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The Real Best of Detroit 2009, Best Restaurant To Have Opened In The Last Year: Rojo Mexican Bistro
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The Real Best of Detroit 2009
Best Restaurant To Have Opened In The Last Year: Rojo Mexican Bistro
The vibrant red walls evoke the intensity of Latin passion and once you combine the enticing ambience with the tantalizing, spicy and authentic Mexican dishes, you wind up with the feeling you’re somewhere south of the border. Rojo is by far the best restaurant to have opened its doors in the last year, the combination of its upscale and intimate décor mixed with the mouth-watering cuisine helped it climb to the very top of our "Best Of" list. Beginning with the food, these dishes are sinfully scrumptious, prepared by renowned executive chef Luis Garza and inspired by old family recipes that are made from only the freshest of ingredients.
Their signature lobster quesadillas and stuffed roasted Poblano peppers can all be washed down with a margarita made with your choice of one of their 110 tequila options. These blends come from all over the world. But be careful when ordering those shots, Rojo’s exclusive tequila selection ranges in price quite a bit, we’re talking $7 to $100, so be sure not to order the wrong brand when you're offering to buy that next round.
The artwork of Rojo demands some serious attention, as well. Renowned Detroit artists Andrzej Sikora painted the murals that decorate each wall. It shows the story of where the tequila came from. Through the images of Sikora’s masterpiece, you can witness the grueling process performed by workers in an agave field and tequila factory. Sikora has also done mural work for the Detroit Opera House as well as the Renaissance Center. His work for Rojo Mexican Bistro gives the restaurant an extra air of sophistication unlike any other Mexican restaurant you’ve ever been to. The sophistication may also be in part due to the fact that Rojo is the latest venture into the elegant dining world made by the folks responsible for Andiamo’s, so Rojo’s quality really isn’t all that surprising. Experience it for yourself and trust us, you won’t regret it. | RDW
Since 1929, the historic Detroit landmark has been the place to go for years if you’re wasted at 4 a.m. and find yourself in need of food and want it fast. Their coney dogs are an infamous Detroit staple and the perfect late night fix after a night of partying, a good concert or a sporting event. What better way to drown your sorrows after an inevitable Lions loss than with a plate of chili fries or a platter of coney dogs? It doesn’t get much more authentic than Lafayette Coney Island. As much a symbol of the city as the Joe Louis fist, Detroiters would be lost without this lovely little dive. On top of that, Lafayette’s late night treat speediness is hard to beat. | RDW
Whether vegetarian or meat eater, a lover of spicy food or a mild mannered foodie, Mon Jin Lau offers the best Pan-Asian food this side of the Eastern hemisphere. For the uninitiated few that haven't been yet, this classy Troy restaurant offers a plethora of dishes that delivers considerably on flavor and taste. Are you a noodle lover? Mon Jin Lau’s Seafood Spicy Noodles and Pad Thai are perfect examples of how a restaurant should prepare the dish. For the veggie lover, the eatery makes the crispiest fried tofu with the silkiest insides for the Ma Po Tofu dish. Check out MJL sushi and an enjoyable dining experience and tasty fun. | RDW
Best Restaurant to Rediscover: Mario’s
Established in 1948, Mario’s is the epitome of old school cool. With its charming, traditional Italian supper club atmosphere, Mario’s resembles a restaurant out of an old gangster movie. Small touches like a relish tray served to your table upon seating and experiencing the indecision of flipping through the tome of a menu, maintain the timeless feel. The establishment keeps with the times by offering dining packages for Tigers games and events all over the city. | RDW
On the corner of Sixth and Washington, in downtown Royal Oak, rests a complex of deliciousness. This flavorful building, which houses the many pursuits of Pronto!, is a full service bakery (along with a restaurant, corner store, bar and more) that welcomes all patrons with a whopping 32 feet of dessert. From massive mile-high chocolate cakes, tantalizing torts and tarts, brownies of all shapes, sizes and flavors and cookies that range from traditional to experimental and beyond, Pronto! has slowly cultivated the perfect dessert line after 18 years in business. The name of this array of savory sweets and tasty treats? Exactly what you might think — Tummy Luv. | RDW
