Best Upscale Carnivore Restaurants in Detroit | Upscale & Carnivore

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Carnivore Restaurants in Detroit | Upscale & Carnivore

• Koja Sushi — Japanese · rated 5/5: Koja Sushi invites guests into a refined, intimate space where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s knife sets the stage for a curated omakase journey. The experience centers on the ocean’s most decadent offerings, featuring buttery ribbons of marbled toro that dissolve on the palate and the delicate, briny sweetness of fresh uni, all served with a quiet elegance that honors the purity of every ingredient.
• Babo — Korean · rated 5/5: Babo invites guests into a sun-drenched space where the morning air is perfumed with the earthy aroma of wild truffles and the spicy sizzle of house-made chorizo. Artistic skillets and vibrant breakfast tacos bring a bold, global flair to the table, while creative touches like kimchi-infused potatoes transform classic brunch staples into a spirited and colorful culinary celebration.
• Bar Rotunda — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight dances across this elegant circular sanctuary, where the air is thick with the comforting aroma of toasted almonds and butter-laden dough. Guests can lose themselves in the delicate shatter of a golden, flakey croissant or the savory richness of a decadent breakfast sandwich, making every morning feel like a grand, sophisticated occasion.
• Trinosophes Cafe — American · rated 3/5: Sunlight streams into this soulful, creative sanctuary where the earthy aroma of house-made nut-seed bread and warm buttermilk biscuits invites a slow, intentional start to the day. The kitchen crafts vibrant, nourishing plates ranging from golden-crusted Greek pies to herb-flecked za’atar pitas, creating a communal atmosphere that feels like a thoughtful intersection of art and appetite.
• Brass Rail Pizza Bar — Italian · rated 3/5: Brass Rail Pizza Bar pulses with a vibrant energy, where the warm glow of the bar and the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese invite friends to linger over shared plates and cold pours. The kitchen turns out a parade of elevated comfort classics, from zesty Bangin' Brass Shrimp and honey-glazed wings to crisp, garden-fresh salads that perfectly balance the indulgence of their signature pull-apart cheese bread. Whether diving into a sprawling sampler platter or enjoying a casual night out, guests find a spirited retreat that celebrates the simple joy of great company and bold, satisfying flavors.
• Kamper's — Spanish · rated 3/5: Kamper's captures the spirited essence of a Spanish taberna, where the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling garlic and the convivial clinking of glasses over bowls of Marcona almonds and hand-carved Jamón Ibérico. Guests gather around shared plates of golden croquetas and delicate boquerones, discovering a vibrant culinary landscape where traditional Mediterranean textures meet a modern, sun-drenched sophistication.
• Dunleavy's — American · rated 3/5: Dunleavy’s captures the spirited essence of a classic neighborhood hangout, where the warm glow of the bar meets the irresistible aroma of sizzling, cheese-laden comfort food. Towering mounds of loaded nachos and golden, crispy potato skins anchor the table, encouraging a communal dining experience centered on shared plates and lively conversation. Each bite, from the gooey pull of melted cheese sticks to the savory crunch of mini tacos, delivers a nostalgic sense of indulgence that makes every visit feel like a celebration of the everyday.
• Dearborn Italian Bakery — Italian · rated 3/5: The air inside this neighborhood gem is thick with the comforting scent of rising dough and bubbling mozzarella, where the hum of the ovens signals a legacy of flour-dusted craftsmanship. Golden, hand-stretched crusts serve as a vibrant canvas for everything from traditional Sicilian-style Spingioni to adventurous fusions like zesty chicken shawarma and taco-inspired toppings, bridging the gap between old-world heritage and modern, eclectic cravings. Whether stopping in for a savory breakfast slice or a custom-crafted specialty pie, diners find a warm, unpretentious sanctuary where every bite feels like a celebration of community and flavor.
• Avalon Bakery — American: The air at Avalon Bakery is thick with the comforting scent of toasted grains and freshly pulled espresso, drawing guests into a bright, soulful space where artisanal baking takes center stage. Mornings here are defined by vibrant slices of avocado toast and the bakery’s signature golden muffins, while the pastry case tempts with sea-salt-dusted chocolate chunk cookies and decadent plant-based treats that pair perfectly with a velvety latte or a sparkling mimosa. It is a neighborhood sanctuary where the simple joy of a perfectly crusted cookie and a warm mug creates a timeless, inviting escape.
• Unique Coney Island Express — American: The sizzle of the griddle and the comforting aroma of buttery toast define this bustling neighborhood haunt, where the morning rush is met with hearty, soul-warming plates served all day long. Steam rises from overflowing breakfast bowls and golden-crisp hash, while stacked egg sandwiches and vibrant omelettes offer a satisfying, home-cooked embrace for those navigating the fast-paced rhythm of the city.
