Top Dinner Destinations in Novi, Michigan

Novi, Michigan is a foodie paradise with diverse dining options for all tastes. From upscale restaurants to casual eateries, there's something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner, family gathering, or night out with friends, Novi boasts an abundance of excellent dining options, including contemporary American cuisine and international flavors. Here are our top picks when it comes to heading out for a delicious dinner.

Maisano’s Italian Restaurant 

Maziano’s is a premier Italian restaurant in Novi, known for its rich history and exceptional dining experience. Founded over 40 years ago by Frank Maziano, the restaurant started as a Town Club pop store reminiscent of classic soda shops from the past. In 1979, Frank’s wife Jackie expanded the restaurant to include a deli and seating, which continued to grow over the next 25 years. Today, Mazianos is a staple in the Novi community and has served a who's who of local leaders and dignitaries, including Governor John Engler and Senator Carl Levin.

Beyond the restaurant, Frank and Jackie were active in local programs and organizations, such as hunger relief and the Chamber of Commerce, and patrons of Novi's youth sports programs. In 2003, the restaurant was passed down to the second generation, Michael, who continues the legacy of his parents.

Nestled in a strip mall on the corner of Novi Road and Grand River Avenue, Mazianos offers a warm and cozy atmosphere, complete with elegant decor and hand-painted murals that pay homage to the restaurant's Italian heritage. In addition, the restaurant is one of the best gluten-free options in Metro Detroit, serving homemade Italian cuisine that does not compromise on taste.

Diamond Jim Brady’s Bistro Bar 

No stranger to our lists, Diamond Jim Brady's Bistro Bar is a renowned dining establishment located on Crescent Boulevard in the heart of Novi. The restaurant was founded by Jim Brady, who after retiring from a successful railroad supplies company, set out to pursue his passion for food and dining. Despite not being trained as a chef, Jim had a strong desire to create the best dining experience and opened the first location in Detroit in 1954, long before relocating to Novi in 1991. Today, there are three Diamond Jim Brady's locations, including one in Novi, Ann Arbor, and one in Royal Oak.

One of the standout features of Diamond Jim Brady's is their long-serving staff, with multiple bartenders, servers, and cooks who have been with the company for over 20 years. This level of consistency and commitment to their employees is a testament to the restaurant's leadership and commitment to providing exceptional service.

When it comes to the food, Diamond Jim Brady's does not disappoint. Their Scottish salmon is a signature dish, as well as their steak and burgers. Another must-try menu item is the disco fries, which are available seasonally. The French onion soup is another classic dish, and if you're visiting the Royal Oak location, don’t skip out on their famous carrot cake for dessert.

Black Rock Bar & Grill 

While we don't often include chain restaurants, Black Rock Bar & Grill, located in Novi’s Fountain Walk, has quickly established itself as a local favorite. Founded by Lonnie and Jeanette Morgan Roth in 2010, the first location was opened in Heartland after they saw potential in a strip mall they had purchased during the 2008 recession. The concept was an instant success, and soon after, the restaurant expanded to Novi and now has ten locations in Michigan, as well as additional locations in Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, and Florida.

What sets Black Rock apart is its unique cooking style, where steaks are cooked on a heated black rock, which is a smooth granite stone heated to 800 degrees. This cooking method allows customers to have their steak cooked to their exact preference and is a fun and interactive dining experience. The menu includes a variety of steak options, such as filet, New York strip, and ribeye, as well as other options such as sausage, peppers, onions, shrimp, ahi tuna, scallops, and more.

In addition to their mouth-watering steak, Black Rock also offers a diverse menu with options ranging from pizza, burgers, desserts, ribs, and lobster mac and cheese. Other must-try dishes are their French dip, which offers a unique twist on the classic, and the ghost pepper chipotle burger, but be warned, it is spicy. For those looking for something less spicy, the patty melt also comes highly recommended.

