.16.png)
**Updated May 06, 2026
Metro Detroit dining updates this season tell a clear story: the regional restaurant scene is having one of its busiest stretches in years. Spring is the moment when patios fill up across Royal Oak and Ferndale, brunch lines stretch around the block in Birmingham, and a new wave of Metro Detroit restaurant openings reshape how locals eat from the McNichols corridor in Detroit out to the Mile Road grid in Oakland County. The Perna Team works neighborhoods from Detroit to Brighton every day, which means tracking the dining landscape is part of the job, not a hobby.
What stands out about this round of new restaurants in Metro Detroit is the sheer range. Plant-based menus sit next to slow-cooked Yemeni rice bowls. Tiny coffee shops double as bookstores. Long-anticipated suburb expansions from Detroit favorites are finally landing in Beverly Hills and Hazel Park. A celebrity-chef-driven taco bar is pulling Michelin pedigree into Grosse Pointe Woods. And yes, two familiar names are closing up shop. Here is the full rundown of Metro Detroit restaurant news every food-loving local should know about for May.
Where to Find Detroit's Newest Restaurants Right Now
The newest Detroit restaurants this spring include Holy Bowly on East McNichols (Yemeni-style rice bowls), Bodhi Kitchen on Woodward Avenue (Asian-inspired cafe), Medusa Cucina Siciliana on Selden Street in Midtown (Sicilian fine dining), and Joe Louis Southern Kitchen's third location at 1528 Woodward, just minutes from Comerica Park.
Detroit proper continues to lead the region in fresh concepts, from the McNichols corridor on the city's north side to Selden Street in Midtown and the Woodward spine running through the heart of downtown. The latest wave brings more cultural breadth than the city has seen in years, with Yemeni, Sicilian, and Asian cuisines anchoring openings just minutes from major employment centers and the Lodge Freeway.
My Holy Bowly Detroit, Facebook
Holy Bowly
Open: Mon-Fri (8am-10pm) | Sat (9am-10pm) | Sun (9am-8pm)
2801 E McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48212
Phone: (313) 27-7333
Website: Holy Bowly
Detroit entrepreneur Yousef Alagi opened this fast-casual spot with backing from a Motor City Match grant, the city's small-business entrepreneurship program. The menu centers on Yemeni-style marinated and grilled meats served in customizable rice bowls, drawing on Alagi's deep ties to the local food industry through his family's connection to Lafayette Coney Island. Holy Bowly serves daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, with weekend hours running through Sunday evening, just minutes from the University of Detroit Mercy and the I-75 corridor.
Bodhi Kitchen
Open: Mon-Fri (8am-10pm) | Sat (9am-10pm) | Sun (9am-8pm)
17740 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203
Phone: (313) 826-0966
Website: Bodhi Kitchen
This new Asian-inspired cafe along Woodward Avenue in Detroit serves a global mashup that includes steamed dumplings, curry chicken egg rolls, tofu todd, Korean soy sauce eggs, tom yum soup, and grilled chicken satay sandwiches. Bodhi Kitchen is currently operating in a soft-opening phase, with hours and menu items rotating as the team finds its rhythm. The Woodward location puts it within easy reach of the Boston Edison and Sherwood Forest neighborhoods.
Medusa Cucina Siciliana
Open: Mon, Wed-Thur (5-11pm) | Fri-Sat (4-11:30pm) | Sun (4-11pm)
644 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: (313) 798-3498
Website: Medusa Cucina Siciliana
Midtown's Sicilian fine-dining showpiece opened on Selden Street in early 2026 from chef Anthony Lombardo, the same name behind the celebrated SheWolf Pastificio just down the block. The menu traces Sicily's layered culinary history through arancini, panelle (chickpea fritters), sfincione palermitano, lobster broth seafood couscous, whole grilled Mediterranean sea bass, and marinated wagyu skirt steak. Walkable to Wayne State University and the Detroit Institute of Arts, Medusa is fast becoming a go-to for downtown date nights.
