Livonia is a city in western Wayne County, Michigan, located just west of Detroit. With a population of over 94,000 residents, Livonia offers a vibrant dining scene with cuisines from all over the world. From classic American fare to exotic ethnic dishes, Livonia has something to satisfy every palate.
| Restaurant Name | Specialties | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Bronx Deli | New York-style deli sandwiches | 33858 5 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | Contemporary American cuisine, on-site winery | 19300 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, MI 48152 |
| Dakshin | South Indian cuisine, dosas | 39405 Plymouth Rd STE 101, Livonia, MI 48150 |
| Leo’s Coney Island | Greek-American dishes, coney dogs | 36071 Plymouth Rd Livonia, MI 48150 |
| National Coney Island | Detroit-style coney dogs | 28851 Plymouth Rd Livonia, MI 48150 |
| Plymouth Pub | American fare, craft beer selection | 2780 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 |
| The Scrambled Egg | Breakfast and lunch diner dishes | 27900 5 Mile Rd Livonia, MI 48154 |
| Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant | Detroit-style coney dogs, American cuisine | 28525 Grand River Ave, Farmington Hills, MI 48336 |
| Brickyard Bar & Grill | Pub fare, casual atmosphere | 28819 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150 |
| Amar Pizza | New York style pizza | 32426 5 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154 |
| Steve’s Backroom | Burgers, Mediterranean wraps | 33214 5 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154 |
| AJ’s Cafe | Diner fare, breakfast and lunch classics | 33703 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150 |
This article explores 12 of the best and most popular restaurants that Livonia has to offer. From long-time institutions to newer hot spots, these restaurants have earned outstanding reputations for their exceptional food, inviting atmospheres, and great service. Whether you’re a lifelong Livonia resident or just passing through, these 12 restaurants should be on your must-try dining list.
1. Bronx Deli
Name and Location: Bronx Deli in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Classic New York style deli opened in 1992 bringing piled-high sandwiches, bagels, knishes and cheesecake to the area. Known for overstuffed pastrami, corned beef and hot Reuben sandwiches served in cool retro dining room.
What to Expect: Counter order sandwiches stacked sky-high with all the classic deli meats and cheeses packed between pillowy rye bread. Soups, salads and breakfast items join bakery cases filled with tempting sweets to satisfy any craving.
Visitor Information: Open daily 7am-8pm. Casual counter seating plus tables. Free parking lot. Phone orders welcomed.
If you’re looking for a quality New York-style deli in Livonia, Bronx Deli is the spot. Family owned and operated since 1982, Bronx Deli serves up mile-high sandwiches packed with quality Boar’s Head meats and cheeses.
From their hot and juicy pastrami on rye to their Italian subs dripping with provolone, Bronx Deli has become a local staple for delicious deli fare. Their menu also features a variety of salads, wraps, burgers and oven-baked entrees.
And what authentic New York deli would be complete without Dr. Brown’s sodas and creamy egg creams? Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bronx Deli offers friendly service and a casual dining space to enjoy their sandwiches any time of day.
Address: 33858 5 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154
2. Cooper’s Hawk
Name and Location: Cooper’s Hawk Winery Restaurant in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: National upscale casual dining and wine tasting chain opened stylish Livonia location in 2021. Known for pairing own extensive private wine labels with modern American fusion cuisine in contemporary rustic-chic atmosphere.
What to Expect: Tour the professional wine tasting room offering exclusive label wines by taste, glass or bottle. Match with creative dishes like sesame tuna, braised short ribs, goat cheese ravioli and banana fosters butter cake in the wood accented dining room.
Visitor Information: Serving lunch and dinner daily. Reservations recommended, especially weekends. Business casual dress.
Experience fine dining in a casual chic atmosphere at Cooper’s Hawk Livonia. This contemporary American eatery also houses an on-site winery, allowing patrons to taste award-winning wines crafted right on the premises.