Toasted Oak Grill & Market

Toasted Oak Grill & Market is a highly regarded dining establishment known for its imaginative menu of American brasserie cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. Situated near the Twelve Oaks Mall inside the Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel, this restaurant offers an intimate dining experience paired with an award-winning wine market. With its subdued lighting, upscale atmosphere, and relaxed pace, Toasted Oak Grill & Market is a local favorite for those looking to enjoy a quality dining experience.

Founded by Steve Grossek in 2010, Toasted Oak Grill & Market was ahead of its time as one of the first farm-to-table restaurants in Michigan. It features a menu that incorporates both French and American cuisine, prioritizing the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and offering a variety of Michigan cheeses on its charcuterie boards. The coffee black pepper crusted 8-ounce tenderloin is a must-try dish, as well as the grilled asparagus, and grilled cheese made with Zingermans pullman sourdough bread and topped with caramelized onions & tomato jam.

Toasted Oak Grill & Market also boasts an exceptional wine program, featuring a diverse selection of reds, whites, roses, and sparkling wines from France, Italy, the West Coast, and Michigan. In 2019, the restaurant was honored with an award from WineSpectator magazine for its outstanding wine collection. Additionally, the restaurant's marketplace offers a variety of cheeses and meats used in its dishes for customers to purchase and take home.

No. Six Prime 

No. Six Prime in Novi is a more recent addition to the city, connected to the Royal Crown Hotel on Novi Road. Previously known as the No. Six Chophouse, it has undergone a renovation, led by Tony Amin who previously managed the establishment. The updated interior features a modern white marble wall, and every detail in the decor has been carefully considered, elevating the overall dining experience.

Upon visiting, it becomes clear that Tony has exceeded expectations with his imaginative menu offerings. The restaurant holds its own against some of the best steakhouses in the country, and its unique offerings, such as the Faygo root beer braised short rib and elk chops, set it apart from other establishments. No. Six Prime also offers Japanese wagyu, which is highly sought after, and the New York Strip is one of the best for miles around. Additionally, the Oscar-style asparagus tips are a simple yet perfectly executed dish.

Oyster fans will also want to add this destination to their bucket list, as No. Six Prime has some of the best oysters in Southeast Michigan and is certainly within a 25-minute drive of Novi. Truly, the menu has something for everyone and this is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a formal night or a casual meal.

Steve & Rocky’s

Steve & Rocky's is easily one of the best restaurants located in Novi and has been serving guests since 1998. The restaurant was opened by Steve Allen, who previously worked at the renowned Golden Mushroom restaurant in Southfield, Michigan, and Charles "Rocky" Rachwitz, who spent 18 years as a Corporate Executive Chef for the C. A. Muer Restaurant Corporation. Word has certainly gotten out, as Steve & Rocky's draws guests from all over the Detroit area, who come to enjoy the freshest ingredients and diverse menu options.

The ingredients used at Steve & Rocky's are carefully selected based on strict standards of freshness and quality, with live seafood, fresh meats, produce, and numerous other ingredients being delivered daily. Chef Steve even grows organic produce for the restaurant on his micro-farm during the summer months. The menu here is written and printed daily, so there is always a new and exciting dish to try. With a wide range of options, including fresh seafood, beef, pork, chicken, and more, you can be assured that all meals are prepared with the freshest ingredients available. The restaurant also offers a unique bar menu, known as the Stones Menu, featuring Spanish-style tapas including prosciutto-wrapped shrimp, lobster mashed potatoes, and oysters Bloody Mary.

The restaurant’s interior is very warm and welcoming, having undergone a complete overhaul, and features airy, light decor with colorful walls and ceilings. Bright blue, illuminated rays and kite-like fish decorations hang overhead creating a feeling of floating in a peaceful reef. Guests will also find a diverse collection of roosters, chosen by Steve and Rocky, which serve as symbols of integrity, confidence, and individual strength, representing earthiness and the roots of American cooking.

So, if you're looking for a city that combines a charming atmosphere with delicious food, make Novi your next destination for a night out. With its wide variety of restaurants, from upscale to casual, and its diverse culinary scene, you're sure to find a restaurant that fits your mood and taste. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the city's vibrant dining scene and discover your new favorite restaurant.

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