Metro Detroit's food scene is surging into late winter with major new openings from Midtown and Grosse Pointe Woods to Madison Heights and Ferndale, four James Beard semifinalist nods for local restaurants, and a nationally recognized Top 10 list from the Detroit Free Press. Here is every opening, closing, and headline worth knowing right now.
February in Michigan means gray skies, leftover paczki cravings, and the kind of cold that makes a warm restaurant with a great menu feel like a genuine public service. It also happens to be one of the busiest months for new Metro Detroit restaurants in recent memory, with openings, closings, and national recognition landing across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties all at once.
A Sicilian restaurant from one of Detroit's most respected chefs is already the toughest reservation in Midtown. A Michelin-starred chef is slinging tacos in Grosse Pointe Woods. A beloved halal food truck just went brick-and-mortar in Madison Heights. And the James Beard Foundation reminded the rest of the country (again) that Metro Detroit belongs in any serious food conversation.
That is a lot of ground to cover.
Whether you are living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit, the restaurants in a neighborhood say a lot about the community you are joining. A thriving food scene signals investment, culture, walkability, and the kind of energy that makes a place feel alive. Anyone asking "what are the best new restaurants near me in Metro Detroit" or "where to eat in Metro Detroit right now" will find the answer below. This is the complete rundown of what is open, what is coming, what is closing, and what just made national headlines, covering communities across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties.
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medusa_detroit, instagram
What New Metro Detroit Restaurants Just Opened?
At least eight notable restaurants and food concepts opened across Metro Detroit in January and early February 2026, spanning Midtown, Grosse Pointe Woods, Berkley, Ferndale, Detroit's east side, and Ann Arbor.
Medusa Cucina Siciliana in Midtown Detroit
Open: Mon, 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
This is the opening everyone has been watching.
Chef Anthony Lombardo, the force behind the acclaimed SheWolf Pastificio and Bar, debuted his second restaurant on Thursday, January 15 at 644 Selden Street in Midtown, just one block from SheWolf. Medusa is a love letter to Sicily built around a striking three-sided, 20-seat bar. The menu traces the island's layered culinary history through Sicilian street food (arancini, chickpea fritters called panelle, sfincione palermitano), pasta dishes, seafood cous cous in lobster broth, whole grilled Mediterranean sea bass, and marinated wagyu skirt steak. The cannoli cart, wheeled to your table and filled to order, is already generating its own buzz.
Executive chef Scott Overall, sommelier Javen Servo, beverage director Brandon Page, and pastry chef Alyssa DiStefano round out the team. A hidden 30-seat private dining room with audio-visual capabilities sits tucked behind the main space. Cocktails range from $15 to $22, and food runs $9 to $58 per plate.
Reservations are strongly recommended. Bar seats are first-come, first-served. Medusa is open for dinner Thursday through Monday. (313) 798-3498. medusa-detroit.com.
Lola's Taco Bar in Grosse Pointe Woods
Open: Mon-Sat (11am-9pm)
20195 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Phone: (313) 332-0471
Website: Lola's Taco Bar
A casual neighborhood taco spot sounds simple enough until you learn it is helmed by Branden McRill, a Grosse Pointe native whose New York City restaurant Rebelle earned a Michelin star before closing in 2017 after two and a half years. McRill brought that fine-dining pedigree back home and opened Lola's in January at 20195 Mack Avenue, taking over a former Boston Market space just south of Norwood.
He co-owns with partner Mel Fuechtmann, chef Brandon Zarb (formerly of the Detroit Athletic Club and Imperial in Ferndale), and hospitality veteran Niko Moschouris. The menu features al pastor tacos, pork belly, rotisserie chicken family meals, vegan and vegetarian burrito bowls, margaritas, and beer. The vibe is laid-back and family-friendly, and word of mouth has already made it one of the hardest tables to snag on the east side.
