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Meet Detroit's 25 Most Underrated Restaurants

by Victoria Trudeau
12 comments / new
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by Victoria Trudeau
12 comments / new

Detroit and Metro Detroit have no shortage of restaurants, but with the shiny new ones popping up more frequently (Spring Tracking) and classics getting a new lease on life, sometimes we ignore the other great places out there. So we decided to ask, what are the area's most underrated restaurants? Comments came in on the site, on Facebook, via email, and anonymously. Nearly 30 restaurants were suggested in a two week span.

We chose to take your word for it, and many of these blurbs were written by the readers who suggested them. Restaurant rating is personal, so if someone said it was great and underrated, it made the list (with very few exceptions). Have another place in mind that deserves a little love too? Share it in the comments.

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Sharaku

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"I hear a lot about some other sushi places (e.g. Noble Fish), but in my mind there's nowhere in southeast MI that's close. It's tough finding english-speaking staff there, but it's as authentic as anything you'll find in the country." Pete H. [Photo]
6159 Haggerty Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
(248) 960-1888
(248) 960-1888

Pita Cafe

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It's fast, it's cheap (especially for Birmingham) and the food is great. Diners love the fresh juices (made to order) and the lentil soup, but it's the garlic paste that really takes the cake. [Photo]
239 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009-3871
(248) 645-6999
(248) 645-6999

Phoenicia

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It's sophisticated Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine that's on a fine dining level all its own. Excellent food, impeccable service, and a recently remodeled atmosphere work together to create a truly under-appreciated gem. [Photo]
588 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 644-3122
(248) 644-3122

Also featured in:

Mon Jin Lau

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It's lounge atmosphere, great cocktails, and surprisingly good sushi make it an excellent choice for a night out. The wonderful service (many of the waitstaff have been there for years and years) is just another plus. [Photo]
1515 E Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48083
(248) 689-2332
(248) 689-2332

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Detroit Style Pizza

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"Detroit Style Pizza Company in Roseville, about 2.5 miles north of Cloverleaf, deserves a mention. The owner used to own a couple of Cloverleaf franchises, but changed over to his own brand and then won the 2012 Best Pizza award at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, with a Detroit-style pizza. It's World-Championship-winning pizza!" -Colin B [Photo]
29347 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066
(586) 439-0575
(586) 439-0575

Sunny Thai

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"Sort of a seafood-focused Thai place that packs a lot of heat (and originality) into its dishes." Pete H.[Photo]
27872 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071
(248) 543-1961
(248) 543-1961

Gangnam Chicken

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"More unknown than underrated, they've got pretty much every type of Korean street food / casual fare going, from korean-style pasta carbonara, to stews, fried chicken and small bites." Pete H. [Photo]
112 Catalpa Dr, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Eddie's Gourmet Restaurant

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"Hidden Gem" is the phrase that comes up over and over again in Yelp reviews, and diners just love their excellent food, friendly service, and affordable prices. [Photo]
25920 Greenfield Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237
(248) 968-4060
(248) 968-4060

Bucci

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This is not a fast service and big plates kind of place, instead it's a long evening with expertly prepared Italian food, and likely a wait for a table (for a reason). [Photo]
20217 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
(313) 882-1044
(313) 882-1044

Marcus Hamburgers

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"Since 1929, same location, good breakfast and lunch/dinners too. And while there, stop at Sunnyside Bakery on E.McNichols@Bloom, Detroit's oldest bakery, since 1930, current owners since 1970s."-Paul M. [Photo]
6349 E McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48212
(313) 891-6170
(313) 891-6170

Krakus Restaurant

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"Potato pancakes better than Polish Village/weird hours/still can't figure out why the sign says "Witchcraft"/ambiance is hilarious/very cheap prices"-David M. "Good menu (both Polish and American dishes), tasty food, European entertainment on weekends too"-Paul M.[Photo]
12900 Joseph Campau St, Detroit, MI 48212
(313) 368-4848
(313) 368-4848

Campau Tower

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They're open 24 hours, they serve pierogi around the clock, the employees are characters who add to the atmosphere, but they really only need one word according to a reader, who simply said: "Hamburgers".(Thanks David M.)[Photo]
10337 Joseph Campau St, Hamtramck, MI 48211
(313) 758-9579
(313) 758-9579