Nice Teahouse at Howard Family Bookstore
Mon-Fri (10am-4pm) | Sat (9am-11pm)
13803 Puritan, Detroit, MI 48227
Email: info@nicesteahouse.com
Website: Nice Teahouse
This pairing of teahouse and bookstore opened on Detroit's west side as a community-focused destination for browsers and tea drinkers alike. Owner Antonice Strickland first launched Nice Teahouse in 2022 and has now found a permanent home inside Jerjuan Howard's new Howard Family Bookstore, just off the Bagley neighborhood corridor. Hours run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Saturday.
Joe Louis Southern Kitchen Downtown
Open: Mon-Tue (9am-3pm) | Wed-Sun (8am-4pm)
1528 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 788-8338
Website: Joe Louis Southern Kitchen
The third location of this Southern-inspired brunch favorite opened on April 3, timed to Detroit Tigers Opening Day at nearby Comerica Park. The downtown Joe Louis joins the original New Center spot and a Southfield branch, serving the classics that built the brand: bananas foster French toast, shrimp and grits, and the Brown Bomber, a buttermilk biscuit dish with turkey gravy named in honor of the legendary Detroit boxer. Walkable to Grand Circus Park and the QLine route, it is a strong pre-game brunch option.
The cannoli cart at Medusa is the move that has Detroit foodies talking, not the pasta. Filled tableside to order, it is the dessert most worth saving room for. Reservations during weekend dinner service fill up first.
Oakland County Restaurant Openings Drawing Crowds
Oakland County's most-talked-about new restaurants for May include Besos in Birmingham (plant-based, on Old Woodward), Corner Shop in Ferndale (cafe, bar, and bookstore on Woodward Avenue), Rovi Grill in Ferndale (Mediterranean), and several Southfield additions along Telegraph Road and Greenfield. New options are also live in Royal Oak and Troy.
Oakland County's dining boom continues to reshape commercial corridors from Old Woodward in Birmingham to the Mile Road grid in Royal Oak and Telegraph Road in Southfield. Several recent debuts are pulling foodies from across the region, and a few are already running waitlists on weekend nights, just minutes from I-696 and the Lodge Freeway.
besosbirmingham, instagram
Besos
Open: Mon-Fri (11am-1pm)
239 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: (248) 940-5683
Website: Besos
Birmingham's plant-based newcomer is making vegan dining feel anything but limiting. Besos turns out a fully plant-based menu that ranges from on-trend truffle fries and cauliflower steak to pizzas, cookies, and cakes for dessert, all paired with a full bar of signature cocktails and mocktails. Hours run 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily, making it one of the few late-night Birmingham options for plant-based diners. The location sits a short walk from the Birmingham 8 movie theater and Booth Park, ideal for date-night sequencing.
Corner Shop
Open: Mon-Sun (7am-10pm)
23337 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
Phone: (248) 607-7411
Website: Corner Shop
Ferndale's most ambitious recent opening packs a coffee shop, a bar, a wine retail shop, and a bookstore into a single Woodward storefront just south of Nine Mile. The cafe side runs from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with espresso drinks, while the bar and books side opens at 11 a.m. with cocktails, wine, beer, and a curated selection of bottles available for in-shop drinking or takeaway. After 3 p.m., a small kitchen serves snacks. The team behind Corner Shop also runs Royal Oak's Rail and Anchor.
Rovi Grill
Open: Mon-Thur, Sun (11am-10pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-12am)
22821 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
Phone: (248) 307-7198
Website: Rovi Grill
This Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spot brings counter service and dine-in to one of Ferndale's busiest stretches of Woodward, walkable to the Rust Belt Market and downtown Ferndale's restaurant district. The menu specializes in layered bowls built around a chosen base, protein, and topping, alongside the familiar shawarma sandwiches, hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and fattoush salads. Rovi Grill opens daily at 11 a.m. and offers third-party delivery for late lunches and weeknight dinners.
Curryfy Indian Cuisine
Open: Mon-Sat (11am-3pm, 4-9pm)
22542 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, MI 48033
Phone: (248) 352-4000
Website: Curryfy Indian Cuisine
This family-owned Indian restaurant opened along the Telegraph Road corridor in late April, adding to Southfield's already strong global dining footprint. The menu covers familiar regional classics in a warm, family-run setting that fits the neighborhood feel of the Telegraph commercial strip, just minutes from I-696 and the Lodge Freeway interchange.
