Top restaurants list
10 Best Italian Restaurants in Detroit
- 10 restaurants
- Detroit, Michigan
- Updated December 20, 2025
The ten best Italian restaurants in Detroit are SheWolf Pastificio & Bar, Giovanni’s Ristorante, Ottava Via, La Lanterna, Andiamo Detroit Riverfront, Mario’s Restaurant, San Morello, La Dolce Vita, Amore da Roma, and Mootz Pizzeria and Bar. The Italian food culture in Detroit, Michigan is defined by both historic institutions and modern establishments. The pinnacle of contemporary, craft-focused cuisine is found at SheWolf Pastificio & Bar, with its house-milled flour. The classic fine-dining tradition is exemplified by Giovanni’s Ristorante, which has been serving old-world dishes since 1968.
Italian cuisine is prominent in areas like Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, and Southwest Detroit. The best Italian restaurants in Detroit include historic supper clubs, modern pasta bars, and casual pizzerias. Settings range from formal, old-world dining rooms and elegant waterfront venues to lively neighborhood bistros with unique features like bocce courts. This combination of enduring fine-dining landmarks and contemporary eateries is a defining quality of the city's food scene. The community's heritage is also celebrated at the annual Festa Italiana.
When it comes to Detroit's best Italian establishments, SheWolf Pastificio & Bar provides the top overall experience, known for its meticulous from-scratch pasta made with house-milled flour and its critically acclaimed Roman cuisine. For a casual meal, Ottava Via is a neighborhood favorite, known for its rustic pizzas and lively patio with bocce courts. The distinction for a classic fine-dining meal among the Italian restaurants in Detroit goes to Giovanni’s Ristorante, which offers a nearly 60-year history of formal service and traditional dishes.
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1
Salads Italian PastaGiovanni Restaurant is a fine-dining establishment known for authentic Northern Italian cuisine, best known for homemade pastas and fresh seafood dishes. Popular items on the menu include the Pappardelle alla...- Item Prices
- 212
- Average Item Price
- $17.41
Giovanni's Ristorante Gnocchi Quattro Formaggi Price Giovanni's Ristorante Veal Piccata Price Giovanni's Ristorante Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken PriceGiovanni's Ristorante Menu PricesMore about Giovanni's Ristorante
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Traditional Italian
Signature Dishes:
Housemade GnocchiVeal PiccataDover Sole
Location:
330 S Oakwood Blvd, Detroit, MI 48217
Special Feature:
The restaurant has a celebrated history of hosting famous guests, including Frank Sinatra, and maintains a classic, formal service style.
What Makes It Special:
Giovanni's is a Detroit institution, known for its decades of consistent, high-quality execution of classic Italian dishes in a traditional fine-dining atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:
Its extensive, nearly 60-year history as a premier, family-run destination for special occasions gives Giovanni's a unique and respected status in the city's dining landscape.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PMFriday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PMSunday – Monday: Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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2
La Lanterna is a popular family-run Northern Italian restaurant in Detroit, Michigan famous for brick-oven Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas, and specialty chicken parmesan. Popular menu choices range from Petto di...- Item Prices
- 62
- Average Item Price
- $16.58
La Lanterna Menu PricesMore about La Lanterna
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Sicilian, Italian
Signature Dishes:
LasagnaVeal SaltimboccaGnocchi alla Bava
Location:
1224 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
Special Feature:
The restaurant's small size and romantic, subterranean ambiance create the feeling of a hidden European bistro.
What Makes It Special:
La Lanterna is a beloved downtown fixture, celebrated for its authentic, homestyle cooking and its warm, personal service in an intimate atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:
Its cozy, almost hidden location in a bustling downtown area, combined with its classic, owner-operated feel, distinguishes La Lanterna as a go-to spot for a quiet meal.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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3
PizzaMario's Restaurant is a historic fine-dining institution in Midtown that has been in operation since 1948. The establishment serves classic Italian and continental cuisine in a formal, old-world supper club atmosphere.- Item Prices
- 423
- Average Item Price
- $17.26
Mario's Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Mario's Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Italian, Continental
Signature Dishes:
Tableside Caesar SaladVeal PiccataSteak Diane
Location:
4222 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Special Feature:
The restaurant is famous for its tableside cooking, where dishes like Caesar salad and cherries jubilee are prepared in the dining room. It also features a dance floor with live music on weekends.
