Sweet potato ice cream, chicken and sweet potato waffles, sweet potato cookies and cornbread — Sweet Potato Sensations does it all, working hard to preserve the legacy of George Washington Carver, who learned more than 100 uses for the sweet potato and other plants native to the South. Headed to the Old Redford neighborhood bakery? Try the pie first. Etta Mae’s salmon croquettes, the Jive Turkey Sandwich, and the black-eyed pea and collard green soup are worthy contenders, too.

Good things come in small packages, like the city’s best jerk chicken served up in a strip mall off Eight Mile. While the Jamaican Pot is exclusively carryout, expect to wait a bit while the busy kitchen carefully prepares each order of curry goat and pepper steak. The jerk chicken is made with flame-grilled chicken that’s seasoned with a blend of island spices. To drink, cool down that heat with a bottle of Kola Champagne or keep that spice going with a ginger beer.

Spiced gumbo loaded with seafood is the main event at this decades-old carryout restaurant that originated near Eastern Market. At this Detroit institution, it’s served with shrimp, sausage, cut okra, celery, onions, tomatoes, and a proprietary blend of gumbo seasonings, alongside Bayou favorites like red beans and rice, jambalaya, and shrimp po’boys. The original spot has shuttered as ownership makes way for a new spruced up and larger location not far, at 2830 Gratiot Ave. In the meantime, get your fix at the outpost on Seven Mile and in Farmington Hills.

The city’s first Black-owned, takeout-friendly food hall provides Detroiters with nine food vendors in one convenient location on the city’s westside: a barbecue spot called Detroit Wild Pit, Borderline Tacos and Things, Poon’s Hibachi Grill, Crazy Burger, Your Perfect Blend Smoothie Shop, Delectabowl (which is also a food truck), Heavenly Chicken and Waffles, Life is Sweets ice cream parlor, and Wing Fellas.

When it comes to Detroit sandwiches, few have achieved the legendary status of the Boogaloo Wonderland at Chef Greg’s Soul-N-the Wall: a hoagie topped with beef, tangy red sauce, American cheese, and caramelized onions. This carryout spot’s signature dish pays tribute to an original recipe at the now-shuttered Brothers Bar-B-Q and to the late “Boogie Wonderland” songwriter Allee Willis, who happened to be a big fan of proprietor Greg Beard’s food.

Whenever the subject of sushi in metro Detroit comes up, the discussion almost always turns to Noble Fish, beloved for consistently providing metro Detroiters with a steady source of over-sized sushi rolls and nigiri for the past 30 years. What started as a market in 1984 later added a kitchen in 1991, along with a modest sushi bar where guests could marvel at the sushi chefs’ expertise in assembling fresh cuts of fish. More recently, the spot added an expanded dining area where diners can stretch their legs a bit in a casual atmosphere that’s a step above the grocery store vibes from before. A variety of traditional Japanese snacks like candy, cookies, and rice cakes are also on hand, as well as bottled teas, sake, and other Japanese beverages. The prices are reasonable. Go for the nigiri like yellowtail or splurge on a large specialty roll like the Michigan, made with tuna, cucumber, avocado, and spicy mayo.

This welcoming, pretty-in-pink bakery and cafe on Livernois is an oasis for delectable cakes, such as its strawberry crunch cake made with three thick layers of spongy strawberry and vanilla cake, moist cupcakes like the banana pudding cupcake, colorful cereal and milk bars, as well as a select number of savory items like soups and breakfast sandwiches. During Pride Month, expect specialities like the Rainbow Sprinkle, made with six brightly-hued layers and white frosting. Good Cakes and Bakes is also available for nationwide delivery via Goldbelly, and beginning in 2023, launched a second location in the so-called District Detroit entertainment zone downtown for all those office workers who might need a sweet little pick-me-up during a work break.

Chef James Rigato of Top Chef fame helms this Hazel Park restaurant. What made this spot stand out when it opened in 2015 was that it was among the earlier new American restaurants in metro Detroit to feature a menu that’s handwritten and that changes daily and with the seasons. Rigato takes his cooking seriously, but the space itself does not feel pretentious, so expect mismatched vintage plates and seating inside a compact dining area in an otherwise sleepy suburb. One visit might entail griddled king trumpet mushrooms, while a return trip could include Colorado lamb ribs made with garlic and fish sauce caramel, sake pickles, sesame, and iceberg lettuce. Reservations are recommended, though the lone diner can occasionally score a seat at the bar if they call ahead and inquire about last-minute cancellations.

