2025 Dining Hotspots: Must-Know Restaurants Opening in Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit’s dining scene is gearing up for an exciting transformation in 2025, with new restaurants set to elevate the region’s culinary landscape. For those living in Metro Detroit, the upcoming year promises fresh dining experiences that celebrate diverse cuisines, innovative concepts, and bold flavors. With establishments offering everything from fine dining to casual comfort food, these new hotspots will cater to food lovers across the spectrum. Meanwhile, anyone moving to Metro Detroit will find a vibrant food culture that reflects the area’s rich heritage and growing diversity, making it an even more attractive place to call home. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or someone exploring the local dining scene for the first time, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Metro Detroit’s restaurants.

BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE, Facebook

Big Rock Italian Chophouse

245 S Eton St, Birmingham, MI 48009
Website: Big Rock Italian Chophouse

Big Rock Italian Chophouse, opening in 2025, will bring an elevated dining experience to Birmingham with a $10 million renovation of the iconic Grand Trunk Western Railroad Depot. This 11,000-square-foot restaurant, a partnership between Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and local investors Tom Celani and Dario Bergamo, will offer an impressive menu of prime steaks, handmade pastas, and an extensive wine list. Guests can expect a luxurious setting with seating for 300, including a patio that accommodates 50, and enjoy specialty cocktails crafted at one of the venue's three distinct bars. Adding to its allure, the property will feature private dining rooms and an exclusive cigar club and terrace for members, making it a destination for both fine dining and refined leisure.

Grey Ghost Burger Restaurant

22305 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
Website: Grey Ghost Burger Restaurant

The team behind Detroit’s beloved Grey Ghost is bringing a fast-casual burger concept to Ferndale, set to open in summer 2025. Operated by Four Man Ladder Hospitality Group, the restaurant will spotlight the iconic Grey Ghost burger alongside a chicken sandwich and a selection of sides. Primarily focused on takeout, the new eatery will offer a streamlined yet high-quality dining experience for customers on the go. Conveniently located on Woodward Avenue, this addition to the Grey Ghost family promises to bring its signature flavors to a new audience in Metro Detroit.

Marrow in the Market

2442 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207
Website: Marrow in the Market

Marrow in the Market, opening soon in Eastern Market, will blend dining and production in a state-of-the-art 14,000-square-foot space. The ground floor will focus on meat production, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and artisanal practices. Upstairs, a 3,000-square-foot restaurant will seat over 100 guests, offering a refined dining experience rooted in locally sourced ingredients. Led by Ping Ho and chef Sarah Welch, this venture combines culinary creativity with craftsmanship, creating a dynamic addition to Detroit’s dining landscape.

Waka by Baobab Fare

2465 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
Website: Waka by Baobab Fare

Waka, an East African eatery from the Baobab Fare family, is set to open its first storefront in Eastern Market, Detroit, taking over the former home of the iconic Russell Street Deli. The new location will offer fast-casual counter service for dine-in guests and feature a menu centered around East African favorites like brochette, chapati, and other flavorful flatbreads. Expanding its offerings, Waka plans to introduce additional street food options such as grilled meat kabobs and convenient “to-go” meals inspired by East African cuisine. The venue will also serve as a retail hub, selling products from the Soko line, including coffee, beverages, and chocolate, making it a one-stop destination for both dining and specialty goods.

Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery

32760 Franklin Road, Franklin, MI 48025
Website: Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery

Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery, led by Jay Farner of Ronin Capital Partners, is set to transform the historic space once home to the Franklin Grill into a refined seafood and dining destination. The main floor will feature two bars—one specializing in expertly crafted cocktails and the other focusing on freshly shucked oysters, offering a dynamic yet elegant atmosphere. Upstairs, a versatile second-floor area will provide space for private events, intimate dining, and smaller gatherings, ensuring options for all occasions. With its unique offerings and thoughtful design, the Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery aims to become a go-to spot for seafood enthusiasts and sophisticated diners alike.

