Dinner in downtown Detroit

[JennS]

Hi,

A small group of us New Yorkers will be celebrating my aunt's 60th birthday in downtown Detroit on Halloween night. None of us are from Detroit, we won't have a car, and we are staying on Gratiot Avenue downtown. I'd love to find a great restaurant within walking distance, but a short cab ride would be fine too. Looking for someplace interesting and fun with excellent seasonal/local food, but nothing too fancy or stuffy. My cousin has a peanut allergy so no Chinese or Thai. American, French, Italian, or Japanese would be best. We are willing to splurge.

All suggestions are welcome!

Thanks so much!

[Annaig]

There is also Mosaic in Greektown. A bit pricey but a creative choice of food and fun lively atmosphere with great service.

[JanPrimus]

Aside from Angelina Bistro (which is great)...

Another consideration would be Roast
www.detroitroast.com
It is owned by Cleveland own Iron Chef Micheal Symon...it specializes in the carnivorous arts. Highlights are the Roasted Beast of the Day, Beef Cheek Pierogies, and roasted Marrow. I would say it is a 5-10 minute walk from the Hotel I believe you are at (Hilton). I would call for reservations.

[JennS]

We are at the Hilton. Thanks for the two suggestions. I looked at the menus and while both look great to me, my aunt tends to be a lighter/healthier eater -- more seafood, chicken, etc. No roasted beasts for us. Any other options nearby?

[JanPrimus]

Maybe Oslo....it is mainly a Sushi place with some Thai offerings also...
http://www.oslodetroit.com

or maybe Cliff Bells - They have some delicious dishes.
http://www.cliffbells.com/kitchen.html

[qriusminds]

The Detroit Fish Market is right across the street from your hotel.

-----
Detroit Fish Market - Downtown
1435 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226

[JanPrimus]

Also the cities finest pizza is just a bit north on Gratiot....

http://www.supinopizza.com/ - NYC Style pie....thin, crisp and great quality on the toppings. They are a whole in the wall and do not deliver, but worth it. The "Smoky" is my favorite.

Too bad you are not near any good Detroit style pizza places (Some may argue for Niki's in Greektown but I would not...)....

[Jim M]

Supino's has pizza that even a New Yorker could love, but for a b-day dinner? There are just a few long benches there. I haven't tried the Fish Market or Lola's (also nearby) but have heard good things about both. Here are some suggestions from a local critic. Vicente's is not bad and is 1 block from your hotel, but NYC is a true capital of Cuban food. I would suggest Atlas. None is more than a ten-minute cab ride away.

http://www.detnews.com/article/200904...

Enjoy your visit!

[JanPrimus]

Sorry...was not thinking Supino's for the big dinner....but if people are getting a room in town I am betting there will be more than one meal to take care of. :)

[JennS]

Thanks again for all the suggestions -- I love Chowhound!! Detroit Fish Market is looking like our best bet for dinner at the moment but I'm going to do some research and will definitely report back. We're only in town for one night, so our Detroit meals are limited to Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast and lunch.

[gooddog]

Tom's Oyster Bar is on Jefferson, about 8-9 blocks from your hotel.

http://www.tomsoysterbar.com/

[Ludlows23]

I really like Tom's, but it doesn't scream "special occasion" to me. I would go with Detroit Fish market or Angelina's. If money is no object and everyone likes seafood, then Saltwater at the MGM would be a good "special occasion" place.

Also - Oslo is great, but its tiny and loud and maybe a little to much for a 60 y/o birthday (unless she is your "cool aunt"!).

Let us know where you end up!

[JennS]

How far is the MGM from where we're staying? I'm leaning toward the Detroit Fish Market over Angelina or Oslo because I like the menu options best.

She's totally my cool aunt -- we just went to all five Bruce Springsteen shows at Giants Stadium together :-)

Thanks again for all the help. I'll be sure to report back about our meal.

[qriusminds]

The MGM is about a 5 minute cab ride from your hotel.

[Rheta]

I would recommend Angelina Bistro. Excellent Italian food. Nice atmosphere. Not fancy, just comfortable. It should be fairly close to you hotel. The address is 1565 Broadway St., 313-962-1355. Welcome to Detroit and have a wonderful dinner and Happy Birthday to your Aunt!