Palu Cafe
Open: Mon-Thur, Sun (11am-6pm) | Fri (11am-9pm) | Sat (2-9pm)
29255 Greenfield Rd, Southfield, MI 48076
Phone: (248) 327-7002
Website: Palu Cafe
Southfield's growing Armenian community now has a dedicated neighborhood cafe specializing in traditional Armenian coffee and flatbreads. Palu Cafe leans into bakery-forward offerings alongside its specialty coffee program, becoming a daytime gathering spot in the Greenfield corridor near 12 Mile Road.
Rosati's Pizza
Open: Mon-Thur, Sun (11am-10pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-11pm)
29854 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: (947) 17-4500
Website: Rosati's Pizza
Chicago's Rosati's Pizza brand finally crossed into Michigan with this Southfield debut, the first of what will likely be several state locations (a Lansing spot is reportedly in the works for later this year). For Chicago-style thin-crust and stuffed-pizza fans, this fills a long-standing gap in the Oakland County pizza landscape, located just off the Northwestern Highway corridor near 12 Mile.
Steak 'n Shake
Open: Mon-Sun (10am-10pm)
2781 N. Main St. in Royal Oak, MI 48073
Phone: (248) 542-3089
Website: Steak 'n Shake
The fast-food classic opened a Royal Oak outpost inside the Shell gas station on North Main, walkable to the Royal Oak Music Theatre and downtown's bar district. Burgers and milkshakes return to North Main with the kind of late-night convenience the area has been missing.
Emari Roast Cafe
Open: Mon-Thur, Sun (8am-8pm) | Fri-Sat (8am-10pm)
987 Wilshire Dr ste c, Troy, MI 48084
Phone: (248) 422-6569
Website: Emari Roast Cafe
Troy's newest specialty coffee house leans elegant rather than utilitarian, with a polished space that opens daily at 8 a.m. Emari Roast joins a wave of design-forward cafes across Oakland County aimed at both morning regulars and remote workers looking for a comfortable second office, conveniently located minutes from the Big Beaver corridor and Troy's commercial core.
Corner Shop is best after 3 p.m. when the kitchen opens and the bar gets going. Get there before 6 p.m. on weekends if you want a seat. The wine takeaway program is the under-the-radar move for date-night planning.
Wayne County and Grosse Pointe Restaurant Newcomers
Wayne County's spring openings center on Grosse Pointe and Grosse Pointe Woods, where Tavola Mia (Italian, on Kercheval) replaced the Bronze Door and Lola's Taco Bar (chef-driven Mexican, on Mack Avenue) brings Michelin pedigree to the suburbs. Downriver communities including Southgate and Lincoln Park also gained new fast-casual and breakfast options.
Wayne County saw notable activity this spring, with two of the most-watched openings landing on Mack Avenue and Kercheval in the Grosse Pointes. The wave reaches Downriver communities along the Fort Street corridor as well, where new fast-casual and quick-service options are filling commercial spaces that had been quiet for years.
.png)
Tavola Mia, website
Tavola Mia
Open: Mon-Thur, Sun (10am-9pm) | Fri-Sat (10am-10pm)
123 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236
Phone: (313) 499-8106
Website: Tavola Mia
Tavola Mia took over the longtime Bronze Door space on Kercheval and reopened it as a self-described chic Italian brunch and dinner destination. Executive chef Mario Maniac runs a brunch menu of lemon ricotta pancakes, tiramisu French toast, and avocado toast alongside a sprawling dinner lineup of pastas, steaks, seafood, Italian specialties, and pizza. Open daily from 10 a.m., the kid-friendly restaurant is positioning itself as a Grosse Pointe weekend anchor, walkable to the Village shopping district.
