and as the acceptance and economic validity of those directions become predominant, we see shifts on all levels, including traditional meals on the go, or, if you will, “fast food.” McDonald's has clearly made no exception in its efforts to be a leader in new fast food trends. As we understand this and recognize this, we offer our praise to the company with the golden arches.

Best French Fries: Bastone
Among the many manifestations of dining delights in downtown Royal Oak, one may decide to drop in at Bastone. French-Flemish-inspired with a casual tone at the corner of Fifth and Main, Bastone’s menu is broad enough to speak to mature adults, single folks, moms and dads on the go and children, too. Look for the pork medallions or roasted salmon, as well as the terrific starters which include their award-winning pommes-frites (" french fries" en français).

Best Slider: Hunter House Detroit
Home of those famous sliders, good friends gather in this gorgeous contemporary venue sheltered within the walls of the downtown location of the Hilton Garden Inn. With their traditional lunch menu, as well as a more upscale dinner menu, Mark, Debbie and crew bring some beautiful creations to visiting performers, businessmen and residents alike who cannot help but gravitate back to the basics with the famous Hunter House slider.

Best Bar Burger: Mr. B’s Pub
Sporting a handful of locations in Michigan, Mr. B’s, especially in downtown Royal Oak, has been synonymous with wonderful outdoor casual dining in the warmer months. Doing a brisk lunch business, as well as casual dinner, one can pop in and get something light, like Buffalo wings or quesadilla rolls. But for the serious burger aficionado, this is it, folks. All ages and backgrounds frequent this establishment ... even young mothers pushing strollers.

Best Bar Food: Terry’s Terrace
The oldest restaurant in Harrison Twp., Terry’s Terrace dates to the early-mid part of the last century as a German beer garden. With house favorites like the prime rib and fish and chips, current owners Ron and Nick Ritts have taken the menu in a more casual direction, offering “lighter” plates that include the best damn bar food in town. Check out the Chicken Club Tacos!

Best Sandwich: Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
Named for the founder Jimmy John Liautaud and founded in 1983, this franchise-based company with the “irreverent” attitude has several locations in the Detroit area. Believing in the freshness of products from daily baked bread to fresh sliced vegetables to genuine all-meat products, success is measured by “position of power in a worldwide sandwich empire.” And with the fast growth and excellent product that we see, they are the best.

Best Sub: Tubby’s Grilled Submarines
With nearly 75 locations from East to West, and North to South in this vast megalopolis we call Detroit, Tubby’s “grilled submarines” are the best to be found, according to all you readers. And with good judgment, you have awarded Tubby’s this distinction, truly distinct as a Detroit creation, cullying our opinions together to form one voice crying for that special submarine. And in honor of the good people of Detroit, a new creation called The Detroiter has been made.

Best Pizza (Round): Como’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
This family run, family venue is full of fascinating “family” folk frequenting its rooms by day, evening or late at night. Truly a dynamic atmosphere with a magnificent cross-section of society, everyone at one time or another comes for the pristine pizza pie. Salads and appetizers are always good here, as well as the veal Alitalia. And make note: The kitchen does stay open quite late!

Best Pizza (Deep Dish): Pizzapapalis Taverna
Citing several locations in the state of Michigan, since 1986 this estabishment has been serving up the best deep dish pies around. But they don’t stop there. Try the pastas, sandwiches and salads. There’s lots of friendly finger food too, like chicken fingers, chicken wings, fries and mozzarella sticks. And can you believe the Greektown location seats about 300 people?! Now, that’s some business. Opa!

Best Restaurant To Take A Date: Tom’s Oyster Bar
For two decades now, Tom Brandel and company have been bringing the best from the boatswain’s barge to our tables. The lovely expanded space in the Royal Oak location is a definite plus, while other locations include the fabulous new venue in Rochester Hills. This space is a great place to take a date because of the wonderful corners in this curvaceous design creation.

Best Ribs: Oxford Inn
Recently expanded to accommodate an already large (and growing) demand, one finds a small, vibrant gathering of adults at the bar in the newly renovated front room, while contrasting cuddles of families fluster themselves over the slow-cooked barbequed baby back ribs that are the signature dish.

Best Steakhouse: Morton’s The Steakhouse
This venue, with superb name recognition originating from Chicago, offers the finest cuts of beef available, including their outstanding filets and prime rib. The wine list is spectacular, to say the least. Bar 1221, named for the premier date of the very first venue in the year 1978, offers a clubby atmosphere with a fantastic appetizer menu and extensive martini list. After all these years, Morton's continues to impress.

Best Soul Food Restaurant: Beans & Corn Bread
This casual family-style venue is not just one of the best Southern-inspired houses in town, it has also become an entertainment venue. With recent interior modifications, live jazz and the like is being offered in the newly re-tooled bar area on Friday and Saturday evenings. And though it makes a great place for a date keep in mind that amilies can still comfortably share some of that famous cookin'.

Best Restaurant For Pasta: Mario’s Italian Restaurant
Seating close to 400 people in various dining rooms, this half-century old eatery comes to be full when guests gather, banquets abound, the theatre curtain comes to rise and the sporting events envelop the city. Owner Vince Passalacqua always has his hands full as he juggles this age-old venue along with his newer location in Troy. Among the many things diners anticipate is the always-presented middle course of pasta.

