


Restaurant Review: Enomah in Detroit has style and soul


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source



Enomah: Detroit’s Contemporary Southern Spot Marries Style with Soul
In the heart of Detroit’s Midtown district, a new culinary destination is turning heads—and taste buds. Enomah, the restaurant reviewed by The Detroit News on September 12 2025, blends the comfort of Southern staples with a sleek, modern aesthetic, earning it praise for both its “style and soul.” The piece offers a comprehensive look at what makes Enomah a standout in a city already celebrated for its food renaissance.
A New Address for Classic Flavors
The review opens by noting Enomah’s unassuming exterior—a brick façade flanked by glass doors that open into a surprisingly intimate, airy dining room. Inside, the décor is a mix of reclaimed wood and subtle industrial elements, giving the space a contemporary feel without sacrificing the warmth that Southern food traditionally evokes. The layout, according to the article, makes it easy for diners to spot the open kitchen, where chefs work with a visible choreography that adds to the overall experience.
The restaurant’s location on 1 Mile Road (the link to a city map embedded in the original article) places it near a cluster of arts venues and local shops, positioning Enomah as a convenient stop for both business lunches and evening dinners.
The Chef’s Vision
At the center of Enomah’s identity is chef Ethan Monroe, a Detroit native who honed his craft in a handful of Southern kitchens in New Orleans before returning home to craft his own menu. The Detroit News profile (linked to the chef’s page on a regional culinary database) emphasizes Monroe’s commitment to “celebrating Southern heritage while infusing contemporary techniques.” The article highlights his partnership with local farms, notably Blue Ridge Farms (link provided in the review), which supply fresh produce and farm‑to‑table ingredients.
Monroe’s culinary philosophy, as detailed in the piece, is about elevating “comfort food” with nuanced flavors and modern presentations. His approach echoes that of other Detroit chefs who have successfully blended tradition with innovation—such as Chef Jasmine Thompson at The Market, whose own story was briefly referenced in the review.
Menu Highlights
The review’s culinary section is perhaps the most engaging part of the article, breaking down key dishes that exemplify Enomah’s ethos. Among the standout items are:
Dish | Description |
---|---|
Chipotle‑buttermilk Fried Chicken | A crispy exterior paired with a smoky chipotle‑infused buttermilk, served with a side of honey‑edible collard greens. |
Fried Green Tomatoes | Classic Southern fare, but the review notes a subtle citrus note that brightens the dish. |
Shrimp & Grits | Creamy grits tossed with a Cajun‑spiced shrimp sauté, finished with a drizzle of homemade roux. |
Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese | The mac is coated in a light, nutty sweet‑potato purée that adds depth to the dish. |
The article also points out the “signature cocktail”—a cedar‑ridge whiskey lemonade—that reflects Monroe’s love for local spirits. The bar’s selection of local craft beers and an impressive wine list (details linked to the restaurant’s online menu) round out the beverage options.
Atmosphere and Service
Beyond the food, the review highlights Enomah’s atmosphere. Staff are described as attentive yet relaxed, with servers well‑versed in the menu’s stories and ingredients. The space’s lighting—soft, warm—creates a welcoming vibe that encourages diners to linger. The article mentions that the restaurant hosts live jazz nights on weekends, a detail that ties Enomah back into Detroit’s long tradition of jazz culture.
Pricing and Value
While Enomah is not an ultra‑budget spot, the review stresses its “reasonable” price range, with entrees hovering around $18–$25. The piece includes a comparative table (linked to a local restaurant price index) to give readers a sense of how Enomah stacks up against other Midtown establishments.
Contextualizing Enomah in Detroit’s Food Scene
The article situates Enomah within the larger narrative of Detroit’s culinary resurgence. A link to a recent Detroit Free Press piece about the city’s evolving food map helps readers understand how Enomah fits into a broader tapestry of new restaurants, farm‑to‑table movements, and community‑focused dining.
Final Verdict
In closing, The Detroit News reviewer praises Enomah for successfully marrying Southern soul with contemporary design and local sourcing. The piece ends on an encouraging note: “If you’re looking for a place that feels both familiar and adventurous, Enomah is the spot to check out.” A link to book a reservation on the restaurant’s website is included, giving readers a direct call to action.
With its blend of authentic Southern flavors, modern presentation, and a strong sense of place, Enomah emerges as a must‑visit destination for anyone exploring Detroit’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the article’s detailed overview invites you to experience the restaurant’s unique “style and soul” firsthand.
Read the Full Detroit News Article at:
[ https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/09/12/restaurant-review-enomah-in-detroit-has-style-and-soul/85780888007/ ]