The Beverly in Berkley
Open: Tue-Thur, Sun (5-10pm) | Fri-Sat (5-11pm)
3180 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072
Phone: (248) 662-5910
Website: The Beverly
Bar Pigalle owner Travis Fourmont and executive chef Norman Valenti opened Berkley's newest restaurant in late January at 3180 Coolidge Highway. The Beverly's winter menu leans heavily on seafood, including oysters, mussels, shrimp, and Hamachi crudo, alongside charcuterie boards, lamb shanks, smoked chicken wings, house-made sausage, pork coppa, and a half chicken. The famed Pigalle Burger made the trip from Corktown.
Cocktails include the Beverly Martini, made with a choice of vodka or gin, stirred with pickled cucumber Dolin Dry and orange bitters. thebeverlymi.com.
Antidote in Jefferson-Chalmers Detroit
Open: Tue-Thur (4-10pm) | Fri (4-12pm) | Sat (11am-3pm, 4pm-12am) | Sun (11am-4pm)
14628 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215
Phone: (313) 499-8129
Website: Antidote Detroit
Detroit entrepreneur Nya Marshall, founder of Ivy Kitchen and Cocktails, opened her second restaurant at 14628 E. Jefferson Avenue in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood on January 19. Antidote occupies the former Norma G's space (which closed in 2023) and serves Spanish-inspired dishes with global influences: mussels and chorizo in cider, Catalan-style cod, marinated leeks with saffron-garlic beurre blanc, and Basque cheesecake.
The restaurant seats 76 (including 11 at the bar), employs 16 people (mostly east side Detroit residents), and offers brunch, dinner, and late-night service. Marshall invested $475,000 in the buildout. When asked why she did not open downtown, she told Crain's Detroit Business: she believes in the neighborhoods. (313) 499-8129. theantidotedetroit.com.
The Pavilion in Ferndale
Open: Mon-Fri (9am-5pm)
22965 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
Website: Pavilion Street Market
Ferndale got its first food hall when Treat Dreams owner Scott Moloney transformed his Woodward Avenue space into a six-stall, street-market-style destination at 22965 Woodward Avenue. The Pavilion opened in mid-January with a lineup that includes Hell's Kitchen alum Josie Clemens serving travel-inspired cuisine and soul food burritos (Zaddy's), fellow Hell's Kitchen competitor Jared Bobkin crafting handmade dumplings and Asian fare (The Dump Truck), Papelon Market Cafe dishing Venezuelan arepas, and Cosmic Roots mixing non-alcoholic kava drinks and botanicals. A rotating sixth stall and a 40-person pop-up event space round out the concept. Treat Dreams desserts are still available. pavilionstreetmarket.com.
Gajiza Dumplins, Facebook
Gajiza Dumplins Inside Rivertown Market
Open: Mon-Sun (10am-7pm)
1475 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 497-3722
Website: Gajiza Dumplins
This Asian cuisine pop-up found a permanent home inside Meijer's Rivertown Market at 1475 E. Jefferson in Detroit. Owner Jasmine-Denard Haskins and team serve a rotating daily selection of fresh steamed dumplings with house-made black vinegar soy sauce, plus noodle dishes, banh mi sandwiches, soups, and salad. Find the stand just past the front door on the left. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. (313) 497-3722. gajizadetroit.com.
Hunã in Ann Arbor
Open: Thur-Sat (7pm-2am)
200 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Website: Hunã
A brand-new tiki bar opened February 12 in the basement of Ann Arbor's Echelon Kitchen and Bar at 200 S. Main Street. The drinks program comes from Max Schikora (formerly of Mabel Gray), and the food menu is by chef Joseph VanWagner, the same team running the restaurant upstairs. Expect contemporary takes on Mai Tais and pina coladas, plus shareable options for groups of four to six like High Tides and the Octo-Shotski (an octopus-shaped carrier holding six shooters). Bar snacks include bao buns, poke, and peanut noodle salad. Mocktails available. huna.bar.
