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Welcome to your May 2025 update on Metro Detroit’s vibrant dining scene! This month is bursting with foodie news Michigan locals will love – from new restaurants in Detroit and beyond, to upcoming openings on the horizon, plus menu makeovers and chef shake-ups at favorite eateries. As a Metro Detroit real estate and lifestyle expert (and your food-loving neighbor), I’m here to dish out the latest. Whether you’re a savvy local always on the hunt for the next great brunch spot or a family looking for fun dining ideas, there’s something exciting cooking in every corner of town. Let’s dig in and explore what’s new on the menu around Metro Detroit this May 2025!
bevsbagels, Facebook
Hot and Fresh: New Restaurant Openings in Metro Detroit (May 2025)
Bev’s Bagels
Open: Mon-Sun (8am-2pm)
4884 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48208
Phone: (313) 524-9202
Website: Bev’s Bagels
One of the hottest new restaurants Detroit has welcomed this spring is Bev’s Bagels, an artisan bagel shop now open daily in the Core City neighborhood. Helmed by Huntington Woods native and James Beard Award-nominated chef Max Sussman, Bev’s is named after his grandmother and grew out of Sussman’s pandemic-era bagel project in Ann Arbor. The shop exudes a classic diner vibe with its sunny yellow curved counter and checkered stools – a deliberate design to remind visitors of old-school Detroit delis. Bagel lovers can choose from 10+ organic sourdough bagel varieties, ranging from traditional salt sticks to creative flavors like za’atar and spicy furikake. Sussman even offers a pizza-inspired bialy topped with crispy pepperoni, and plans to debut rotating “bagel of the month” specials for extra excitement. Located at 4884 Grand River Ave., Unit 1B, Detroit, Bev’s Bagels serves breakfast and lunch from 8:30 a.m. until about 2 p.m. (or until they sell out – which, thanks to early buzz and even praise from a local senatorial candidate, happens fast!). This cozy bagel deli is already becoming a go-to for a quick morning bite or a casual lunch, adding to the ever-growing list of must-try Metro Detroit restaurants May 2025 has to offer.
La Jali
Open: Mon-Thur, Sun (10am-9pm) | Fri-Sat (10am-10pm)
9411 Telegraph Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
Phone: (313) 395-2798
Website: La Jali
Craving authentic Mexican fare Downriver? La Jali has you covered. This new restaurant-bar-market in Taylor is essentially an outpost of Mexicantown’s beloved La Jalisciense taqueria, bringing the same family recipes and vibrant atmosphere to the suburbs. La Jalisciense’s owners (the Vargas family) opened La Jali on Cinco de Mayo, and it was an instant hit – the first customer arrived at 9:40 a.m. for the 10 a.m. opening, and the restaurant stayed packed all day. The interior carries over the festive vibe of the original, with colorful papel picado banners draped across the ceiling and custom-made seating imported from Jalisco, Mexico. On the menu, you’ll find many of the same favorites that made the Detroit location famous: generously portioned chilaquiles verdes, flavorful cecina (marinated beef) plates, birria tacos, and overstuffed tortas. There’s even a self-serve station for fresh-made chicharrones and other snackable staples. To wash it down, La Jali offers a full bar – think salt-rimmed margaritas, micheladas, spiked horchata and a wide variety of agave spirits. The vibe is casual and family-friendly, with a streamlined cafeteria-style service for quick ordering. Located at 9411 Telegraph Rd., Taylor, La Jali is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. This expansion is a big deal for Taylor and surrounding Downriver communities, giving locals a new go-to spot for authentic Mexican eats (no more having to ask where to eat in Dearborn or Detroit for great tacos – Taylor’s now on the map!). It’s clear the community has embraced La Jali, and the Vargas family is keeping the momentum going — in fact, they’ve hinted at even more expansion on the horizon to share their Mexicantown heritage with a wider audience.