Lola's Taco Bar
Open: Mon-Sun (11am-9pm)
20195 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Phone: (313) 332-0471
Website: Lola's Taco Bar
Restaurateur Branden McRill, who earned a Michelin star for his New York wine-centric restaurant Rebelle before its closure, brought serious culinary pedigree home to Grosse Pointe Woods. Lola's took over a former Boston Market on Mack Avenue just south of Norwood and turned it into a chef-driven taco bar with house-made salsas, rotisserie chicken, vegan and vegetarian options, bowls, burritos, and margaritas. The casual, laid-back vibe paired with fine-dining technique has made this one of the most-watched openings of the year.
Bene's
Open: Mon-Sat (7am-3pm) | Sun (7am-2pm)
15612 Fort, Southgate, MI 48195
Phone: (734) 225 1177
Website: Bene's
Southgate gets a dedicated breakfast spot built around eggs Benedict variations, with pancakes and waffles rounding out the menu. The Downriver dining scene has been waiting for a from-scratch breakfast option of this caliber, and Bene's looks set to fill that gap on the Fort Street corridor, minutes from I-75 and Wyandotte's downtown.
Chick-fil-A Lincoln Park
Open: Chick-fil-A Lincoln Park
2060 Southfield Rd, Lincoln Park, MI 48146
Phone: (313) 217-7870
Website: Chick-fil-A Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park joins the growing list of Metro Detroit communities with a Chick-fil-A. Hours run daily from 6:30 a.m. (closed Sundays, as always with the brand). For Downriver families looking for a closer drive-thru option, this is a meaningful addition along the Southfield Road corridor near the I-75 interchange.
One Star Bar
Open: Mon-Sun (11am-2am)
20130 Goddard Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
Phone: (313) 395-2959
Website: One Star Bar
Taylor's newest dive bar leans into a no-frills, retro vibe and stays open until 2 a.m. nightly. One Star Bar fills a small but real gap for casual late-night drinking on Goddard Road, with the kind of atmosphere that rewards regulars over influencers, walkable to Heritage Park and the Sportsplex.
Lola's Taco Bar fills up on Mack Avenue weekends within an hour of doors opening. Lunch on a weekday is the play if avoiding waits matters. The vegan and vegetarian options are not afterthoughts here, they are genuinely good.
Macomb County's Fresh Faces
Macomb County's spring openings include Emesa Grill in downtown Mount Clemens (Mediterranean grill on North Main) and Gulgul in Sterling Heights (Lebanese and Turkish cuisine along the Van Dyke corridor). Both add to the county's increasingly diverse dining landscape, with menu ranges that span Levantine and Anatolian classics.
Macomb County's spring openings reflect the area's increasingly diverse dining demand, with two Mediterranean-leaning concepts arriving in downtown Mount Clemens and along the Van Dyke corridor in Sterling Heights, both within easy reach of M-59 and I-94.
Emesa Grill
Open: Mon-Fri (10am-9pm) | Sat (12-9pm) | Sun (11am-9pm)
79 N Main St, Mt Clemens, MI 48043
Phone: (586) 789-7568
Website: Emesa Grill
Downtown Mount Clemens welcomes a Mediterranean grill with broad menu range covering shawarma bowls, pizza, salads, pasta, steak, hummus, and kabobs. Emesa Grill offers lunch deals under ten dollars and a six-person family combo for around $100 that bundles appetizers, salad, kabobs, lamb chops, shawarma, rice, and grilled vegetables. Hours run from 10 a.m. weekdays through 9 p.m. evenings, walkable to the Macomb County Circuit Court complex and downtown's growing entertainment district.
Gulgul
Open: Mon-Sun (11am-11pm)
33355 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Phone: (586) 422-2999
Website: Gulgul
Sterling Heights gains a new Lebanese and Turkish destination on Van Dyke, adding to the corridor's growing reputation as a destination for Middle Eastern cuisine outside Dearborn. The dual-cuisine focus creates a menu range that spans Levantine and Anatolian classics under one roof, just minutes from M-59 and the Lakeside Mall area.
The six-person family combo at Emesa Grill is the smart play for groups, breaking down to roughly $17 per person for what is essentially a full Mediterranean spread. It is the kind of off-menu math that turns a regular dinner into a celebration.
Thinking About Moving Closer to Metro Detroit's Best Dining?