Their menu focuses on creative cuisine meant for sharing, with items ranging from orange-glazed salmon to filet mignon flatbread. Don’t miss their tableside guacamole, prepared fresh at your table. Patrons rave about the vibrant flavors and plentiful portions.
The menu also offers gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Stylish but not stuffy, Cooper’s Hawk offers an upscale yet lively ambiance. The service is superb and the food is fantastic. It’s a wonderful option for a special night out.
Address: 19300 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, MI 48152
3. Dakshin
Name and Location: Dakshin Restaurant, Refined Indian Cuisine in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Elegant fine dining destination since 1998 elevating Indian cuisine to new heights blending classical techniques with international flair led by acclaimed Executive Chef Prasad Dixit. Haute fare in modern, yet intimate setting.
What to Expect: Expect exceptional service guiding you through Chef’s contemporary takes on traditional dishes such as Fragrant Lamb Biryani, Kerala Fried Chicken and exotic Kulfy Ice Cream. Pair with selections from their unique wine and cocktail programs.
Visitor Information: Open for dinner Wed-Sun and lunch Buffet on Fri-Sun. Reservations strongly recommended. Valet parking available.
One of metro Detroit’s only South Indian restaurants, Dakshin offers an authentic taste of Indian cuisine’s exotic and flavorful specialty dishes. Known for their spectacular dosas (crispy crepe-like pancakes), Dakshin layers on sweet, savory and spicy fillings like masala and paneer.
Beyond dosas, Dakshin’s extensive menu highlights uniquely Southern Indian dishes like uthappam (thick dosa varieties with toppings) and delicate coconut-based curries. With flavorful options for vegetarians and carnivores alike, Dakota brings an impressive repertoire showcasing regional classics.
The food bursts with complex flavors – sweet yet tangy, fiery yet smooth. Artfully presented with bright spices and herbs, each dish offers a feast for all your senses. For an out-of-this-world Indian dining experience, Dakshin’s authentic South Indian fare is a must-try.
Address: 39405 Plymouth Rd STE 101, Livonia, MI 48150
4. Leo’s Coney Island
Name and Location: Leo’s Coney Island in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Classic family owned diner since 1969 known for slinging heaps of coney dogs blanketed in that famous Detroit-style chili sauce 24 hours a day. Also popular for traditional breakfast plates and Greek specialties.
What to Expect: Order at the counter and grab a vinyl seat to enjoy piles of coney dogs dripping in meaty chili-cheese goodness along with burgers, gyros, omelets served all day. Very casual, very affordable, delicious grub loved by generations of locals.
Visitor Information: Open 24 hours daily. Cash only payments. Extensive carryout menu available.
A metro Detroit institution since 1972, Leo’s Coney Island serves up award winning Greek-American comfort food 24/7. Known best for their coney dogs laden with meaty chili, mustard and fresh white onion, it doesn’t get more Detroit than Leo’s.
Also popular are their chili cheese fries, Greek salads and fluffy omelets. For those new to the concept, a “coney” hot dog is a natural-casing beef or coney frank in a steamed bun topped with meaty chili, yellow mustard and diced white onions.
Leo’s diners rave about the food, prices and friendly staff at this Livonia staple. Open all night, Leo’s is the perfect stop after a movie or concert. Countless Michiganders consider Leo’s coneys essential local cuisine.
Address: 36071 Plymouth Rd Livonia, Michigan MI 48150
5. National Coney Island
Name and Location: National Coney Island in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Landmark family diner since 1965 known for its flavorful coney chili dogs, diner fare breakfasts and Greek specialties prepared from scratch daily. Longtime local staple for quality comfort food in a casual setting with counter and booth seating.
What to Expect: Their famous coney chili sauce blankets meaty hot dogs and burgers, also popular for chili fries and Greek salads. All day breakfast, sandwiches, baked treats available too. Standard soda fountain drinks like egg creams and phosphate soda alongside baklava and rice pudding.