Sunda, Facebook

Sunda New Asian

33 W. Columbia St., Detroit, MI 48201
Website: Sunda New Asian

Sunda New Asian, an award-winning restaurant from Emmy-winning TV personality and restaurateur Billy Dec, will bring its celebrated modern Asian cuisine to The District Detroit in the spring. Originally founded in Chicago in 2009, Sunda has gained acclaim for its innovative dishes inspired by flavors from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, elevated with premium ingredients and refined techniques. The menu will feature an array of sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri, alongside standout dishes like wagyu butcher’s cuts and adobo pork belly. Known for its artful presentation and elevated dining experience, Sunda New Asian is set to become a culinary gem in Detroit's vibrant food scene.

Dancing Pine Korean Steakhouse

42708 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48375
Website: Dancing Pine Korean Steakhouse

Dancing Pine Korean Steakhouse is set to open as the anchor tenant of the highly anticipated Sakura Novi, a mixed-use development celebrating Asian-inspired culture and cuisine. Owned by Seven York Inc., the group behind popular metro Detroit eateries like Kimchi Box and The Seoul, the steakhouse will offer a distinctive Korean dining experience. As part of the vibrant Sakura Novi complex, Dancing Pine will complement a variety of restaurants featuring dishes from Korea, Japan, Hawaii, Mongolia, and China. With its focus on upscale Korean barbecue, Dancing Pine aims to stand out as a centerpiece of this culinary and cultural destination.

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

44218 Ford Rd, Canton, MI 48187
Website: Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

Raising Cane’s is set to debut its first Metro Detroit location on February 4 in Canton, occupying a revamped 3,700-square-foot space previously home to TGI Fridays. The restaurant will include 1,650 square feet of indoor dining, an outdoor patio area, and a convenient drive-through service for guests on the go. Known for its simple yet crave-worthy menu, Raising Cane’s will offer its signature chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, Texas toast, coleslaw, and their famous Cane’s sauce. With additional locations planned for Sterling Heights and Chesterfield Township in late 2025, the brand is poised to become a favorite in the Detroit area.

Little Liberia, Facebook

Little Liberia

16530 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48224
Website: Little Liberia

Little Liberia, set to open in the fall, will bring authentic Liberian cuisine to Detroit's East English Village neighborhood in The Ribbon development. Spearheaded by chef and owner Ameneh Marhaba, who immigrated from Liberia in 2010, the restaurant will celebrate a culinary heritage blending African, Caribbean, and Antebellum-South African American influences. The menu will be entirely halal, crafted in collaboration with customer feedback gathered through tasting events leading up to the opening. Little Liberia promises to deliver a unique and heartfelt dining experience, paying homage to its rich cultural roots.

Nepantla Cafe

5410 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Website: Nepantla Cafe

Nepantla Cafe, a beloved Mexican food truck and pop-up, is set to transition into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Detroit’s Mexicantown later this year. Owned by chef Rocky Coronado, the cafe earned a $75,000 Motor City Match grant in 2023, helping bring this vision to life. The restaurant will specialize in vegan Mexican cuisine, offering an innovative take on traditional flavors, paired with craft cocktails. Additionally, Nepantla Cafe plans to serve as a community hub, hosting events and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Detroit 75 Kitchen

32275 Stephenson Hwy, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Website: Detroit 75 Kitchen

Detroit 75 Kitchen, a popular sandwich shop and food truck, is set to open a permanent location in Madison Heights in late spring. While the new site is under construction, one of the brand’s signature food trucks will operate on-site, starting January 6. Owned by brothers Mike and Ahmad Nassar, the menu features Detroit-inspired sandwiches like their iconic chicken sandwich and po’ boy, named after streets and neighborhoods of the city. With a $1.5 million investment in the new location and projected annual revenue of $4 million, Detroit 75 Kitchen is poised to expand its reputation for bold flavors and high-quality offerings in Metro Detroit.

Vive Restaurant

33080 Northwestern Hwy, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322
Website: Vive Restaurant

Vive Restaurant, set to open in Bloomfield Hills, will be helmed by Chef Jared Bobkin, a former contestant on Hell’s Kitchen. The menu will highlight house-made pasta dishes such as cacio e pepe and lobster ravioli, alongside an array of steaks, burgers, and seafood, including caviar service for an upscale touch. The restaurant’s signature cocktail, the Old Fashioned Vive, features a refined mix of Elijah Craig bourbon, honey syrup, and bitters, adding to its sophisticated appeal. Located on Northwestern Highway, Vive promises an elevated dining experience with a playful yet polished vibe to match its name.

