Prime Concepts Detroit is bringing its signature Italian dining experience to downtown Detroit with the announcement of Aurora Italiana Detroit, a new restaurant opening later this year inside the historic Michigan Oriental Theater in Grand Circus Park, the former home of PAO Detroit. Inspired by the warmth and authenticity of a traditional Italian trattoria, Aurora Italiana Detroit will feature a rustic atmosphere that celebrates timeless Italian hospitality while thoughtful

Ray’s, the neighborhood bar known for its welcoming atmosphere and timeless approach to hospitality, will open its Detroit location in Parker’s Alley this fall, marking the brand’s third outpost following successful launches in New York and Miami. Rather than replicating an existing concept, the Detroit venue has been designed to reflect the city’s unique character, creating a space that feels authentically local from day one. The approximately 60-seat bar will feature warm w

Chef Luciano DelSignore has opened e Fiori, a new Italian restaurant in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the cuisine of all 20 regions of Italy while pairing fine dining with an artisan retail concept. Located at 115 Willits Street, the 6,800-square-foot restaurant was co-founded by DelSignore and managing partner Nicole Antakli DelSignore. Guests enter through a boutique offering flowers and gifts before arriving at the gathering bar and dining room, where the focus is fi

Birmingham’s Lincoln Yard and its casual takeout restaurant, Little Yard, will close July 29 after a little more than two years in business. The restaurant is owned and operated by Union Joints Restaurant Group, which also operates nine Metro Detroit restaurants: Clarkston Union, Union Woodshop, Bunkhouse Burgers, Hon Cho, Union Mac Shack, Vinsetta Garage, Union Assembly, Union Rec, and Mom’s Spaghetti. Lincoln Yard built its reputation on cleaner, greener comfort food, featu

Joe Vicari Restaurant Group announced that its flagship Joe Muer Seafood brand will open inside the upcoming JW Marriott Detroit Water Square, with a debut planned alongside the hotel’s January 2027 opening. Originally announced as an Andiamo location, Joe Vicari Restaurant Group later reimagined the concept as Joe Muer Seafood as part of its commitment to keeping the iconic brand rooted in the city of Detroit. The new restaurant, Joe Muer Seafood + Chops at Water Square, wil

Wine Spectator, a leading authority on wine, has unveiled the winners of the 2026 Restaurant Awards, which honor the world’s best restaurants for wine. “The restaurant industry is rapidly transforming as diners become more selective about when, how and what they drink,” Marvin R. Shanken, chairman and CEO of Wine Spectator, said in the announcement. “As wine drinkers grow more mindful, restaurants are adapting with creative wine programs.” Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awa

The James Beard Foundation has announced its 2026–27 TasteTwenty cohort, an annual list of rising culinary stars selected to represent their cities’ independent restaurant communities during the national Taste America series, which begins in September. Through the TasteTwenty program, the Foundation recognizes chefs who exemplify its “Good Food for Good” mission. Honorees are selected not only for their culinary excellence but also for their leadership and impact beyond the k

Griffin Claw Brewing Company’s Claw Potato Vodka earned a Silver Medal at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious and respected spirits competitions in the world. The award places Claw Potato Vodka among an elite group of internationally recognized spirits and highlights Griffin Claw’s growing reputation for producing exceptional distilled products in addition to its award-winning craft beer. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition at

At the end of March, Samy Eid, owner of Chickpea Hospitality, announced the temporary closure of Birmingham’s Forest. The restaurant has officially reopened and is embracing its Italian identity, unveiling a revamped menu, expanded pasta program, and redesigned dining room. Although Forest has long incorporated managing partner and Chef Nick Janutol’s Italian-American roots— serving handmade pasta for the past decade, the restaurant was never fully perceived as Italian cuisin

Grey Ghost, the flagship restaurant of Four Man Ladder Hospitality, is marking 10 years in Detroit with a special anniversary celebration. From July 18–27, the acclaimed Midtown/Brush Park restaurant will host 10 Days of Greatest Hits, featuring favorite dishes and cocktails from the past decade. Returning menu items include Fried Bologna, Chicago-Style Oysters, Smoked Whitefish Dip, and Jerk Wings, alongside popular cocktails such as Grandma’s Garden, Pretty Magic, and Effen