Top Michigan Restaurants

Please note that the restaurants are in random order and are not by order of preference.

  1. Mr. Paul’s Chop House
    29850 Groesbeck Hwy
    Roseville, MI
    Phone: 586-777-7770

    Mr. Paul’s has been around for a long time. The décor reminds one of an upscale restaurant which opened in the late 60’s or early 70’s. Although known for their steaks, and their steaks are delicious, Mr. Paul’s Chop House has the best Perch I may have ever eaten. They also rotate a special entrée each week. On one occasion I had the Duck and it was moist and extremely delicious. On another occasion, I had the Roadhouse Frog Legs and they were also outstanding. I always enjoy eating at Mr. Paul’s Chop House. If you go there for dinner, they will make your Caesar Salad Dressing from scratch tableside.

  2. Le Dog
    306 South Main St.
    Ann Arbor, MI
    Phone: 734-327-0091

    Le Dog is a hot dog establishment tucked inside the back of an office building on Main Street in Ann Arbor. Le Dog features the best Hot Dogs I have ever had in my entire life and I have eaten hot dogs all over the entire country. Le Dog, however, has another element to it. The owners have traveled across the world and created and/or adopted recipes for world class soups and bisques. Some of the soups are extremely creative, such as the BLT Soup. The Beef Stroganoff is outstanding as well. Le Dog was voted the number one place for soup in the State of Michigan in 2009.

  3. Volare Ristorante
    49115 Pontiac Trail
    Wixom, MI
    Phone: 248-960-7771

    What can I say about Volare? It’s my home away from home. Dino Grossi is absolutely one of the most inspirational and quality people I have ever met in the restaurant dining world. He and his staff are first class. He also has a partner, Joe, who is also a true gentleman and both are wonderful chefs. Let me tell you about Volare. It was set to become a monster in the gourmet food field; unfortunately it opened at the worst time vis a vis its location. It got bottled up in three directions for over five months due to poor construction planning.

    Grossi, however, is resilient and the restaurant is now in full swing again. I personally have never met a nicer person in the restaurant business than Dino. Their Mussels are phenomenal, especially draped in a white wine and zip sauce combination. The Scallops are incredibly tender and buttery. Try the Cowboy Rib Eye Steak with the bone that is about 10 inches long. I have had one of my five finest steaks at Volare when it hosted a cigar dinner for now wine czar Tom Celani. This is a can’t miss restaurant.

  4. The Lark
    6435 Farmington Road
    West Bloomfield, MI
    Phone: 248-661-4466

    This landmark has been around forever. Uncanny is its appearance. Its like a small bistro in Paris, France with a small number of tables in the restaurant. The Lark has made everyone’s top ten list of restaurants nationally at one time or another. The Christmas Goose Dinner is a true favorite with a patron being able to order either a Christmas Goose or English Style Prime Rib. All of their theme dinners are multi-course dinners with exceptional wine pairings. Entrepreneur and Owner Jim Lark comes out and rings a bell before each course to discuss the course and its history within the culinary field. The Lark is a very special restaurant and has played a prominent role in my dining in the State of Michigan.

  5. Miller’s Bar
    23700 Michigan Avenue
    Dearborn, MI
    Phone: 313-565-2577

    There is a reason that independent surveys from Marlboro and GQ both spouted Miller’s as the seventh best burger in America! There is an honor system at Miller’s. You order either a cheese burger or a hamburger and either fries or onion rings. That’s it. When you pay they ask you what you ordered. Everything is served on wax paper. This is the best burger that I have ever eaten.

  6. Bacco Ristorante
    29410 Northwestern HWY.
    Southfield, MI
    Phone: 248-356-6971

    Bocco is just special in that it uses the little things to separate itself from everybody else. Fresh, authentic and properly prepared White Truffles show up on or around November/December for about 7 weeks. They are shaved over Risotto – delicious – or over a plethora of unique items, including over an egg with asparagus. In the summer, head chef and owner Luciano Del Signore serves a bevy of unique dishes such as Duck Under Brick and one of my favorites – fish cooked in a parchment bag. His wife, Monica, is also a most adorable lady who greets all of the customers with enthusiasm. On a final note, Bocco makes a pasta called Strozzapreti Norcina which is made with truffle oil, Italian sausage and pasta among other things. This is a favorite amongst fine diners in Michigan. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the GM of Bacco, Mr. Alberto DeSantis–Alberto is a charming host and always keeps the wheels turning at the restaurant Mick Jagger ate at when the Super Bowl was in town!

