Check out my updated Detroit Travel Blog Post! My last blog post on Detroit was from 2017-2018 so I knew I needed to update my recommendations! Unfortunately, some gems like Ollie’s closed in Dearborn but I have also had the pleasure of trying so many new spots in Detroit and Dearborn since I go there about once a year. I am amazed by how abundant and plentiful their vegetarian/vegan food scene is – there really is no shortage of options in Detroit. Their coffee shop scene is excellent and I am impressed with the level of creativity exhibited by their cocktail bars. With my repeated trips to Detroit over the years, I have rounded up the best restaurants (with plant-based options), coffee shops, and cocktail bars to keep you delighted and energized for whenever you’re in Detroit. I have a little section on Dearborn at the bottom as well – it’s only about a 17 minute drive from Detroit!
Dinner
Selden Standard, Midtown
If you’re looking for a bit more of a trendy/upscale vibe with plentiful vegetarian options, Selden Standard is an excellent choice. They have well-balanced and unique cocktails and a vegetable-forward menu. We started with the crunchy broccoli salad, then the delightful halloumi salad, gnocchi with bread crumbs in a rich, buttery sauce, oyster mushrooms in a savory aioli, and a toothsome tomato bucatini. I loved every bite and found everything to be extremely flavorful. Go to Castalia after for a post-dinner cocktail!
Ima Noodle, Corktown
Every time I am in Detroit, I have to go to Ima Noodle because it’s absolutely delicious. I have had their vegetable dumplings, their noodle dishes, and have no complaints. Their mushroom udon noodle is so comforting and feels healthy while their tofu miso feels more indulgent and buttery. While they do have cocktails and sake, I also appreciate drinking their tea. And because it’s spacious, it’s usually easy to find a table here.
Detroit Style Pizza
Michigan and Trumbull, Corktown
If you’re obsessed with Detroit style pizza like I am, then you have to have Detroit style pizza in Detroit! Michigan & Trumbull was my favorite as the ingredients tasted fresh and you could enjoy their freshness on a caramelized cheese pie. My only complaint is that they didn’t have giardiniera as a topping so we had olives and jalapeños. The pizza is so luscious and saucy. For some vegetables, we had the broccoli salad, which was also very flavorful and satiating.
Grandma Bob’s, Corktown
What I appreciated about Grandma Bob’s was that they were more vegan/vegetarian friendly so we had a Detroit style pizza with vegan pepperoni, which was very exciting. I used to love eating pepperoni on pizza so to eat a vegan one was amazing. They also have super crunchy, fresh salads to make us feel less guilty about eating pizza.
Brunch
James Oliver, Corktown
Being a bagel lover, I had to indulge in breakfast at James Oliver where they make fresh bagels every morning and they even have a bagel for your dog! My dog loved her mini bagel. James Oliver is also super vegetarian/vegan friendly. You can order breakfast sandwiches with vegan sausage and egg/cheese – it was a dream. They have a full coffee bar if you need some caffeine in the morning. For seating, there is a lot of space indoors and they have a charming outdoor patio as well.
The Brooklyn Street Local, Corktown
Another great breakfast/brunch spot is The Brooklyn Street Local where it’s a fairly casual vibe with lots of great vegetarian/vegan options. They have MULTIPLE poutine options, which is incredibly exciting because poutine is not usually vegetarian or vegan friendly but Detroit’s proximity to Canada made poutine more accessible. Fries doused in a mushroom gravy with squeaky cheese curds, I was in heaven. We also tried a super flavorful breakfast sandwich on a brioche bun. There were so many other items I wanted to try on the menu. I can’t wait to return.
Dessert
Cold Truth, Midtown
Vegan soft serve? Need I say more? There is usually a line for this quick take-out window spot nestled in Midtown. They have regular vanilla and chocolate flavors and rotating flavors. You can get a simple soft-serve or a more done-up sundae. They also have gluten-free options for those of you who are vegan and gluten-free! You really can’t go wrong with a flavor. I personally love the basic vanilla!
Warda Patisserie, Midtown
Warda has been listed as one of the best bakeries in the U.S. as the owner, Warda Bouguettaya received the James Beard Award for outstanding pastry chef in 2022 so I had to try it and it did not disappoint. They have incredibly unique pastries that are inspired by Warda’s time in Algeria, France, and Asia from croissants to more decadent mini cakes.
Coffee
Tou & Mai, Midtown
Located right next to the vegan soft-serve heaven, The Cold Truth, Tou and Mai is the place for boba tea and specialty Japanese snacks. They have traditional boba tea flavors – I always get the ube one and you can customize the milk selection.
The Roasting Plant, Downtown
If you are staying downtown, Just-Roast is a convenient spot to get your much needed coffee/latte. I had a refreshing oat milk latte that hit the spot. They also have great spinach-feta croissants if you need a tasty snack.
MadCap Coffee, Downtown
Another excellent downtown spot is MadCap Coffee where I had some bold nitro cold brew. If you need something less intense, grab a matcha latte.
SPKRBOX, Downtown
SPKRBOX is not solely a coffee shop, it’s a bar, music venue, and coffee shop. They have DJs playing upstairs so the whole cafe has a very energetic vibe. But what’s especially great about it is that you can enjoy your coffee with some Detroit techno.
Milwaukee Caffe, Milwaukee Junction
Late night or early morning at Tangent Movement weekend? If you are traveling with a dog or just need a quick take-out window coffee experience, Milwaukee Caffe has excellent cold brew and lattes. I have tried their cardamom rose latte and matcha and am always happy. They have seating outside but not inside so be ready to take the coffee to go.
Cocktail Bars:
Castalia at Sfumato, Midtown
Castalia is one of the most unique cocktail bars I have ever been to as they are a purveyor of fragrances by day and serve experimental cocktails by night. You’ll be satiated either way. You have the option of relaxing on a small patio out-front or immersing yourself in the intimate and dimly lit interior. You can order one of their menu-based craft cocktails or have one off-menu curated by their mixologist. Every cocktail is inspired by a scent so you can explore the smell and cocktail taste at the same time. If you are not drinking alcohol, they have a sizeable amount of spirit-free cocktails. Need a pre-cocktail bite? Go to Selden Standard for some vegetable-forward dishes and pasta!
Sugar House, Corktown
Corktown is full of so many gems. Grab dinner at Ima and hop over to Sugar House for fun cocktail vibes after. They have an impressive list of cocktails that are Bourbon/Whiskey-based. If you do need a snack, the truffle popcorn is perfect to soak up those boozy drinks. They do have some taxidermy on the wall, which feels weird but the vibe is enjoyable aside from the taxidermy.
Dearborn
Nourishing tea, coffee, and sweets on a beautiful outdoor garden patio! I enjoyed their turmeric tea very much. I first found out about this from Padma Lakshmi’s show Taste the Nation and she steered us right.
Coffeeshop, teahouse, and food all in one – loved their hummus and Tomato Kibbee that can be consumed indoors or outdoors on their delightful patio.
I also found out about this gem from Padma’s show where you can get Kunafa stuffed with cheese among many other decadent sweets. It’s as good as it looks but filling so I couldn’t try anything else.
Excited to try any of these spots or eager to travel to another city? Check out more of my travel recs here.
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