The Prestige in Detroit
Open: Wed-Thur (5-11pm) | Fri (5pm-1am) | Sat (11am-1am) | Sun (11am-11pm)
22925 Eight Mile W, Detroit, MI 48219
Phone: (313) 766-5573
Website: The Prestige in Detroit
Positioned as "grown and sexy," this new dinner and brunch spot opened in January at 22925 W. Eight Mile in Detroit. The entertainment calendar features live music acts and comedians (the Valentine's Day weekend lineup included Alex Bugnon and Willie Clayton). Open Wednesday through Sunday with extended weekend hours. (313) 766-5573. theprestigedetroit.com.
For anyone asking "what is the best new restaurant in Metro Detroit right now," the answer depends on what you are looking for.
- Best for a special-occasion dinner: Medusa Cucina Siciliana in Midtown, with its Sicilian tasting-style menu, tableside cannoli cart, and hidden private dining room.
- Best for a casual family outing with serious culinary credentials: Lola's Taco Bar in Grosse Pointe Woods, where a Michelin-starred chef serves $5 tacos in a laid-back neighborhood setting.
- Best for date night in the inner suburbs: The Beverly in Berkley, with its Pigalle Burger, oysters, craft cocktails, and intimate bar.
- Best for an adventurous dinner on Detroit's east side: Antidote in Jefferson-Chalmers, with Spanish-inspired plates, a global wine list, and brunch through late-night hours.
- Best for groups who want variety under one roof: The Pavilion in Ferndale, where six food stalls and a dessert counter let everyone in the group order exactly what they want.
- Best for a quick, affordable lunch that punches above its price point: Gajiza Dumplins inside Rivertown Market, with fresh daily dumplings, noodles, and banh mi for under $15.
For a deeper look at the dining destinations shaping Metro Detroit's best communities, explore the full guide to the top 50 restaurants in Metro Detroit.
Detroit 75 Kitchen, Facebook
Which New Metro Detroit Restaurants Are Opening in February and March 2026?
At least seven restaurants and food concepts are slated to open in Metro Detroit between mid-February and early spring, including a halal food truck going brick-and-mortar, a Southeast Asian chain's Michigan debut, and a KISS-branded rock restaurant in Royal Oak.
Detroit 75 Kitchen in Madison Heights (Opening Feb. 20)
Open: Mon-Fri (10am-8pm)
32275 Stephenson Hwy, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Phone: (248) 653-5555
Website: Detroit 75 Kitchen
Brothers Mike and Ahmad Nassar founded Detroit 75 Kitchen as a halal food truck in Southwest Detroit in 2014. Twelve years and a massive online following later, they are opening their first brick-and-mortar at 32275 Stephenson Highway in Madison Heights on February 20. The 100% halal menu features the Detroit-Style Cheesesteak, Russell Street Vegetarian, and multiple shawarmas. Since opening day coincides with the first Friday of Lent, the team is highlighting their Fisher Fwy. Fish sandwich in three varieties (catfish, haddock, Lake Erie walleye), along with Fish and Chips and a Shrimp Po Boy. detroit75kitchen.com.
Madcap Coffee in Ferndale (Opening February)
430 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220
Website: Madcap Coffee Co
Grand Rapids-based specialty roaster Madcap Coffee is opening its fourth location (and first new shop since 2019) at 430 W. Nine Mile Road on the ground floor of the FerndaleHaus Lofts. The 1,800-square-foot space will feature a ticketed, chef's-table-style coffee tasting and food pairing experience, a glass-walled barista training space visible to patrons, roughly 35 seats, a garage door opening to an outdoor patio, and what founder Trevor Corlett describes as a "cocktail bar vibe." The buildout is a collaboration with Detroit design firm Black Helmut, with Corlett investing approximately $250,000 in the space, according to Crain's Detroit Business. madcapcoffee.com.
