The east side has long suffered from a dearth of fine dining options, but this Southern and New Orleans-inspired eatery is aiming to change that for residents and visitors alike, with a generous menu featuring seafood scampi, lobster tails, a fine burger bar, and drink options that include a selection of ginger-based mules. Plus, take in a welcoming space featuring plush lounge seating.

Norm’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.

Audiophiles will appreciate this intimate cocktail bar, situated in Paradise Valley in downtown Detroit, that, according to a media release, is influenced by the venues of the early to mid-20th century that hosted jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Ellla Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and others. The drink offerings include a vast wine list, a handful of espresso martinis, and cocktails designed by beverage director Desmond Oliver (who was the head bartender at the Shelby when it opened in 2021). To eat, expect a variety of small bites like caviar and shrimp cocktails, charcuterie boards, and dessert, such as a single strawberry coated with chocolate and dusted with gold. The center of the experience here is music and features both live performances representing diverse genres and DJ sets from emerging and and established local and nationally recognized artists. Note that reservations are recommended and a strict dress code is enforced.

What started out as a Novi coffee shop, Detroit native and owner Wendy Ringo has launched a brunch-friendly option downtown. Select from a New Orleans-inspired menu of classic options such as jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and po boys. The space has been in the works for some time. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Ringo had plans to open in the city’s Jefferson Chalmers area. With the help of a Motor City Match grant, downtown now has another option for winding breakfast or brunch dates.

Partners Matt Tulpa and Tarun Kajeepeta are the team that brought Detroit the subterranean speakeasy Shelby to a bank vault in downtown’s Financial District. The duo’s newest endeavor, Leña, draws inspiration from two renowned culinary regions in Spain. Spanish for firewood, the kitchen at Leña is helmed by executive chef Mike Conrad, along with sous chef Marcello Molteni, and celebrated pastry chef Lena Sareini. The centerpiece of its open-air kitchen is its hearth fueled by Michigan-sourced oak, cherry, and applewood. Diners can expect an array of seafood and vegetable-forward offerings cooked over an open flame. On the pinxtos menu, are items like bacalao served with Motherloaf bread, while the house classics section includes acorn-fed jamón ibérico served with a bag of original Better Made potato chips, and the heartier hearth offerings include a stuffed squid. Order wine by the bottle or selection from the cocktail menu, which includes a selection of Spanish-style gin tonics.

Sepia 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.

Situated in a near century-old corner building in the Cass Corridor, Vecino is your neighborhood spot for modern Mexican food and agave-forward cocktails. Featuring the city’s only nixtamal masa program in a restaurant, expect handmade tortillas, sopes topped with crunch bits of pork belly, a variety of fiery aguachiles, and generous entrees like whole fried snapper and carne asada — all cooked over an open flame.

Situated on the ground level of the recently constructed Perennial Corktown apartment building, this market and cafe is the latest venture from the founders of Kitab Cafe and Bookstore, which got its start in Hamtramck. In addition to carrying a full-service grocery store stocked with pantry staples, produce, and dairy products, the space features a cafe with ample seating. Coffee and espresso beverages are made with Colombe Coffee and visitors can also order pastries and other baked goods sourced from Zingerman’s Bakehouse.

This long-anticipated bakery and cafe provides folks in the New Center area a welcoming space for coffee and baked goods 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.

Among one of Detroit’s most beloved taquerias, this spot has reemerged in a new location, almost three years after its original property burned in a fire. Now situated within the space formerly occupied by El Zocalo, Taqueria el Rey continues to offer its popular grilled chicken, along with ribs, tacos, and other Mexican delicacies. In addition, Tres Leches ‘n’ Snacks food truck — also owned by the family that operates the taqueria — has found a permanent home within this location. Expect sweet snacks like tres leches cake, paletas, and fruit cocktails, or savory munchies such as walking tacos and tamales.

The brain child of chef Kate Williams, Lady of the House emphasizes Irish hospitality and no waste principles. The acclaimed restaurant reemerged in October 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 has also made a return on a dainty stool.

This tiny, buzzy bakery quietly opened in Oak Park in April 2024. Eater Detroit is working to gather details about the founders of this space, but it appears to be helmed by alumni from Detroit’s beloved Sister Pie. The spot currently opens at 8 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 9 a.m. on Saturdays. Be sure to get their early because the bakery sells out quickly. Its menu includes a lineup of cookies, lemon poppy cake with whip and lemon curd, and an impressive variety of croissants like pistachio, almond, and chocolate. On the savory side, find freshly-made soups that come with house-made croutons. A compact grocery section offers a limited inventory of eggs, Guernsey dairy products, and greens.

These long-awaited sibling eateries are the latest to come out of the Union Joints restaurant group and have been in the works since 2017. These duel spots are situated in a repurposed school bus garage. Lincoln Yard is set up for dining in and features a variety of comfort foods, like wood-fired pizzas, power salads, and rotisserie chicken. For a quick, casual bite, Little Yard does takeout-friendly counter service and offers customizable grain bowls, an espresso bar, and baked goods.