Eater’s Best in Detroit 2023: New Restaurant, Wine Bar, Taqueria
As the year draws to a close, various “best of” lists are surfacing, showcasing the cream of the crop across different domains. Eater, a digital media brand dedicated to food and dining, has recently unveiled its yearly compilation celebrating excellence nationwide. Within this culinary landscape, several places in Detroit have earned a spot on the list, spanning categories from restaurants and bars to chefs and bartenders.
Alpino: Best New Restaurant
One standout featured in Eater’s awards is Alpino, which claims the title of Detroit’s best new restaurant of the year. Nestled in the heart of Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood at 1426 Bagley St., Alpino’s foods are characterized by a fusion of influences from Austrian, French, German, Italian, and Swiss cultures.
Best New Wine Bar: The Wine Side
Another noteworthy addition to the Detroit scene is The Wine Side, a newcomer that opened its doors this year adjacent to the Dennis Archer Greenway. It is housed in the George Harrison Phelps, Inc. building and shares space with the Red Hook café. The website emphasizes the appeal of outdoor seating, allowing patrons to unwind in an “alfresco setting.” Furthermore, the patio area hosts occasional pop-up events, happy hours, DJ sets, and collaborative ventures with neighbors such as Breadless and the empanada shop Empacho. Operating hours span from noon to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, offering opportunities for patrons to experience the “vibe” at 2761 E Jefferson Ave.
Tacos Hernandez: Best New Taqueria
A standout option is the food truck known for both its appealing aesthetics and tacos. While it makes sporadic appearances throughout the city, its home base is situated in the vibrant East Warren corridor area. Eater sheds light on the truck’s origin, attributing its opening to Diana Gomez, a native of El Paso who launched the venture in 2022. The website also praises Gomez’s brisket and handmade flour tortilla dishes.
Paradise Street Eats: Best New Food Truck
Also on their list is Paradise Biryani Pointe in Dearborn, which made its debut in 2019 just before the onset of the pandemic, according to Eater. This establishment, featured for its halal cuisine, defies categorization with a menu having items like za’atar naan, Indian falafel, and paneer tikka kabobs. To catch the food truck on the move, follow their social media or head to Greektown at 12000 Randolph St., Detroit.
Check out Eater’s detailed analysis of their selections here.