In the heart of the Midwest, just across the river from Canada, Detroit has long been the beating heart of American automobile manufacturing. Once the nation’s fifth-largest city, its population has dropped from 1.85 million in the 1950s to 645,705 as the auto industry contracted and residents moved to the suburbs
The Great Migration and immigration over the years left their mark on Detroit’s culinary scene. You’ll find a vibrant Greektown with traditional dishes, as well as thriving Middle Eastern restaurants, including Yemenite, Palestinian and Lebanese establishments. The culturally rich Black-majority city is also home to plenty of Black-owned restaurants, serving up everything from soul food, Burundian and Nigerian cuisines to sandwiches and steaks. One thing is for certain: you won’t leave the Detroit metro area hungry.
Although my visit was prompted by two automotive conferences — the Women Automotive Network Detroit Summit and AutoTech — the city wrapped me in a warm, welcoming hug and left me with countless memories.
The still-bustling metropolitan area is the second largest in the Midwest, with a thriving music scene, urban parks, automotive history, and, of course, great food, so there’s plenty for visitors to eat, do, and see.
Where to Stay
Cambria Hotel — I stayed at the Cambria Hotel in downtown Detroit, booked through Priceline’s Express Deals. From the outside, the building is modest, but inside, the recently renovated lobby is bright and welcoming, with plenty of seating and a communal microwave that’s surprisingly handy. The hotel also features a rooftop bar, a lobby bar, a business center with free computers, and even duckpin bowling and Five Iron Golf on-site.
My room was spacious and simple, with a comfortable bed and subtle under-bed lighting. The window looked out onto a turf-covered central patio — empty during my stay, but enough to keep the curtains drawn for privacy.
The real standout, though, was the staff. Everyone I encountered was warm and genuinely helpful, from local recommendations to shuttle rides. Their attention made the stay feel effortless and inviting.
Atheneum Suite Hotel — The Atheneum Suite Hotel sits conveniently in Greektown, just a short walk from restaurants, casinos, and other attractions. This 173-suite hotel was recently renovated and billed as “modern with Greek flair,” with a striking lobby, stark white interiors, massive columns, and plenty of marble. After experiencing such warm hospitality elsewhere in Detroit, I was a little surprised by the cooler reception at check-in, but it didn’t detract from my stay.
The suites themselves are spacious, with separate living and sleeping areas, a large bathroom with a soaking or whirlpool tub, and comfortable beds. A mini fridge was handy, though microwaves weren’t available for reheating leftovers. A free shuttle can take guests within five miles, though I didn’t need it during my visit. Overall, the hotel made a convenient base for exploring Greektown and beyond.
A few practical notes: the shower/tub combo has a high wall, which can be awkward to step over, and most suites have stairs between the sleeping area and the bathroom/living space. You must call to book a suite with a walk-in shower and no stairs, which is only available with two queen beds.
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Where to Eat
Fixins Soul Kitchen — Fixins Soul Kitchen was already on my Detroit list, but a recommendation from my Cambria Hotel driver shot it straight to the top — and it did not disappoint. Co-founded by former NBA player and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, the restaurant was bustling on a Saturday afternoon. Dining solo, I was seated near the bar almost immediately.
I ordered my usual: fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, candied yams and a biscuit slathered in grape jelly butter. The chicken was crispy outside, juicy inside, and perfectly seasoned. The candied yams hit just the right note, the biscuit was rich and fluffy, and even with slightly overcooked noodles, the mac and cheese was still satisfying.
Pro tip: Just outside Fixins Soul Kitchen is Harmony Park, an urban greenspace with ample seating, phone charging stations, and plenty of trees to provide shade from the elements. Great for working, relaxing, or waiting for a table to become available.
Golden Fleece — Offering a classic Greek menu in an elevated and contemporary setting, Golden Fleece is right in the heart of Greektown. The saganaki here is quite delicious and of course served in a theatrical manner, set on fire tableside with shouts of opa! I love lamb and Golden Fleece has a selection, including lamb chops and a lamb shank on their grill menu, as well as ground lamb kebabs, gyros, and souvlaki. Additionally, there’s a full bar and cocktail list, with a lounge and bar space next door at Bakalikon, where you can continue your evening.
Pro tip: This restaurant is owned by the same owner as a beautiful AirBnb a few doors down. If you’d rather stay in an apartment than a hotel, check it out. Do note that it’s a third-floor walk-up.
(Chaya Milchtein) Waygu Skewer at Experience Zuzu
Experience Zuzu— Experience Zuzu, part Asian-fusion restaurant, part nightclub, lives up to its name. An outdoor bar with plush seating, a main dining room, and a second-floor nightclub set the scene, complete with a boisterous playlist, theatrical food presentations and dry ice cocktails — the whole space has a lively, party vibe.
The menu spans steaks and chops to an array of over-the-top sushi, small plates, and seafood, all with an Asian-fusion twist. For a nostalgic adult beverage, try the “Secret” cocktail with a Fruity Pebble rim, or the strawberry swing if mocktails are more your speed.
