You can’t go wrong when choosing a restaurant in Detroit. The Motor City has so many fine dining establishments that it’s almost hard to try every one. If you’re looking for a more unique experience in the city, these 8 places are where you need to be. Mix things up a little and try one of these amazing restaurants right here in Detroit.

Editor’s Note: Gogo’s and Gold Cash Gold have, sadly, closed their doors. Still longing for a uniquely Detroit experience to add to this dining bucket list? Visit one of the area’s themed restaurants for an unforgettable dining experience.

1. Dime Store
Lisa W./Yelp
Dime Store takes a fun spin on brunch that you won't find anywhere else. With an enticing menu, you'll return in a heartbeat after dining at this place.
719 Griswold St #180, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Francis R./Yelp
Dime Store is located at 719 Griswold St. Ste. 180, Detroit, MI 48226.
2. Moro's Dining
Moro's D./Yelp
Moro's is one of Detroit's best Italian restaurants, but what makes it unique is that servers are dressed in tuxedos, making it feel very classy and old school. Their flaming dessert is created tableside, which is worth trying just for the show.
6535 Allen Rd, Allen Park, MI 48101, USA
Moro's D./Yelp
Moro's is located at 6535 Allen Rd. Allen Park, MI 48101.
3. GoGo's
2040 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Anna V./Yelp
GoGo's served up classic Hawaiian street food and mixed in some Asian dishes as well. They had tasty lunch plates that consisted of a salad, macaroni salad, rice, and a main dish of your choosing: garlic shrimp, broccoli in peanut sauce, shoyu chicken thighs, teriyaki steak, or loco moco, which is a hamburger with a fried egg on top. GoGo's was located at 2040 Park Ave., Detroit, MI 48226.
4. Cadieux Cafe
CadieuxCafe Detroit/Yelp
Where else can you eat mussels, drink beer, watch a live band, and feather bowl all in one place?
4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI 48224, USA
David G./Yelp
Cadieux Cafe is located at 4300 Cadieux Rd., Detroit, MI 48224.
5. The Dakota Inn Rathskeller
Ken M./Yelp
This place has excellent German food, great German beer, and awesome weekend piano-accompanied sing-alongs! See? One could enjoy themselves before T.V. or smartphones...
17324 John R St, Detroit, MI 48203, USA
Ken M./Yelp
The Dakota Inn Rathskeller is located at 17324 John R. St., Detroit, MI 48203.
6. Johnny Noodle King
country a./Yelp
Try mouthwatering ramen and outstanding bacon fried rice at Johnny Noodle King. It is a wonderful little oasis in an industrial part of Detroit.
2601 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48216, USA
Polish K./Yelp
Johnny Noodle King is located at 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, MI 48216.
7. Gold Cash Gold
Al M./Yelp
What made this restaurant unique is that it was located in a re-purposed pawn shop and a terrific place for Detroit foodies.
2100 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, USA
Al M./Yelp
Gold Cash Gold is located at 2100 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48216.
8. Kresge Court at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Michelle D./Yelp
You'll feel like you've been transported to another era dining at this amazing and one-of-a-kind space right inside the DIA. Also, their charcuterie boards are impressive!
5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Susan N./Yelp
Kresge Court is located at 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202.

Have you been to any of these unique restaurants here in Detroit? Let us know about your dining experiences in the comment section below!

If you’re looking for more unique dining experiences in the Motor City, then you can’t miss this gorgeous mansion that’s now an incredible restaurant!

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More to Explore

The Best Places To Eat In Detroit

William Suphan | January 19, 2023

What are the most historic restaurants in Detroit?

The most historic restaurants in Detroit include:

  • The Whitney. The building was built in 1894 and was home to the richest man in the city, and the restaurant was named after him.
  • Amore de Roma. This was once the Roma Cafe which got its start in 1888 and the new iteration holds onto the charm and quality of the original.
  • Jacoby’s. This restaurant opened in 1904 and has been a hotspot for German cuisine and brews ever since.
  • Cadieux Cafe. This was once a speakeasy that drew Belgian residents and now serves delicious Belgian cuisine and has live music.

Find out more about the most historic restaurants in Detroit.

What are the best waterfront restaurants in Detroit?

The best waterfront restaurants in Detroit include:

  • Andiama Detroit Riverfront. This is a Detroit staple and has amazing Italian food using freshly made pasta.
  • Mike’s on the Water. Come here for the most delicious lobster rolls around and amazing views of Lake St. Clair.
  • Joe Muer Seafood. This is known as one of the best seafood restaurants in the city and is great for a romantic dinner.
  • Webber’s Waterfront Restaurant. This restaurant sits where the Ottawa River flows into Lake Erie and draws diners from Michigan and Ohio.

Discover more about the best waterfront restaurants in Detroit. 

What are the best little-known restaurants near Detroit?

The best little-known restaurants near Detroit include:

  • Chela’s Restaurant. This is a local chain and has some amazing street tacos and other excellent Mexican dishes.
  • Coriander Kitchen and Farm. This is one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the city with the freshest produce around.
  • The Last Word. This is a speakeasy restaurant that’s hard to spot but well worth finding with amazing charcuterie boards and elegant cocktails.
  • Kate’s Kitchen. This is the place for hearty, satisfying breakfasts and classic homemade lunches with scrumptious pies.

Learn more about the best little-known restaurants near Detroit. 

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