Bon Bon Bon
Open: Mon-Sat (11am-7pm) | Sun (12-6pm)
217 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: (313) 316-1430
Website: Bon Bon Bon
Sweet news for chocolate lovers – Bon Bon Bon, the Hamtramck-founded artisan chocolatier, has opened a new boutique in downtown Birmingham. Famous for their quirky, ultra-giftable “bons” (gourmet chocolates in creative flavors), Bon Bon Bon’s Birmingham shop is conveniently located right next to the Birmingham 8 movie theater (at 217 S. Old Woodward Ave.). Now you can make a sweet detour after catching a film, to pick up treats like the seasonal Paczki Bon or Unicorn Bon. The shop is open 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12–6 p.m. on Sundays. This expansion into Oakland County shows how popular the brand has become with Metro Detroit foodies. With its whimsical packaging and imaginative flavors, Bon Bon Bon brings a fun, local gourmet touch to Birmingham’s shopping district. It’s a perfect stop for families out and about – your kids’ eyes will light up at the sight of these tiny treasure-like chocolates. And for the savvy locals, it’s one more reason Birmingham’s becoming a dessert destination as well as a dining hot spot.
Eureka Eatery
Open: Mon-Thur, Sun (11am-12am) | Fri-Sat (11am-2am)
22805 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124
Website: Eureka Eatery
If you’re wondering where to eat in Dearborn for a quick, tasty bite, check out Eureka Eatery, which just held its grand opening on May 17. Eureka is a Michigan-grown fast-casual spot known for halal hot chicken sandwiches and indulgent shakes – basically a halal comfort food haven. They already have popular locations in Garden City and Monroe, and now the Dearborn community gets one of its own. The new restaurant sits at 22805 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, and is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, making it a convenient option for lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings. The menu features Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sandwiches (in varying spice levels), crispy chicken wraps, loaded fries, and their signature “Eureka” sauce for dipping. Don’t skip the hand-spun shakes, either – locals rave about the Oreo crumble and baklava shakes in particular. The opening day drew a crowd with free food, ice cream, and merch giveaways for the first customers, underscoring the excitement for this new addition to Dearborn’s dining scene. With Dearborn already famed for its Middle Eastern cuisine, Eureka Eatery adds a different twist to the local food landscape, giving families and college students alike a new go-to spot for comfort eats.
Sweetgreen
Open: Mon-Sun (10am-10pm)
260 N Adams Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Phone: (947) 225-4572
Website: Sweetgreen
Metro Detroit’s healthy dining options expanded this month with Sweetgreen opening its fifth Michigan location in The Village of Rochester Hills. Salad lovers, rejoice – Sweetgreen is known for its fresh, veggie-forward salads and grain bowls that make eating greens far from boring. The Rochester Hills location (at 260 N. Adams Rd.) rolled out the red carpet with two soft-opening days on May 21–22 and a grand opening on May 23. Uniquely, this store is launching with a limited-time KBBQ collaboration menu created with New York’s Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse COTE. That means you can try a KBBQ-glazed steak bowl or a spicy cucumber kimchi crunch salad right here in Michigan – a fun mashup of flavors. On opening day, Sweetgreen pledged to donate a meal to Forgotten Harvest for every bowl purchased, highlighting the company’s community-minded values. With modern decor and a spacious dining area, this Sweetgreen is already attracting the lunchtime crowds of health-conscious eaters and busy families on the go. It’s open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Pro tip: If you’re shopping or living in Rochester Hills and craving something light yet satisfying, Sweetgreen’s salads could contend for the title of best lunch in town (though we all know the best brunch Royal Oak might have some competition – more on Royal Oak next!).
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Fourth Street Restaurant, FacebookFourth Street Restaurant
Open: Tue-Sun (8am-10pm)
500 E 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: (248) 629-4175
Website: Fourth Street Restaurant
Royal Oak’s dining scene has a notable newcomer with the opening of Fourth Street Restaurant on May 14. Housed at 500 E. 4th Street, Royal Oak, this spot has a heartwarming backstory: the building was once home to the beloved Inn Season Café – a vegetarian institution that served the community for over 40 years before closing in 2023. Now, the space has new life as a family-run eatery offering an interesting concept: brunch by day, bistro by night. Owner Sokol Ndrejaj, along with his wife and children, have transformed the interior but kept the focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients (Sokol proudly says, “We upped the game… It’s a family affair”). From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fourth Street serves up hearty brunch fare – think stuffed French toast, omelets, and perhaps one of Royal Oak’s best new eggs benedict offerings – perfect for the weekend brunch crowd. After 3 p.m., the menu switches to a bistro style, featuring gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a few Albanian-inspired specials as a nod to the Ndrejaj family’s heritage. Locals who fondly remember Inn Season Café will appreciate the homage (the address might ring a bell), and newcomers will enjoy the modern yet cozy atmosphere. With hours from Tuesday through Sunday (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.), Fourth Street Restaurant is poised to become a Royal Oak staple. It’s already drawing both longtime residents curious to see the old spot reborn and new visitors scouting the best brunch Royal Oak has to offer. If you’re a brunch aficionado or just love a good family-run restaurant story, put Fourth Street on your list.