Though the term “oyster bar” may scare away those who don’t share a love of seafood, Tom’s Oyster Bar is one seafood spot that welcomes palates of all kinds. Offering delectable plates of oysters rockefeller, chicken roulade and the traditional surf and turf, all product is flown in daily. So whether you’re downtown taking in a ballgame or in Royal Oak enjoying the beautiful summer sunshine, Tom’s Oyster Bar is ready, willing and able to offer up the best seafood you will ever have in your life. | RDW
Best Spanish: Sangria
En Royal Oak, el único lugar en que se puede comer … Oh, sorry. It’s just that Sangria’s Spanish menu is such a welcomed addition to the already-multicultural Detroit cuisine that it’s easy to get a little too excited about it. There are not many places to get fresh-made paella in the area, and Sangria has that, plus much more. With a fantastic selection of tapas, entrees and Spanish wine, it’s the closest to the Iberian Peninsula you can get here in Michigan. All you have to do is drive down to Lafayette St. in downtown Royal Oak and you will be able to escape a Spain-like wonderland of irrestiable food and drink. | RDW
Best Ribs: Oxford Inn
For fall-off-the bone babyback ribs, Royal Oakers know that they don’t have to travel far to get the best in Detroit. Ribs have been the specialty for over 20 years at this English-style pub, which, incidentally, also happens to have steaks, seafood and a full oyster bar. Enjoy the famous sweet ribs while relaxing in booths and watching the big game. | RDW
Best Polish: Polish Village Cafe
This is the same place where babcis with their babushkas, actors (Renee Zellweger) and presidents go for exceptional Polish food. President Bill Clinton stopped in the PVC during one of his campaign trips and loved the food and atmosphere of this hip little rathskeller restaurant. A popular place for locals, artists and suburbanites, the PVC is great for food and conversation. Stop by and converse with owner Ted Wietrzykowski or daughter Carolyn and enjoy the wide selection of Polish piwo (beer). | RDW
Best Restaurant To Be Seen At: Mon Jin Lau
The dark, mysterious atmosphere of Mon Jin Lau is the perfect setting for a chance encounter with those you know and those you’re yet to meet. Though the metro area is filled with places to see and be seen, Troy’s famous sushi restaurant shows that you’ve got taste and class. Whether it’s sipping on a cocktail at the winding bar, glowing in the candlelight or sitting tucked away in a corner booth munching on one of the exquisite dishes, you’re sure to be noticed.
Best Restaurant For Romance: The Melting Pot
Casanovas know that there's nothing more intimate and romantic than cooking and feeding your date delicious morsels of food and drinking in a special setting. At The Melting Pot you can flirt over the fondue pot, sip a little wine and get close and cozy. This is the perfect place to set up your night and get those sparks flying. Close the deal dripping a little extra chocolate dipped strawberry on her lips ... you know how to clean it up, Romeo.
Best Diner: Fleetwood Diner
This greasy little Ann Arbor hangout is a favorite for a late night dinner or morning after recovery breakfast. It’s a bit dusty, it’s cheap, and it looks like it’s stuck in the 1950s so it’s pretty much the epitome of what a diner should be. But it’s also got a few extra quirks, like the fact that they’ve got a fairly vegetarian friendly menu and their infamous hippie hash has kept them coming for miles around.
Best Restaurant With Live Music: Memphis Smoke
Sure, here in Detroit we don’t lack for a variety of venues to listen to live tunes, but the majority of them cannot boast a menu you crave regardless of who may be playing that evening. That’s why Royal Oak’s Memphis Smoke tops our best list for "Restaurant With Live Music." Just the thought of their BBQ’d goodness makes our mouths water. Blackened catfish or old-fashioned jambalaya while listening to some guy whaling out the blues or rock, how could you go wrong?
Best First Date Restaurant: Big Rock Chop House
There are many reasons the Big Rock Chop House is the best for a first date. First of all you can loosen those first date jitters with a few stiff drinks at the Got Rocks Ultra Lounge martini bar for starters, and second what date wouldn’t be impressed with the menu and décor of this renovated 1930s train station. Sure, it may be pricey, but with it’s live music and romantic ambience you’re almost guaranteed a second date.
Best Restaurant For Appetizers: Chen Chow
If you’re in the mood for some munchies and looking for a place to satisfy your cravings in an elegant and relaxed setting, it seems that Birmingham’s Chen Chow is the best place to go. Good appetizers are a main ingredient to any good evening, (along with fine drinks) and Chen Chow provides the perfect recipe in the form of 28 bite-sized sushi dishes at reasonable prices. This is the perfect beautiful place to hoist a glass of sake (or two) and engage in some good conversation.