• Yum Village — Middle Eastern: This vibrant culinary hub pulses with the bold, aromatic spirit of West African and Caribbean soul food, inviting guests into a space where communal warmth meets modern flair. Succulent jerk oxtail glistens alongside truffle-infused greens and pillows of fufu, while rich, slow-simmered Egusi stews and golden Afro fries offer a tapestry of spices that feel both deeply nostalgic and excitingly new.
• El Barzon — Mexican: El Barzon invites guests into a lively atmosphere where the salt-kissed sweetness of Parma prosciutto and melon meets the fiery, aromatic steam of clams and mussels simmered in a bold arrabbiata. The kitchen celebrates the vibrant textures of the Mediterranean, from the delicate crunch of golden-fried seafood to the comforting richness of a signature pasta duo, all served in a space that feels like a warm, spirited embrace.
• La Noria Bistrot — Mexican: Sun-drenched flavors and the comforting aroma of blistered dough define this charming bistro, where rustic elegance meets a vibrant fusion of culinary traditions. Artisanal pizzas emerge from the oven with perfectly charred crusts, ranging from the earthy decadence of truffle and wild mushrooms to the bold, zesty spirit of signature Mexican-inspired toppings. Crisp, garden-fresh salads provide a bright contrast to the savory pies, creating a relaxed dining sanctuary where every bite celebrates the harmony of classic Italian technique and local soul.
• Leila — Middle Eastern: Leila invites guests into a vibrant, sun-drenched sanctuary where the table becomes a colorful mosaic of shared plates and the air carries the enticing aroma of toasted spices. Velvety swirls of smoky baba ghanouj and tangy labneh give way to the satisfying crunch of golden falafel and herb-flecked salads, celebrating the bold, soulful flavors of Levantine tradition. It is an experience rooted in communal warmth, where every bite of spiced kibbeh or crispy cauliflower feels like a fragrant invitation to linger and celebrate.
• Baobab Fare — Middle Eastern: This vibrant sanctuary celebrates the soul of East African hospitality, where the air is thick with the enticing aroma of warming spices and the rhythmic sizzle of the griddle. Golden, hand-stretched chapatis arrive warm and flaky, cradling everything from tender slow-cooked beef to savory eggplant alongside caramelized plantains and the bright, floral pop of a fizzy hibiscus. The experience concludes with the creamy, tropical sweetness of a coco mango, leaving guests with a lingering sense of warmth and communal joy.
• Breadless — American: This vibrant eatery reimagines the classic sandwich by swapping traditional loaves for crisp, nutrient-dense leafy greens that cradle a world of bold, globally-inspired flavors. Guests can dive into hearty wraps where succulent jerk chicken meets the sweetness of mango or savor the smoky depth of BBQ braised beef, all while enjoying a bright, modern space designed for wholesome indulgence. Whether opting for a custom creation or a colorful rice bowl packed with roasted sweet potatoes and corn, every bite offers a refreshing crunch and a satisfyingly clean finish.
• Le Supreme — French: Le Supreme transports diners to a bustling Parisian-style brasserie where the aroma of bubbling gruyère and the sight of chilled seafood platters create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The kitchen masters the art of the French morning, serving up velvety omelettes and golden-crusted quiches alongside briny oysters and hand-cut steak tartare. It is a refined sanctuary where guests can linger over a decadent Eggs Benedict or a rich onion soup gratinée, savoring the soulful, sophisticated flavors of classic Gallic cuisine.
• The Rectory — British/Pub food (not: Sunlight streams through the windows of this charming neighborhood haunt, where the comforting aroma of bubbling mozzarella and golden, oven-fired crust creates an immediate sense of home. Friends gather over crisp house salads and shareable, hand-stretched pies, while the weekend crowd lingers over effervescent mimosas and savory breakfast pizzas in a space that feels both historic and vibrantly social.
• AM Buzz Detroit — American: AM Buzz Detroit pulses with the rhythmic hiss of espresso machines and the inviting scent of freshly roasted beans, creating a sleek urban haven for the morning-minded. Guests linger over artfully layered gourmet sandwiches and vibrant, farm-fresh salads that elevate standard breakfast fare into a sophisticated culinary ritual. This polished neighborhood gem blends the precision of a high-end coffee house with the soul of a modern bistro, offering a refined and energized start to the day in the heart of the city.