Jinya Ramen Bar
Open: Mon-Wed, Sun (11am-10pm) | Thur-Sat (11am-11pm)
129 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: (248) 955-4692
Website: Jinya Ramen Bar
Rounding out the Royal Oak news is the arrival of Jinya Ramen Bar, a Los Angeles-based ramen chain that opened its very first Michigan location in downtown Royal Oak on April 28. For ramen fans, this is big: Jinya is known for its rich, slow-simmered broths (cooked for 20 hours) and its variety of authentic Japanese ramen styles. Located at 129 S. Main St., Royal Oak, Jinya took over a spot that had sat vacant since 2018 (formerly an Andiamo restaurant). The transformation has been worth the wait. The menu features signature ramen bowls like tonkotsu black (a garlicky pork broth) and spicy chicken ramen, complete with toppings like tender pork chashu, shrimp wontons, soft-boiled seasoned eggs, and fresh kale or rice noodle options for those with dietary preferences. Beyond ramen, Jinya also offers rice bowls, shareable small plates (think crispy karaage chicken and takoyaki octopus balls), and a selection of craft cocktails, mocktails, and Japanese beers. In a savvy opening promotion, the first 100 customers through the door received vouchers for a free bowl on their next visit – a move that had people lining up on day one. Jinya’s modern interior and communal tables give it a friendly, slurp-and-savor vibe that fits Royal Oak’s bustling dining scene. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner (11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sun–Wed, and until 11 p.m. Thu–Sat). With this addition, Royal Oak solidifies its reputation as a dining destination – from the best brunch spots to late-night ramen, this city has something for everyone.
Pocket Change
Open: Thur (7pm-12am) | Fri-Sat (7pm-2am) | Sun (2-10pm)
1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
Website: Pocket Change
For those seeking a new night-out spot in the city, Pocket Change is the latest buzz in Eastern Market. Opened in late April, this is a New York-inspired cocktail bar that brings some big-city nightlife flair to Detroit. Tucked upstairs at 1454 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, Pocket Change might be easy to miss at street level – its only sign is a red neon reading “COCKTAILS” – but head to the second floor and you’ll find a swanky surprise. The bar is the brainchild of Nelson Kazan, a 10-year veteran of Detroit’s bar scene who’s crafted drinks at hot spots like Flowers of Vietnam, the Apparatus Room, and the award-winning SheWolf. Kazan’s vision was to create a fun, upbeat environment where you don’t need a reservation to enjoy top-notch cocktails. Inside, the space is intimate (about 1,200 sq. ft., seating 49 people) and moody-chic – drawing inspiration from the lively cocktail culture of NYC nightlife and Japanese hi-fi bars for a mid-century modern, dimly-lit vibe. There’s also a third-floor rooftop patio that overlooks Eastern Market, perfect for summer evenings. Drinks-wise, expect inventive signature cocktails like the “Bingo Bango,” a spicy tequila concoction, alongside expertly made classics. A thoughtfully curated wine list features global picks (with most bottles under $60 to keep things approachable). Pocket Change occupies a historic spot too – it fills the space of the former Collect Beer Bar, which moved to a larger location, so it’s nice to see this address active again with a completely reimagined concept. Adding to its local cred, the venture has partners Kris and Fred Lelcaj (from an Ann Arbor restaurateur family), and they even host pop-up food events on Sundays with guest chefs. Current hours are a bit limited: Thursdays 7 p.m.–12 a.m., Fridays & Saturdays 8 p.m.–2 a.m., and Sundays 2 p.m.–10 p.m.. But even with a four-day schedule, Pocket Change has quickly become a favorite for Detroiters seeking craft cocktails in a stylish setting. It’s a great example of how Metro Detroit’s food and drink scene continues to evolve – one cool concept at a time.
