Giovanni's Ristorante, Detroit, MI

One of the most renowned Italian restaurants in the Detroit area, Giovanni's holds true to their high expectation and reputation. I have never heard some many people rave about an Italian restaurant like they have with Giovanni's. People say everything is perfect about it, except for the location of the restaurant. Located on Oakwood Boulevard just north of the Fisher Freeway, I would agree that the location isn't too good, but I cannot say the same about everything else. First of all, the atmosphere is a lively, but homey traditional Italian feel. The restaurant is romantic and has white table cloths, which suits Italian taste. The waitstaff is attentive, cordial, kind, and very knowledgeable on the dishes that are served at Giovanni's.
Besides the Italian food that you would find any full-blooded Italian cooking, the Italian at Giovanni's is the best in the area and is absolutely worth the price tags it is given. Homemade pasta is a specialty of Giovanni's and is always perfectly cooked al dente. The pizzas, such as the prosciutto and pecorino, are extremely popular because of their perfectly thin crusts and outstanding tastes. Going back to the pasta, Giovanni's gnocchi is absolutely, positively the greatest (besides my nana's of course). It is prepared and cooked perfectly and there are two types: gnocchi di patate and gnocchi di patate verde... potato gnocchi or spinach potato gnocchi. Giovanni's menu adds to the home-like feel by including a section called "Piati della Casa," or Dishes from Home. I do believe these dishes come from the owners' family, which is completely Italian... Giovanni, who the restaurant was started and named, immigrated from Italy, met his wife in the U.S. and started Giovanni's in Detroit. With its deep-rooted Italian tradition, Giovanni's Ristorante holds a truly first-class Italian dining experience.

Vicente's Cuban Cuisine, Detroit, MI

A unique restaurant to Detroit, Vicente's is one of the few Cuban restaurants in the area, but most certainly the best. The menu offers traditional Cuban dishes that include tapas, seafood, pork, and meat. One of their most recommended entrees is their ropa vieja, "old clothes." The dish includes thinly shredded beef that is perfectly seasoned with wine, tomato sauce, and other vegetables. It is served with a bed of rice and some plantains. Their paellas also come highly recommended, but only for those willing to wait because they do take longer to prepare than most dishes. They have four paellas that each have a unique assortment of seafood and vegetables. Vicente's menu has a long list of tapas that range from containing seafood to escargot.
On any given Friday or Saturday night, you will Vicente's to be packed and alive with music and dancing. On both nights, a live DJ performs and at 9:30 sharp on Friday and Saturday nights, salsa dancing lessons are given to any and all willing to participate.
The fare at Vicente's is higher than other local Cuban restaurants, but it far surpasses the others with its authentic Cuban atmosphere and authentic Cuban cuisine.

Al-Ameer, Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, MI

A similar restaurant to La Sharm, previously La Shish, Al-Ameer has pleased many stomachs that crave a true and authentic Middle Eastern meal. The menu contains many of the same dishes as any typical Lebanese restaurant, but has some added American dishes, such as grilled or fried chicken and fries. Al-Ameer serves an array of mixed juices that are fresh and pallet-pleasing. They also serve generous portions with all of their meals, especially their combo and family platters that include shawrma, kafta, kabobs, baba ghanouj, and hommous. The atmosphere is very Middle Eastern-like, but still has an American appeal with booths with nylon cushions. The Arabic writing and authentic bread oven add greatly to the Middle Eastern feel. Overall, Al-Ameer is an inviting and taste-filled Lebanese restaurant that is fitting for people of all ages and ethnicities.

Italian-American Club, Livonia, MI

A hot spot for many Italians in the Metro Detroit area, the Italian-American Club has been a place that shelters many memorable gatherings of my family. The Italian-American Club has many things to offer, but only to members and their families. The Club has three halls that you may be able to book if you are a non-member, but I am not sure so do not take my word for it. All of the food served at the club is authentic Italian and nothing, but the best. A few years ago, my family would go every week to the club for dinner during the summer. There was a variety of food served, but the best part about the club is that in their lower level dining area they have three full-size bocce ball courts, in which they hold tournaments or allow anyone who would like to play, play. The lower dining area is very casual and nothing like the formal dining areas in the upper level. In the formal halls and ballrooms, the Club holds events, such as a Mother's Day Brunch, Carnival, Wild Dame, and Father's Day Lunch/Dinner. Every event is a full-forced Italian experience: the people, the food, and the talk.
I enjoy the Club and can never wait to go back for another party, dinner, or even bocce ball for that matter.

Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen Cafe, Greektown, Detroit, MI

I have never been to Fishbone's, but from what I have heard, the restaurant as a whole has changed drastically from what it used to be. The restaurant in Detroit used to be an upbeat location that served a variety of good-tasting foods, such as Cajun-inspired dishes, American dishes, seafood, steaks, and sushi. All of these foods are still served there, but the same quality and taste is definitely not there. Fishbone's came into new management recently and ever since then frequenters to the restaurant have had nothing but complaints. The classic dishes that used to be served have now been modified for the worse... many dishes have become bland, boring, and overal unappealing. The waitstaff has also decreased in quality. Waiters and waitresses are described as rude and inattentive by some people, but at times attend to their customers well. I think most who have been to Fishbone's in the past would agree that it should change back to its old ways. Although the food and waitstaff isn't terrible, they are nothing like they used to be.

O'Sushi, Canton and Dearborn, MI

I have so much to say about this wonderful Korean-owned Japanese sushi restaurant, that I don't even know where to start. The sushi is excellent, the service is excellent (most of the time), and the atmosphere is excellent. I've only seen the O'Sushi location in Dearborn, so I will only comment on the location in Canton. Many people have told me that the exterior of the restaurant is offsetting and beat down. I would have to agree with them, but the strip mall that it is in (Lilley and Ford Road) is getting a face lift as a whole and I can see improvement in the exterior already. It's obvious that not many people judge O'Sushi from its exterior because the customer flow in the restaurant is constant. It's a smart move not to judge O'Sushi from its exterior because on the inside it is just like any other modern Japanese restaurant: sushi bar with overly friendly sushi chefs, small, cozy seating areas, and of course, modern Japanese art throughout the restaurant. As soon as you walk in, you are bombarded with "Hello's! How are you!" from the sushi chefs and shortly thereafter a hostess will greet you and get you seated as soon as possible. In the back of the restaurant's dining room are several tables that are isolated from the rest of the dining room, which seems to appeal to many customers. There are no booths, just 2-and 4-person tables and chairs along with seating at the sushi bar. It can get very crowded in the small restaurant, so I suggest eating at O'Sushi during the early hours of the evening or anytime in the afternoon.
Now, on to the sushi! The sushi is always fresh and beyond what is expected. The presentation of the rolls is just perfect. Usually when I order from their sushi menu, I get a TNT Roll, which you can order spicy or sweet, a snow corn roll, and a Philedelphia roll, but I recently went on a limb and tried some of their more involved, I guess you could say, rolls. I had their Hawaiian roll and I was pleasantly pleased and displeased. I did not like the fact that they packed the roll with loads of avocado, very unappealing to the pallet if all you can taste is avocado. I also experienced this with their eel roll, so I do not suggest getting either of these rolls unless you have a craving for avocado. The waitress recommended I try the crunch roll, so I did. Awesome. The eel sauce that they put on top added a nice sweetness that went great with the tempura shrimp in the roll itself.
I never mind going back to O'Sushi to satisfy my sushi cravings, but a new Kabuki location just opened down the street from this O'Sushi, so both restaurants will surely be competing for Canton's sushi lovers!

Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, Northville, MI

If you're in the mood for juicy, high-priced Brazilian meat, then Gaucho's is the place for you; if not, then don't even bother reading this review. Gaucho is a Brazilian steakhouse that prides itself in serving amazingly cooked meat and tasty salads. The meats and salads all come at a high price for customers, about $50 per person for the salad bar and a meat entree. A variety of meats are cooked at Gaucho's: picanha (rump roast), filet mignon, costela de porco (baby-back ribs), lombo (pork tenderloin), and many more. The salad bar is always freshly stocked. The portions are large, but still not large enough to accommodate the price.
As for the restaurant and its staff, both are exceptional. The staff constantly makes sure the customers are satisfied with everything..they may even do this too much. The interior of the restaurant is elegant and formal with traditional Brazilian art scattered throughout the restaurant.