In search of a new restaurant for contemporary American cuisine?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end New American restaurants around Detroit, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're on the hunt.
1. Republic
Topping the list is Republic, which says it offers a modern take on tavern fare. Located at 1942 Grand River Ave. downtown, the upscale pub is the highest rated New American restaurant in Detroit, boasting four stars out of 407 reviews on Yelp.
Come hungry and try the sweetheart pork belly with Michigan pea purée and ramps; mushroom tempura with beef broth and scallions; grilled asparagus with black vinegar mignonette and quinoa; smoke pastrami salmon with pepper jelly; or house sausage with creamy grits.
Take it from KJ S., who reviewed the restaurant on June 9: "This is my No. 1 recommendation when someone asks me about where to get a nice dinner in Detroit ... The menu uses seasonal produce and is creative and purposeful with the way they put their dishes together. I have had many phenomenal meals here."
2. Lady of the House
Next up is Corktown's Lady of the House, situated at 1426 Bagley Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 115 reviews on Yelp, the New American restaurant has proven to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge.
Dinner fare at Lady of the House includes steak tartare with charred leeks, oyster aioli and rye sourdough; carrot bisque with peanuts and mint; braised lamb with Michigan mushrooms and tarragon; and whole roasted chicken with challah migas and pea shoots. And don't forget to save room for potato doughnuts and Irish coffee cocktails.
3. The Apparatus Room
Downtown's The Apparatus Room, located at 250 W. Larned St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the fancy bar and New American spot four stars out of 297 reviews.
"Amazing food and outstanding service," wrote Yelper Brett I. "Beautiful ambiance and delightful creativity with the space. Outstanding drinks too! The only downside I can think of is it's a bit pricey for the smaller dishes, but otherwise if you are looking for fine dining in Detroit, this should be a must on your list!"
4. Iridescence
On the the 16th floor of the MotorCity Casino Hotel is Iridescence, a New American restaurant that features scenic views of downtown and the waterfront. The high-end destination, with four stars out of 217 Yelp reviews, is located at 2901 Grand River Ave.
According to the establishment's website, this is the only AAA Four Diamond awarded restaurant in Detroit. On the menu, look for scallops with pork belly, rhubarb and salsify purée; Alaskan king crab with hollandaise, celery and lemon vinaigrette; and roasted African prawns with saffron risotto, shishito peppers and confit tomatoes.