Sunda New Asian in Downtown Detroit (Opening March 10)
33 W Columbia St, Detroit, MI 48201
Website: Sunda New Asian – Detroit
This long-anticipated Southeast Asian restaurant is finally making its Michigan debut on March 10 at 33 W. Columbia Street in District Detroit near Comerica Park. Sunda was founded in Chicago in 2009 by Filipino American chef and Emmy Award-winning TV personality Billy Dec. Four other locations are already operating in Chicago, Nashville, and Tampa. The Detroit menu will include caviar service, dim sum, sushi, noodles, steaks, and the Kamayan Feast (a curated Filipino meal for up to four guests). The restaurant was originally slated for spring 2025, then pushed to fall 2025, and is now confirmed for March 10. sundanewasian.com/detroit.
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant in Livonia (Opening March 2)
17115 N Laurel Park Dr, Livonia, MI 48152
Phone: (734) 356-3113
Website: Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Illinois-based Cooper's Hawk is opening its fifth Michigan location at 17115 N. Laurel Park Drive in Livonia on March 2. The self-described "upscale casual dining" concept includes a wine tasting room and retail market alongside a full dinner menu of steaks, chops, seafood, and pastas. Cooper's Hawk is known nationally for its Wine Club membership program, which offers a complimentary bottle each month and tiered perks including monthly wine tastings for two. chwinery.com.
Tigris in Southwest Detroit (February or March)
2545 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
Website: Tigris Detroit
The owners of Green Dot Stables are bringing a new cafe-by-day, bar-by-night concept to Southwest Detroit. Tigris will serve Middle Eastern-influenced drinks and snacks, feature regularly scheduled DJs throughout the week, and run a state-of-the-art sound system from Bing Audio, a Detroit-based audio manufacturer. An exact opening date has not been announced, but the target window is February or March 2026. tigrisdetroit.com.
Rock and Brews in Royal Oak (As Soon as March)
208 W Fifth St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Website: Rock & Brews Royal Oak
KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons started this rock-themed restaurant brand in 2010, and veteran Royal Oak restaurateurs are now bringing it to the former HopCat space at 208 W. Fifth. The three-story concept includes a main dining area on the ground floor, a second-floor live music venue, and an open-air rooftop sky lounge for warmer months.
Operating franchisees are brothers Tony and Danny Yezbick, who also own Fifth Avenue bar and 526 Main Piano Bar across the street. Detroit rock radio personality Drew Lane is involved as a partner and helped localize the decor with Detroit and Michigan rock memorabilia. The menu features American fare, including the cheeseburger eggrolls and a "highway to health" section. One standout: Alice Cooper's Poison Burger, a nod to Detroit's own rock icon.
Supino Pizzeria in Beverly Hills (Early 2026)
Southfield Rd & 13 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48076
Website: Supino Pizzeria
Detroit thin-crust pizza institution Supino Pizzeria is expanding to its first suburban and Oakland County location at the Market Fresh shopping center at 13 Mile and Southfield roads in Beverly Hills. This will be the third location after the Eastern Market flagship (opened 2008) and the New Center outpost. The nearly 3,600-square-foot restaurant will seat 80 to 85 guests with bar seating and may feature an expanded menu beyond its core pizzas, pasta, salads, and desserts. Owner Dave Mancini told Crain's Detroit Business the expansion is driven by strong brand demand, and the project is expected to create roughly 25 new jobs. supinopizzeria.com.
For context on how many of these were first announced, see the 2025 dining hotspots preview which tracked several of these concepts before they broke ground.
If any of these neighborhoods are catching your eye, it is worth noting that restaurant investment tends to predict where home values are heading next. The Perna Team helps buyers and sellers across every community mentioned above. Explore what is on the market right now: homes in Ferndale, homes in Royal Oak, homes in Berkley, homes in Beverly Hills, or search all Metro Detroit listings.
Mutiny Bar, Facebook
What Metro Detroit Restaurants Are Closing?
Three notable closings hit Metro Detroit in early 2026. Mutiny Bar in Southwest Detroit announced it will close after March 1, Carajillo in Ferndale shut down after barely a year, and Goomah and Live Bait in Sylvan Lake closed in January when the owner retired after 35 years.