What Makes It Special:
Mario's is a living piece of Detroit history, celebrated for its preserved, time-capsule ambiance and its commitment to the classic, theatrical supper club experience.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of its nearly 80-year history, its tradition of tableside preparation, and its weekend live music and dancing makes Mario's a unique landmark institution.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday: 4:00 PM – 10:30 PMSaturday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PMSunday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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4
San Morello is a stylish Italian restaurant in the Shinola Hotel, serving Southern Italian cuisine with a focus on wood-fired dishes and handmade pastas. The establishment offers a lively, upscale dining experience in the heart of downtown Detroit.- Item Prices
- 85
- Average Item Price
- $25.05
San Morello Menu PricesMore about San Morello
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Southern Italian, Wood-Fired
Signature Dishes:
Sheep's Milk Ricotta GnudiMargherita PizzaPolpo alla Griglia (Grilled Octopus)
Location:
1400 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Special Feature:
A central, wood-fired oven and grill is the focal point of the open kitchen and is used to prepare a significant portion of the menu's offerings.
What Makes It Special:
San Morello is known for its sophisticated, urban atmosphere and a menu that presents rustic, ingredient-driven Southern Italian cooking in a modern, elegant setting.
What Sets It Apart:
Its prime location within the acclaimed Shinola Hotel and its specific focus on authentic, wood-fired Southern Italian cuisine distinguish San Morello as a premier downtown destination.
Operating Hours:
BreakfastMonday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AMSaturday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AMLunchMonday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PMBrunchSaturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMDinnerSunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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5
Italian Comfort Food Family Friendly PastaLa Dolce Vita is an upscale Italian restaurant in Frankfort, Illinois famous for scratch-made pasta dishes, generous portions, and handcrafted cocktails. Bestselling signature dishes include Pork Chop Milanese, Melanzane al...- Item Prices
- 69
- Average Item Price
- $16.23
La Dolce Vita Pollo Marsala Price La Dolce Vita Filet Mignon 10oz Price La Dolce Vita Meat Lasagna Price La Dolce Vita Spaghetti PriceLa Dolce Vita Menu PricesMore about La Dolce Vita
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Gnocchi RitaCostoletta di Vitello (Veal Chop)Calamari Fritti
Location:
17546 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203
Special Feature:
The restaurant features a large, secluded, and beautifully landscaped garden patio, which is considered one of the most enchanting al fresco dining spots in the city.
What Makes It Special:
La Dolce Vita is celebrated for its role as one of Detroit's most romantic restaurants, combining a classic Italian menu with an elegant and transportive atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:
Its magnificent and highly sought-after garden patio is the defining feature that creates a unique urban oasis and distinguishes La Dolce Vita from other restaurants.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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6
Amore da Roma is a classic Italian-American restaurant located in a historic building in the Eastern Market neighborhood. The establishment carries on the legacy of the former Roma Cafe, which was one of Detroit's oldest restaurants.- Item Prices
- 91
- Average Item Price
- $25.82
Amore da Roma Menu PricesMore about Amore da Roma
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian-American
Signature Dishes:
LasagnaToasted RavioliChicken Parmesan
Location:
3401 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207
Special feature:
The restaurant operates in the same historic space that housed the Roma Cafe for over 130 years, preserving a significant piece of Detroit's dining history.
What Makes It Special:
Amore da Roma is known for its classic, red-sauce Italian-American comfort food, served in a setting that is deeply connected to the city's culinary heritage.
What Sets It Apart:
Its location in a landmark building and its role as the successor to the legendary Roma Cafe give Amore da Roma a unique and historically significant identity.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday – Monday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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7
Pizza Salads ItalianMootz Pizzeria + Bar is a modern pizzeria in downtown Detroit that specializes in authentic New York-style pizza. The establishment serves whole pies and slices in a lively, contemporary setting.- Item Prices
- 115
- Average Item Price
- $142.42
Mootz Pizzeria + Bar Menu PricesMore about Mootz Pizzeria + Bar
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
New York-Style Pizza
Signature Dishes:
The Mootz PizzaPepperoni PizzaGarlic Knots
Location:
1230 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226
Special Feature:
The restaurant operates a separate, late-night slice window called "Side Hustle," offering a convenient option for pizza by the slice.