Best Bang For Your Buck: Subway
You’ve sung the song. “Five … Five dollar footlongs!” This Subway song craze has become so ingrained in Detroiter’s minds that it has singlehandedly taken Subway over the top in the "Best Bang For Your Buck" category of our ’09 poll. Subway sandwiches offer endless sandwich customizations with a plethora of tasty topping possibilities that'll have your mouth watering. And who would feel bad about spending a Lincoln on a foot of delicious submarine? Certainly, not us or any of our faithful readers who voted Subway a winner.
Best Chili: Cheli’s Chili
The proof is in the pudding — just look at the name of the joint! Obviously, in this case, the proof is the healthy heaps of steaming hot chili that heats us up in the winter and tastes so good in every other season. Even on a hot summer's day, we never have to think of an excuse to gobble gratuitious spoonfuls of the delicious stuff. With locations in Dearborn, Detroit and Chesterfield Township, it goes without saying that this sports-centric hub of chili is always nearby no matter where you call home.
Best Coney Island: National Coney Island
National Coney Island is the best because when you see that signature name, you know you’re not in for some mystery coney with strange variations of your favorite late night food. The National name guarantees that you know what you’re in for ... and it will be delicious. Most are 24-hours, they’ve remained a comforting staple for almost 50 years now. Lord knows that all of your late nights out would not end the same way they usually do if there wasn't a National in close proximity. After all, where else can you grab one last cold beer, a Hani or those special coney dogs that you can only get at a National? Nowhere, except for this award winner, National Coney Island, which has been deemed by Real Detroit readers as "Best Coney Island."
Best 24-Hour Restaurant: Plaka Coney Island
Located in the heart of Greektown, Plaka Coney Island offers the best food 24-hours, after a day or night of drinking or gambling, for miles around. You can stumble in at six in the AM and still get a quality gyro, flaming saganaki or a good old fashioned Coney island-like breakfast. And if you lost more than you wanted at one of the area's casino slots, you’ll still be able to afford some good
Best Delivery: Jimmy John’s
Looking for a delicious alternative to a greasy pizza late into the eve, but too lazy to venture out of the house? Well luckily there’s always Jimmy John’s. The best food available for delivery for miles around, you can always rely on a satisfying sub from their unbeatable selection of gourmet sandwiches, made to order. It’s the best and most reliable delivery you can ask for.
Best Coffee House: Biggby’s Coffee
Forget the bitter taste of some joints, homegrown Biggby’s Coffee has the most rich and full blends of java around. They’re unique and quality blends of house coffee are the perfect way to start the morning or reenergize your mid-afternoon caffeine need. They offer a great selection of handcrafted beverages to choose from, not to mention the delicious array of sandwiches, wraps and pastries to compliment your beverage choice.
Best Coffee: Dunkin Donuts
The best way to start your morning is with a fresh cup of fast, cheap quality coffee from Dunkin Donuts. Their blends of 100% Arabica beans are a smooth and refreshing way to kick off your day. One of the best parts is most have drive-thru’s so you don’t even need to leave your car early morning or in the dead of winter. Don’t worry about what size a "grande" is or anything like that, it’s just a classic cup of good ol' fashioned joe.
Best Bagel: New York Bagel
The name says it all ... a bagel from Ferndale’s New York Bagel really does compare to the quality of those you'd find on every corner bagel shop in the Big Apple ... right here in Detroit. They’re crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside and always hot and fresh. Top them off with one of their signature cream cheeses (the veggie one is delicious) or dip them in a bowl of their exquisite soups and you’re good to go!
Best Breakfast: Toast
The bright and sunny atmosphere of Toast makes it a great way to start your morning. It only takes one quick glance over the menu to notice the great food. You’ll see items you never knew existed and inspired twists on the old standby breakfast classics. Portions are generous and the coffee is superb. Don’t let the line out the door at prime time breakfast hours deter you from trying this place, it’s most definitely worth the wait.
Best Sunday Brunch: Fishbone’s Greektown
From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. every Sunday you can enjoy a feast of a Sunday Brunch at Fishbone’s in Greektown. Whether you wake up in the mood for breakfast or lunch, you'll want to treat yourself to the amazing array of spectacular food like the Omelet Station, where you choose the fixings or feast on the other traditional breakfast dishes they have. Whatever you’re in the mood for, at Fishbone's, they’ve got your belly covered.
Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Inn Season
Even if you enjoy a good old steak now and again, the Inn Season vegetarian restaurant will make you forget that your meal is lacking in the animal department. All of their food is made from organic, locally grown ingredients and the menu options vary depending on what’s in season, so you know your guaranteed freshness. From salads to pizza to pasta, you’ll find something to satisfy your hunger whether you’re a herbivore, carnivore or anything in between.
Best Steakhouse: Gaucho Brazilian
With 15 different varieties of meat to choose from Gaucho Brazilian is the place in town for good steak. The vibrant atmosphere will make you feel like you’re dining in somewhere in exotic South America as will the food, It’s unlike anything, anywhere for miles. The meat is cooked and served in traditional Brazilian style by specially trained Gauchos (meat carvers) who’ll feed you until you couldn’t possibly eat anymore. Nothing but the best here!
Best Soul Food Restaurant: Beans and Cornbread
All the taste of good old fashioned soul food minus the trans fat. Well, that helps make Beans and Cornbread the "Best Soul Food" joint in Detroit ... Along with the fact that their authentic take on traditional meals goes unmatched in taste and style. Their signature dishes like B & C’s Fried Chicken or Baby Sister’s Backyard-Style Ribs will have you coming back for more. On weekends, they feature live jazz and R&B and also have a wonderfully original drink menu with a wine and martini sidebar.
Best Seafood Restaurant: Streetside
Not only does Streetside Seafood offer the finest fish in town, they also have the perfect wine to complement each dish, over 35 varieties to be exact. The food is fresh, gathered from the waters of both the east and west coasts. The atmosphere is casual, a New York-style sophistication found right in downtown Birmingham. Some delightful entrees include the panko crusted lobster tail and the Mahi Mahi fajitas are unlike anything you’ve tried before ... certainly they're the best in town!
Best Restaurant For Pasta: Lelli’s Inn
Lelli’s Inn is by far the best place to go if you’re in the mood for some authentic Northern Italian style pasta dishes. They offer outstanding six-course meals featuring their signature homemade egg pastas. The recipe has been in the family for years, since the original location opened off of Woodward way back in 1939. While that location is gone, the Auburn Hills location caries on the tradition of bringing delectable bolognese, spaghetti, mostaccioli and fettucine in more ways than your mouth could dream of. Lelli’s has been family owned and operated for over 60 years. While the traditional Northern Italian meal may come at a cost, the experience one gets when tasting their delicious dishes is priceless.
Best BBQ Restaurant: Slow’s Bar•B•Q
This isn't the place where you want to just grab a quick bite. At Slow’s, you'll reward yourself better by hanging out. This is the kind of place where you eat slowly and converse and enjoy their awesome food. This hip Corktown hangout is best suited to sitting for a while and enjoying a brew from their extensive beer list while waiting for your slow-smoked baby back ribs or pulled pork sandwiches to make their way to your table. Even if pork’s not your thing, Slow’s serves up a mean brisket, tender smoked chicken and rich, creamy mac-n-cheese. From the hardwood and brick interior to the intimate patio, Slow’s combines comfort and style with the "Best BBQ" in town.
Best Tex-Mex: Cactus Jack’s
Cactus Jack’s is a bunch of good things all in one spot. A young and fun neighborhood pub specializing in Tex-Mex food, there are daily (yes, even on the weekend) drink specials, weekday lunch deals and live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Oh yeah, and you can eat outside. Enjoy a priced-to-sell margarita and a plate of nachos grande on Auburn Road in Utica.
Best Burrito: Zumba
When you walk into Zumba, it's hard to decide whether you are about to sit down for some fancy authentic Mexican cuisine or get one of those quick-order chain restaurant burritos you can find at about every major intersection. Thankfully, Zumba is the best of both worlds. Don’t be fooled by the fact that you order at the counter, because your tortilla is filled with fresh, healthy ingredients. ¡Que bueno!
Best Fried Chicken: Chicken Shack
Chicken Shack is no-nonsense fried chicken. As straightforward as its name, there is no gimmick here. No fancy interior necessary, no cutesy slogan … this place doesn’t need it. It’s just good food. When Detroiters want chicken, ribs or fish (Yep! Fish too … try the perch) for one person or a whole party, they know that this is the place to go. First opened in 1956, there are now 19 different franchises in the area, so wherever you live, support a long-time Michigan business.