Mutiny Bar in Southwest Detroit (Closing After March 1)
This Southwest Detroit tiki bar operated since 2017 and announced in mid-February that it would shut down for good after March 1. Management cited business levels that made it impossible to continue. Co-owner John Kwiatkowski told the Detroit Free Press that a new concept for the space is in the works and would be announced in the coming weeks. Regulars are invited to raise a final glass through the end of the month.
Carajillo in Ferndale (Closed)
Mexico City-bred chef Ara Sotelo's Mexican restaurant on Woodward Avenue, just south of Nine Mile, closed after roughly a year in business. Sotelo opened Carajillo in early 2025 in the space where The Emory bar had operated for two decades. Property owner Chris Johnston, who also owns Woodward Avenue Brewers across the street, said he is "optimistic" about what comes next for the space.
Goomah and Live Bait in Sylvan Lake (Closed January 10)
Owner Brad Cousens retired after 35 years in the hospitality industry, closing both concepts on January 10. A quieter farewell than the others, but Cousens' departure marks the end of a long run in suburban dining.
For a broader look at how Metro Detroit's dining landscape has been evolving over the past year, including additional openings and closures, check out the full restaurant tracker.
What Are the Biggest Metro Detroit Food Headlines Right Now?
The James Beard Foundation named six Michigan semifinalists (four from Metro Detroit) in January 2026, and the Detroit Free Press released its annual Top 10 New Restaurants list in mid-February, honoring spots from Clawson to Ecorse.
Six Michigan Restaurants Named 2026 James Beard Semifinalists
The James Beard Foundation, often called the food world's equivalent of the Academy Awards, announced its 2026 semifinalists on January 21. Michigan earned six nods across three categories. Four are in Metro Detroit.
In the national Best New Restaurant category, Echelon Kitchen and Bar in Ann Arbor (200 S. Main Street) earned a semifinalist spot. Chef Joseph VanWagner's restaurant, which also houses the new Huna tiki bar in its basement, has drawn attention for its wood-fired cooking and its employee benefits program (health coverage, wellness fund, and community volunteer PTO days).
In the national Best New Bar category, Bar Chenin in Detroit's Siren Hotel (1509 Broadway Street) was named a semifinalist. The intimate 10-seat natural wine bar, which opened in March 2025, serves craft cocktails, small plates, and house-made ice cream.
In the Best Chef: Great Lakes category (covering Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio), four Michigan chefs earned recognition. Javier Bardauil of Barda in Detroit's Core City (4842 Grand River Avenue) received his third James Beard nod and second consecutive year as semifinalist. John Yelinek of Ladder 4 Wine Bar in Detroit (3396 Vinewood Street) earned his third consecutive year as semifinalist, adding to a resume that includes a 2025 Resy One To Watch Award and spots on Bon Appetit and The New York Times best new restaurant lists in 2023. Rounding out the Michigan semifinalists: Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart of Modern Bird in Traverse City, and James Galbraith of PostBoy in New Buffalo.
Nominees will be announced March 31. Winners will be celebrated June 15 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago. Michigan's most recent James Beard winner was Hajime Sato of the now-closed Sozai in Clawson, who took home Best Chef: Great Lakes in 2024.
That level of national recognition for a metro area this size matters. It tells you something real about where the food culture stands. Anyone wondering "is Detroit a good food city" or "does Metro Detroit have good restaurants" now has six semifinalists and a growing list of nationally recognized chefs as a definitive answer.
Detroit Free Press Releases 2026 Top 10 New Restaurants List
The annual Detroit Free Press/Chevy Detroit Top 10 New Restaurants and Dining Experiences list dropped in mid-February, and the 2026 edition highlights the depth and geographic diversity of Metro Detroit's food scene.
The Clawson Steakhouse, open since 1958 and owned by the Alex family for nearly seven decades, was named Restaurant of the Year Classic (the award reserved for exceptional establishments under continuous ownership for at least 10 years). The old-school supper club still features live entertainment from the Mark James Band, who have been performing there since the 1980s.