The Congregation lives up to its name as it’s one of the destinations for Detroiters to get together with friends or colleagues no matter the occasion. The beautifully restored church features a spacious outdoor deck and yard seating, which on Thursday evenings during the warmer months, becomes the spot to be seen (and to dance). Guests can expect a variety of coffee beverages, wine, cocktails, a food menu ranging from breakfast bagels, pastries from local bakeries, and salads, to flatbreads, soups, and shareable dips. Leaning in on that sense of community, the Congregation also hosts food trucks, a farmers market, support groups, yoga, and other public events.

Southwest Detroit is arguably the taco truck capital of the city and the Diaz family behind El Parian mobile food trucks are in many ways leading the pack. With several locations that can reliably be found at the same address daily, El Parian offers a little something for everyone at each of its locations. Fan favorites include Parian’s fiery yet slightly tangy and chargrilled tacos al pastor, complete with slivers of pineapple; tacos campechano (asada mixed with chorizo); and tacos filled with tender cuts of suadero. For fans of mariscos, hit up El Imperio at 7812-7816 Vernor Highway for a variety of seafood cocktails, citrusy ceviche served on top of crispy tostadas, and even chilled oysters. For a choice of Mexican and burgers, Wicho’s Burgers offers thick Hawaiian burgers and satisfying tacos alike. While the locations are pretty consistent, be sure to follow Parian’s social media accounts for updates.

The 2022 Eater Award-winning Ladder 4 operates as a wine bar, and a retail wine shop — with more than 200 varieties for sale. But what makes this spot one of the most exciting destination in town are the culinary creations of chef John Yelinek, who had previously gained a following through his Park Ranger pop-up. Expect a rotation of head-turning dishes like scallop crudo, country ham vinaigrette made with locally grown melon, or chicken neck sausage (with the beak). The spot also hosts live music events, tastings, has three spacious patios and a backyard. For the ultimate show-stopper dish, if Yelinek’s burnt basque cheesecake is available, order it. And for an extra splurge, top it with caviar.

Carryout-only fave Tamaleria Nuevo Leon has been satisfying Detroiters’ Christmastime tamale needs since the 1950s. The satisfying lineup of tamales sticks with classic fillings like pork and chicken alongside rotating specials like cheese-jalapeño tamales. The tamales tend to be on the thin side, a good thing for folks looking for just the right balance of fillings and masa. Oh, and the masa has a comforting corn flavor that’s not too starchy. It’s also known for its fast, friendly service, where you can call to order and have your to-go bag waiting in just minutes or order from a window outside — a relatively new pandemic-related addition. Don’t forget to bring cash.

Chef Mike Ransom’s Eater Award-winning restaurants in Corktown, Midtown, and Madison Heights are known for their udon noodles swimming in rich earthy broths, and karaage fried chicken or tofu sandwiches — all set in a casual, bright space with available indoor and outdoor seating. Now Ransom is bringing his vision full circle with its newly expanded digs in the former Gold Cash Gold restaurant just west of the original Corktown spot on Michigan Avenue. Expect a more robust cocktail menu, meaty skewers from the robata grill like the delectable tsukune chicken meatballs, raw fish options like the velvety hamachi tuna crudo and ahi tuna tartare, panko-fried chicken katsu, and many other favorites.

Founded by Grace Owens, Joe Ann’s BBQ has been carrying on the tradition of open charcoal pit barbecue since 1951. These days, Owens’s daughter Joe Ann Proctor is keeping that family tradition alive: Customers can expect options like whole barbecued chicken, tender ribs, and pigs’ feet — all cooked on-site over an open charcoal-fired pit. The fried shrimp paired with Joe Ann’s tangy, spicy barbecue sauce and the tropical shakes are also worth stopping in for.