Coming to the Table: Upcoming Restaurant Openings to Know About
The openings don’t stop with what’s already debuted – Metro Detroit’s pipeline of upcoming restaurants has local foodies buzzing with anticipation. Here are a few notable launches on the horizon (with expected opening dates and details) that you’ll want to mark on your calendar:
- The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery (Franklin Village) – Slated to officially open on June 10, 2025, The Franklin is a Charleston-inspired restaurant and bar set in a beautifully renovated 1848 carriage house. This project comes from a familiar name: former Rocket Companies CEO Jay Farner has overseen the transformation of the historic Franklin Grill building into a new dining destination. Located at 32760 Franklin Rd., Franklin, the venue retains its vintage charm while introducing an upscale yet approachable concept. As the name suggests, seafood will shine (a raw oyster bar as a centerpiece), but the menu goes beyond the coast – expect premium steaks, pastas, burgers and an “elevated weekend brunch” offering as well. Farner’s hospitality group (Thyme and Place Hospitality) brought in Executive Chef Nick Geftos and hospitality director Gerti Begaj, the talented duo behind downtown Detroit’s BESA, to lead the culinary program. In other words, the pedigree is strong. A sneak peek indicates a private dining room that can be reserved for special events, and down the line a neighboring café called Polly’s will open next door for coffee and casual bites. For Oakland County residents, The Franklin offers a new upscale night out without having to trek downtown – and it’s generating plenty of excitement in the Franklin/Bloomfield area. Reservations are likely to be hot, so seafood lovers and date-night planners, keep an eye out as June 10 approaches.
- Toum and Tzatziki (Woodbridge, Detroit) – Set to open in early June (targeting the first week of June) across from Wayne State University, Toum and Tzatziki is a upcoming Greek-Lebanese street food spot with a great story. It’s the brainchild of Yianni Linardakis and Ibrahim Chahrour, the owners of the neighboring Woodbridge Pub, and is inspired by their own heritages – Yianni hails from Greece and Ibrahim from Lebanon. The name itself nods to both cultures’ beloved sauces (Lebanese garlic toum and Greek yogurt tzatziki). This casual eatery will serve late-night crowds, staying open as late as 3 a.m. to feed students and night owls with hearty Mediterranean street eats. On the menu: lamb gyro and shawarma wraps, beef kebabs, fresh salads, and flavorful spreads, all prepared in an open kitchen for a bit of show. The space at 1520 Merrick St. at Trumbull is cozy (around 1,300 sq. ft.), with about a half-dozen tables for those who want to dine in, though much of the food will be packaged to-go for convenience. What’s especially charming is the personal touch – the owners are paying homage to their grandmothers’ recipes and the shared spices of Greek and Lebanese cuisines. Woodbridge is already a tight-knit neighborhood, and this venture creates a little “food triangle” with the Pub and an outdoor lot they use for community events. For anyone who enjoys a late-night bite or is simply excited about the fusion of two rich culinary traditions, Toum and Tzatziki will be a must-try once it opens its doors. Keep an eye out in early June – it might just become your new favorite for a midnight snack after a night on the town.
- The Grand Porter (Southwest Detroit) – Later this year, Southwest Detroit’s Hubbard Richard historic district will welcome The Grand Porter, a daytime café and restaurant with a unique setting. It’s moving into a vacant Victorian-era house from the 1890s that once was a candy shop – talk about character! The name “Grand Porter” isn’t just quaint; it reflects the café’s location at the corner of Grand Street and Porter Street and evokes a sense of travel and hospitality. This project is spearheaded by Reimer Priester, owner of the popular Café Sous Terre in Midtown, and it’s a deliberate departure from that first venture. Unlike the dark, cozy basement vibe of Café Sous Terre, The Grand Porter will be bright, sunny, and styled like a Belgian farmhouse, complete with light earthy textures and vintage touches curated by Priester’s wife, Rebecca, who is the designer. Planned as a breakfast-and-lunch spot, the cafe will serve coffee, house-made pastries (baker Camry Smith is on board to craft goodies), and a full food menu once a chef is hired to collaborate on dishes. Expect around 30 seats inside plus additional patio seating on an adjacent lot for those gorgeous Michigan summer mornings. While the exact opening date is not set, the aim is to debut later in 2025. Given the building’s restoration needs, the team has been working closely with the historic commission and local community to get it right. The anticipation is building for this one – not only will it add a charming brunch spot to Southwest Detroit (perhaps an elevated contender for best brunch outside the usual Royal Oak/Ferndale suspects), but it also continues the trend of repurposing Detroit’s historic spaces for modern dining. Keep an ear out for announcements as the “cake continues baking” on this project – it promises to be a sweet addition to the neighborhood when it opens.