Other honorees span the region: Wilder's in Birmingham (a Midwestern supper club from the Chickpea Hospitality team behind Forest, Leila, and Phoenicia), Blue Goat in Royal Oak (modern Greek dining from the family behind Greektown's Astoria Pastry Shop), Tacos Wuey in Southwest Detroit, Ariana Afghan Restaurant in Dearborn, El Amanecer in Ecorse (Puerto Rican), and Blue Kuna Smokehouse in Plymouth.
Afghan, Puerto Rican, Greek, Mexican, barbecue, and a 68-year-old supper club on the same list. That lineup says a lot about how much range this region carries.
If the Clawson Steakhouse's nearly seven decades of history appeals to you, explore more of Metro Detroit's classic diners and legacy restaurants
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What Metro Detroit Dining Events Are Happening in Late February 2026?
At least five ticketed dining events are scheduled across Metro Detroit in the final stretch of February 2026, ranging from whiskey festivals to live tuna carving demonstrations.
Royal Oak Whiskey Festival on Saturday, February 21 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Samples of American, Canadian, Scotch, Irish, and Japanese whiskey. Music by Cosmic Groove, with a portion of proceeds benefiting K9 Charities. Tickets start at $40 on EventBrite.
An Evening with Royal Tokaji Wine Company on Thursday, February 26 at Le Supreme in Detroit. A five-course meal from Chef Nyle Flynn paired with Royal Tokaji wines, including a spoonful of the rare Hungarian white wine Royal Tokaji Essencia. Royal Tokaji general manager Charlie Mount will be on site for a Q&A. Tickets are $145 per person plus tax via Resy.
Tuna Festival on Thursday, February 26 at Soraya in Downtown Detroit. A live Bluefin Tuna carving demonstration followed by a six-course Japanese meal, with an optional drink pairing add-on. Tickets are $150 on EventBrite.
Hungarian Paprikash Dinner on Saturday, February 28 at Carbon Athletic Club in Detroit. Prepared by Chris Cervenak of local pop-up Koprova, the menu includes chicken paprikash, halusky noodles, cucumber salad, and rye bread (mushroom paprikash available upon request). Open to all ages with an auxiliary membership purchase. Tickets are $24 on EventBrite.
Five-Course Slo Down Wine Dinner at Adelina in Downtown Detroit. A five-course dinner paired with wines from San Francisco-based Slo Down Wines, with a representative guiding guests through each pairing. Tickets are $157.50 per person plus tax via Resy.
How Does Metro Detroit's Restaurant Boom Affect Home Values?
Active restaurant investment in a Metro Detroit neighborhood is one of the strongest indicators of rising property demand. Communities like Midtown, Ferndale, Grosse Pointe Woods, and Royal Oak are seeing overlapping openings in early 2026 that signal buyer confidence and long-term value growth.
Restaurant activity is one of the most reliable indicators of neighborhood vitality. People searching "what are the best neighborhoods in Metro Detroit" or "where should I move near Detroit" consistently rank walkable dining as a top factor, and for good reason.
When a chef like Anthony Lombardo opens a second concept on the same Midtown block, or a Michelin-starred chef moves home to open a taco bar in Grosse Pointe Woods, it signals confidence in those communities. Foot traffic increases. Property visibility improves. And for sellers, a thriving restaurant corridor within walking distance can meaningfully affect how buyers perceive a neighborhood.
Ferndale is a strong example right now. A new food hall (The Pavilion) and a specialty coffee roaster (Madcap) opening within blocks of each other along the Woodward Avenue corridor near Nine Mile is the kind of cluster that tells a story about where the energy is heading. Buyers notice that. So do appraisers. The same pattern is playing out in Royal Oak along the Fifth Avenue and Main Street corridor, where Rock and Brews will join an already dense restaurant district that drives consistent foot traffic and strong commercial rents.
