Some of the most marvelous restaurants are found in tiny spaces. From long-standing burger joints to hole-in-the-wall diners, the Metro Detroit area is home to all sorts of small but fantastic eateries, and some of them will quickly become your new favorites. When you’re in the mood for a hugely delicious meal among compact surroundings, check out seven of Metro Detroit’s best little restaurants.
1. Rose’s Fine Food (10551 E Jefferson Ave., Detroit)
When you step into this charming, well-decorated little spot, you’ll immediately feel like you’re among friends. Rose’s serves a variety of fresh, organic, homemade fare that will capture your heart in no time. Whether you opt for a plate of vegan pancakes, dig into a patty melt, or enjoy a mouthwatering order of ricotta french toast, your taste buds will surely thank you.
2. Mink Detroit (1701 Trumbull Ave., Detroit)
Situated in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, Mink is a recently-opened gem that offers ethically sourced seafood, plenty of delicious drinks, small plates, and more. The menu at Mink changes daily as new products arrive, but you can count on finding fantastically fresh options. Favorites include scallops, oysters, and apple salad - round it all out with a sip of sake. What’s not to love?
3. Duly’s Place (5458 W Vernor Hwy., Detroit)
This 24-hour gem in the Motor City serves everything from hamburgers to classic coney dogs to hearty breakfast fare, but you might easily bypass it due to its small size. When you step into this cozy, no-frills destination, you’ll see why diners have dropped in for straightforward deliciousness for decades. Whether you dine at the counter or slide into a booth, you’ll love Duly’s.
4. Cafe Nini (98 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms)
Venture to nearby Grosse Pointe Farms for a cozy yet elegant experience that’s perfect for a romantic date night. The intimate restaurant began as a simple coffee house and eventually expanded into a full-service eatery with 38 seats. The menu here consists of everything from fresh pasta to lemon sorbet, and you’ll feel like you’ve been swept away to a new world.
5. Taqueria El Rey (4730 Vernor Hwy., Detroit)
Detroit’s Mexicantown neighborhood offers some of the most fantastic Mexican fare in the entire state of Michigan, but you might not have checked out Taqueria El Rey - after all, this small locale often flies under the radar when it comes to Mexican spots in the city. Don’t let its compact vibe fool you, though: Taqueria El Rey serves some of the most delectable and authentic eats in all of Detroit.
Editor's Note: In January 2022, a fire destroyed much of the restaurant and efforts to rebuild and reopen are ongoing. Taqueria El Rey's original location remains temporarily closed, however, you can frequently find them as a pop-up at Batch Brewing Company in Corktown!
6. Kate’s Kitchen (26558 W Huron River Dr., Flat Rock)
Since its establishment in 1978, Kate’s Kitchen has drawn in countless hungry visitors with its fantastic service and freshly prepared goodies. The breakfast and lunch plates here are made from scratch, with options ranging from biscuits and gravy to cinnamon french toast. If you’re craving more sugar, opt for one of Kate’s famous homemade pies. Is your mouth watering yet?
7. Pie-Sci Pizza (5163 Trumbull Ave., Detroit)
Who doesn’t love pizza? Detroit is known for some of the tastiest pies in the region, but Pie-Sci truly stands out among the rest with its unique topping offerings. The restaurant itself is decidedly small, but you’re in for a great adventure when you dig into pizza varieties like BLT, chicken alfredo, and classic margherita. Whether you build your own pie or try a Pie-Sci creation, you’ll fall in love with this spot.
Are there any other tiny restaurants in or around Detroit that we should be aware of? We’re always eager to hear from our readers, so drop us a line in the comment section with your best recommendations!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Featured Addresses
10551 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214, USA
1701 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216, USA
Duly's Place Coney Island, 5458 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209, USA
98 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236, USA
4730 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209, USA
26558 W Huron River Dr, Flat Rock, MI 48134, USA
5163 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48208, USA