Visitor Information: Open daily 7am-10pm. Inexpensive meals, cash only payments. Phone orders accepted.
For another classic coney dog experience, check out National Coney Island. Serving their signature coney dogs since 1965, National offers a tried-and-true taste of Detroit tradition.
Unlike Leo’s sauce-heavy style, National features a drier-style coney chili laden with beef, spices, onions and beans. Open 24/7, National’s menu spans beyond coneys to also offer diner breakfasts, sandwiches, Mediterranean dishes like gyros and Middle Eastern staples like shawarma.
But their late-night coneys remain the star of the menu. Also popular are their superb Greek salads dotted with feta cheese, beets, anchovies and olives over crisp lettuce. Open late with friendly and efficient service, National Coney Island offers traditional fare done exceptionally well.
Address: 28851 Plymouth Rd Livonia, Michigan MI 48150
6. Plymouth Pub
Name and Location: Plymouth Pub, Craft Gastropub in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Charming historic 1930 home transformed into popular gastropub in 2013 featuring unique twists on classic American fare with focus on craft beer. Relaxed, welcoming neighborhood hangout for elevated pub grub with 30 rotating taps.
What to Expect: Creative starters like whitefish cakes, duck fat fries, banh mi rolls join hearty mains like bison burgers, bbq ribs, shrimp mac and cheese. Finish up with the crowd-pleasing skillet cookie served with ice cream. Michigan made brews star on the drinks menu.
Visitor Information: Serving food daily 11am-midnight. Happy hour Mon-Fri until 6pm. Casual dress welcomed.
For excellent American fare paired with one of metro Detroit’s best craft beer bars, look no further than Plymouth Pub. Serving the community since 1969, Plymouth Pub offers a menu full of high quality pub grub like juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and signature pizzas baked in a stone hearth fireplace.
While the food impresses, Beer Advocate Magazine among others have rated Plymouth Pub’s beer selection as world-class. With over 200 bottles and 40 rotating drafts focused around Michigan craft breweries, Plymouth Pub always offers new pours to try alongside Detroit staples like Founders, Bells and Atwater.
The laid-back gastropub atmosphere encourages patrons to grab a locally sourced ale or lager and pair it with their Bacon Blue burger or garlic Parmesan wings. Attentive service and an outstanding taps list lands Plymouth Pub on any list of Livonia’s best dining and drinking destinations.
Address: 2780 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
7. The Scrambled Egg
Name and Location: The Scrambled Egg in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Classic hometown diner and bakery since 1972 renowned for monumental breakfast creations, house baked goods and retro soda fountain drinks. Family owned using time-honored recipes for oversized omelets, stuffed French toast and sky-high pies.
What to Expect: Enormous fluffy pancake stacks, three egg loaded omelets bursting with fillings, mile-high meringue pies are just some signature delights alongside hearty sandwiches for lunch. Don’t miss the homemade cinnamon rolls, cupcakes and breads.
Visitor Information: Open daily 7am-3pm. Cash only diner with counter seating. Gets crowded weekends so arrive early or expect short wait times.
As one of Livonia’s best local breakfast and lunch joints, the Scrambled Egg dishes out gorgeous egg creations alongside classic diner fare.
Open daily, the extensive menu features delectable Benedict varieties, three-egg omelets bursting with fillings, egg sandwiches on a multitude of freshly baked breads, hearty egg scrambles and so much more. While “egg” is in the name, they also serve up incredible pancake stacks, French toast and waffles as well as sandwiches, melts and wraps for lunch.
Daily lunch specials keep the menu fresh and seasonal while breakfast fare like stuffed hash browns and skillet bowls are popular any time. Known for efficient service and generous portions, the Scrambled Egg Cafe lives up to its name by specializing in incredible egg dishes done right.