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Lucky Dragon

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"My go to Chinese take out spot in Detroit located in a shopping center on East Jefferson - American Chinese food cooked with a soul food twist."-David M [Photo]
2664 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 567-7777
(313) 567-7777

The Golden Fleece

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"I mention this place a lot to everyone I know, but judging by online reviews it's still underrated. Don't get anything but the gyro, which is better than any other that I've had in the Midwest."-Pete H. [Photo]
525 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-7093
(313) 962-7093

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Al's Paradise Cafe

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"Al's Paradise Cafe's shawarma sandwich is way better than Bucharest. There I said it."-NezNarf [Photo]
218 E Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-4498
(313) 962-4498

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The Jefferson House

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"The place has been desolate whenever I've been there, probably because it's a hotel restaurant (in a hotel that's never full outside of conventions) in a pretty empty part of downtown. But chef Justin's food is very good."-Pete H.[Photo]
2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-0200
(313) 965-0200

Hygrade Restaurant & Deli

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This one was recommended by reader Zach F., who offered no commentary, but that's okay. Just eat the corned beef sandwich and understand why words are totally overrated.[Photo]
3640 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI
(313) 894-6620
(313) 894-6620

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Taqueria El Rey

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"I'm hesitant to mention this because I don't want them to get too busy. The best grilled, bone in chicken I have ever had. It is a must."-Ryan M. [Photo]
4730 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 357-3094
(313) 357-3094

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Duly's Place

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Sure, Anthony Bourdain ate there, but that doesn't matter to David M., who said it "has received honorable mention but is still quite underrated"[Photo]
5458 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 554-3076
(313) 554-3076

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Señor Lopez

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It's not impressive from outside, but they serve Mexican breakfast all day, fresh chips, and have low prices. All served with a smile. [Photo]
7146 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 551-0685
(313) 551-0685

Taqueria Nuestra Familia

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"Tacos dorados, cabeza gordita, drinks are astoundingly strong and cheap"-David M.[Photo]
7620 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 842-5668
(313) 842-5668

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La Terraza

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In a city full of similar Mexican restaurants, La Terraza stands out for their focus on something different: "Ceviche tostadas and Mexican seafood dishes"-David M. [Photo]
8445 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 843-1433
(313) 843-1433

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Vince's Italian Restaurant

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"Vince's Italian in SW Detroit for 53 years because it's location is out of the way deep in Mexican Town with the original family still plating up old school pasta and much more...Vince's is well worth a trip to the finest Italian foods in the D."-Al P. [Photo]
1341 Springwells Street, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 842-4857
(313) 842-4857

El Asador

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"El Asador on Springwells is hands down the best Mexican food in town."-Marc D. [Photo]
1312 Springwell, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 297-2360
(313) 297-2360

Howell's Bar

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"The best burger and hand cut fries that almost no one seems to talk about."-Pete H. [Photo]
1035 Mason St, Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 565-6322
(313) 565-6322

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Sharaku

6159 Haggerty Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
"I hear a lot about some other sushi places (e.g. Noble Fish), but in my mind there's nowhere in southeast MI that's close. It's tough finding english-speaking staff there, but it's as authentic as anything you'll find in the country." Pete H. [Photo]
6159 Haggerty Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
(248) 960-1888
(248) 960-1888

Pita Cafe

239 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009-3871
It's fast, it's cheap (especially for Birmingham) and the food is great. Diners love the fresh juices (made to order) and the lentil soup, but it's the garlic paste that really takes the cake. [Photo]
239 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009-3871
(248) 645-6999
(248) 645-6999

Phoenicia

588 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009
It's sophisticated Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine that's on a fine dining level all its own. Excellent food, impeccable service, and a recently remodeled atmosphere work together to create a truly under-appreciated gem. [Photo]
588 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 644-3122
(248) 644-3122

Mon Jin Lau

1515 E Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48083
It's lounge atmosphere, great cocktails, and surprisingly good sushi make it an excellent choice for a night out. The wonderful service (many of the waitstaff have been there for years and years) is just another plus. [Photo]
1515 E Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48083
(248) 689-2332
(248) 689-2332

