The Motor City has an eclectic heritage highlighted by everything from automobiles to superb songwriting, but it may be time for a new star to steal the show. A robust culinary scene has drawn national attention in recent years, as sizzling new dining spots and other foodie offerings have begun providing the city with a whole new recipe for success.
“Meeting planners and attendees will be amazed with the new dining options in downtown Detroit,” says Bill Bohde, senior vice president, sales and marketing for the Detroit Metro CVB, aka Visit Detroit. “From farm-to-table restaurants and local breweries to world-class fine dining and ethnic fare, the options are endless. In fact, 77 new restaurants have opened since 2013 and Detroit was just named the third-hottest, up-and-coming food city in the country by Zagat.”
A New Standard
At the forefront of this tasty trend stands Selden Standard, a 2014 entry onto the scene showcasing small plates with big flavors. Playing into the popular wave of farm-to-fork and handcrafted cocktails, the hip and modern establishment provides a lively and casual vibe to match its creative fare. Inspired creations include its homemade pasta dish squid ink chittara and cool cocktails like the Strawberry Solution, using a Michigan-made rum infused with strawberries.
“The entire restaurant is based around communal dining,” co-owner Evan Hansen remarks. “We like hanging out with our friends and sharing food whether we’re at home or out somewhere, so that’s how the restaurant works, too. We encourage sharing dishes and trying new things through the family-style menu. And there are also several areas of the restaurant designed for larger groups to be able to have their own parties while the restaurant is busy. It’s just more fun that way.”
Another lively new local favorite is Punch Bowl Social, a marvelous mashup of stylish bowling alley/arcade and colorful cuisine. Serving elevated takes on popular pub fare such as pigs-in-a-blanket, deviled eggs and chicken wings—and countless other options—the venue is the perfect place for a group looking to let their collective hair down and just have some fun. PBS can host affairs ranging from 10 to 1,200, and in addition to its lanes offers everything from video games and ping-pong to billiards and beyond.
Wright & Company is yet another newbie that has quickly stolen the city’s heart through its stomach. The stylish, high-ceilinged establishment showcases seasonally rotating small plates that are perfect for sharing, though its popularity and current “no-reservation” policy make it a better fit for cozy groups than large ones.
Far-Flung Flavors
For fantastic French fare in a snazzy setting, look no further than Bistro 82, an event-friendly oasis that has been warmly embraced by food critics since its 2014 debut. Bistro 82 showcases fresh seafood amid its diverse menu, and even offers a completely stand-alone setting for regal receptions and other events: Sabrage (named for the technique of removing a wine cork swiftly with a saber).
“Bistro 82 and Sabrage are available for parties and events of all sizes, with state-of-the-art AV available in all spaces,” says Scott Sadoff, director of operations for AFB Hospitality. “We have a wonderful private dining room at Bistro 82, perfect for a dinner or meeting of up to 16 guests; the restaurant is also available for a buyout, allowing for up to 200 people on the main floor. Event planners could also choose Sabrage, our ultra-lounge located on the second floor with a capacity of up to 160 guests.”
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Other trending international establishments include Ottava Via, a quintessentially warm and inviting Italian restaurant highlighted by an endless wine list and stone-oven pizzas. The highly rated eatery has an appealing communal area near the back of the restaurant as well as a seasonal outdoor patio that groups can take advantage of. Beers and spirits from local Detroit companies are another highlight.
Yet another intriguing international option is The Zenith, set on the first floor of the Fisher Building. The fun and funky restaurant focuses on creative Mexican-inspired offerings and is set above the Wrectory Club live theater, making it a great stop for small- and medium-sized parties going to or from a show.
And atop the Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront, the recently reestablished Top of the Pontch shows off flavors from the U.S. and all over the globe, from a Colorado lamb shank and Spanish octopus to Caribbean red snapper. While the establishment has no private dining areas, it’s a great choice for small parties of 12 or under.
Moveable Feasts
Detroit now offers a multitude of food tours for attendees seeking to get out and about with their foodie fun. Wheelhouse Detroit is a favorite for both locals and visitors, with a wide array of cycling tours that include some food-focused tours looking at farm-to-fork fun and exploring the popular Eastern Market (including some tasty pizza).
“The bike tours showcase the depth and scope of Detroit’s robust urban agriculture community,” says Kido Pielack, education coordinator for Keep Growing Detroit and tour guide for Wheelhouse’s Farm to Fork bike tour. “Participants not only get to see the variation of gardens and farms in the city, they get to meet the farmers and hear their stories.”
Other food tours are hosted by Show Me Detroit, Detroit Experience Factory and Feet on the Street, which has an excursion dubbed Come Hungry, Leave Happy, Learn Healthier that tours attendees through the Eastern Market, nibbling on various temptations along the way.
For something a bit more focused on the B side of F&B, there is Motor City Brew Tours, offering groups a guided tour of area breweries. A particular favorite is its Bike and Brew Tour, where groups cycle to several historic sites before settling in at a top brewery for beers and bites.
