Top Restaurants to Visit in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties

Metro Detroit is home to an incredible array of restaurants offering diverse flavors, historic charm, and unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you’re craving world-famous pizza, classic Coney dogs, or an upscale steak dinner, this list highlights the best spots in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties based on popular recommendations from locals.

Best Restaurants in Oakland County

Redcoat Tavern – Royal Oak

🍔 Must-Try Dish: The famous Redcoat Burger
Known for its legendary burgers, Redcoat Tavern is a must-visit for anyone looking for a classic American dining experience. Their Turkey Vernon Sandwich and mac and cheese are also highly rated.

Mon Jin Lau – Troy

🍣 Must-Try Dish: Salmon on the Beach & Sushi
A perfect mix of Asian fusion and sushi, Mon Jin Lau has been a top-tier choice for years. Their Almond Boneless Chicken is another customer favorite.

Kruse & Muer – Rochester Hills

🍝 Must-Try Dish: Artichoke Pasta Poulette
If you love fresh seafood and pasta, Kruse & Muer serves up house-made bread, seafood pasta, and delicious salads in an elegant setting.

The Fly Trap – Ferndale

🍽️ Must-Try Dish: Crab Cakes & Huevos Rancheros
A quirky and delicious brunch destination, The Fly Trap is known for its eclectic menu and bold flavors.

Que Pasa Taqueria – Royal Oak & Sterling Heights

🌮 Must-Try Dish: Red Tacos with Carnitas or Chorizo
This spot serves some of the best street tacos around. Try the red tacos with carnitas or chorizo.

The Alibi – Troy

🧅 Must-Try Dish: French Onion Soup
Famous for its French onion soup, pizza with cupping pepperoni, and chicken Parmesan.

Amici’s Kitchen & Living Room – Berkley

🥗 Must-Try Dish: Amici Salad & 3 Pigs Pizza
Known for its Amici Salad and creative pizzas like the 3 Pigs Pizza and ‘Shrooms and Grass Pizza.

Louis Pizza – Hazel Park

🍕 Must-Try Dish: Classic Detroit Style Pizza
A neighborhood favorite for perfectly baked, classic Detroit-style pizza that keeps locals coming back.

Best Restaurants in Macomb County

Iva’s Chicken Dinners – Sterling Heights

🍗 Must-Try Dish: Family-Style Fried Chicken
Offering pan-fried chicken that rivals Frankenmuth’s, Iva’s is a hidden treasure for home-cooked comfort food lovers.

El Charro – Fraser

🌮 Must-Try Dish: Puffy Tacos & Botanas
A beloved Mexican restaurant famous for its puffy tacos, botana platters, and margaritas.

Da Francesco’s – Shelby Township

🍷 Must-Try Dish: Chicken Tosca
A family-owned Italian restaurant with a fantastic menu of house-made pastas, veal dishes, and seafood specialties.

Cloverleaf Pizza – Eastpointe

🍕 Must-Try Dish: Detroit-Style Pizza
A Detroit-style pizza staple, known for its thick, cheesy, crispy-edged pies.

Tivoli’s Pizzeria – Utica

🍕 Must-Try Dish: Detroit-Style Deep Dish
A small but mighty pizza joint serving up delicious Detroit-style pies and Italian specialties.

Thee Office Pub & Cookery – Romeo

🍔 Must-Try Dish: Pub Burger
Famous for its pub burger topped with bacon, green olives, Swiss, and mayo—a must-try for burger lovers.

La Saj – Sterling Heights

🥙 Must-Try Dish: Shawarma & Hummus
One of the best Mediterranean restaurants in the area, serving incredible shawarma and creamy hummus.

Best Restaurants in Wayne County

Karl’s Cabin – Plymouth

🥩 Must-Try Dish: Smoked Brisket Gouda Mac & Cheese
A rustic, cozy spot known for its hearty American fare, Karl’s Cabin is a favorite for both brunch and dinner.

Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips – Detroit

🐟 Must-Try Dish: Fish & Chips
A go-to spot for perfectly crispy, golden-battered fish and hand-cut fries.