Detroit Style Pizza

29347 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066
"Detroit Style Pizza Company in Roseville, about 2.5 miles north of Cloverleaf, deserves a mention. The owner used to own a couple of Cloverleaf franchises, but changed over to his own brand and then won the 2012 Best Pizza award at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, with a Detroit-style pizza. It's World-Championship-winning pizza!" -Colin B [Photo]
29347 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066
(586) 439-0575
(586) 439-0575

Sunny Thai

27872 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071
"Sort of a seafood-focused Thai place that packs a lot of heat (and originality) into its dishes." Pete H.[Photo]
27872 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071
(248) 543-1961
(248) 543-1961

Gangnam Chicken

112 Catalpa Dr, Royal Oak, MI 48067
"More unknown than underrated, they've got pretty much every type of Korean street food / casual fare going, from korean-style pasta carbonara, to stews, fried chicken and small bites." Pete H. [Photo]
112 Catalpa Dr, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Eddie's Gourmet Restaurant

25920 Greenfield Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237
"Hidden Gem" is the phrase that comes up over and over again in Yelp reviews, and diners just love their excellent food, friendly service, and affordable prices. [Photo]
25920 Greenfield Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237
(248) 968-4060
(248) 968-4060

Bucci

20217 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
This is not a fast service and big plates kind of place, instead it's a long evening with expertly prepared Italian food, and likely a wait for a table (for a reason). [Photo]
20217 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
(313) 882-1044
(313) 882-1044

Marcus Hamburgers

6349 E McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48212
"Since 1929, same location, good breakfast and lunch/dinners too. And while there, stop at Sunnyside Bakery on E.McNichols@Bloom, Detroit's oldest bakery, since 1930, current owners since 1970s."-Paul M. [Photo]
6349 E McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48212
(313) 891-6170
(313) 891-6170

Krakus Restaurant

12900 Joseph Campau St, Detroit, MI 48212
"Potato pancakes better than Polish Village/weird hours/still can't figure out why the sign says "Witchcraft"/ambiance is hilarious/very cheap prices"-David M. "Good menu (both Polish and American dishes), tasty food, European entertainment on weekends too"-Paul M.[Photo]
12900 Joseph Campau St, Detroit, MI 48212
(313) 368-4848
(313) 368-4848

Campau Tower

10337 Joseph Campau St, Hamtramck, MI 48211
They're open 24 hours, they serve pierogi around the clock, the employees are characters who add to the atmosphere, but they really only need one word according to a reader, who simply said: "Hamburgers".(Thanks David M.)[Photo]
10337 Joseph Campau St, Hamtramck, MI 48211
(313) 758-9579
(313) 758-9579

Lucky Dragon

2664 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
"My go to Chinese take out spot in Detroit located in a shopping center on East Jefferson - American Chinese food cooked with a soul food twist."-David M [Photo]
2664 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 567-7777
(313) 567-7777

The Golden Fleece

525 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
"I mention this place a lot to everyone I know, but judging by online reviews it's still underrated. Don't get anything but the gyro, which is better than any other that I've had in the Midwest."-Pete H. [Photo]
525 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-7093
(313) 962-7093

Al's Paradise Cafe

218 E Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
"Al's Paradise Cafe's shawarma sandwich is way better than Bucharest. There I said it."-NezNarf [Photo]
218 E Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-4498
(313) 962-4498

Related Maps

The Jefferson House

2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
"The place has been desolate whenever I've been there, probably because it's a hotel restaurant (in a hotel that's never full outside of conventions) in a pretty empty part of downtown. But chef Justin's food is very good."-Pete H.[Photo]
2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-0200
(313) 965-0200

Hygrade Restaurant & Deli

3640 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI
This one was recommended by reader Zach F., who offered no commentary, but that's okay. Just eat the corned beef sandwich and understand why words are totally overrated.[Photo]
3640 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI
(313) 894-6620
(313) 894-6620

Taqueria El Rey

4730 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
"I'm hesitant to mention this because I don't want them to get too busy. The best grilled, bone in chicken I have ever had. It is a must."-Ryan M. [Photo]
4730 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 357-3094
(313) 357-3094