Must Try Restaurants of Metro Detroit: Volume II

Ready your appetites, Metro Detroit, for a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds! Six gastronomic gems have emerged, each one offering a unique experience that's redefining Detroit's dining scene. From the tempting resurgence of HopCat Royal Oak, to the inventive Asian-steakhouse fusion at Hanah Street Local; the unique gluten-free innovation at Breadless Detroit, to the fire-inspired cuisine at Basan; the delightful French flirtation at Bar Pigalle, to the coastal Italian flavors at Mad Nice – each establishment holds a promise to take you on a thrilling culinary expedition. So loosen your belts, Detroit, as we embark on a savory tour of these six must-try eateries, each one certain to cater to a delightful dining experience!

HopCat Royal Oak 

430 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Taking center stage in this gastronomic performance is HopCat Royal Oak. After an epic revival, this cherished establishment has hit the Royal Oak scene bringing with them a tantalizing remix of their legendary Cosmik Fries (formerly known as Crack Fries), previously named as one of “America’s 10 Best French Fries” by Food Network Magazine. The Michigan-rooted brand has unveiled a lavish, single-level venue nestled on Main Street, boasting an impressive capacity for 266 guests and a charming sidewalk patio.

Designed to host private parties with ease, the place exudes a vibrant yet welcoming ambiance. With not one but two kitchens, the staff at HopCat ensures swift service for carryout, delivery, and catering orders. The Royal Oak launch marks the brand's 10th location and the 8th one in Michigan, spreading its unique culinary magic further.

As spring arrives, the restaurant plans to roll out a dog-friendly patio, making it a paradise for pet owners. With a menu that mirrors its Detroit counterpart's bestsellers – Bar Zee Double SmashBurger, Nashville Hot Chicken, the Madtown Grilled Cheese, and the irresistible Killer Mac and Cheese – it's a feast for the senses.

What's more, the culinary creativity doesn't stop there. Among the new entrants to the menu, the BBQ Brisket Fries stand out – a hearty dish featuring 6-hour beer-braised brisket, applewood smoked bacon, and pickled jalapenos, all doused in gooey cheese and tangy BBQ sauce. It's an electrifying medley of flavors that Metro Detroit food lovers shouldn't miss. So, the next time you're planning a night out, consider these delectable locales and embark on a culinary journey like no other!

Hanah 

607 Shelby St #100, Detroit, MI 48226

Right on the heels of Hopcat's grand revival comes the thrilling debut of Hanah. This dynamic newcomer to Detroit's dining scene presents a delectable fusion of Asian and steakhouse fare that's capturing the city's collective appetite.

The intriguing blend of different culinary cultures has been a rising trend, one that adventurous diners have been wholeheartedly embracing. With an ambiance aiming to bring the sizzling spirit of Vegas and Miami to Detroit, Hanah Street Local is setting the stage to become a coveted spot for both city dwellers and tourists.

The masterminds behind this innovative venture are brothers Peter and Christopher Han, who are no rookies when it comes to Asian cuisine. Also the proud operators of Osaka Japanese Steakhouse located in Clawson and Shelby Twp, the Han Brothers perceived a gap in downtown Detroit's restaurant repertoire and sought to fill it. Their aim: to draw people out of the comfort of the suburbs and immerse them in a vibrant downtown dining experience. As Peter Han puts it, their mission was to devise a menu that couldn't be found in your average suburban restaurant. They aspired to transform their eatery into a sought-after destination.

Mirroring the innovation in the kitchen, the cocktail lineup at Hanah Street Local is a symphony of flavors. Paul Hyde, the bar manager, has crafted a range of cocktails that are at once playful, sophisticated, and poignant. Each syrup and mixer is prepared in-house, emphasizing freshness and authenticity. Many of the cocktails feature distinct Asian ingredients such as matcha, Chinese baijiu, and plum wine, adding an exotic twist to every sip. This seamless blend of unique flavors sets Hanah Street Local apart as a culinary powerhouse.

Breadless 

2760 Larned St, Detroit, MI 48207

Navigating away from the bustling Asian-steakhouse scene, we land at Breadless in Detroit, a haven for the gluten-sensitive and health-conscious alike. This entirely gluten-free eatery emerges from the founders' discontent with the usual half-hearted gluten-free alternatives at other establishments. Instead, they envisioned a place where dietary restrictions don't equate to compromises on flavor and quality.

Their inventive menu is born out of the personal experiences of co-founder Marc Howland, whose negative encounters with fast food and, more specifically, bread, inspired this initiative. His partner in life and business, L.C. Howland, reacted with fiery enthusiasm. Joined by Ryan Eli Salter, the trio complements each other, with Salter bringing a culinary edge to the venture. They're on a mission to deliver healthy, low-carb options to every neighborhood, beginning with Metro Detroit.

Breadless is not only committed to serving up exceptional, gluten-free meals but is also opening doors for potential franchise opportunities. Their sandwiches stand testament to their creative genius - the "What the Kale?" is a generous bowl of spicy chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, dino kale, caramelized onions, tomatoes, sautéed red peppers, and pickles. The "Garden of Eden" features a collard green wrap filled with roasted eggplant, tomato pesto, sautéed peppers, and red onion. Lastly, the vegan "Detroit Oyster Club" encases roasted Portobello and oyster mushrooms, avocado spread, and a sharp balsamic dressing within a sturdy Swiss chard wrap.

The spotlight on Breadless illuminates the importance of inclusivity in the dining scene and underscores the fact that dietary requirements should never restrict one from a rich culinary experience.