Mexican Village – Detroit

🌯 Must-Try Dish: Enchiladas
As Detroit’s oldest Mexican restaurant, this spot serves incredible enchiladas, burritos, and queso fundido.

Lafayette & American Coney Island – Detroit

🌭 Must-Try Dish: Coney Dog with Chili Cheese Fries
The ultimate Detroit rivalry—Lafayette and American Coney Island are two historic Coney spots where you can taste-test and decide which one reigns supreme.

Polish Village Café – Hamtramck

🥘 Must-Try Dish: Authentic Polish Platter
This hidden gem serves some of the best pierogi, kielbasa, and stuffed cabbage in Metro Detroit. A must-visit for Polish food lovers.

Cantoro Italian Market & Trattoria – Livonia

🍝 Must-Try Dish: House-Made Pasta & Sausages
An authentic Italian market with a fantastic restaurant serving fresh pastas, meats, and classic Italian dishes.

Buddy’s Pizza – Detroit & Multiple Locations

🍕 Must-Try Dish: Detroit-Style Pizza with Sausage, Green Peppers & Onions
As the inventor of Detroit-style pizza, Buddy’s is a must-visit for anyone looking to try a slice of history.

Takoi – Detroit

🍜 Must-Try Dish: Spicy Pork Belly Ramen
A modern Thai-inspired eatery with an exciting menu featuring spicy curries, bao buns, and craft cocktails.

Sabina’s Polish Restaurant – Melvindale

🥟 Must-Try Dish: Polish Platter & Dill Pickle Soup
Sabina’s is a local favorite for authentic Polish cuisine, offering generous portions and traditional flavors.

Dime Store – Detroit

🥓 Must-Try Dish: Chicken Shawarma Hash
Known for its Chicken Shawarma Hash, house-made sausage, and one of the best Bloody Marys in town.

Selden Standard – Detroit

🥘 Must-Try Dish: Seasonal Small Plates
A favorite for its locally sourced, seasonal small plates and craft cocktails in a stylish setting.

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Honorable Mentions

There are far too many great restaurants in Metro Detroit to name them all, but here are a few additional favorites:

• 🍔 Brown Iron Brewhouse – Royal Oak & Washington Twp. – Must-Try Dish: Smoked Brisket Sandwich
  A craft beer haven with delicious house-smoked barbecue dishes.
• 🍗 Vic’s Casual Dining – Southgate – Must-Try Dish: Chicken Tosca
  A hidden gem offering incredible Italian and American comfort food.
• 🥩 Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse – Troy – Must-Try Dish: Filet Mignon
  A luxurious steakhouse known for buttery, melt-in-your-mouth steaks.
• 🍕 Green Lantern Pizza – Madison Heights & Berkley – Must-Try Dish: The Roundhouse Pepperoni Pizza
  A Metro Detroit staple, serving one of the best old-school pepperoni pizzas around.
• 🍝 Antonio’s Cucina Italiana – Dearborn Heights & Canton – Must-Try Dish: Ravioli Florentine
  A family-owned Italian favorite, offering authentic, homemade pasta dishes.
• 🐟 The Detroit Fish House – Shelby Township – Must-Try Dish: Seafood Tower
  A seafood lover’s dream, serving fresh, high-quality fish and shellfish.
• 🍜 Mati’s Deli – Dearborn – Must-Try Dish: Corned Beef Sandwich
  A beloved deli, serving some of the best corned beef sandwiches in Metro Detroit.
• 🍨 Shatila Bakery – Dearborn – Must-Try Dish: Pistachio Baklava & Mango Ice Cream
  A Lebanese bakery with incredible Middle Eastern pastries and homemade ice cream.
• 🍳 Toast – Ferndale & Birmingham – Must-Try Dish: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
  A trendy brunch spot, offering creative twists on breakfast favorites.

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Final Thoughts

Metro Detroit is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse and delicious mix of restaurants to explore. Whether you’re in the mood for iconic Detroit-style pizza, homemade pierogi, or the perfect burger, these Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne County gems should be at the top of your list.