This spot offers dinner and drinks in one building. For $90, diners can experience a multicourse menu that can last several hours and highlights the bounty of each season. A recent menu included Island Creek oysters accompanied with compressed melon, Michigan baby carrots charred with toasted pistachio, Michigan sweet corn agnolotti, and chocolate almond custard. The space feels very relaxed, with a minimal and elegant dining space with exposed brick and a host stand made of reclaimed wood, as well as an open kitchen where guests can witness the back-of-house crew at work. One key detail: Diners can select their playlist while they eat, thanks to the restaurant’s robust collection of vinyls. Next door, the Dragonfly bar boasts a low-ABV menu along with a lineup of signature cocktails that changes regularly, creative small bites like duck tenders. The spot now opens up its space for up-and-coming chefs like the women of Fried Chicken & Caviar, who’ve hosted the Communion Sunday brunch pop-up experience featuring a curated drink menu, special food items, and an eclectic playlist.

Exceptional seafood is the star of the menu at Oak and Reel. Michigan native chef Jared Gadbaw developed his craft and knowledge of Italian seafood while working at a two Michelin-starred New York restaurant before returning to the Great Lakes region to establish his own restaurant in Milwaukee Junction. Customers can enjoy a variety of options with Oak and Reel’s raw oysters and other menu items that have included roasted swordfish; snail-shaped lumache pasta with squid ink, shrimp, crab, and herbs; or salt-baked branzino with salsa verde and seasonal garnishes — all set in a chic, minimalist interior that boasts exposed ceilings, soft lighting, and a ground-level view of the Boulevard. In addition, the Upright, a cozy bar and lounge, is situated beneath the restaurant. Guests of the bar can enjoy cocktails and small plates like bolognese arancini, and cacio e pepe pasta fritti — crispy pasta bites with parmesan and pepper.

In a time in restaurant history when new establishments are embracing the whole maximalism “more is more” ethos, Alpino takes a more subtle, sophisticated approach. Appointed in neutrals and soft lighting, this Corktown Eater Award winning spot offers diners a balance of modern and familiar. Highlights include an herbaceous güurkensalat accented with edible marigold petals and dill, a generously-sized wienerschnitzel made with breaded Strauss veal and a creamy morel rahmsauce, and pastas like a ragu tagliatelle with Piedmontese beef. Sunday brunches are rounded out here with fondue service and thanks to the genius work of bar manager Andre Sykes, you’ll get cocktails here that draw inspiration from the geography and flavor of the Alps. Such is the case with the La Vie en Rose, which combines pink Norden Aquavit, mulberry-infused dry vermouth, and orange bitters. Owner David Richter has a background in wine himself, so take a moment to appreciate that wine list.

This dinner spot for new American cuisine takes diners into a beautifully restored interior with reclaimed wood, subway tile walls, and a minimalist aesthetic and a menu focusing on seasonal small plates. Think halloumi, octopus, roasted carrot salad, and rigatoni, just to name a few past menu items. The cocktails are equally as creative with ample use of seasonal fruit, local herbs or shrubs, and house-made syrups. Reservations are available 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Batch Brewing Company’s menu has been leaning into barbecue as of late, available for dining in or carryout, as are its brews in bottles and cans. The brewery currently offers lots of outdoor seating under an open-air pavilion, as well as indoor seating. The space has also become known for uplifting community through its various pop-ups and fundraisers in support of other local businesses impacted by the pandemic and other crises, like a Monday and Tuesday pop-up featuring Taqueria El Rey, which currently offers its chargrilled chicken, tacos, and burritos at the spot two nights a week.

Eater Award-winning bakery Warda Patisserie serves some of Detroit’s best desserts from its charming cafe on West Alexandrine. Owner Warda Bouguettaya — who won the 2022 James Beard Award for outstanding pastry chef — specializes in stunning tarts, pastries, and breads influenced by her world travels. Look out for options like pear and almond frangipane tarts, quiche, and cream-filled maritozzi. Stay awhile in the bistro-style seating section with a latte or take your treats on the go.

This casual Eastern European eatery makes its home in the lower half of a two-story flat in Hamtramck, but also in Ferndale and, more recently, in a food truck for special events. Customers can count on Bosnian dishes like cevapi and cream cheese-stuffed hamburgers, Turkish coffee, and the restaurant’s claim to fame — döner. Thin-sliced gyro meat, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion are stuffed inside soft-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside lepinja flatbread with sauce drizzled over the top. The menu is halal and available for takeout or delivery.