Address: 27900 5 Mile Rd Livonia, Michigan 48154
8. Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant
Name and Location: Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant in Eastpointe, MI
History and Significance: Classic family owned pub since 1936 featuring bowling alley, Friday fish fry tradition and cozy atmosphere with model train circling overhead. Known as down-to-earth neighborhood gathering place through generations for good times and better food.
What to Expect: Grab a seat at the horseshoe bar and order Detroit-style coney dogs, burgers, pizza alongside affordable domestic beers. Then work it off bowling a game or two on the 6-lane alley. No frills, just smiles and fond memories being made.
Visitor Information: Kitchen open Tues-Sun 11am-10pm. Bowling alley stays open later. Casual dress code welcomed.
Family owned for over 60 years, Cloverleaf Restaurant stands as a staple in Livonia. Originally famous for their original Detroit-style Coney dogs, Cloverleaf grew over time to offer a full menu of American cuisine spanning burgers, sandwiches, Friday fish fries and daily dinner specials.
While coneys remain popular, their fried perch and homemade potato pancakes have become local favorites. An extensive whiskey list also impresses. Cloverleaf embraces its roots as a neighborhood gathering place with a laid-back, welcoming environment.
Reasonable prices make Cloverleaf an affordable option for casual family meals. This unpretentious local favorite continues serving Livonia after all these years by dishing out hearty meals just like Mom used to make.
Address: 28525 Grand River Ave, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
9. Brickyard Bar & Grill
Name and Location: Brickyard Bar & Grill in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Lively sports pub opened in 1998 adjacent to Laurel Park Place known for quality burgers, steaks, pizza and extensive craft draft selection with plenty TVs for catching all the games. Popular gathering spot before concerts and sports events.
What to Expect: Hearty American pub grub menu with emphasis on fresh Angus burgers, wood fired pizzas and steaks alongside 30 rotating craft drafts and full bar. Buzzing atmosphere with plenty monitors for tuning into big games with friends.
Visitor Information: Open from 11am daily, late night kitchen on Fri-Sat. Reservations for larger groups available. Casual sportswear attire welcomed.
For traditional pub fare in an ultra-casual atmosphere, Livonia’s Brickyard Bar & Grill hits the mark. Originally opened in 1936 as the city’s first bar, today Brickyard pays homage to its long history with red brick walls covered in vintage memorabilia.
The menu features a greatest hits list of bar food done right, spanning juicy burgers, handmade pizzas, hearty sandwiches plus fish fry specials on Fridays.
While classic fare like Buffalo wings and quesadillas anchor the menu, Brickyard also surprises with more elevated options like brick-oven flatbreads, citrus salmon and pork osso buco. Daily food and drinks specials also offer affordable deals. With a welcoming vibe, efficient service and menu full of hearty comfort foods, Brickyard remains a reliable neighborhood favorite after over eight decades in business.
Address: 28819 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150
10. Amar Pizza
Name and Location: Amar Pizza in Canton, MI
History and Significance: Popular family owned pizzeria since 1985 renowned locally for its flavor filled NY style pizzas featuring original sauce recipe handed down generations. Also well loved for Italian entree staples cooked to perfection in lively but cozy environment.
What to Expect: Expect authentic heaping pies with perfected thin and crispy crust coming out of brick wood fired ovens dressed with quality ingredients like pepperoni, Italian sausage, roasted veggies galore. Complete meals with classic pastas, oven baked subs, salads and housemade desserts.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations recommended for large parties. Casual family friendly attire.
For authentic New York style pizza in Livonia, Amar Pizza and Grill fires excellent traditional pies. Owned by Albanian immigrants, Amar specializes in East Coast thin crust pizzas made by Albanian Master Pizzaiolos with recipes and skills brought from Europe.
Toppings range from classic pepperoni and Italian sausage to specialty options like shrimp scampi, chicken gyro and even a creamy Alfredo pizza. Amar also offers oven-baked subs, salads, calzones and pasta entrees.