Best Salad: Waves Chill & Grill Restaurant
For an island getaway, complete with a Caribbean-inspired menu and indoor tiki huts, Waves is the place to be … and what better to eat on a warm summer day than a great salad. In addition to seafood and steaks, Waves has an assortment of creative salads and dressings to match. If you’re the type who likes to stray from the traditional mixed greens, you’ll enjoy the selection of fruit and nut topped dishes to choose from.
Best Sushi: Crave
For those who are tired of predictable sushi in a casual dining environment, the problem may be that you have not been to Crave. With a trendy dining area, elegant garden for dining al fresco in the nicer seasons and separate lounge for washing down saketinis, Crave delivers high-quality nigiri, sashimi and imaginative rolls made with a bit of Mediterranean flair. Patrons love the high-class atmosphere with meal prices that, while not cheap, are more “Detroit and than L.A."
Best Tapas: Small Plates
With a menu of inventive and artfully-displayed mini-meals, Small Plates takes the tapas concept (Spain’s trademark small, shareable dishes) and makes it their own. With dishes ranging from Pan-Asian to Italian-inspired, with fresh-tasting ingredients and unique flavors, Small Plates is the authority on this style of eating in Detroit.
Best Wings: Hooter’s
Quit drooling, son! This place was built on barbequed wings, not a really awesome array of cute girls with massive boobs. But let’s be honest with ourselves — they are definitely living with two feet firmly planted in the best of both worlds. One of the most endearing things we’ve noticed about this place is how the service makes you forget about the whole chain thing. This is why we frequent a different one each and every week. Did we just say that aloud?
Best Fast Food: McDonald’s
McDonald's is a fighter. Its hard to imagine any restaurant withstanding the PR nightmare they have endured, but with fancy, way-cheaper-than-Starbucks coffee, new, healthy-ish menu items, they took a page out of Madonna’s book and just kept re-inventing themselves. But for everyone that pretends to like the healthy-ish items, but really just wants a Big Mac, the old classics still stand. Wait … Did we just compare McDonald’s to Madonna?
Best Sub-Sandwich: Ricky’s Sub Shop
There are few foods greater then the sandwich (if any exist at all). Therefore, anyone who has seemingly perfected the sandwich, in any of its forms, deserves recognition. And for Ricky’s that would be the sub — served hot or cold, on thick fresh white bread and with the many toppings — very customizable. Patrons can choose from many inexpensive options, ranging from hearty steak sandwiches to the famous Chubby Chicken. Using fresh meats and ingredients, Ricky will put all others to shame. Located in Dearborn on Greenfield just South of Warren, for more than 20 years Ricky’s and its memorable customer service keep customers from all over coming back.
Best Bar Food: Town Tavern
It’s hard to call the Town Tavern’s food “bar food.” Yes, it’s a bar (a tavern, actually) and yes, they serve food, but it must exist somewhere in the Twilight Zone, because this is no ordinary pub grub, even if they do serve burgers. One bite of their gourmet macaroni in the airy, 1930s-style interior and you’ll know that this is a menu to take as seriously as the wine and cocktail list. Also, try their fantastic seafood specials written on the chalkboard.
Best Bar Burger: Mr. B’s
There’s something for everyone at Mr. B’s, with a reasonably priced, crowd-pleasing menu, the Royal Oak establishment nails it every single time. They never promised that the half-pound burgers would be good for the ol’ arteries, but that hasn’t stopped us from enjoying them yet. Today, enjoy, to name a few, the Mushroom, Swiss and Bacon Burger, the Guacamole-Bacon Burger, or keep it simple with the original Slop Burger. With one of these, a beer, a plate of fries and the game on TV, you can’t go wrong.
Best Slider: Emory
Sliders: the food you either love, hate or pretend to hate. Normally served in a greasy fast-food joint, sliders appear a little bit out of context on the trendy menu of The Emory in Ferndale. The mini burgers, served with grilled onions, are, like the rest of the menu, handmade with local ingredients. The burgers are made of beef from a Detroit packing company who grinds fresh daily. Enjoy them for lunch or dinner, when The Emory picks up with the evening bar crowd.
Best Pizza (Round): Como’s
Como’s is the go-to Ferndale spot for big, floppy slices of thin-crust pizza with a multitude of delicious toppings. Summer is prime time to sit back in their big patio/outdoor bar with a couple pizzas, a pitcher (or three) of beer and a bunch of friends until the odd hours of the morning. Yeah, they have other things on the menu, but at Como's, it’s all about the pizza. Well, the liquor too, but this is the “pizza” category.