Bar Pigalle takes a “playful French”-meets-Midwest approach to its dramatically renovated space set on the ground level of the historic Carlton Lofts in Brush Park. Behind the venture are hospitality veterans Joseph Allerton and Travis Fourmont, along with chef Nyle Flynn. The Eater Award-winning spot is named after the Parisian neighborhood Quartier Pigalle — home of the famous Moulin Rouge. Expect a variety of hot or cold small plates like bison tartare guanciale-wrapped frog legs, and a coney-style steak and frites, along with an impressive cocktail, beer, and wine list.

This quintessential all-day brunch spot has been a downtown stalwart for more than a decade. And for good reason. The destination, named after the former department store, has a reputation for its mountain of luxuriant savory and sweet breakfast meals, so much so that lines can usually be seen overflowing onto Woodward on any given weekend. The red velvet pancakes with cream cheese drizzle and the voodoo eggs benedict corn cakes, Spanish chorizo, cheddar cheese, and ranchero sauce are legendary. To drink, fresh-squeezed juice, teas, coffee, and espresso beverages are available, as are brunch-worthy cocktails like the Pancake Breakfast Shot

made with TAP Canadian maple whisky, maple-infused simple syrup, orange juice, and a slice of bacon. The spot reopened to the public in spring 2023 following a months-long closure, with several updates to the space. For fans in the suburbs, a Northville location has also opened, as of spring 2023, and a Troy outpost is also in the works.

In polyglot Dearborn, the franchise Paradise Biryani Pointe became an examination of the ways that halal cuisine can span genres, with dishes like za’atar naan, Indian falafel, and paneer tikka kabobs since launching in 2019. In summer 2023, owner Ali Wazne, who is Lebanese American, partnered with Srinath “Ziggy” Kalmadi, who is Indian, to launch Paradise Street Eats, a food truck situated in Greektown. Standouts include butter chicken tacos featuring a creamy butter sauce, chaat veggies, and accented with a mint and tamarind chutney. Each taco is assembled with a piece of chapati — which makes an excellent alternative to a tortilla when the occasion to make a butter chicken taco calls for it.

Owner Erica Pietrzyk is known for her nontraditional takes on Polish dumplings like the Holiday Special, a pierogi packed with turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and green beans. It’s those kinds of fun flavors that turned Pietrzyk Pierogi into a hit pop-up restaurant and now a food stall inside Gratiot Central Market. Pietrzyk offers in-store shopping, curbside service, and shipping with an online shop, where customers can order packages of frozen pierogi, meal kits with Polish staples, and even pay-it-forward meals to help people in need. Pietrzyk is also available at 20 local retail locations.

Named one of Eater’s best new restaurants in 2019, Marrow has been a crucial source for everything from local meats and cheeses to flour to beer and wine. The West Village butcher shop and restaurant features a prix fixe, five-course tasting menu to give diners a little taste of everything, as well as a la carte options like the roast bone marrow, local maitake and crayfish dumplings, ricotta gnocchi, or the baklava doughnut. The kitchen is helmed by chef Sarah Welch, who on top of running a restaurant has been featured on two seasons of Top Chef.

Sister Pie is a nationally renowned Detroit bakery with a fresh rotation of pie flavors rolling out monthly. Expect the unexpected in seasonal pie flavors, ranging from Michigan strawberry, rhubarb, and lavender; toasted marshmallow butterscotch; or the crowd favorite, salted maple. The shop, helmed by Eater Young Gun Lisa Ludwinski (’15), emphasizes the needs of its employees and surrounding neighbors by hiring from within the community and regularly checking in with customers to find out their priorities.

Eater Award winning taquera Diana Gomez made 2023 the year of norteño Mexican in Detroit with the El Paso-style brisket that she sells out of her Tacos Hernandez food truck. The brilliantly-painted truck regularly rotates its location so Detroiters can enjoy Gomez’s brisket, house-made flour tortillas — northern Mexican-style — and vegan-friendly options across the city. Among its regular stops are the East Warren Farmers Market, Craig’s Coffee (for breakfast burritos), and the Schvitz.