What Makes It Special:
Mootz is known for its faithful execution of classic, high-quality New York-style pizza, using authentic ingredients and techniques.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific focus on the New York style, combined with its downtown location and the addition of a late-night slice window, makes Mootz a distinct and popular pizza destination.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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8
8. SheWolf Pastificio & Bar
SheWolf Pastificio & Bar is a critically acclaimed restaurant in the Midtown neighborhood that specializes in contemporary Roman-inspired cuisine. The menu is centered on fresh pasta made from flour that is milled in-house.More about SheWolf Pastificio & Bar
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Roman Italian (Pasta-focused)
Signature Dishes:
Cacio e PepeTonnarelliStrozzapreti
Location:
438 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201
Special Feature:
The restaurant has its own stone mill and mills all of its flour on-site from organic, heritage grains, a rare practice that demonstrates a deep commitment to the craft of pasta-making.
What Makes It Special:
SheWolf is celebrated for its meticulous, from-scratch approach to pasta and its modern, sophisticated interpretations of classic Roman dishes.
What Sets It Apart:
The in-house flour milling program is the key technical differentiator that sets SheWolf apart, establishing it as a premier destination for authentic, high-quality pasta.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PMFriday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AMSaturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AMSunday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
Over $100 per person
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9
9. Ottava Via
Ottava Via is a rustic Italian restaurant in the historic Corktown neighborhood. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and shareable small plates in a lively, welcoming bistro atmosphere.More about Ottava Via
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian, Pizza
Signature Dishes:
Margherita PizzaAranciniGnocchi
Location:
1400 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Special Feature:
The restaurant has a large, popular outdoor patio with two bocce ball courts, providing a unique recreational activity for guests.
What Makes It Special:
Ottava Via is known for its vibrant neighborhood feel, its consistent, high-quality casual Italian food, and its unique social setting centered around the bocce courts.
What Sets It Apart:
The addition of the bocce ball courts to its charming patio is the defining feature that makes Ottava Via a distinct and memorable dining destination.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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10
10. Andiamo Detroit Riverfront
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront is an upscale Italian restaurant located in the GM Renaissance Center. The establishment offers a menu of modern Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting with panoramic views of the Detroit River and the Windsor skyline.More about Andiamo Detroit Riverfront
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:
Calamari FrittiGnocchi con PalominoVeal Saltimbocca
Location:
400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI 48243
Special Feature:
The restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows provide one of the most dramatic and scenic waterfront views of any dining room in the city.
What Makes It Special:
Andiamo is known for its combination of a reliable, high-quality Italian menu with a stunning, unparalleled view, making it a premier destination for visitors and special occasions.
What Sets It Apart:
Its prime location inside the iconic GM Renaissance Center and its magnificent riverfront views are the key features that make Andiamo a unique dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PMSunday: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Italian Restaurants in Detroit Famous?
Italian restaurants in Detroit are famous for their remarkable longevity and their role as historic multi-generational institutions. The city's Italian food scene is defined by its old-world establishments that have been serving the community for more than half a century. Restaurants like Giovanni's Ristorante, open since 1968, and Mario's Restaurant, a fixture since 1948, are cornerstones of this tradition, known for their formal service and timeless recipes. The Italian food Detroit is known for is characterized by this deep sense of history and continuity, offering a dining experience that is both nostalgic and rooted in the city's culinary heritage. This foundation of enduring, family-run fine-dining landmarks sets Detroit's Italian scene apart.
What Type of Italian Restaurant is Commonly Found in Detroit?
Detroit features a range of Italian restaurant types, from historic fine-dining supper clubs to modern, chef-driven pasta bars and casual neighborhood pizzerias. The city's Italian dining options are grouped into several main categories:
- Historic Fine-Dining Institutions: These are the legendary, often family-owned establishments that have been operating for decades, known for their formal service, classic continental menus, and old-world atmosphere. Giovanni’s Ristorante and Mario’s Restaurant are the definitive examples.