  7. Hong Hua
    27925 Orchard Lake Road
    Farmington Hills, MI
    Phone: 248-489-2280

    Nestled in the old spot that housed a Bill Knapps, Danny Yu has struck gold. This is the best darn Asian food in the Midwest. Let’s start with the Hot and Sour Soup. It is exquisite. Hong Hua has some incredible side dishes such as the Spicy Green Beans and the decadent Egg Plant in a spicy sauce. All too wonderful. They have exotics, Shark Fin Soup/Abalone/etc. I love the Shrimp and Scallops with Spicy Pepper Salt as well as the signature dish, the Peking Duck served two ways. You can’t miss with Hong Hua.

  8. Lelli’s
    27925 Golf Pointe Blvd.
    Farmington Hills, MI
    Phone: 248-994-1111

    The old Lelli’s originated in Detroit and was a landmark restaurant for fine dining. Sadly, a fire occurred inside and the restaurant was permanently closed. They also have an extremely busy location in Auburn Hills, Michigan. When you order a steak at Lelli’s your are ordering a Steak that comes with the Original Zip Sauce that Lelli’s created back in the 1920’s. Your first course is an antipasto tray full of cheeses and meats, pickles and olives. You are next served a house salad complete with all of the appropriate toppings. Next you are served a bowl of their homemade minestrone soup. That is followed by a pasta course of Pasta with Bolognese Sauce. Finally, your Steak will arrive. I highly recommend the Chateaubriand for two.

  9. Slow’s BBQ
    2138 Michigan Avenue
    Detroit, MI
    Phone: 313-962-9828

    Slow’s BBQ was the first authentic BBQ joint to open in the State of Michigan. Slow’s chef left the Novi Chop House at the Hotel Baronette to open his BBQ restaurant. Slow’s has a bevy of wonderful sauces, including mustard, hot, sweet, apple and regular. The Brisket is so tender you could cut it with a butter knife. The ribs are also outstanding. Slow’s is renowned for its side dish of Mac’n’Cheese.

  10. Lafayette Coney Island
    118 West Lafayette Blvd.
    Detroit, MI
    Phone: 313-964-8198

    This is the original Coney Island that made coneys famous in Michigan. Lafayette has the best Coney Dog I have ever had. Their Chili is outstanding and they use fresh grated cheese. The onions are always cut fresh daily.

  11. Luciano’s Restaurant
    39071 Garfield Road
    Clinton Township, MI
    Phone: 586-263-6540

    Luciano’s is located in a strip mall on Garfield Road in Clinton Township. The Seafood at Luciano’s is fresh and all of their dishes are prepared on the day they are served. The finest salad I have ever had was Luciano’s Marinated Octopus Salad which made me think I was either in Italy or Greece on the Mediterranean Sea.

  12. Loui’s Pizza
    23141 Dequindre Road
    Hazel Park, MI
    Phone: 248-547-1711

    No list would be complete without a place to eat pizza and Loui’s is the best pizza I have had in the State of Michigan. It is a Deep Dish Pizza that comes in squares of either 4 or 8 and the Pizza although cooked through, melts in your mouth. They also serve an excellent Antipasto Salad that prefaces the delicious pizza that Loui’s makes.

  13. Ziggy’s Cheese Steaks
    30140 Southfield Road
    Southfield, MI
    Phone: 248-594-3890

    If you are looking for an authentic Cheese Steak and don’t want to travel to Philadelphia, Ziggy’s is the place to go. Their Cheese Steaks are as authentic as the ones that I have had in Philadelphia, PA. I particularly love the #1 with a dollop of either Cheese Wiz or Swiss Cheese. The Wiz Fries are also delicious. The owner is an extremely cordial individual who goes out of his way to make sure you have had a satisfying dining experience at his restaurant.

  14. Morton’s, The Steakhouse
    888 W. Big Beaver Rd.
    Ste. 111
    Troy, MI
    Phone: 248-404-9845

    No list can be complete without an authentic steakhouse. This Morton’s (and I’ve eaten at them all over the world) is the most well-run Morton’s I’ve ever eaten at, period. That is a tall task, yet one that GM Steve Salmon has achieved. Yes, Morton’s steaks are terrific, especially the Cajun Ribeye or the Prime Rib. So is the Shrimp Alexander, a favorite of one of my daughter’s soccer coaches. I share a wine locker here with my brother, Jamey Kramer, who also happens to be the best real estate agent in the State of Michigan. What separates this steakhouse from all the others, however, is Steve Salmon and his most capable staff. They make you feel as if you are right at home and they treat you like royalty. Salmon also knows his wine and won’t hesitate to point out a fine wine at a bargain price. KUDOS to Steve Salmon and Morton’s Steakhouse.

