Detroit Food Writers Reveal Their Top Restaurant Newcomers of 2018

As is tradition at Eater, we closed out the year by surveying local food writers and our own staff on various restaurant-related topics, and publishing their responses throughout the week. Here, we asked for their top new openings of 2018. Readers, feel free to share your thoughts below.

Brittany Hutson, Contributor, Eater Detroit:

I have several that I want to call out. The first one is Folk. The all day brunch vibe, with the use of fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers, is certainly one reason to make frequent visits there. But it’s Kiki Louya and Rohani Foulkes’ commitment to the community, hiring Detroiters and paying them an equitable wage, that makes Folk truly stand out, without a doubt.

There’s also Flowers of Vietnam 2.0, Bangkok 96 Street Food, Urban Ramen, Norma G’s, and Chili Mustard Onions.

Brenna Houck, Editor, Eater Detroit:

I was really impressed (obviously) with Eater Detroit’s Restaurant of the Year, Marrow. I also had a pretty amazing dinner at Albena. I couldn’t stop thinking about my meal at Bangkok 96 Street Food. Korean cuisine trifecta New Seoul Garden and the seasonal brunch food at Folk were also great additions. I also loved the pizza at La Noria. It was a fun year to eat at restaurants around metro Detroit.

Dorothy Hernandez, Contributor, Eater Detroit:

New Seoul Garden, Ima in Madison Heights, Marrow, SheWolf, Bangkok 96 Street Food, Folk.

Nick Britsky, Host, Nick Drinks at Night:

Albena, Marrow, SheWolf.

Serena Maria Daniels, Founder/Editor, Tostada Magazine:

Folk Detroit. Everything from the interior design to the artfully crafted menu, locally sourced ingredients and the founders’ approach to an equitable workforce make Folk stand out as a leader in the city’s dining scene.

John Reyes, Ann Arbor Contributor, Eater Detroit:

PoCai, Chef Frank Fejeran’s (Ricewood) new healthy-eating venue, has turned quite a few heads in Ann Arbor. The avocado toast’s bright flavors and airy whipped feta is welcome take on what’s become a commonplace dish

Melody Baetens, Features Reporter, Detroit News:

SheWolf, Folk, Ima Madison Heights, La Noria (those tacos arabe!), and Adachi.

• All Year In Eater Coverage [ED]