These developments span Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties and touch several of Metro Detroit's most closely watched corridors: the Woodward Avenue spine from Midtown through Ferndale and Royal Oak, the Mack Avenue corridor in Grosse Pointe Woods, the I-75 adjacent stretch of Madison Heights, the Southfield Road and 13 Mile intersection in Beverly Hills, and the East Jefferson corridor running through Jefferson-Chalmers toward Grosse Pointe Park. That geographic spread matters because it reflects broad regional confidence, not just a single hot spot.
The Perna Team tracks these developments closely because after 24 years and more than 8,000 transactions across Metro Detroit, the connection between dining culture and real estate value is unmistakable. See what past clients say about working with the team, then request a free home valuation to get a clear, current picture of your home's position in a neighborhood that is heating up.
Key Takeaways
- Medusa Cucina Siciliana in Midtown, from SheWolf's Anthony Lombardo, is the biggest Metro Detroit restaurant opening of early 2026, with a Sicilian menu, a 20-seat wraparound bar, and a tableside cannoli cart at 644 Selden Street.
- Lola's Taco Bar brings Michelin-starred pedigree to a casual Grosse Pointe Woods taco spot, joining a growing wave of chef-driven suburban openings.
- Detroit 75 Kitchen opens its first brick-and-mortar in Madison Heights on February 20 after 12 years as a food truck.
- Sunda New Asian finally lands in District Detroit on March 10 with Southeast Asian cuisine across from Comerica Park.
- The James Beard Foundation named four Metro Detroit restaurants and chefs as 2026 semifinalists, including Bar Chenin for Best New Bar and Echelon Kitchen and Bar for Best New Restaurant.
- The Detroit Free Press Top 10 honored restaurants from Clawson to Ecorse, with the 68-year-old Clawson Steakhouse earning Restaurant of the Year Classic.
- Mutiny Bar in Southwest Detroit will close after March 1, while Carajillo in Ferndale shut down after roughly a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new restaurants opened in Metro Detroit in 2026?
At least eight notable restaurants opened in January and early February 2026. They include Medusa Cucina Siciliana in Midtown Detroit, Lola's Taco Bar in Grosse Pointe Woods, The Beverly in Berkley, Antidote in Detroit's Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood, The Pavilion food hall in Ferndale, Gajiza Dumplins inside Rivertown Market, Huna tiki bar in Ann Arbor, and The Prestige on Eight Mile in Detroit.
Is Medusa Detroit the same owners as SheWolf?
Yes. Medusa Cucina Siciliana is the second restaurant from chef Anthony Lombardo, who co-owns SheWolf Pastificio and Bar. Both restaurants are on Selden Street in Detroit's Midtown, roughly one block apart. Medusa focuses on Sicilian cuisine while SheWolf is Rome-inspired.
When does Sunda New Asian open in Detroit?
Sunda New Asian is scheduled to open on March 10, 2026 at 33 W. Columbia Street in District Detroit near Comerica Park. The restaurant was originally planned for spring 2025 but experienced multiple delays. It will be the first Michigan location for the Southeast Asian chain, which has four other locations in Chicago, Nashville, and Tampa.
What Metro Detroit restaurants were nominated for James Beard Awards in 2026?
Six Michigan restaurants and chefs earned James Beard semifinalist status in 2026. Echelon Kitchen and Bar in Ann Arbor was named in Best New Restaurant. Bar Chenin in Detroit's Siren Hotel was named in Best New Bar. In Best Chef: Great Lakes, the semifinalists include Javier Bardauil of Barda and John Yelinek of Ladder 4 Wine Bar (both in Detroit), Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart of Modern Bird in Traverse City, and James Galbraith of PostBoy in New Buffalo.
What is The Pavilion in Ferndale?
The Pavilion is Ferndale's first food hall, located at 22965 Woodward Avenue in the former Treat Dreams space. It features six food stalls including concepts from two Hell's Kitchen alumni, Venezuelan arepas from Papelon Market Cafe, and a non-alcoholic kava bar called Cosmic Roots. A 40-person pop-up event space hosts ticketed dining experiences on weekends.
Where can I get halal food in Metro Detroit?