Clean Eats

819 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017
Website: Clean Eats

Clean Eats, a popular grab-and-go meal prep market, is expanding to Clawson after 12 successful years in West Bloomfield. The new 1,400-square-foot location will feature a similar menu of over 35 ready-to-eat meals, each under 450 calories, catering to health-conscious customers seeking convenience without sacrificing flavor. Known for its commitment to fresh, wholesome ingredients, Clean Eats provides an accessible way to enjoy balanced, calorie-conscious meals. Set to open soon, this second location aims to bring its nutritious offerings to a wider audience in Metro Detroit.

The Rectory

1920 Atkinson St., Detroit, MI 48206
Website: The Rectory

The Rectory, a cozy new pizzeria from the team behind The Congregation coffee shop, is set to open in early 2025 in Detroit’s historic Boston-Edison District. Housed in a renovated house near Atkinson Street, the restaurant will offer an intimate dining experience with seating for 24 inside and space for an additional 60 guests on a charming seasonal porch. With its emphasis on creating a welcoming neighborhood spot, The Rectory will focus on high-quality pizza in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. This addition to the area continues the owners’ commitment to repurposing historic spaces into vibrant community hubs.

echelonannarbor, instagram

Echelon Kitchen and Bar

200 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Website: Echelon Kitchen and Bar

Echelon Kitchen and Bar, led by Joseph VanWagner of The Dixboro Project fame, is set to bring a farm-to-table dining experience to downtown Ann Arbor this winter. Dedicated to showcasing the flavors of Michigan, the restaurant will source its ingredients from local producers like Argus Farm Stop, ensuring fresh, seasonal dishes. The menu, which will change almost daily, will feature creations prepared on an open-fire grill and stove, with plenty of vegan options such as char-grilled pickled cabbage paired with an okonomiyaki pancake and tonburi. Located in the former BD’s space, Echelon is poised to become a standout destination for inventive and locally inspired cuisine.

Little Kim

415 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Website: Little Kim

Little Kim, the latest venture from acclaimed chef Ji-Hye Kim, is set to open at Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown Market in 2025. Specializing in Asian-inspired vegetarian and vegan grab-and-go options, the eatery will complement Kim’s celebrated Korean restaurant, Miss Kim, also located in the market and part of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses. With four James Beard semifinalist honors to her name, Kim is known for her innovative approach to Korean cuisine and commitment to quality. While specific menu details have yet to be announced, Little Kim promises to deliver fresh, plant-based flavors in a convenient, casual format.

The Dirty Shake

4642 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Website: The Dirty Shake

The Dirty Shake, a new addition to Midtown Detroit from Sandy Levine and Chef Doug Hewett, is set to open in early 2025, bringing a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to the Cass Corridor. Described as a “no-frills neighborhood bar,” the concept bridges the gap between Detroit’s historic dive bars and its trendier modern venues, offering a relaxed and affordable experience. The menu will feature classic comfort food like burgers and wings, complemented by creative drinks, including slushies and riffs on Detroit favorites like The Hummer. Housed in a charming, long-vacant brick building at 4642 Second Ave., The Dirty Shake promises to become a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike.

As 2025 approaches, the dynamic food scene in Metro Detroit continues to expand, offering residents and newcomers an exciting array of dining options. For those living in Metro Detroit, these new hotspots promise to enhance the region’s reputation as a culinary destination, blending innovative flavors with unforgettable experiences. Those moving to Metro Detroit will find a thriving dining culture that mirrors the area’s diversity and creativity, making it an enticing place to settle down. With so many unique and highly anticipated restaurants on the horizon, it’s clear that Metro Detroit is poised to remain a premier destination for food enthusiasts. The upcoming year is shaping up to be a feast for the senses, bringing fresh energy and flavors to the local dining landscape.