When visiting Detroit, be sure to try the city's unique blend of American, European, and Middle Eastern cuisines, which is reflected in its signature dishes such as square pizza, Coney dogs, and pierogies.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Detroit's cuisine is shaped by its history of immigration, with influences from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and America. The city is famous for its Coney Islands, restaurants that serve classic American diner fare with a Greek twist, and its square pizza, a style of pizza that originated in Detroit. The city's food culture is also defined by its neighborhoods, each with its own unique culinary identity, such as the Eastern Market, which offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, and specialty foods.
Detroit's cuisine has been influenced by its industrial heritage, with many workers from different ethnic backgrounds coming to the city to work in the auto factories. This diversity is reflected in the city's food traditions, which include dishes such as pierogies, kibbeh, and gyro sandwiches. The city's food culture is also characterized by its casual, no-frills dining style, with many restaurants and eateries serving hearty, comforting food at affordable prices.
From classic diners to high-end restaurants, Detroit's food scene has something for everyone. The city is also home to a thriving food truck scene, with many vendors serving everything from traditional American fare to international cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for a Coney dog, a square pizza, or a Middle Eastern feast, Detroit has a wide range of culinary options to choose from.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coney dog | Hot dog | A hot dog topped with chili, onions, and mustard | American Coney Island, Lafayette Coney Island |
| Square pizza | Pizza | A style of pizza with a thick, crispy crust and topped with pepperoni and cheese | Buddy's Pizza, Loui's Pizza |
| Pierogies | Polish dish | Dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or potatoes, often served with fried onions and sour cream | Pierogi Palace, Polish Village Cafe |
| Kibbeh | Middle Eastern dish | A dish made with ground meat and bulgur, often served raw or fried | Aladdin's Eatery, La Lanterna |
| Gyro sandwich | Middle Eastern dish | A sandwich made with lamb or beef, topped with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce | Greektown, Ali Baba's |
| Chicken shawarma | Middle Eastern dish | A sandwich made with marinated chicken, topped with tomato, onion, and tahini sauce | Jerusalem Bakery, Tasty Kabob |
| Detroit-style corned beef sandwich | Sandwich | A sandwich made with corned beef, mustard, and pickles, served on rye bread | Stage Deli, Steve's Deli |
| Pasties | British dish | A savory pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, often served with ketchup or gravy | The Pastie Shoppe, Cornish Pasties |
| Smoked whitefish | Seafood dish | A dish made with smoked whitefish, often served with crackers or bread | The Whitefish Shoppe, Joe's Seafood |
| Better Made chips | Snack | A brand of potato chips that is made in Detroit, often served with dip or as a side | Better Made factory store, most grocery stores |
Street Food & Snacks
- Better Made chips: a brand of potato chips that is made in Detroit, often served with dip or as a side, $2-$3 per bag
- Fresh pretzels: a classic street food that is often served with mustard or cheese sauce, $2-$3 per pretzel
- Roasted chestnuts: a popular street food in the winter months, often served with a sprinkle of salt, $3-$4 per bag
- Detroit-style hot dogs: a style of hot dog that is topped with chili, onions, and mustard, $3-$4 per hot dog
- Pierogy bites: bite-sized pierogies that are often served with sour cream or applesauce, $4-$5 per serving
- Gyros: a popular street food that is made with lamb or beef, topped with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce, $5-$6 per gyro
- Falafel: a crispy, flavorful snack that is often served with hummus or tahini sauce, $4-$5 per serving
- Popcorn: a classic snack that is often flavored with cheese, caramel, or other seasonings, $2-$3 per bag
Drinks
- Vernors ginger ale: a classic Detroit soft drink that is made with ginger and vanilla, $2-$3 per bottle
- Faygo pop: a brand of soda that is made in Detroit, often flavored with fruit or cream, $2-$3 per bottle
- Great Lakes beer: a brand of beer that is brewed in Detroit, often served at local bars and restaurants, $5-$6 per pint
- Coffee: a staple in Detroit, often served at local cafes and coffee shops, $2-$3 per cup
- Tea: a popular drink in Detroit, often served at local cafes and tea houses, $2-$3 per cup
- Fresh-squeezed lemonade: a classic summer drink that is often served at street fairs and festivals, $3-$4 per cup
Dining Customs
- Tipping: it is customary to tip 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants and bars
- Reservations: it is recommended to make reservations at popular restaurants, especially on weekends or during peak hours
- Dress code: the dress code in Detroit is generally casual, but some upscale restaurants may require a dress code
- Eating etiquette: it is customary to eat with your hands at casual restaurants, but to use utensils at more formal establishments
- Service: the service in Detroit is generally friendly and attentive, but it is customary to ask for the check when you are ready to leave
- Payment: it is customary to pay with cash or credit card, but some restaurants may accept other forms of payment
Where to Eat
- Eastern Market: a historic market that offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, and specialty foods
- Greektown: a neighborhood that is home to many Greek restaurants and cafes
- Corktown: a neighborhood that is home to many trendy restaurants and bars
- Downtown Detroit: a area that is home to many restaurants, cafes, and food trucks
- Food trucks: a popular way to eat on the go, with many vendors serving everything from traditional American fare to international cuisine
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Eastern Market: a historic market that offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, and specialty foods, located at 2934 Russell St
- Greektown Market: a market that offers a variety of Greek cuisine and specialty foods, located at 622 Monroe St
- Detroit Food Academy: a non-profit organization that offers cooking classes and food workshops, located at 17336 Lahser Rd
- Slow Food Detroit: a non-profit organization that offers food tours and workshops, located at 660 Monroe St
- African American Food Festival: an annual festival that celebrates African American cuisine and culture, located at 1620 Michigan Ave