Best Bistros In Detroit
Bistros are commonly thought of as small, casual-dining establishments that focus on simple, fresh foods at moderate prices. And when it comes to the best bistros in Detroit, you have plenty of options. Motown features some of the best bistros spots in the Midwest, and these five are your best bets.
1917 American Bistro
19416 Livernois Ave
Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 863-1917
www.1917americanbistro.com
Judging by its name, you probably won't be surprised to learn that 1917 is an American Bistro. But it's also much more than that. On the menu, you'll find items with plenty of soul influence like fried catfish, barbecue ribs and fried chicken. However you will also get tastes of standard bistro fare like crab cakes and sandwiches. Receiving the prestigious America's Top Tables Award from Gourmet Magazine, this bistro is one of the top-rated spots in town. What's more, you can even feel great about what you're consuming with the healthy juice bar. Get wild with a glass full of jungle happiness or relax a bit with the cool island breeze juice.
Atlas Global Bistro
3111 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 831-2241
www.atlasglobalbistro.com
Atlas is a trendy, stylish bistro specializing in Continental cuisine. The interior features high ceilings, exposed brick, wood floors and large windows. And on the menu, you'll find everything from jumbo lump crab cakes to braised lamb shank to confit of duck leg. Plus, you can get two three-course, prix fixe dinners with an eclectic variety of cocktails and wines to pair with your food. The Metro Times called Atlas Global Bistro the "Best Eclectic Restaurant in Detroit." It's open seven days a week for brunch and dinner, and on Sundays for brunch.
Angelina Italian Bistro
1565 Broadway
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-1355
www.angelinadetroit.com
Angelina is one of the newer kids on the block, but it's quickly establishing a reputation as one of Detroit's best bistros. Angelina specializes in house-made pastas, choice beef, organic pork, free-range chicken and fresh seafood with an Italian flair. The dining room is lovely, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an open kitchen. It's located in Grand Circus Park, right across from the Detroit Opera House and within walking distance of Comerica Park. Try one of the signature charcuterie plates, the salmon cakes or the house-made gnocchi for a truly delicious culinary experience. There's a great wine list too, with an emphasis on Italian varietals and several Michigan wines if your palate favors local tastes.
Related: Best Italian Food in Detroit
Fountain Bistro
800 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 237-7778
www.fountainbistro.com
Fountain Bistro opened its doors in the summer of 2010, and was named one of Metro-Detroit's Top Ten New Restaurants of the Year in the Detroit Free Press in 2011. Conveniently located on Woodward Avenue in Campus Martius Park, Fountain Bistro serves French-inspired cuisine, but you'll also find eclectic world fare like hummus, po boys and lamb sliders. If you visit with a lighter appetite but still a salivating mouth, enjoy a plate of the dijon saffron moules & frites - one pound of Prince Edward Island mussels in a dijon-saffron broth. Fountain sources many of its ingredients from local farmers at Eastern Market and Avalon Breads, too. It's open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
Bistro 555
555 E Lafayette St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 223-2999 ext. 3100
www.greektowncasino.com/bistro555.html
Bistro 555 bills itself as a "full-flavored, budget-friendly" restaurant. It's located on the third floor of the Greektown Hotel and Casino and offers a large menu filled with standard bistro fare. You'll find a huge variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, entrees and desserts. If dining in for lunch, order the "monte" croissant sandwich. The flaky croissant adds a buttery component to its pile of grilled ham, turkey, Swiss and cheddar. Pair it with the house-made coleslaw for a truly complete meal. It's open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so treat yourself to a tasty meal after you win the big bucks in the casino.
Related: Best Square Pizza In Detroit
Scott Christ is a resident of Rochester Hills, MI who is passionate about all things local. He currently works as a copywriter for a healthcare communications firm in Ferndale. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
