Joe Muer Seafood on the river inside the Renaissance Center serves classic Detroit seafood since the 2011 GM Tower revival. Original Joe Muer's dates to 1929.
Signature dishes: Whitefish, Lobster bisque
Must order: Pan-fried Michigan whitefish and the lobster bisque, both legacy plates.
Tip: Floor-to-ceiling river view best at sunset. Saturday dinner-only; book a week out.
Address: 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI 48243
Caucus Club at street level of the Penobscot Building on West Congress serves an old-Detroit chophouse since 1952. Reopened under new ownership 2017.
Signature: Dover sole, Steak Diane
Order: Dover sole tableside and steak Diane finished at the table.
Tip: Lunch service runs weekdays; dinner Monday through Saturday. Reservations on OpenTable.
Caucus Club at street level of the Penobscot Building on West Congress serves an old-Detroit chophouse since 1952. Reopened under new ownership 2017.
Signature: Dover sole, Steak Diane
Order: Dover sole tableside and steak Diane finished at the table.
Tip: Lunch service runs weekdays; dinner Monday through Saturday. Reservations on OpenTable.
Al Ameer on West Warren Avenue in Dearborn serves Lebanese cooking in metro Detroit since 1989. James Beard America's Classic 2016, the first Michigan winner.
Signature: Hummus, Shawarma
Order: Whole-leg lamb shawarma, hummus with pine nuts and warm pita straight from the oven.
Tip: Walk-in friendly; the parking lot is large for the area. Hours 11:00 to 22:00 most nights.
Sahara on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn serves Lebanese cooking in metro Detroit since 1968. Family-run, the older sibling on Michigan Avenue to Al Ameer's Warren strip.
Signature: Mixed grill, Tabouleh
Order: Mixed grill platter for the table and a finely chopped tabouleh.
Tip: Closed Sundays. Catering is a substantial side of the business; weekend dinner books out fastest.
Yemen Cafe on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck serves Yemeni cooking in metro Detroit. Halal counter, mandi and saltah are the canonical orders.
Signature: Lamb mandi, Saltah
Order: Lamb mandi with saffron rice and the bubbling cast-iron saltah stew.
Tip: Open from 08:00 to 01:00 daily; cash is welcome, cards work. No alcohol served.
Polish Village Cafe on Yemans Street in Hamtramck serves Polish cooking in metro Detroit since 1975. Below-street basement room, cash-friendly counter.
Signature: Pierogi, Kielbasa
Order: Plate of mixed pierogi (potato, kraut, cheese) and the kielbasa with sauerkraut.
Tip: Stairs down to the basement room; no reservations. Sunday opens at noon.
Mexican Village on Bagley Street has anchored Detroit's Mexicantown since 1958, Detroit's oldest continuously operating Mexican restaurant.
Signature: Enchiladas, Chimichangas
Order: Combination plate with an enchilada, a chimichanga and rice and beans.
Tip: Margaritas on the patio in summer; the dining room is large enough for groups without a booking.
