In The Press

Menu Talk: The advocate for Philippine culture and hospitality is also getting ready for the PBS debut of his documentary.

Some big names will be opening new places to dine — including actor Jeff Daniels and New York City big shot Danny Meyer — and we'll be seeing some of Detroit's favorite chefs spread their wings to brick-and-mortar locations and second ventures. Read on for details about 16 restaurants expected to open in southeastern Michigan in 2026.

New storefront signs go up, opening dates shift, and residents keep receipts on what actually arrives and who it serves. Current 2026 plans point to a mix of national brands, award-winning hospitality, and Detroit-rooted food entrepreneurs bringing new options downtown and deeper into the neighborhoods.

Award-winning restaurateur and TV personality Billy Dec is bringing his restaurant concept, Sunda New Asian, to downtown Detroit next month. The new location opens in late February at 33 W. Columbia Street in The District Detroit. It marks Sunda’s fifth nationwide and first in Michigan. Founded in Chicago in 2009, Sunda says they take inspiration from cuisines across Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, blending them with modern techniques and premium ingredients. The result has earned national acclaim — and a fan list that includes Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, and Michael Jordan.

New Detroit restaurant openings give us more than just a taste of the talented local chefs and creative founders. These accommodating places provide us with greater insight into the faces of Detroit natives as well as other loyal residents.Watch neighborhoods and lands transform as the local love circulates back into creating more spots to feel at home. Cheers to the sweetness of familial hospitality and uniquely strategic restaurant businesses who have a map to their favorite areas of the world etched into carefully crafted menus. See how these new creations are “countering the unpredictable and awakening the senses.” Detroit’s food and beverage scene is always popping with global flavors along with pure passion that ignites unexpected creations. Sit down to explore various foods made by someone different than you. After all, it’s one of the easiest ways to embrace each other’s differences besides physically traveling to discover other cultures. Detroit has Afro-fusion and Liberian, East African, new Asian bites, and more fusions to dish out this year. Farm-to-table ingredients are common ethics here in the city of Detroit. Here’s a handful of new spots to look out for. Detroitisit rounded up an up-to-date list of new Detroit restaurants opening this year that you’ll want to indulge in. Some should be familiar names!

Keep an eye out for these metro Detroit restaurants, bars, and cafes anticipated to be opening in 2026.

The restaurant scene in Detroit and the metro area evolves every year and 2026 will be no different. We'll see some notable names entering the market for the first time and other independent, already-established restaurateurs extending their reach. Following is a look at some of the more anticipated restaurant openings in 2026:

Here’s some of what Detroit’s dining scene is cooking up next year. We’re dreaming of these dining developments coming to the Detroit area.