Tracking new openings is part of how The Perna Team reads neighborhood momentum across the region. Restaurant investment is one of the strongest signals about where home values are heading next, which is why the dining scene actually informs real estate strategy. Whether the goal is finding a home walkable to Birmingham's Old Woodward, near Ferndale's Woodward corridor, or in the Grosse Pointes, the team can help. Call (248) 494-4698 or visit pernateam.com to start a no-pressure conversation about which Metro Detroit community fits the lifestyle.
Coming Soon: New Metro Detroit Restaurant Openings on the Horizon
The most-anticipated new Metro Detroit restaurant openings this spring and summer include Jeff Daniels' JD's Stage Bistro in Chelsea, Coco's Chop House in Rochester Hills (multi-million-dollar steakhouse with a James Beard winner consulting), Rock and Brews in downtown Royal Oak, Amelia St. Pizza Co. in Hazel Park, The Balkan House in Detroit's Midtown, and Supino Pizzeria's first Oakland County location in Beverly Hills.
The pipeline of new Metro Detroit restaurants opening this spring and into summer reads like a who's who of regional and national talent. Several long-anticipated debuts are finally landing, and a couple of names alone are enough to make foodies plan road trips along I-94 toward Chelsea or up the Rochester Road corridor in Oakland County.
.png)
JD’s Stage Bistro, Facebook
JD's Stage Bistro
Open: Mon-Sun (8am-10pm)
117 1/2, S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118
Email: jdsstagebistro.com
Website: JD's Stage Bistro
Michigan actor Jeff Daniels is partnering with the local Tannin Property Group to open a 100-seat restaurant, music venue, and event space in his hometown of Chelsea this spring. Chef Nate Wegryn, formerly of Ann Arbor's Echelon Kitchen and Bar, crafted the menu. The vision is a world-class music venue paired with a serious bistro, drawing both local crowds and national touring acts to Washtenaw County. Easy access from I-94 makes Chelsea a doable evening destination from anywhere in Metro Detroit.
Coco's Chop House
6810 N Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48306
Website: Coco's Chop House
This Rochester Hills steakhouse represents one of the largest restaurant investments hitting Metro Detroit this year, with reported price tag in the multi-million-dollar range. Chef Dean Cicala leads the kitchen with three-time James Beard Award winner Jimmy Schmidt consulting on the in-house dry-aging program. Madam alum Clifton Booth comes on as chef de cuisine. Expect dry-aged steaks, dry-aged seafood, house-made pastas, and a wine list approaching 700 selections, just minutes from M-59 and Oakland University.
Rock and Brews
Downtown Royal Oak
Website: Rock and Brews
The restaurant brand founded by KISS bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley is finally arriving in Michigan, with Royal Oak restaurateurs bringing the concept to life downtown this spring. The chain leans into rock-themed casual dining, and Royal Oak's downtown bar district fits the energy. The opening will be walkable to the Royal Oak Music Theatre and the Main Street nightlife corridor.
Amelia St. Pizza Co.
951 E. Nine Mile, Hazel Park, MI 48030
Website: Amelia St. Pizza Co.
Self-taught chef Matt Arb earned his following through weekend pop-ups at Detroit's Dragonfly, drawing praise from established chefs including James Rigato of Mabel Gray. Rigato has joined the Hazel Park project as an investor, and the buildout team is the same crew behind Mabel Gray. The menu centers on crispy thin-crust sourdough pizzas with a signature half-moon of pecorino on the crust, plus cheese bread and quarter-pound cookies. Late-spring opening expected on Nine Mile Road.
The Balkan House Detroit
3700 Third Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
Website: The Balkan House Detroit
The European-style döner kebab favorite is opening its first official Detroit location inside The Five and Dime building, the new food hall development from the team behind Detroit Shipping Co. The first floor will hold space for additional restaurant tenants and a bar, with apartments above. Summer opening targeted between June and August, walkable to Wayne State University and the QLine.
Waka
2465 Russell Street, Eastern Market, Detroit, MI 48207
Website: Waka
Restaurateurs Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, the James Beard Award finalists behind nationally recognized Burundi restaurant Baobab Fare, are taking their Waka food truck concept brick-and-mortar in the former Russell Street Deli in Detroit. The fast-casual counter-service spot will seat 30, with charcoal-grilled skewered meats, stewed meats and vegetables, and flaky flatbread anchoring the East African street food menu. Located in the heart of Eastern Market's Saturday market footprint.