- Modern, Chef-Driven Restaurants: These are critically acclaimed spots, often in revitalized neighborhoods like Midtown and Downtown, that focus on contemporary, regional Italian cuisine and house-made pasta. SheWolf Pastificio & Bar and San Morello fit this category.
- Casual Neighborhood Bistros: These are relaxed, often rustic restaurants serving accessible Italian fare like wood-fired pizzas and pastas in a lively setting. Ottava Via is a prime example of this style.
- Romantic and Intimate Spots: This category includes restaurants known for their charming and secluded atmospheres, making them popular for special occasions. La Lanterna and La Dolce Vita, with its famous garden patio, represent this style.
Does Detroit Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?
Yes, Detroit has authentic Italian restaurants. SheWolf Pastificio & Bar and San Morello are two prominent examples. SheWolf demonstrates its authenticity by milling its own flour in-house from heritage grains to create traditional Roman-style pastas, a meticulous process that is rare. San Morello is dedicated to the authentic cuisine of Southern Italy, using a wood-fired grill and oven to prepare regional specialties in a manner that is true to their origins.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in Detroit?
The best Italian restaurants in Detroit are known for signature dishes like the Housemade Gnocchi at Giovanni's Ristorante, the Tableside Caesar Salad at Mario's Restaurant, and the Cacio e Pepe at SheWolf Pastificio & Bar. The most notable signature dishes are listed below.
- Housemade Gnocchi: A long-standing and celebrated dish at Giovanni's Ristorante, these light, pillowy potato dumplings are served with a classic Bolognese and represent the restaurant's commitment to traditional, from-scratch cooking.
- Tableside Caesar Salad: The quintessential dish at Mario's Restaurant, this is a classic Caesar salad that is prepared from scratch in the dining room, embodying the theatrical, old-school supper club experience.
- Cacio e Pepe: The classic Roman pasta dish is a benchmark for authenticity at SheWolf Pastificio & Bar, made with their own house-milled flour and prepared according to traditional methods.
- Margherita Pizza: The wood-fired Margherita pizza at Ottava Via is a neighborhood favorite, showcasing the simple, high-quality ingredients that define the restaurant's rustic approach.
- Veal Piccata: A classic Italian entree that is a staple at historic fine-dining institutions like Giovanni's and Mario's, representing the timeless, continental style of Detroit's most enduring restaurants.
Does Detroit Enjoy Italian Food?
Yes, Detroit enjoys Italian food. The city shows its deep appreciation through the extraordinary longevity of its family-owned establishments, some of which have been in continuous operation for over 75 years. The enduring success of historic fine-dining institutions like Giovanni's Ristorante and Mario's Restaurant, alongside the high demand for modern, critically acclaimed spots like SheWolf, proves that Italian cuisine is a cherished and fundamental part of the city's past and present dining culture.
Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in Detroit?
Yes, Italian restaurants in Detroit have vegan options, with establishments like SheWolf Pastificio & Bar, San Morello, and Ottava Via accommodating plant-based diets. Modern, chef-driven restaurants like SheWolf and San Morello are accustomed to handling dietary requests and can create custom vegan dishes from their seasonal, vegetable-forward menus. Casual spots like Ottava Via offer marinara-based pizzas that can be made without cheese and have several vegetable side dishes.
Do Italian Restaurants in Detroit Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Italian restaurants in Detroit offer gluten-free options, including Giovanni’s Ristorante, SheWolf Pastificio & Bar, and Andiamo Detroit Riverfront. As a modern, high-end restaurant, SheWolf provides gluten-free pasta substitutes for its acclaimed dishes. Traditional fine-dining establishments like Giovanni’s and Andiamo feature numerous naturally gluten-free entrees, such as grilled fish, steak, and veal chops, and can accommodate requests for simple preparations.
What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in Detroit?
The average meal price at an Italian restaurant in Detroit spans from $20 to over $100 per person. An entree at a casual pizzeria or neighborhood spot like Mootz Pizzeria or Ottava Via typically costs between $20 and $40. Mid-range establishments, including La Lanterna and Amore da Roma, have costs from $30 to $60 per person. Fine-dining restaurants such as Giovanni's Ristorante, Mario's, or SheWolf have prices that start at $50 and can exceed $100 for a multi-course meal with beverages.
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