• Alpino — Italian: Stepping into Alpino feels like retreating to a secluded mountain chalet where the air is rich with the comforting, nutty aroma of bubbling raclette and golden, crisp-edged rösti. Guests gather around communal pots of molten fondue, pairing the indulgent warmth of melted cheese with the bright, bitter crunch of chicory and pear salads. It is a space where rustic Alpine traditions meet refined elegance, offering a soul-warming escape that lingers long after the last bite of velvety crema di lardo.
• Cutter's — Steakhouse: Cutter’s captures the heart of soulful comfort, where the crackle of perfectly fried catfish and the sweet heat of honey-hot BBQ wings create a symphony of savory aromas. From the gooey pull of a classic grilled cheese to the satisfying crunch of golden-brown wings, every dish is a tribute to timeless, feel-good flavors served in a space that hums with neighborhood warmth and casual charm.
• American Coney Island — American: This legendary institution pulses with a high-energy, nostalgic charm, where the sizzle of the grill and the savory aroma of spiced chili create an instantly welcoming atmosphere. Patrons bite into the signature snap of a perfectly dressed Coney dog or savor a warm, seasoned gyro amidst a backdrop of classic diner aesthetics, making every visit feel like a delicious step back in time.
• Locos — American: Locos pulses with a vibrant, high-energy spirit where the air is thick with the savory scent of sizzling fajitas and the festive clink of ice-cold beer buckets. Golden, deep-fried tacos and mountains of loaded nachos take center stage alongside zesty margaritas, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for raucous Taco Tuesday celebrations or a spirited evening shared over spicy Bandito wings.
• Tocororo — Mexican: Tocororo pulses with a vibrant energy where global spices and playful comfort food collide in a celebration of bold, punchy flavors. Glistening chicken legs glazed in Szechuan peppercorn plum BBQ or black garlic parmesan take center stage alongside inventive dips like aji amarillo pimento, turning every shared platter into a colorful exploration of taste. This spirited haunt invites guests to linger over the crunch of buffalo curry fries and the sharp zing of deviled pickled eggs, offering a crave-worthy escape for the adventurous palate.
• ima — Japanese: This vibrant sanctuary celebrates the purity of the sea and garden, where the sharp tang of house pickles and the briny crunch of kaiso seaweed awaken the palate in a sleek, modern setting. Artfully plated hamachi crudo and spicy tuna atop sesame crisps offer a sophisticated dance of silken textures and bold heat, while cooling bowls of chilled sesame noodles provide a refreshing finish to a meal defined by elegance and precision.
• Nemo's Bar & Grill — American: Stepping into Nemo’s Bar & Grill feels like a homecoming, where the air is thick with the savory scent of their signature burgers searing on the flat-top and the comforting steam rising from bowls of house-made chili. This local staple pairs a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere with a menu of charred favorites and golden fries, creating a quintessential grill experience where every bite celebrates the simple joy of a well-crafted meal.
• Amore da Roma — Italian: Step into a timeless sanctuary of old-world charm where the air is thick with the savory perfume of garlic-kissed scampi and simmering house-made minestrone. Tables are laden with an array of classic indulgences, from the golden crunch of fried calamari and sizzling Italian sausage to the elegant, buttery flair of escargot ala bourguignonne. Whether sharing a curated charcuterie board by candlelight or savoring the bright, creamy snap of fresh mozzarella caprese, guests are transported to a romantic Roman escape where every bite celebrates the art of traditional hospitality.
• Cadillac Square Diner — American: Sunlight dances across the counters of this vibrant urban gathering spot, where the comforting aroma of sizzling, hand-pressed sausage patties and perfectly griddled eggs fills the air with nostalgic warmth. The kitchen balances these hearty, savory staples with bright, refreshing strawberry salads, creating a welcoming space where classic diner soul meets a fresh, contemporary touch.
• Fresh Rootz, LLC — American: This vibrant plant-based sanctuary transforms wholesome ingredients into bold, soulful comfort food, where the smoky heat of jerk-seasoned cauliflower meets the satisfying crunch of golden, Detroit-style wings. The air carries the inviting aroma of simmering vegan chili and fresh-pressed wraps, inviting guests to linger over creative fusion dishes like zesty falafel tacos and crispy, hand-rolled egg rolls. It is a welcoming space where global flavors and fresh, root-to-stem cooking come together to create a nourishing experience that feels both indulgent and revitalizing.
• Vecino — Mexican: This lively neighborhood gem hums with energy, offering a soulful journey through Mexican flavors where the table is soon crowded with vibrant aguachiles and smoky, velvet-smooth moles. From the crunch of a perfectly charred huarache to the bright, tropical notes of mango crudo, every dish captures a sense of place and passion, inviting diners to linger over shared plates and spirited conversation.