Finding a restaurant that’s not only family-friendly but also offers healthier options can feel like a challenge. Thankfully, Detroit has a booming food and restaurant scene that proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor and fun to eat well.
From plant-based options and farm-fresh ingredients to globally inspired dishes, these spots offer options that parents will feel good about and that kids will enjoy!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Detroit’s restaurant scene proves that healthy and family-friendly can go hand in hand — with globally inspired, nutritious options that don’t sacrifice flavor or fun.
- Zoom in: The list spans a wide range of cuisines and dining styles, from East African stews at Baobab Fare and Japanese street food at SuperCrisp to plant-based comfort food at Street Beet and farm-fresh brunch at Farmer Franks.
- Why this matters: Many of these spots include dedicated kids’ menus and accommodate a range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan and halal options, making it easier for families with different preferences to find something everyone can enjoy.
- How this helps: Healthy eating out doesn’t have to mean spending more. Budget-friendly options like Green Dot Stables and fast-casual spots like Breadless and Brome Modern Eatery make nutritious, family-friendly meals accessible without breaking the bank.
10 healthy food options for you and your littles
Baobab Fare
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6568 Woodward Ave., Suite 100, Detroit
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This East African restaurant brings bold, vibrant flavors to the table with dishes that are both nutritious and perfect for family-style sharing. From slow-simmered stews to savory grilled meat dishes and even a dedicated kids’ menu, Baobab Fare offers a variety of options that kids and parents alike will enjoy. Founded by Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, the restaurant has won numerous awards, including The Best New Restaurant In America in 2021, and in 2022, The Best New Restaurant In Metro Detroit and The Best New Restaurant In America.
Brome Modern Eatery
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22062 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
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Brome Modern Eatery reimagines the typical fast-classic dining experience with high-quality and responsibly sourced ingredients. They prioritize sustainable business practices and emphasize supporting local farms, offering options like plant-based burgers and using fresh produce and salads. The menu is also 100% halal, offering delicious and healthy options for everyone. It’s a great pick for families looking for classic diner-style food like burgers, fries and shakes, but with a healthier twist.
Ima Izakaya
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2100 Michigan Ave., Detroit
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This lively and modern Japanese spot is known for their ramen, pho, steamed rice bowls and shareable plates that are perfect for splitting. Ima Izakaya offers a variety of dishes for all ages to enjoy, including options geared toward younger palates, such as their buttered udon noodles. The atmosphere is inviting and family-friendly and allows visitors to enjoy Japanese cuisine while making health-conscious options.
Green Dot Stables
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2200 W Lafayette Blvd., Detroit
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Green Dot Stables offers a wide variety of sliders that are a hit with kids and boasts an affordable menu with most items ranging under $5. They also have a weekly “Mystery Meat” menu option, where visitors can try more “exotic” meals like a fried gator cake! The small portions are great for kids, and the diverse menu lets both picky eaters and more adventurous eaters find something they’ll enjoy!
The Kitchen by Cooking with Que
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6529 Woodward Ave., Suite A, Detroit
This wellness-centered kitchen isn’t your typical cafe. In addition to offering cooking classes, meal prep and wellness workshops, the Kitchen serves as a community-focused hub serving fresh, nutritional meals on Fridays and Saturdays through their small cafe. It’s a welcoming space where families can enjoy healthier comfort-food choices, including vegetarian and vegan options.
SuperCrisp
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4830 Cass Ave., Detroit
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A part of the Ima restaurant family, SuperCrisp is an innovative blend of Japanese Street Food and Detroit Soul cuisine. It’s a unique twist on fast-casual dining that focuses on unexpected flavor combinations and bold dishes made with the same veggie-forward and balanced philosophy. SuperCrisp offers plenty of different options, including vegetarian and halal choices, providing dishes that everyone can enjoy. Its laid-back atmosphere and customizable menu make it especially kid-friendly.
NeeHee’s Indian Vegetarian Street Food
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45656 Ford Road, Canton Township
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A fully vegetarian restaurant with vegan options, Neehee’s offers over a hundred Indian street-food-inspired menu items, ranging from savory crepes and dosas to chaat and pakodas. They also have a dedicated kids’ menu and even offer family packs. Their expansive dining room creates a family-friendly environment, and is a great way to expose kids to new international flavors.
Breadless
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2760 Larned St., Detroit
“What makes Breadless special for families is that it meets parents where they are—busy, on the go, but still wanting better options for their kids,” said Jake Serwer, Breadless spokesperson.
“From our Detroit and Rochester Hills restaurants to being back for a second full season at Comerica Park in Section 140, we’re giving Tigers fans an incredible ballpark experience. New this year, families can also enjoy our Breadless catering boxes in the Comerica Park suites, making it easier than ever to share fresh, bold flavors together while watching the Detroit Tigers. We also cater kids’ birthday parties, making it simple to bring those same fresh, healthy options to family celebrations.”
Farmer Franks
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2542 Market St., Detroit
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Farmer Frank’s provides a variety of lunch and brunch options, as well as classic comfort food. With a focus on fresh food and produce, this family-owned establishment sources its ingredients from the Eastern Market District, where it is located. Offering dishes like omelets, pancakes, pitas, tacos and much more, Farmer Frank’s keeps things approachable for kids while still prioritizing healthy choices.
Street Beet
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1800 Michigan Ave., Detroit
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Street Beet is a completely plant-based restaurant that turns comfort food into healthier vegan and vegetarian options. Their menu offers a variety of fast-food favorites, as well as brunch and dinner options such as wraps, sandwiches, burgers, salads and shakes. Street Beet also has a kid’s menu, making it a hit with visitors of all ages while still aligning with healthier, plant-forward eating.