Supino Pizzeria Beverly Hills
31201 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025
Website: Supino Pizzeria Beverly Hills
Dave Mancini's beloved thin-crust pizza operation is expanding beyond Detroit for the first time. The third Supino location in Beverly Hills, anchored by the Market Fresh shopping plaza at 13 Mile and Southfield, is approximately 3,600 square feet and seats 80 to 85 guests with bar seating. The expansion reflects strong brand demand and is expected to create roughly 25 new jobs in Oakland County, just off I-696.
JD's Stage Bistro in Chelsea will be hard to book once national tour acts start being announced for the music venue side. Getting on the early reservation list now is the move for anyone planning summer date nights in Washtenaw County.
Notable Metro Detroit Restaurant Closings This Spring
Two notable Metro Detroit restaurant closings hit this spring: Bahama Breeze in Livonia closed as part of Darden Restaurants' national decision to shutter 14 locations, and the Comet Burger drive-thru in St. Clair Shores closed after just over a year. The original Comet Burger sit-down restaurant in downtown Royal Oak remains open and busy.
No honest Metro Detroit dining update is complete without acknowledging the closings. Two notable losses hit the region this spring, both reflecting larger shifts in chain economics rather than local market problems.
Bahama Breeze Island Grille (Livonia, MI), Facebook
Bahama Breeze Livonia
19600 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, MI 48152
Darden Restaurants confirmed earlier this year that it would close 14 Bahama Breeze locations nationwide, and the Livonia restaurant was among them. With the Troy location having already closed in 2025, this leaves Michigan without an active Bahama Breeze. The closing is part of broader corporate restructuring rather than local demand softness, and the empty footprint near the Plymouth Road corridor is already drawing interest from regional operators.
Comet Burger Drive-Thru, St. Clair Shores
24101 Harper Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080
The St. Clair Shores location of Royal Oak mainstay Comet Burger closed its drive-thru-only outpost on Harper Avenue after just over a year. Comet Burger fans should note that the original sit-down restaurant in downtown Royal Oak remains open and busy, so the brand itself is far from disappearing from Metro Detroit's burger landscape.
What This Wave of Metro Detroit Restaurant News Means for the Region
Metro Detroit's restaurant boom signals strong neighborhood momentum and is one of the leading indicators of where home values are heading next. Communities attracting Michelin-pedigree chefs and serious operators like Branden McRill, Anthony Lombardo, Jeff Daniels, and Dave Mancini tend to attract serious homebuyers within a year or two.
Here is the non-obvious truth most people miss: restaurant investment is one of the most reliable leading indicators of where Metro Detroit home values are heading next. The breadth of new Metro Detroit restaurant openings says something specific about the region's momentum. Branden McRill bringing Lola's to Grosse Pointe Woods. Anthony Lombardo expanding to Medusa in Midtown. Jeff Daniels opening JD's Stage Bistro in Chelsea. Dave Mancini taking Supino into Beverly Hills for the first time. None of those moves happen in a region that is losing momentum.
The myth that gets repeated about Metro Detroit dining is that interesting openings happen downtown and nowhere else. The current wave proves the opposite. The most ambitious new restaurants this season are scattered across Birmingham, Ferndale, Grosse Pointe Woods, Hazel Park, Beverly Hills, Rochester Hills, and Chelsea. That suburban spread is itself the signal worth paying attention to, because it tracks neighborhood reinvestment, school district stability, and walkability improvements that show up in home prices a year or two later.
From a real estate perspective, this is exactly why The Perna Team's comprehensive 2026 Metro Detroit restaurant openings guide gets updated continuously throughout the year. Neighborhoods that attract serious chefs and operators tend to attract serious homebuyers a year or two later. Anyone who watched what happened in Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Eastern Market over the past decade has seen this pattern play out in real time. For a closer look at how the region's current dining momentum builds on earlier debuts, the Perna Team's February 2026 dining update covers the openings that set the table for this spring's wave.