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Rudy's Prime Steakhouse, Facebook
Menu Updates & Chef Changes at Beloved Metro Detroit Restaurants
The Metro Detroit dining scene isn’t just about new openings; even our established favorites are evolving. This spring has brought some notable menu updates and chef changes that local foodies will want to know about. Here are a couple of highlights making foodie news in Michigan restaurant circles:
Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse Rolls Out a New Seasonal Menu
If you’re up in north Oakland County, take note: Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse in Clarkston just introduced a slate of new seasonal menu items that elevate classic comfort with creative twists. Executive Chef Josh Stockton has refreshed Rudy’s menu for the spring/summer with dishes that balance upscale and playful. One standout addition is the “Bougie Tater Tots,” an eye-catching appetizer featuring crisp Yukon Gold potato tots smothered in caramelized onion, melted gruyère cheese, sour cream and topped with bright orange trout roe – essentially loaded tots gone gourmet (and yes, they taste as indulgent as they look!). Other new entrees include a pan-roasted rainbow trout and a hearty bouillabaisse, bringing some seasonal seafood flair to this steakhouse’s offerings. To complement the food, Bar Manager Ann Howard has shaken up the cocktail list with summer-ready sippers. For example, try the “Georgia Sweet Tea,” a Southern-inspired concoction blending Angel’s Envy bourbon with Earl Grey tea, peach nectar, ginger, vanilla, and lemon – it’s like a porch swing in a glass. Located at 9 S. Main Street, Clarkston, Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse opened in late October 2024 and quickly earned a reputation for quality (it was among Hour Detroit’s most anticipated openings of 2024). Now, with these menu updates, Rudy’s is giving regulars and newcomers alike even more reason to visit. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday (plus a Sunday brunch), making it a great destination for a date night or a celebratory family meal. If you’re a steak lover or just looking for a new twist on comfort food, Rudy’s seasonal revamp might tempt you to take a drive up to Clarkston to dine in style.
A New Chef at The Statler French-American Bistro
Downtown Detroit’s dining scene is seeing a bit of a chef shuffle that’s worth noting. The Statler French-American Bistro (located inside the City Club Apartments on Washington Blvd.) has welcomed Jeff Lanctot as its new executive chef. Why is this big news? Lanctot is something of a local culinary legend – he spent nearly 25 years in the kitchen of Detroit’s iconic (and now-closed) Rattlesnake Club, a restaurant many long-time Detroiters remember fondly. Now, he’s bringing his seasoned expertise to The Statler, which is part of the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group (known for Joe Muer Seafood, Andiamo, and other Detroit staples). Since coming on board, Chef Lanctot hasn’t wasted time in making his mark. He’s added a few of his own creations to The Statler’s menu, immediately drawing in curious foodies. One new dish turning heads is the Burrata and Marinated Fava Bean Panzanella, a summery twist on the classic Italian bread salad, and another is the Seared Nova Scotia Salmon served atop sweet pea risotto with heirloom carrots, dill sauce, and a pea tendril salad. These dishes balance freshness and comfort, aligning well with The Statler’s French-American, brasserie-inspired vibe. The Statler serves dinner every day except Monday, and notably, it opens at 10 a.m. on Sundays for brunch – so you can even sample Chef Lanctot’s handiwork in an elegant downtown brunch setting. This chef change underscores how Metro Detroit restaurants are continually evolving and attracting talent. For diners, it means you have a new reason to revisit The Statler and taste what a veteran chef with deep Detroit roots brings to the table. And for Chef Lanctot, it’s a new chapter in a storied career – one that downtown patrons are excited to follow.
From trendy new bagel delis in Detroit’s Core City to family-owned Mexican kitchens expanding into the suburbs, May 2025 has been a thrilling month for Metro Detroit’s food scene. We’ve seen established names reinvent themselves with fresh menus, and we’ve welcomed newcomers that add flavor to our communities. The best part? There’s even more on the way, with anticipated openings set to keep our Metro Detroit restaurants roster growing through the year.
So, which spot will you explore first? Perhaps a morning bagel at Bev’s before work, a brunch in Royal Oak this weekend, or a dinner reservation at the swanky Franklin Oyster Bar once it opens? The beauty of Metro Detroit’s dining landscape is its diversity – there’s always a new cuisine to try, a new neighborhood gem to discover, and a familiar favorite to revisit. As a fellow Metro Detroit foodie and neighbor, I encourage you to get out there and savor what our local restaurateurs and chefs are serving up. Stay tuned for future dining updates, and until then, happy eating! Go taste Metro Detroit – you might just find your new favorite hangout right in your hometown. Bon appétit!
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