The New York Times included two Detroit restaurants, Mike’s Famous Ham Place and Leila, on its list of "The 26 Best Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2024." The list was made after months of tasting and testing food from across the country.
Mike’s Famous Ham Place in Southwest Detroit has been serving its ham sandwiches, "His is an honest and satisfying sandwich built on a poppy-seed roll," for years. After owner Mike Muftari passed it on to Kimberly Lambert and her husband, the recipe stayed the same, with Muftari helping to maintain the quality. In Capitol Park, Leila is known for its Lebanese Sundae, a dessert that "delights with its simplicity and whimsy," made with ashta ice cream, fairy floss, and pistachio. Leila is part of the Chickpea Hospitality group, which blends traditional Lebanese flavors with a modern twist, according to WXYZ and Metro Times.
Detroit’s food scene is getting more attention. In 2024, Amar Pizza in Hamtramck was named one of the top pizza spots in the U.S. The New York Times even compared Detroit’s Lebanese Sundae to a "Star Trek tribble ready for a night on the town," showing how creative the city's food is. This national praise highlights the talent and passion of Detroit’s chefs. As the city grows in fame, restaurants like Amar Pizza are putting Detroit on the map with unique and unforgettable dishes, as reported by CBS Detroit.