Industry data backs up what's visible on the ground. The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association tracks restaurant employment, sales, and openings across the state, and Southeast Michigan continues to outperform the statewide average on most measures. The region's dining scene is not just expanding for its own sake. It reflects population shifts, neighborhood reinvestment, and a hospitality workforce that increasingly chooses Metro Detroit over leaving for Chicago or the coasts.
Independent operators benefit from programs like Motor City Match, which awarded the grant that helped Holy Bowly open. That kind of municipal infrastructure for entrepreneurship is part of why so many new concepts are launching in the city itself rather than just the suburbs. Anyone considering a move to one of these neighborhoods, whether it is Birmingham, Ferndale, Royal Oak, or somewhere downtown, can benefit from understanding how the dining scene tracks alongside the housing market.
Key Takeaways
- Metro Detroit dining updates this spring include a strong wave of new restaurant openings spanning Detroit, Birmingham, Ferndale, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak, Southfield, Mount Clemens, and Sterling Heights.
- The most-watched recent debuts include Holy Bowly on the McNichols corridor, Besos on Old Woodward in Birmingham, Corner Shop on Woodward in Ferndale, Tavola Mia on Kercheval in Grosse Pointe, and Lola's Taco Bar on Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods.
- Coming-soon openings worth tracking include JD's Stage Bistro in Chelsea, Coco's Chop House in Rochester Hills, Rock and Brews in Royal Oak, Amelia St. Pizza Co. in Hazel Park, The Balkan House in Detroit, and Supino Pizzeria's first Oakland County location in Beverly Hills.
- Two notable closings hit Metro Detroit this spring: Bahama Breeze in Livonia (corporate-wide restructuring) and the Comet Burger drive-thru in St. Clair Shores. The original Comet Burger in Royal Oak remains open.
- Restaurant investment is one of the strongest leading indicators of where Metro Detroit home values are heading next. Tracking dining updates is genuinely useful for buyers and sellers, not just food fans.
Ready to Explore Metro Detroit Beyond the Menu?
The dining scene reflects neighborhood momentum, and neighborhood momentum drives real estate value. The Perna Team helps buyers and sellers across every community mentioned in this article, from Detroit proper to the outer edges of Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties. Whether the next step is searching homes near Birmingham's Old Woodward, requesting a current home valuation in Royal Oak or Ferndale, or scheduling a quick conversation about which neighborhood fits a lifestyle, the team is ready to help. Call (248) 494-4698 or visit pernateam.com to get started.
People Also Ask About Metro Detroit Restaurants
What new restaurants opened in Metro Detroit this spring?
Metro Detroit welcomed a wide range of new restaurants this spring including Holy Bowly in Detroit, Besos in Birmingham, Corner Shop and Rovi Grill in Ferndale, Tavola Mia in Grosse Pointe, Lola's Taco Bar in Grosse Pointe Woods, Emesa Grill in Mount Clemens, Curryfy in Southfield, and several others across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties.
Where can I find the best new restaurants in Birmingham Michigan?
Birmingham's most-talked-about new restaurant is Besos at 239 N. Old Woodward, which serves a fully plant-based menu of vegan dishes ranging from truffle fries and cauliflower steak to pizzas and desserts. Besos pairs the menu with a full bar and stays open until 1 a.m. daily, walkable to the Birmingham 8 movie theater.
What is the new Italian restaurant in Grosse Pointe?
Tavola Mia at 123 Kercheval in Grosse Pointe replaced the longtime Bronze Door space and opened as a chic Italian brunch and dinner concept. Executive chef Mario Maniac runs both menus, including lemon ricotta pancakes and tiramisu French toast at brunch, plus a sprawling pasta and pizza dinner menu. Tavola Mia opens daily at 10 a.m.
Who is opening a restaurant in Chelsea Michigan?
Michigan actor Jeff Daniels is opening JD's Stage Bistro at 117 1/2 South Main Street in his hometown of Chelsea this spring. The 100-seat venue combines a music venue with a full restaurant. Chef Nate Wegryn, formerly of Ann Arbor's Echelon Kitchen and Bar, crafted the menu for the new Washtenaw County concept along I-94.
