Today, I’m excited to share our unforgettable dinner date night at Highlands Detroit. Join us as we embark on a culinary adventure at one of the city’s most iconic dining destinations. From the stunning views to the decadent dishes, our experience at Highlands Detroit was truly unforgettable. Let’s dive in and explore every delicious detail of our evening at this renowned restaurant

Celebrating our Monthly Wedding Anniversary

My husband and I recently made a pact to celebrate our wedding anniversary every month with a special date night. We’ve been seizing the opportunity to indulge in some of Detroit’s finest dining experiences.

For our 10-month milestone in March, my husband surprised me with a reservation at none other than The Highlands, Detroit’s highest restaurant.

What is Highlands Detroit?

What’s really neat about Highlands Detroit is its location atop the tallest building in Detroit, the Ren Cen, perched on the 71st floor. The Ren Cen’s distinctive cylindrical shape makes the restaurant a spacious circle, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city. This makes a date night at Highlands Detroit a perfect location.

Another interesting tidbit: back in the ’90s, there was a restaurant in the same spot with a rotating floor. It’s a fun fact that often comes up in conversations about The Highlands.

How Do You Get to Highlands Detroit?

Finding your way to The Highlands can be a bit of an adventure, but don’t let that deter you. The Ren Cen is like a sprawling concrete maze or a scene straight out of an MC Escher drawing. Escalators seem to lead to unexpected floors, and you might find yourself in a space that feels impossible to navigate. Embrace the chaos—it’s all part of the experience. Thankfully, there are signs to guide you along the way.

Start your journey by parking at the Beaubien Garage. Head to the second floor, where you’ll find a skywalk leading to the Ren Cen. Keep walking past Potbelly’s until you spot the sign for The Highlands. Follow the signs to a set of escalators, which will then lead you to another set of escalators. Take these up to the third floor. From there, continue straight around a concrete cylinder until you reach the reception desk. A friendly staff member will greet you and direct you to the glass elevator. Step inside and press the button for the 71st floor.

The Best View in Detroit

Now, this is where the experience really takes off. As the elevator ascends, you’re treated to a stunning view of the Detroit River and Canada, with each passing floor offering an even more expansive panorama. By the time you reach the 20th floor, the sensation is surreal—you’re towering above the surrounding buildings, taking in breathtaking vistas of the entire Detroit area. It’s a moment of pure awe and wonder, setting the perfect tone for the evening ahead. And don’t worry, if you’re not a fan of heights, there’s plenty of space to stay away from the windows.

Upon arrival at the top, you’re welcomed into a sophisticated, upscale lounge with a chic, cigar lounge vibe. The restaurant boasts uninterrupted views from every angle. No matter where you’re seated, you’ll have a front-row seat to Detroit’s magnificent skyline.

Trying the Three Course Menu

At Highlands Detroit, diners have the option of choosing between two distinct menus. They choose between a three-course menu or a traditional steakhouse menu.

Seeking a more personalized and unique dining experience, my husband and I decided to go with the three-course menu. This allowed each of us to select one dish from each of the three sections. We also ordered an appetizer because they sounded way too good to resist.

While there was also the option of a wine pairing for each course, we were in the mood for cocktails. Although the wine pairing sounded intriguing—a sommelier selecting wines to complement each dish—we ultimately decided to indulge in cocktails to suit our mood.

Simple, Classic Cocktails

As for drinks, I opted for two different cocktails—a spicy tequila concoction and a grapefruit vodka drink. Both were delightful, but in terms of cocktails, nothing particularly stood out to me.

My husband, on the other hand, tried a mezcal old fashioned, which was intriguing. Personally, I have a soft spot for mezcal, so it was a hit for me.

Overall, while the cocktails were enjoyable, none of them left a lasting impression.

The Rich, Savory and Indulgent Meals

The food at Highlands Detroit was truly exceptional. Although after several courses, we noticed a similar profile of rich, savory, and indulgent flavors. This was delightful, but perhaps a bit overwhelming towards the end.

We started with the foie gras brûlée, which our server aptly described as an ‘adult peanut butter and jelly’. This was a perfect blend of savory, creamy, crispy, salty, and sweet flavors that exceeded all expectations. Next came the beef tartare and tuna dishes, both refreshing and light, evoking the essence of spring.

Moving on to the main courses, we savored the short rib and lobster ravioli. Despite not being in a seafood-centric city, the lobster was remarkably flavorful, perfectly complemented by the creamy ravioli sauce.

Finally, we indulged in two cuts of meat—Wagyu brevee and NY strip—both of which were exquisite. However, by this point, I found myself pleasantly stuffed from the earlier courses, unable to fully enjoy the final dish. We ended up taking most of it home to enjoy later.

Our Overall Date Night Experience

Overall, we had an incredible date night at Highlands Detroit and left with unforgettable memories.

Dining at The Highlands has always been a dream of mine. I’m thrilled that we finally had the opportunity to experience it.

First and foremost, the views alone are worth the visit—truly an unforgettable experience in itself. The food was absolutely decadent, the staff incredibly attentive, and the ambiance effortlessly chic and relaxed. It’s definitely a dining experience worth having at least once.

Personally, I feel that one visit was sufficient for me. While I would consider returning for the stunning views, I might opt to stick to cocktails next time around.