Basan 

2703 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Dive into the fiery culinary world of Basan, one of Detroit’s freshest eateries named after a mythical, flame-spewing rooster. Brought to life in November by the renowned Four Man Ladder Group - the culinary wizards behind the smash hits Grey Ghost and Second Best - Basan nestles on the ground floor of Olympia Development's Eddystone building, neighboring Little Caesars Arena in the District Detroit area.

This 4,000-square-foot dining haven features a central Robata grill, where dishes are kissed by open flames and imbued with a distinctive smoky depth. The menu at Basan fans out into five tantalizing categories: Buns, Skewers, Small Plates, Large Plates, and Sweets. A whirlwind of flavors awaits adventurous diners with offerings like the Bologna Bun bedecked with spicy mayo, onion jam, nori, and puffed rice. The lamb merguez Gyoza pairs with sweet potato and coconut, while the Eggplant Tempura is elevated with lemongrass caramel, peanuts, and Thai basil.

Sweetening the deal, Basan presents a unique spin on a familiar dessert - a tofu doughnut sprinkled with black sesame and soaked in creme Anglaise. Basan encapsulates an epicurean journey, every step ablaze with innovative combinations and a celebration of fire-forged flavors.

Bar Pigalle 

2915 John R St, Detroit, MI 48201

Take a leisurely stroll down the rambunctious lanes of Parisian nightlife without ever leaving Detroit, courtesy of Bar Pigalle. Tucked away at 2915 John R. St., on the ground floor of the historic Carlton Lofts, this culinary gem is the brainchild of two of Detroit's hospitality veterans, whose paths first intertwined over a decade ago while ushering Michael Symon's now-defunct Roast into being.

Travis Fourmont, the mixology maestro behind the Detroit Cocktail Classic, and Joseph Allerton, a certified sommelier and erstwhile general manager of Roast for 13 years, unite to infuse a touch of French whimsy into Detroit's culinary landscape. Their vision? A casual French brasserie experience, shunning pretense while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality dining and drinking.

Named in homage to the vibrant Parisian neighborhood, Quartier Pigalle, renowned for its spirited nightlife and charming bistros, Bar Pigalle aims to bring this electrifying atmosphere to Detroit. However, the journey to realization was not without its hiccups. Conceived pre-pandemic, Bar Pigalle had to weather the storms of COVID-19 and associated setbacks, delaying its grand debut by almost three years.

Now, under the expert guidance of Nyle Flynn, a Roast alum with a stint at Selden Standard under his belt, the kitchen dishes out a tantalizing array of small plates - think bison tartare, charentais melon salad, and a chef's choice of oysters. The Coney-style steak and frites, with a choice between a daily butcher's cut or a 24-ounce bone-in ribeye, promises to leave taste buds singing.

At the bar, Allerton's handpicked French wines focus on value-rich regions, while the cocktail menu celebrates French spirits like Citadelle gin, rhum agricole, and Rémy Martin 1738. Fear not, beer lovers - Budweiser, Jolly Pumpkin, and a selection of craft beers and ciders also grace the menu. The team also teases future additions of bar bites and late-night nibbles. Visit Bar Pigalle for an unforgettable fusion of Detroit heart and Parisian soul.

Mad Nice 

4120 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 

In the heart of Midtown, a phoenix called Mad Nice is rising from the ashes of a storied past. This site, which once housed the long-standing TomBoy Market and later morphed into the short-lived Will Leather Goods, has seen its share of transformation. And while Sauce, the initial venture planned by the Heirloom Hospitality Group, may have never come to fruition, Mad Nice promises to more than make up for it.

At the helm of this culinary expedition is Executive Chef and Co-Owner Brad Greenhill, a James Beard semi-finalist renowned for his stint at Torino in Ferndale. Joined by co-owners Wendy Landiak and Scott Rutterbush, Greenhill brings a modern twist to coastal Italian cuisine, taking cues from the California coast and incorporating fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Wood-fired pizzas, seasonal pastas, and crisp salads dominate the menu, while the drinks list offers a well-crafted selection of cocktails and a thorough lineup of Italian varietals.

Mad Nice sets itself apart with a relaxed atmosphere, striving to create a warm, inviting haven for its diners. As winter descends, this hotspot aims to bring a dash of coastal Italian flavor to the Cass Corridor neighborhood of Midtown Detroit. Chad Braun, the sommelier, ensures an immersive experience with his carefully curated Italian and Californian wine list.

But Mad Nice isn't just about dining in. Spanning a whopping 10,500 square feet, it also features Mad Nice Goods, a retail outlet selling an assortment of merchandise alongside a coffee bar and to-go food options, including pastries. The kitchen is under the expert hand of Myles McVay, known for his role as the opening chef at Otus Supply in Ferndale. Thus, Mad Nice promises a harmonious blend of dining and shopping, all under one roof.

And so, the feast concludes. As we've journeyed through the vibrant tapestry of Metro Detroit's dining scene, it's clear that the culinary prowess of this bustling city is as diverse as its citizens. Whether you crave innovative fusion cuisine, comforting gluten-free options, or a taste of European finesse, you'll find an establishment here that exceeds your expectations. Beyond just satiating hunger, these restaurants provide a sensory experience, encapsulating everything from the ambiance and decor to the intricate play of flavors in every dish. Undoubtedly, the dynamic culinary landscape of Metro Detroit stands testament to the city's innovative spirit, becoming a destination for food enthusiasts. The next time you decide to eat out, remember: you're not just grabbing a meal, you're exploring a slice of the city's culture, one plate at a time.