But their flawlessly crisp thin crust remains the star of the menu. Amar’s pizzas strike that ideal balance between chewy and crispy with just the right ratio of sauce and cheese. Expect big flavor and satisfaction from Amar’s NY-style pies.
Address: 32426 5 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154
11. Steve’s Backroom
Name and Location: Steve’s Backroom at Steve’s Deli in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Renowned delicatessen since 1968 expanded adding adjacent Backroom Bar in 2008 featuring quality wines and craft cocktails along with extensive menu of Steve’s classic sandwiches and Jewish comfort fare influenced by NY delis in sleek retro setting.
What to Expect: Choose from hot Reubens, juicy patty melts, Chicago-style deli combos, creative bagel sandwiches and overstuffed wraps featuring quality Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. Daily specials might include matzo ball soup, knishes or smoked whitefish salad arriving tableside from the deli case.
Visitor Information: Backroom Bar open daily 11am- midnight. Casual dress but 21+ only in bar. Reservations available for groups. Valet parking offered.
A trip to Livonia remains incomplete without stopping by Steve’s Backroom. Considered by locals to serve the best burger in town, owner Steve Pultorak passes on his passion for quality through premium ingredients and sandwiches prepared with care.
Burgers feature custom blends of brisket, chuck and short rib crafted into 10 oz patties that are chargrilled to smoky perfection. Steve’s also offers premium chicken sandwiches, Mediterranean pita wraps and five-napkin pastrami sandwiches.
Alongside their burgers, Steve’s onion rings stand out – beer-battered then fried crispy with a subtle sweetness. Don’t expect fancy décor here, just affordable counter-order classics served in an ultra-casual backroom setting. Easygoing vibes and high quality food explain why Steve’s Backroom deserves a spot on this list.
Address: 33214 5 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154
12. AJ’s Cafe
Name and Location: AJ’s Cafe in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Quaint hometown breakfast and lunch cafe since 1994 gaining renown for fluffy pancakes, creative Benedicts and signature vegetarian dishes served in a cozy diner style setting by personable owners. Supporter of local nonprofit groups.
What to Expect: Hearty scratch-made breakfast favorites span traditional options to diet conscious vegetable packed plates and even biscuits & gravy for the true Southern experience. Lunch brings soups, salads and sandwiches like the melty grilled pimento cheese oozing with flavor.
Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-3pm. Modestly priced meals. Counter seating plus few small tables. Street parking available.
AJ’s Cafe began years ago as a small onboard railroad dining car before relocating permanently to Livonia. Today AJ’s offers friendly service alongside quintessential diner fare spanning fluffy pancake stacks, classic eggs Benedict and juicy burgers.
Breakfast reigns supreme at AJ’s with skillets, breakfast pizzas, stuffed French toast varieties and loaded three-egg omelettes. For lunch and dinner, expect staples like club sandwiches, open face hot turkey and N.Y. style Reubens alongside rotating dinner specials like pot roasts.
Don’t overlook their homemade soups, ideal to pair with a burger or sandwich. From traditional fare done right to daily specials, AJ’s laid back diner vibe and scratch cooking make this local spot a tried-and-true classic.
Address: 33703 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150
Conclusion
From authentic New York-style pizza at Amar to South Indian flavors at Dakshin, Livonia offers an array of distinct dining destinations to suit any taste or budget. Long-standing favourites like National Coney Island and newcomers like Cooper’s Hawk each contribute something special to the city’s vibrant food scene. Whether casual or upscale, Livonia restaurants consistently serve high-quality cuisine made with care.
The 12 restaurants discussed here have earned reputations as beloved local favourites through their outstanding fare, inviting settings and dedication. But they only scratch the surface of what Livonia dining offers. Food lovers can eat at a new restaurant every week for a year and still not try them all. Thankfully this cuisine diversity gives locals and visitors alike an appealing variety of flavors to sample when dining out in Livonia, Michigan.