El Barzon

"This romantic, white tablecloth establishment in Southwest Detroit specializes in impeccable Mexican and Italian cuisine complemented by a robust wine list. The ambiance here makes it a popular spot for celebrations and its patio is one of the loveliest in the city." - Serena Maria Daniels

"A romantic retreat off Junction Street, El Barzon features two distinct menus: one for Mexican and another focused Italian. Start with chips and salsa, followed by fresh homemade linguini El Barzon (linguini tossed with fresh little neck clams in the shell, shrimp in olive oil, white wine, garlic, fresh tomato sauce, and spicy red pepper flakes with croutons). Chef and proprietor Norberto Garita honed his skills cooking Italian food in New York and at the famed Il Posto Ristorante in Southfield before opening this southwest Detroit staple. Customers can find a more casual setting with pastas, sandwiches, Mexican dishes, and cocktails at Garita’s neighboring restaurant La Noria." - Danny Palumbo

"White tablecloths drape the dining room at this beloved neighborhood gem off Junction Avenue in Southwest Detroit. Chef Norberto Garita is just as adept with making mushroom and ricotta ravioli as he is with mole poblano, which makes for a one-of-a-kind dining experience at El Barzon Restaurante. This fine-dining institution pays homage to the cuisine of Italy and Puebla, Mexico, in an upscale atmosphere that includes an expansive wine list, great cocktails, and a lovely brick patio." - Serena Maria Daniels

"Chef Norberto Garita is just as adept at making mushroom and ricotta ravioli as he is with mole poblano, which makes for a one-of-a-kind experience at El Barzon Restaurante. This fine dining institution pays homage to the cuisines of Italy and Puebla, Mexico, in an upscale atmosphere that includes an expansive wine list, great cocktails, and a lovely brick patio. In recent years, Garita’s efforts have been getting national attention and earlier this year, he was named a semifinalist for a James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region." - Serena Maria Daniels

"White tablecloths drape the dining room at this beloved neighborhood gem off Junction Avenue in Southwest Detroit. Chef Norberto Garita is just as adept with making mushroom and ricotta ravioli as he is with mole poblano, which makes for a one-of-a-kind dining experience at El Barzon Restaurante. This fine-dining institution pays homage to the cuisine of Italy and Puebla, Mexico, in an upscale atmosphere that includes an expansive wine list, great cocktails, and a lovely brick patio." - Serena Maria Daniels