  15. Pizzeria Biga
    29110 Franklin Rd.
    Southfield, MI
    Phone: 248-750-2442

    Luciano Del Signore brings a 2nd restaurant to my list of favorite places. Luch, as I call him, is a very close friend, but he is also a culinary genius (See Bacco’s review above). This time he’s created a Neopalitino style pizza which is made with a thin crust and a delicious sauce. I always get the Classic, with Pepperoni and Bacon. The crust is what separates this pizza–it’s made with only three ingredients–sea salt, purified water and an organic flour. The Apps are also delicious, including the meatballs.

  16. Pegasus
    558 Monroe St.
    Detroit, MI
    Phone: 313-964-6800

    Detroit has always been known for an area locals call Greektown. This restaurant serves the best food of many accomplished restaurants in Greektown. The octopus appetizer is fresh and a big hit. They also serve a marinated quail dish that is truly outstanding. All the food served is authentic Greek fare. Many people claim that their lamb chops are the best they’ve ever had.

  17. Taco Del Mar
    37294 6 Mile Rd.
    Livonia, MI
    Phone: 734-953-8400

    I took a Client of mine here who spends more time in Mexico than in Michigan and he said this is as close to authentic Mexican street food as you’ll get in this country. The owner, Pete, is a fine individual and the shredded beef is outstanding, whether in a burrito, taco or enchilada!!!! First Rate.

  18. Union Woodshop
    18 S. Main St.
    Clarkston, MI
    Phone: 248-625-5660

    Formerly the Clarkston Cafe, this restaurant is EASILY the best BBQ outside of my garage. They are meticulous about their atmosphere and the food is incredible!!! Best BBQ in the Midwest!!!! I love this place.

  19. Mr B’s Pizza
    26095 John R
    Madison Heights, MI 48071
    (248) 547-2200

    Located in a strip mall on John R between 10 and 11 Mile Road, this place serves wonderful pizza and subs. They also do catering for virtually any event. Owned and operated by a charming couple, Jeff and Dot Buckler, the restaurant is impeccably clean and you can see them make the pizza in front of your eyes. When it comes to pizza, however, the key is the sauce and ingredients. Mr B’s doesn’t disappoint in either area. They use the freshest ingredients, including the smaller pepperoni that curl up and hold the grease in their cup and they use the finest cheese available. Their sauce distinguishes their pizza from any competitor. It is clean tasting and zesty and has the perfect blend of spices. They also offer a flavored crust; I had the cajun crust on my pizza and it was outstanding. I highly recommend Mr. B’s pizza.

  20. The Sardine Room
    340 S. Main St.
    Plymouth, MI 48170
    (734) 416-0261
    www.thesardineroom.com

    Stumbling upon this establishment was like finding a diamond-in-the-rough. They have at least 6 different kinds of oysters at any one time, sometimes more. Their beer tap list always has at least one rare, hard to find beer or ale. The atmosphere is also charming, however the food is quite honestly out of this world. Their specialty dish, baked sardines in an herbed brown butter is noteworthy. I also really enjoyed the smoked oxtail pierogis there as well. The menu is extremely intriguing and one will not be able to try everything that looks interesting in one trip. The owners are extremely friendly people who go out of their way to accommodate their guests. Highly Recommended.

  21. Steve & Rocky’s
    43150 Grand River Ave.
    Novi, MI 48375
    (248) 374-0688
    www.steveandrockys.com

    Every city has at least one restaurant gem that distinguishes the area and none does so like my home town favorite, Steve & Rocky’s. I have been eating at this restaurant since it opened over a decade ago. A collaboration of the efforts of two award-winning chefs, Steve Allen and Charles “Rocky” Rachwitz, and managed by noted restaurant manager Duane Brady, Steve & Rocky’s distinguishes itself with signature dishes such as their Roast Range Chicken with Brie. This is the finest roast chicken I’ve ever had. Their mushroom soup is rich but ever so decadent and their steaks are all prime grade. The wine list is extremely reasonable. The atmosphere is cozy and very tastefully done and the food is second to none. I highly recommend this restaurant to my colleagues on the Bench and in the State Bar on a regular basis.