Detroit 75 Kitchen is opening its first brick-and-mortar at 32275 Stephenson Highway in Madison Heights on February 20, with a 100% halal menu featuring the Detroit-Style Cheesesteak, shawarmas, and fish sandwiches. The broader Metro Detroit area has dozens of halal dining options concentrated in Dearborn, Hamtramck, and along major corridors in Oakland and Macomb counties.
What Metro Detroit restaurants closed in early 2026?
Three notable closings occurred in early 2026. Mutiny Bar, a tiki bar in Southwest Detroit since 2017, announced it would close after March 1 due to declining business. Carajillo, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Ferndale, closed after roughly one year. Goomah and Live Bait in Sylvan Lake closed January 10 when owner Brad Cousens retired after 35 years in hospitality.
What did the Detroit Free Press name as the best new restaurant in 2026?
The 2026 Detroit Free Press/Chevy Detroit Top 10 list named The Clawson Steakhouse as Restaurant of the Year Classic. Open since 1958 and owned by the Alex family for nearly seven decades, it is a traditional supper club with live entertainment. Other honorees include Tacos Wuey in Detroit, Wilder's in Birmingham, Blue Goat in Royal Oak, Ariana Afghan Restaurant in Dearborn, and Blue Kuna Smokehouse in Plymouth.
Is Rock and Brews coming to Royal Oak?
Yes. Rock and Brews, the restaurant brand started by KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, plans to open as soon as spring 2026 at 208 W. Fifth in Royal Oak in the former HopCat space. The three-story concept includes a main dining floor, a second-floor live music area with a concert stage, and an open-air rooftop sky lounge.
When does Cooper's Hawk open in Livonia?
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant is scheduled to open its fifth Michigan location on March 2, 2026 at 17115 N. Laurel Park Drive in Livonia. The chain offers upscale casual dining with a wine tasting room, retail market, and a popular Wine Club membership program.
What is Lola's Taco Bar in Grosse Pointe Woods?
Lola's Taco Bar is a casual Mexican restaurant at 20195 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods that opened in January 2026. It is helmed by Branden McRill, a Grosse Pointe native whose New York City restaurant Rebelle earned a Michelin star before closing in 2017. The menu features al pastor tacos, pork belly, rotisserie chicken family meals, and margaritas.
Is Madcap Coffee opening in Ferndale?
Yes. Grand Rapids-based Madcap Coffee is opening a new location at 430 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale on the ground floor of the FerndaleHaus Lofts. The approximately 1,800-square-foot cafe will feature a ticketed coffee tasting experience with food pairings, a glass-walled barista training space, and an outdoor patio.
Explore Metro Detroit Homes Near These New Restaurants
A great restaurant can make a neighborhood feel like home before you even unpack. Whether Medusa in Midtown, Lola's Taco Bar in Grosse Pointe Woods, or the new food hall scene in Ferndale caught your attention, The Perna Team can help you find the right home in the community that fits your life.
With 24 years, over 8,000 transactions, and 110 agents covering every corner of Metro Detroit, the team knows these neighborhoods block by block. That includes current inventory, pricing trends, and which streets are gaining momentum right now.
Here is the fastest way to take the next step:
- Buying? Search homes across Metro Detroit and filter by the neighborhoods that match your lifestyle.
- Selling? Get a free home valuation to see what your property is worth in today's market.
- Just exploring? Browse the blog for neighborhood guides, market updates, and local insights.
Or call (248) 886-4450 to talk with someone who actually lives this stuff every day.
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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.
We bought our first home here in Michigan with Wendy Thagard and had a really great experience. We looked at probably ten houses together, and Wendy was so patient the entire time. Since this was our first time buying, we didn’t know anything at the beginning, but she explained everything clearly and answered all of our questions. She even did a virtual call with us before we started looking. We still keep in touch with her and consider her a friend. Wendy Thagard (The Perna Team) made buying a home in Metro Detroit feel comfortable and manageable.
Written by Michael Perna, the top realtor for buying a luxury home in Brownstown Charter Township, Michigan.
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