Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Detroit | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Detroit | Upscale Italian Food

• Gabriel Import Company — Italian · rated 5/5: Stepping into Gabriel Import Company feels like discovering a hidden European larder, where floor-to-ceiling shelves brim with artisanal oils, sun-drenched preserves, and the intoxicating aroma of aged cheeses. The space hums with the energy of a bustling market, inviting guests to linger over hand-carved charcuterie and crusty baguettes paired with rare vintages in an atmosphere that celebrates the timeless art of the gourmet find.
• Rocco's Italian Deli — Italian · rated 5/5: Rocco’s Italian Deli captures the soulful charm of a classic neighborhood haunt, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of aged prosciutto and the cheerful bustle of a modern sandwich shop. Artfully stacked creations like the "Il Rocco" celebrate bold Mediterranean flavors alongside vibrant chopped salads, while house-made pasta sides provide a hearty, rustic accompaniment to every overstuffed bite. The experience culminates in a sweet, nostalgic finish of citrus-kissed orange ricotta cookies or crisp mini cannoli, making each visit feel like a sun-drenched tribute to the timeless corner deli tradition.
• Momento Gelato — Italian · rated 4/5: This chic, light-filled creamery invites guests to linger over velvety scoops of artisanal gelato, where vibrant seasonal fruits and rich, roasted nuts are transformed into silken, hand-crafted masterpieces. Each bite captures a fleeting moment of pure indulgence, perfectly paired with the aromatic hum of a busy espresso bar and the satisfying, buttery snap of a house-made waffle cone.
• Motor City Brewing Works — Italian · rated 4/5: Industrial charm meets neighborhood warmth in this Midtown staple, where mosaic-tiled walls and a bustling rooftop deck create a vibrant backdrop for local conversation. The scent of bubbling, brick-oven pizzas wafts through the air, perfectly paired with hand-crafted ales and crisp ciders that celebrate the city’s resilient, creative spirit. It is a place where the clinking of pint glasses and the glow of the wood-fired oven invite guests to linger, soaking in an authentic Detroit experience that feels both historic and effortlessly alive.
• Turbo Espresso Bar — Italian · rated 4/5: This high-octane urban retreat pulses with the rhythmic hiss of steam and the deep, toasted aroma of expertly roasted beans. Gleaming chrome accents and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic set the stage for masterfully pulled espresso shots topped with golden crema, creating a sophisticated pit stop where the art of the caffeine fix meets a stylish, modern energy.
• 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.
• 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.
• Original Gonella's — Italian · rated 3/5: Stepping into this storied deli feels like a pilgrimage to the heart of sandwich craft, where the air is thick with the savory scent of sliced provolone and cured Italian meats. Masterfully constructed subs rise to architectural heights, ranging from classic six-layer builds to staggering eighteen-layer monuments of flavor tucked into crusty, fresh bread. Each bite delivers a harmonious, salt-cured symphony that celebrates the simple, indulgent joy of a perfectly stacked Italian hoagie.
• Roman Village Cucina Italiana — Italian: Stepping into this lively, family-owned landmark feels like entering a bustling kitchen in the heart of Italy, where the irresistible aroma of warm, garlic-brushed bread and simmering marinara fills the air. Hand-rolled pastas and time-honored recipes take center stage, served in a warm, rustic atmosphere that celebrates the soulful art of traditional Italian hospitality.
• Alba — Italian: Bathed in an ethereal glow that mirrors its namesake dawn, Alba offers a sanctuary of refined elegance where the delicate aromas of seasonal harvests meet a sophisticated, light-filled atmosphere. Each plate is a masterclass in understated luxury, marrying culinary precision with a soulful appreciation for pure flavors to create a dining experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
• Supino Pizzeria — Italian: Sunlight dances across flour-dusted counters in this high-energy urban haunt, where the irresistible aroma of blistering dough and melting fontina pulls you into the heart of the neighborhood. Artisanal pies emerge from the heat with a perfectly crackling, thin crust, showcasing a masterful balance of salty prosciutto, earthy roasted garlic, and vibrant seasonal ingredients that turn every slice into a soulful celebration of flavor.
• La Pecora Nera — Italian: Stepping into La Pecora Nera feels like discovering a hidden corner of a bustling Italian market, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of sliced salumi and aged cheeses. Hand-crafted sandwiches arrive bursting with authentic flavors on perfectly crusty bread, followed by delicate, cream-filled cannoli that provide a sweet, shattering crunch to complete the rustic experience.
• Mike's Pizza Bar — Italian: Mike’s Pizza Bar pulses with a lively, neighborhood energy, where the savory scent of bubbling mozzarella and smoky wings invites guests into a warm, social atmosphere. The kitchen serves up a soulful celebration of Italian-American comfort, from sizzling meatball skillets and golden garlic bread to hearty plates of chicken parmesan that feel like a decadent Sunday dinner shared among friends.
• Grandma Bobs Handmade Pizza — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood gem pulses with a playful energy, where neon lights cast a warm glow over tables laden with thick, golden-crusted pizzas. Each slice offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a pillowy center, topped with a creative alchemy of premium ingredients that elevate the humble pie into a gourmet indulgence. It is a soulful retreat where the nostalgia of a home-cooked meal meets a bold, contemporary spirit, perfect for sharing laughter over a bubbling, cheese-laden masterpiece.