What is the new steakhouse in Rochester Hills?
Coco's Chop House at 6810 N. Rochester Road in Rochester Hills is one of the most significant restaurant investments hitting Metro Detroit this year. Chef Dean Cicala leads the kitchen with three-time James Beard Award winner Jimmy Schmidt consulting on the in-house dry-aging program for both steak and seafood, located minutes from M-59 and Oakland University.
When is Supino Pizzeria opening in Beverly Hills?
Supino Pizzeria's third location is opening at 31201 Southfield Road in Beverly Hills this year, becoming the first Supino in Oakland County. The 3,600-square-foot space seats 80 to 85 guests with bar seating, joining Dave Mancini's flagship Eastern Market restaurant from 2008 and the New Center outpost from 2021, just off I-696.
What restaurants closed in Metro Detroit this spring?
Bahama Breeze in Livonia closed as part of Darden Restaurants' national decision to shutter 14 locations, leaving Michigan without an active brand presence. The Comet Burger drive-thru in St. Clair Shores also closed after a year, though the original Comet Burger sit-down location in downtown Royal Oak remains open and going strong.
Where can I find the best new tacos in Metro Detroit?
Lola's Taco Bar at 20195 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods is the most acclaimed taco opening of the year. Founder Branden McRill earned a Michelin star at his New York restaurant Rebelle, and Lola's brings that pedigree home with chef-driven tacos, bowls, burritos, rotisserie chicken, house-made salsas, and margaritas in the former Boston Market space.
What is the best new vegan restaurant in Metro Detroit?
Besos at 239 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham is the most ambitious new plant-based restaurant in Metro Detroit. The menu spans vegan truffle fries, cauliflower steak, pizzas, cookies, and cakes, paired with a full bar of signature cocktails and mocktails. Besos serves daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., walkable to Booth Park and downtown Birmingham.
Where is the new Sicilian restaurant in Detroit?
Medusa Cucina Siciliana at 644 Selden Street in Midtown Detroit comes from chef Anthony Lombardo, the same restaurateur behind nearby SheWolf Pastificio. The Sicilian menu features arancini, panelle, sfincione palermitano, lobster broth seafood couscous, whole grilled sea bass, and a wheeled cannoli cart filled tableside to order, walkable to Wayne State University.
What new restaurants are coming to Eastern Market?
Waka is the most anticipated new Eastern Market opening, slated for the former Russell Street Deli at 2465 Russell Street. From James Beard Award finalists Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere of Baobab Fare, the brick-and-mortar version of their food truck will seat 30 and serve East African street food including charcoal-grilled skewers, stewed meats, and chapati.
How does Metro Detroit's restaurant scene affect home values?
Restaurant investment is one of the strongest leading indicators of neighborhood momentum and home value growth in Metro Detroit. Communities that attract serious chefs and operators tend to attract serious homebuyers within a year or two. The Perna Team tracks dining trends because they directly inform real estate strategy across Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties.
For location and Directions Please see the interactive map below
DON'T KEEP US A SECRET - SHARE WITH A FRIEND OR TO SOCIAL MEDIA!
THINKING OF MOVING TO Metro Detroit, OR LOOKING TO RELOCATE IN THE AREA? VIEW A LIST OF CURRENT HOMES FOR SALE BELOW.
Metro Detroit Homes for Sale
The Perna Team and Michael Perna are the best real estate agents in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor. The Perna Team and Michael Perna have been hired as a real estate agent by hundreds of home owners to sell their homes in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor.
I sold my home in Farmington Hills, Michigan with Matthew Van Popering and The Perna Team, and it was a really good experience. Matt was friendly, responsive, and kept me in the loop the whole time. We ended up getting around 11 offers in the first weekend, which was pretty crazy. Overall everything went smoothly, and I’d definitely work with Matthew Van Popering and The Perna Team again if I’m selling in Metro Detroit.
Written by Michael Perna, the best agent for selling a luxury home in Dexter, Michigan.
Posted by Michael Perna onEnjoy this blog post? Click here to subscribe for updates
Leave A Comment