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4 New Restaurants to Try Right Now in Detroit

The return of a Lady in Core City, Filipino sweet treats in New Center, creative breakfasts in West Village, and more

Bread rolls stacked up on trays at JP Makes and Bakes in Detroit, Michigan. Kari K Paine/JP Makes and Bakes
Serena Maria Daniels is a Chicana journalist and the city editor for Eater Detroit. A recovering daily newspaper reporter with nearly 20 years experience, she is also the founder and Chingona-in-Chief of Tostada Magazine.

Having a tough time keeping up with all the new dining options? Welcome to the Opening Report, a curated roundup of recent restaurant openings big and small across metro Detroit.

Did we miss a spot? Drop a note at the tipline and we’ll consider it for the next update.


CORE CITYLady of the House, the brain child of chef Kate Williams that emphasizes Irish hospitality and no waste principles, has reemerged after a years-long hiatus. Now in Core City, fans of Williams’ creations can expect some of her hits, including that shrimp butter, carrot steak, and potato doughnuts. Decor is welcoming and homey, with mismatched chinaware, dried floral arrangements, and, of course, for those who’ve followed the Lady from its previous Corktown location, Ryan Gosling’s face have also made a return on a dainty stool. 4884 Grand River, Suite 1C.

MILWAUKEE JUNCTIONSepia Coffee Project has taken over the space that once housed the Gathering Coffee Co., marking the first brick and mortar space for the burgeoning Black-owned roaster. Sepia partners directly with Black and brown farmers throughout parts of the Americas, Africa, and the Indian Pacific and has named its collections of roasted beans after the areas of Detroit that once served as hubs for Black life. Expect single-origin offerings from the Paradise and Blk Bottom collections, or Sepia’s specialty-grade offering, Harmonie. Select an espresso beverage from the hand-painted menu on the wall, pick a pastry from a countertop display case, or grab a bag of beans and other coffee-related merch to brew some of your own at home. 2831 East Grand Boulevard.

NEW CENTERJP Makes and Bakes is the city’s long-anticipated bakery and cafe inspired by owner/pastry chef Jonathan Peregrino’s Filipino American upbringing. Expect cookies and brownies infused with ube, a variety of pandesal — Filipino bread rolls — available with fillings like coconut or cream cheese topped with everything bagel seasoning, and a selection of savory entrees, such as longaniza biscuits and gravy, and adobo rice bowls. To drink, customers can find espresso drinks and coffee sourced from Craig’s Coffee in Midtown, as well as specialty beverages like coconut ube matchas and a refreshing drink using calamansi — a citrus fruit typical of the Philippines. The space features an open concept and seating for about 10 people. 6529 Woodward Avenue.

WEST VILLAGENorm’s Diner has landed on the city’s east side from the creative minds of Elise Gallant and Danielle Norman. The casual and well designed space features cheffy takes on diner breakfast staples like biscuits and gravy made with chorizo gravy; a lox plate with rye toast and onion schmear; or for lunch, a crispy chicken cutlet with green goddess dressing; or a turkey club with an herby mayo spread and bacon from Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats. To drink, sodas, iced tea, and lemonade are available, as is drip coffee, orange juice, and a selection of malts and shakes. 8029 Agnes Street.