The Hottest New Restaurants in Detroit, January 2025

"Partners Matt Tulpa and Tarun Kajeepeta are the team that brought Detroit the subterranean speakeasy Shelby to a bank vault in downtown’s Financial District. The duo’s newest endeavor, Leña, draws inspiration from two renowned culinary regions in Spain. Spanish for firewood, the kitchen at Leña is helmed by executive chef Mike Conrad, along with sous chef Marcello Molteni, and celebrated pastry chef Lena Sareini. The centerpiece of its open-air kitchen is its hearth fueled by Michigan-sourced oak, cherry, and applewood. Diners can expect an array of seafood and vegetable-forward offerings cooked over an open flame. On the pintxos menu, are items like bacalao served with Motherloaf bread, while the house classics section includes acorn-fed jamón ibérico served with a bag of original Better Made potato chips, and the heartier hearth offerings include a stuffed squid. Order wine by the bottle or selection from the cocktail menu, which includes a selection of Spanish-style gin tonics." - Serena Maria Daniels