Best Pizza (Deep-Dish): PizzaPapalis
The general reaction when someone mentions PizzaPapalis is “I love that place!” so it’s no surprise that this Chicago-style pizzeria chain made the cut this year. High-quality ingredients and fresh-daily crust are baked into an edible homage to the Windy City. (But PizzaPapalis exists only in the Detroit area). The really really deep-dish slices are not quite able to be picked up quite like its thin-crust cousin; let’s just say you can see why they call ‘em “pies.”
Best Ice Cream Shop: Ray’s
Ray’s is a reminder of why we love ice cream shops. Since 1958, Ray’s has been serving up its delicious homemade over its soda-fountain counters at the original Royal Oak location, and it’s still owned by the family today. With its classic interior and never-disappointing selection of flavors, it’s no wonder that Ray’s is a local icon. Ever try cinnamon ice cream? Don’t bother anywhere else … Ray’s is just the best. With summer fast approaching it's the perfect time to try Ray's for the first time or visit an old favorite.
Best Chinese: P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
Sure, it’s a national chain. But there’s no denying that P.F. Chang’s is just plain tasty Chinese food. As a step-up from the generic strip mall take-out place, P.F. Chang’s has all of your favorites, such as almond chicken and sweet and sour pork, along with unique creations and addicting appetizers (oh, those lettuce wraps … ). Plus, the welcoming atmosphere and selection of wine, sake and cocktails make it an all-around people pleaser.
Best Greek: Pegasus
Though, like Real Detroit, you may have been drawn into Pegasus for the first time by the sweet neon flashing part-bird, part-horse sign, but the food is what will keep you coming back. With bountiful portions, a full bar and a huge menu, this is a place your yiayia would approve of easily. So next time you’re in Greektown, standing on the street corner while that guy plays mediocre tunes on his trumpet, stop staring at all the similar-looking Greek restaurants and remember that Pegasus is worth your visit this and every time. Their fresh-baked bread and tantalizing appetizers will have you so full you might just have to request that carry-out box before dinner even arrives. Try the Horiatiki (Greek village salad) and Saganaki to start and follow your stomach from there.
Best Indian: Priya Indian Cuisine
If you are a vegetarian or friends with a vegetarian, going out to eat Indian food can be a good idea. Though there are plenty of chicken, lamb and seafood dishes for the omnivores, Priya and its fusion of different regional dishes from all across India provides a large vegetarian portion of the menu that’s authentically vegetarian – not meat-free versions of other foods. If you’ve never tried it, you’ll be surprised at how many ways you can cook with vegetables and lentils, not to mention the homemade cheese. The menu is huge and worth your time — so get there early, with time to spare and a belly that needs to be filled with tasty exotic cuisine. Their naan (a traditional Indian flat bread) is house made and delicious. If it is your first time trying this addicting cuisine, may we recommend, that you and your dining companions order multiple different dishes and do it up family style — trust us, you'll be glad you did — the more you taste the deeper in love you'll fall.
Best Irish: Gus O’Connor’s (Rochester Hills)
If you’ve ever had a pint of Guinness in Ireland, you probably get all snobby every time you drink it here in the States and claim that it’s no good since we don’t have the means to pour it right. Well, not so much anymore. Gus O’Connor’s was literally constructed in Ireland by one of five Guinness-approved pub-builders in the world, then SHIPPED to Michigan, and re-constructed by the same guy. Get your bangers and mash, corned beef, potato leek soup and so much more fantastic food here — it's just like being back in the old country without the lengthy flight and jet leg. In other words: spot-on authentic goodness.
Best Italian: Andiamo’s
Andiamo is a household name in the Detroit area, not just for its 11 locations, but for the all-around enjoyable experience the patrons can expect. Visitors to Andiamo come back again and again for date nights, group dinners and banquets to enjoy the classic Italian food, extensive wine list, beautiful décor and great service. Go once and you’ll be back, it's pretty much a guarantee, because no matter what location you stop in the service will be great, the food fullfilling and the experience worth a return visit.