The omakase tower offers a selection of sushi, tuna tartare, spicy tuna crispy rice, sashimi, and rolls — perfect for those who enjoy heavily sauced sushi. Highlights for me included the caramelized miso sea bass with Zuzu rice cooked in chicken dashi and butter, and the A5 wagyu skewer, an incredible value at $27.
Remas Yemeni Restaurant —The standout meal of my trip was at Remas Yemeni Restaurant in Hamtramck. Recommended by an Uber driver, it’s just an eleven-minute drive from Greektown and well worth the trip. Every bite was bold, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, with plenty of leftovers that easily stretch into a second meal.
I ordered the haneeth, a slow-cooked lamb over rice so tender it practically fell apart on the fork. It came with silky, creamy hummus, incredible toum — a garlic lover’s dream — and Yemeni flatbread, making for an unforgettable combination of flavors. Add mango juice and lentil soup, and you’re in for a full-on feast.
(Chaya Milchreis) Spanakopita, moussaka and pastitsio at Pegasus Taverna
Pegasus Taverna — Greek food is abundant in the area, but Pegasus Taverna stands out. Stepping inside feels like a step back in time, with an old-school vibe and warm, attentive hospitality. The saganaki, set aflame tableside by the waiter, makes for an unforgettable appetizer — and the menu only gets better from there.
I tried several of the restaurant’s staples. Highlights included moussaka, a layered eggplant dish with well-seasoned meat and creamy béchamel, and pastitsio, a Greek-style lasagna that did not disappoint. But the star was the lamb chops: perfectly cooked, beautifully seasoned, and deeply satisfying. Conveniently, Pegasus Taverna is within walking distance of the Atheneum Suite Hotel, and you can charge your meal to your room if you’re staying there.
Dime Store — Swing by the Dime store for delicious brunch in the historic Chrysler Building (formerly the Dime Building). The busy brunch spot offers something for everyone, with a variety of bowls, hashes, benedicts, and omelets. I chose a hash topped with a confit duck leg and over-easy eggs, accompanied by Korean BBQ sauce and pickled vegetables— and boy, did it hit the spot. The biscuit served on the side with a homemade jam was buttery, fluffy and oh-so-rich. Definitely a vacation-worthy, decadent brunch.
Detroit Water Ice Factory — During my walks around Detroit, I stumbled upon the Detroit Water Ice Factory. Without hesitation, I tried a few flavors before settling on cherry, carefully scooped into a wax-coated disposable cup. Water ice is somewhere between a slushie and a sorbet, with delicate ice crystals that make it wonderfully refreshing.
The shop is a nonprofit owned by SAY Detroit, with 100% of profits supporting local programs, including clinics, housing, and youth education. Beyond water ice, they offer popcorn, soft serve, and the Motown Twist — a playful combo of soft serve and water ice. A small patio out front is perfect for enjoying your treat while watching the bustle of a busy Detroit street.
(Chaya Milchtein) Fried sea bream at TAKOI
TAKOI — Thai inspired TAKOI is a chef driven Midwestern restaurant with bold blue, pink, purple lighting and a farm-to-table ethos. I ordered the tasting menu to get a good variety of options for my dinner and was incredibly satisfied with the offering.
Crispy spare ribs with a mango and fennel salad were delicious and inspired, despite my typical aversion to ribs. The main course, a whole fried sea bream, served with a ginger fish sauce caramel, peanuts, herbs, lemon, and wild pepper leaves to delicately wrap each fried morsel, truly blew me away. It was complex, flavorful, and delicious both at dinner and as leftovers the following day.
Pro tip: Tasting menu costs $85 if you’re dining solo, versus $75 per person if ordered by a party of two or more, due to whole fish being served. The leftovers were great so I’d say go for it!
Parc — Parc sits in the heart of Campus Martius Park, an urban square with plenty of seating and a beautiful fountain. I was seated overlooking the fountain, which was a delightful backdrop for dinner. The meal began with my favorite dish of the night: bone marrow with short rib marmalade, pickled mustard seeds, watercress salad, and crispy baguette. I’d long wanted to try making bone marrow at home, and this dish finally inspired me to give it a shot.
My Kansas City Strip, billed as 38-day dry-aged American Wagyu, wasn’t quite what I expected, but the pan-roasted halibut with spring pea risotto more than made up for it. The evening ended on a sweet note with a brûléed cheesecake and berries — so good that I had to take the rest home.
Masri Sweets — Masri Sweets, in the suburb of Dearborn, was a must-visit on my trip. It frequently appeared on my “For You Page” on TikTok and did not disappoint. This Palestinian bakery, with roots in Nablus, boasts an impressive array of sweets, including what might be the best kunafa in the United States.
Inside, you’ll find endless varieties of baklava, maamoul (shortbread cookies often filled with dates or nuts), namoura (semolina cake soaked in syrup), countless cookies, and, of course, kunafa. Choose your tray size, fill it with your perfect selection, and they’ll wrap it up for you.
I flew home with a tray to share with my wife — and managed to enjoy it all without much damage.
Pro Tip: Combine a visit to Masri Sweets with a trip to the Arab American National Museum, which is within walking distance of the bakery.