• 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.
• Cork & Gable — Irish: This soaring, industrial-chic sanctuary in Corktown marries historic architecture with a spirited energy, creating a space that feels both grand and intimately welcoming. The kitchen masterfully weaves together Irish, Italian, and German influences, filling the air with the savory aromas of golden schnitzel and rich, handmade pastas that celebrate the diverse culinary heritage of the neighborhood.
• Mom's Spaghetti — Italian: Steeped in a sense of nostalgic urban grit, this spirited eatery welcomes guests with the comforting aroma of slow-simmered red sauce and the lively hum of a kitchen that values soul over pretense. Heaping bowls of al dente pasta are piled high with savory meatballs and rich, garlic-infused gravies, offering a hearty, home-cooked experience that feels both rebellious and deeply familiar.
• Andiamo Detroit Riverfront — Italian: Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the shimmering Detroit River, casting a romantic glow over an elegant dining room where the rhythmic clinking of wine glasses meets the aroma of slow-simmered sauces. The kitchen honors Italian tradition through silken, handmade pastas and perfectly seared steaks, creating a sophisticated sanctuary where the city’s skyline serves as the ultimate backdrop for a celebratory evening.
• San Morello — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of mid-century Italian glamour, this vibrant urban escape invites diners into a world of checkered floors, rich wood accents, and sun-drenched flavors. The kitchen breathes life into the space with the smoky aroma of wood-fired pizzas and the delicate artistry of handmade pastas, all served alongside effervescent cocktails that sparkle under amber lights. It is a spirited celebration of Southern Italian soul, where rustic tradition meets a sophisticated, modern heartbeat.
• 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.
• Sicily's Pizzeria — Italian: Sicily’s Pizzeria captures the heart of the neighborhood with the irresistible aroma of charred dough and simmering garlic wafting from its glowing ovens. Hand-stretched crusts serve as a canvas for molten cheeses and garden-fresh herbs, creating a symphony of textures that range from a delicate, smoky crisp to a pillowy, flavorful finish. It is a vibrant, welcoming retreat where the warmth of a shared pie and the lively hum of conversation transform a simple meal into a soulful celebration of tradition.
• Amar Pizza — Italian: The intoxicating aroma of bubbling mozzarella and toasted dough fills this lively neighborhood corner, where the steady hum of conversation mingles with the warmth of the glowing pizza ovens. Each artisanal pie arrives with a signature charred crust and a creative array of toppings that bridge the gap between classic comfort and bold, inventive flavors. It is a welcoming retreat where the simple joy of a shared slice is elevated by a vibrant atmosphere and a genuine passion for the craft.
• 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.
• Armando's Pizza — Italian: Step into a lively neighborhood sanctuary where the intoxicating scent of bubbling mozzarella and charred, hand-stretched dough wafts from a roaring stone oven. This inviting space brings together the warmth of a local gathering spot with the artistry of perfectly blistered crusts and vibrant, house-simmered sauces, creating a soulful dining experience that celebrates the simple joy of a shared pie.
• Pia's Ristorante Italiano — Italian: Stepping into this beloved neighborhood gem feels like entering a sun-drenched villa in the heart of Tuscany, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of slow-simmered ragu and freshly baked focaccia. Guests gather around candlelit tables to share generous platters of hand-rolled pasta and velvety risottos, each plate reflecting a deep devotion to time-honored family recipes and vibrant, seasonal ingredients. The evening unfolds with the gentle clinking of wine glasses and spirited conversation, offering a soulful escape that celebrates the simple, timeless joy of an authentic Italian feast.
• Z's Villa — American: Tucked away in a charming century-old home, this neighborhood gem invites guests into a labyrinth of cozy, wood-paneled rooms that hum with the easy laughter of locals and the nostalgic glow of a bygone era. The air carries the savory perfume of golden, crisp broasted chicken and bubbling hearth-baked pizzas, while the expansive backyard patio transforms into a sun-soaked retreat perfect for lingering over cold drinks and casual conversation.
• Nikki's Pizzeria — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella define this vibrant neighborhood hub, where the warmth of the oven radiates through a cozy, sun-drenched dining room. Hand-stretched dough meets vibrant, herb-flecked sauces to create pizzas with a perfect char, while the lively hum of conversation provides the soulful soundtrack for an afternoon spent sharing golden, crispy slices.
• Jet's Pizza — Italian: The irresistible scent of hearth-baked dough and savory meats fills the air, welcoming guests to a casual haven where pizza is elevated to a crunchy, golden art form. Thick, airy crusts serve as the canvas for a symphony of bold flavors, ranging from the spicy kick of buffalo ranch chicken to the sweet and smoky harmony of pineapple and BBQ. It is a place of pure indulgence, where every bite delivers a satisfying blend of melted cheese and premium toppings designed to satisfy the deepest cravings.
• Amicci's Pizza — Italian: Stepping into this inviting neighborhood cornerstone feels like a warm embrace, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of garlic and slow-simmered tomato sauce. Hand-stretched dough is transformed into golden, blistered masterpieces topped with molten cheese and vibrant ingredients, creating a communal dining experience that celebrates the simple, timeless joy of a great pizza shared among friends.