Metro Detroit’s vibrant culinary scene is heating up this fall with a diverse range of exciting new restaurant openings that are sure to delight both locals and newcomers alike. Whether you’ve been living in Metro Detroit for years or are considering moving to Metro Detroit, these fresh dining options will offer something for everyone. From the highly anticipated JP Makes and Bakes in New Center, serving up traditional Filipino sweets, to the luxurious Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery in Franklin, food enthusiasts will have plenty to explore. With even more unique concepts like Waka by Baobab Fare and Lady of the House making their much-anticipated returns, this season promises to be a culinary adventure through global flavors, right in the heart of the Motor City.
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jpmakesandbakes, instagram
JP Makes and Bakes
Project Opening: Fall 2024
6529 Woodward Ave - Suite B, Detroit, MI 48202
Website: JP Makes and Bakes
Detroit’s food scene is eagerly awaiting the launch of JP Makes and Bakes, set to become the city’s only Filipino bakery. Located in New Center, this much-anticipated spot will be the permanent home of founder Jonathan Peregrino’s popular baked goods. The cozy, open-concept space will seat around 10 guests and offer a delectable array of cookies, brownies, chocolates, and bread rolls, each infused with traditional Filipino flavors like ube. In addition to the sweet treats, a full coffee and espresso bar will be available alongside a rotating menu of savory meals—perfect for a quick lunch or coffee break for nearby workers.
Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery
Project Opening: Late 2024
32760 Franklin Road, Franklin, MI 48025
Website: Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery
After closing its doors earlier this year, the beloved Franklin Grill is getting a fresh makeover and will soon reopen as the Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery. Spearheaded by Detroit businessman Jay Farner, the reimagined space is set to bring a new level of culinary excitement to the historic Franklin area. While the full menu details remain under wraps, Executive Chef Nick Geftos—also behind the acclaimed BESA Detroit—will lead the kitchen, ensuring a fine-dining experience centered around fresh seafood and upscale eats. The venture doesn’t stop there; Farner is also integrating an adjacent property to create a shared patio space with a casual cafe led by renowned pastry chef Christine Anschuetz, promising a destination for both fine dining and relaxed bites.
Waka by Baobab Fare
Project Opening: Early 2025
6568 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100, Detroit, MI 48202
Website: Waka by Baobab Fare
After gaining popularity as a food truck debuting during Noel Night 2022, Waka by Baobab Fare is poised to establish its first permanent location in Eastern Market. Set in the former space of the iconic Russell Street Deli, Waka will bring a taste of Burundi’s vibrant street food to Detroit. Diners can look forward to savoring dishes like chapati, a traditional flaky flatbread stuffed with stewed meats and vegetables, as well as brochettes, which are skewered meat kabobs grilled over charcoal. As Waka flourishes, Baobab Fare is also planning a second outpost on Detroit’s east side at 16900 E. Warren Avenue, slated to open by late 2025.
Little Liberia, Facebook
Little Liberia
Project Opening: 2025
6513 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202
Website: Little Liberia
Set to make its debut in 2025, Little Liberia will become Michigan’s first Liberian restaurant, bringing a unique and authentic dining experience to Detroit’s New Center. Founded by Ameneh Marhaba in 2016, the venture has evolved from pop-ups to its permanent home, thanks in part to winning the $100,000 Comerica Hatch Detroit contest in 2022. Diners can expect a thoughtfully curated menu featuring traditional halal Liberian dishes such as plantain chips, cassava leaves, Liberian country dry rice, and rich groundnut stews. The restaurant will also offer a variety of cocktails and mocktails to complement the vibrant cuisine. Joining other Afro-centric establishments in the area, Little Liberia will add to the growing cultural and culinary diversity on the 6513 block of Woodward Avenue.
Lady of the House
Project Opening: Late 2024
4884 Grand River Avenue, Unit 1C, Detroit, MI 48208
Website: Lady of the House
After closing her Corktown hotspot in 2021, Chef Kate Williams is preparing to bring Lady of the House back to life in Detroit’s Core City by late 2024. Known for its thoughtful, innovative cuisine, the original restaurant garnered critical acclaim, earning semifinalist nods from the James Beard Foundation for Best New Restaurant in 2018 and Best Chef: Great Lakes in 2019. While details on the new menu remain under wraps, Williams has teased fans with glimpses of old favorites like her signature tomato tartare and shrimp butter, hinting at a revival of beloved dishes. Nestled near popular Core City spots like Barda and Cafe Prince, Lady of the House is poised to make a celebrated return to Detroit’s culinary scene.
Marrow Detroit Provisions
Project Opening: 2025
283 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, MI 48009
Website: Marrow Detroit Provisions
The award-winning Marrow Detroit in Birmingham is set to expand with the opening of Marrow Detroit Provisions in 2025, transforming a 14,000-square-foot space in Eastern Market. Originally home to Capital Poultry, this new venture will include a USDA-inspected meat processing facility, a restaurant, a butcher shop, and a bar, offering a comprehensive culinary experience. The space will also feature a spacious outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying Detroit’s vibrant market atmosphere. This ambitious project follows Marrow's success in Detroit’s West Village and comes as the team prepares to open a smaller butcher shop in Birmingham. With its innovative approach to sustainable butchery and dining, Marrow Detroit Provisions is set to become a key destination for food enthusiasts.
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Nepantla Cafe- Mexicantown, Detroit, Facebook
Nepantla
Project Opening: TBD (Food Truck Currently Available)
5410 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Website: Nepantla
Nepantla, a unique fusion of vegan Mexican cuisine and zero-ABV mocktails, juices, and coffee, is the brainchild of Rocky Coronado. Set to eventually open inside the long-vacant Charlie Clark’s Bar on West Vernor Highway, the concept derives its name from the Nahuatl term for living between two worlds, embodying a blend of cultures. While the brick-and-mortar space is still in development, Nepantla's food truck continues to serve up its flavorful offerings throughout the week. Diners can follow their social media accounts for the latest updates and locations to indulge in this one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
The Dancing Pine Korean Steakhouse
Project Opening: TBD
11 Mile Road, Novi, MI 48375
Website: The Dancing Pine Korean Steakhouse
As the anchor of Michigan’s first Asian-themed mixed-use development, Sakura Novi, The Dancing Pine Korean Steakhouse is set to bring a high-end dining experience to the area. This upscale restaurant will highlight the rich, savory flavors of Korean cuisine and serve as a central feature of the sprawling development, which will also include housing, a public plaza, and a Japanese-style garden. Guests can expect an immersive culinary experience that blends traditional Korean barbecue with a modern market. With its prime location and ambitious concept, The Dancing Pine promises to become a key destination in Novi’s growing food scene.
As Metro Detroit’s restaurant landscape continues to evolve, this fall’s lineup of openings brings an exciting mix of global flavors and innovative dining experiences. Whether you're living in Metro Detroit or considering moving to Metro Detroit, these new establishments offer a chance to savor the rich diversity of the area’s culinary scene. From the upscale elegance of Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery to the unique fusion of vegan Mexican cuisine at Nepantla, there’s no shortage of options to explore. As these restaurants prepare to open their doors, they further cement Metro Detroit’s status as a destination for food lovers eager to experience bold new concepts and timeless traditions.
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