Best Seafood Restaurant: Fishbone's
The environment in this establishment has to be one of the most stimulating to the eye in these parts. With an almost absurdly thrown together assemblage of styles dating from the turn of the 20th century until now, you’ll found yourself drawn into the experience before you know what hit you. The sushi list is to die for, but if only one choice must be made from the menu, choose the Gumbo Ya Ya. It’s the best in town!

Best Cajun: Howe’s Bayou
This jewel of Ferndale is as close to the Bayou as any Detroiter is going to get without actually making a trip to The Big Easy. Authentic-style Cajun and Creole is how the folks at Howe’s Bayou describe their menu. They serve up some sumptuous jambalaya, and heavenly crawfish étouffée. Their Voodoo Shrimp will blow you over; the seasonings and spices are just too damn fine. The menu also offers many other selections for those who prefer other flavor directions, but the flavor is never lost. And remember: Laissez Les Bons Temps Roulet!

Best Greek: Pegasus Restaurant & Taverna
Over a generation, Jim Pappas has transformed his Pegasus Taverna into one of the mighty anchors of the GreekTown community. Dressed in warm, rich wood tones, this titillating tavern emanates aromas of lamb chops, steaks and seafood. Sample the stuffed grape leaves. Try the Greek trio. Have a cocktail or glass of wine. Oh hell, just come on in and enjoy yourself at this, the Best Greek place in town.

Best Indian: Priya
Since 1996, Priya has steadily garnered a good name for itself as a destination for Indian food in metro-Detroit. This family-casual restaurant gives a full range of plates to consider, with various options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Of the more popular plates, one may try the chicken tikka masala or the palak paneer (a spinach and cheese dish in a cream sauce). RDW readers proved that Priya is truly the premier restaurant for Indian cuisine in Detroit.

Best Mexican: Xochimilco Restaurant
Operating for many, many years now, just about everyone under the sun in the city of Detroit has come here. We have watched this establishment grow, remain busy ... and even get busier! Standout items on the menu include the chicken Milanese and the chicken mole. The fajitas are always featured as well as the chimichangas, botanas, burritos and so many others. The reasons are many and good as to why this restaurant represents the best of Detroit. ¡Gracias! "I can't tell you how long making a monthy trip to Xochimilco has been a tradition in my family," said Real D voter Gerald C. of Harper Woods.

Best Middle-Eastern: Anita’s Kitchen
This family-casual dining establishment in Troy with the quaint lunch counter offers a Lebanese-focused menu that is about half vegetarian in composition. The new location in Ferndale has taken off in a flurry, garnering quick conversation all up and down Woodward Avenue. Favorite starters include stuffed grape leaves and kabobs. For lunch or dinner try the vegetarian lasagna, or perhaps the hummus and tabbouleh are more to your liking. Whichever way you go, finish with the homemade rice pudding. "I've been to Beirut," said Jennie B. of Oak Park, "and Anita's is as close as it as it comes to their cuisine in our neck of the woods."

Best Italian: Andiamo
Boasting nearly a dozen locations, including the flagship on E. 14 Mile Rd. in Warren with the well-established entertainment venue, and also the Andiamo and Second City in Novi, this company is, at its heart, a family establishment. The Royal Oak location, like perhaps the one in Rochester Hills, is intimate and warm with windows opening street-side. The offerings will warm you even more with the gorgonzola gnocchi or various beef and veal dishes. Buon appetito!

Best Chinese: Peking House
This house is large in stature, nicely appointed with mauve tones and black accents to show off its casual sophistication as a dining destination location. With a solid menu and consistent execution in its plating over the years, Peking House has offered such items as coconut chicken or shrimp toast to start. Such favorite main course plates might include the Gold Coin beef or the house eggplant entrée. Check out the sauces, as they are extraordinary.

Best Japanese: Katana Nu-Asian Steakhouse
Located in the vibrant restaurant reservoir of Royal Oak, Katana calls itself a Nu-Asian Japanese Steakhouse. Specializing in small plates, sushi, sashimi and other glorious fish, as well as steak (of course), this fairly recent addition to the scene has garnered just the right kind of hubbub to have led our readers to declare it the Best Japanese restaurant. Good work deserves good reward. Well done, and thank you!

Best Thai: Sala Thai
Appointed in a charming and cozy wood interior, the Sala Thai location at the edge of the Eastern Market seats about 80 people in this historic building as it serves a brisk business during lunch at this location, as well as the others. We would be inclined to visit more leisurely at dinner to eat the almost erotic Gaeng Kheaw Waan, as this plate is a perfect example of the sexiness of the sauces that are produced by Sala Thai. "If you think you have a fave Thai place in town, think again," wrote in Vanessa O. from the city of Grosse Pointe.

Best Pan-Asian: Mon Jin Lau
This charming, legendary and hip Troy restaurant has been a local staple for decades, and it’s easy to see why with their delicious blend of exquisite and elegant cuisine that spans the Orient. From the mouthwatering appetizers, such as Ocean Confetti, to their delectable filets, scrumptious scallops and wonderful dessert tray, Mon Jin Lau offers an enchanting dining experience with dishes that please the palette and keep everyone, from regulars to celebrities, coming back to share a meal with friends new and old.


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