Best Japanese: Sharaku
You might want to brush up on your Japanese before visiting West Bloomfield’s Sharaku, because this is where you go to get the real deal, from food to interior to staff. Regarded as simply the best Japanese food in Metro-Detroit, Sharaku boasts fresh fish and knowledgeable chefs, the two must-haves for any quality Japanese restaurant. Visit the intimate sushi bar to watch the chefs create their masterpieces right in front of you. With the sushi craze that has taken over the Metro-Detroit area in the past few years, why not take a break from that cookie cutter faux-sushi establishment you've been frequenting and see why Real Detroit and our readers are so enthused about Sharaku.
Best Middle Eastern: Pita Café
If there’s one thing we know in Detroit (other than coney dogs), it’s our beloved Middle Eastern/Mediterranean food. The Pita Café, with locations in Oak Park, Birmingham and Novi, has a menu with all the favorites, plus some. Reliable staples like falafel, hommous and chicken shwarma don’t disappoint, but the large, reasonably priced menu gives plenty of options for the adventurous (swordfish kabob, anyone?). The raw juice bar is a refreshing and healthy perk to this suburbanite favorite.
Best French Fries: Union Street
The fact that french fries aren’t offered by default as a side dish with sandwiches at Midtown’s Union Street should tell you that they’re something special. It’s not that you should expect any fanfare when you order fries at this classic art deco bar, or that they come drowning in melted cheese or accompanied by fancy dipping sauces. Instead, it’s the simple pleasure of getting one big, heaping bowl of thick-cut, perfectly seasoned steak fries and glass bottle of Heinz ketchup delivered to your table that makes the Union Street french fry experience stand out. Effortless, unpretentious, but infinitely delicious — that’s the Union Street bowl o’ fries.
Best Bakery: Milano Bakery
Anchoring the north end of Eastern Market, Milano bakes up a mouth-watering assortment of fresh breads, cakes, pies, cookies and pastries every day. It’s a great place to pick up loaves of Italian bread, cupcakes or danishes to take home, but it’s also a nice spot to sit down for a casual lunch or a cup of coffee after a long morning of shopping at the market or any day. Hearty soups, fresh deli sandwiches and pizzas round out the lunch options. Milano truly has something for everyone, and its fast, friendly service and clean, casual atmosphere make it an inviting stop for Saturday shoppers and greater downtown residents alike. For all of us with a sweet tooth Milano Bakery is like a wet dream on ecstasy.
Best Mexican: Los Galanes
The enticing aroma of fresh, handmade flour tortillas fills your nostrils as soon as you enter Los Galanes. The warm, soft and fluffy flatbreads and mariscos — seafood, for all the gringos out there — set Galanes apart from the many neighboring restaurants in Mexicantown. Shrimp quesadillas and ceviche are just two of Galanes’ many examples of unique shrimp dishes not mentioned in Forrest Gump, but the menu also includes plenty of traditional Mexican offerings, as well. Outdoor patio seating, live entertainment, dancing and, of course, cocktails and Coronas (mmm ... ice cold Coronas with lime have us just yearning for that next Mexican vaca, Galanes is a close second though) make Los Galanes the perfect spot for a fiesta.
Best Thai: Sala Thai
Ironically located in a former fire station, Sala Thai starts more blazes than it puts out with its potent blend of spices, ranging in intensity from the undeniably wimpy mild to the nearly torturous “on fire.” Beyond its signature Thai dishes, this Eastern Market staple also offers a comprehensive sushi menu, unique desserts and a full bar. The dining area’s ambiance is warm and relaxing, ensuring that the restaurant lives up to its name, which means “a place of rest.” Besides its main Eastern Market restaurant, Sala Thai also has two additional locations: one in Detroit’s Lafayette Park and another in Sterling Heights.
Best Cajun: Howe’s Bayou
Yay for Cajun food! While Ferndale isn’t exactly New Orleans, we’re glad to have Howe’s Bayou to recreate a little bit of the fun-loving, "We don’t have this in Detroit" ambience for us. Whether you’re sucking out the heads of crawfish, sampling another Creole seafood dish or munching on a po’ boy with gator sausage (as in alligator … for real), there’s bound to be a new experience awaiting you at Howe's Bayou. It's true, no matter how badly you want it to be, you won't find any hand grenades (for all of us who have experienced and inevitably fell in love with Mardi Gras first hand, hand grenade probably played a huge role in the love affair), but you will find good times and the care-free, laid-back yet wild vibe New Orleans is known for having. Located on Woodward Avenue, north of 9 Mile.
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