Discover Highlands Detroit
Walking into Highlands Detroit feels like stepping into a moment where the city shows off a little. The elevator ride alone builds anticipation, and once the doors open on floor 71 at 400 Renaissance Center floor 71, Detroit, MI 48243, United States, the Detroit skyline spreads out in every direction. I’ve eaten in plenty of high-rise dining rooms across the Midwest, but this one hits differently. There’s a calm confidence in the room, from the lighting to the way the staff greets you like they already know your order-or at least your vibe.
On my first visit, I came in with a group of colleagues after a long workday. We wanted good food without the stiffness that sometimes comes with upscale places. That balance is exactly where this diner-style fine restaurant lands. The menu leans heavily on wood-fired techniques, and you can taste it immediately. The kitchen’s focus on open-fire cooking isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a process that requires precise temperature control and timing. According to culinary research shared by the James Beard Foundation, live-fire methods enhance natural flavors while reducing the need for heavy seasoning, which explains why even the vegetables here carry depth.
The menu rotates seasonally, but staples like prime steaks, roasted seafood, and carefully layered starters keep regulars coming back. One night I ordered a dry-aged ribeye cooked medium-rare, and the server explained the sourcing and aging process without sounding rehearsed. Beef aged for 28 days can lose up to 15 percent of its moisture, concentrating flavor and tenderness, a technique widely endorsed by culinary institutes. That steak delivered exactly what the science promises.
What stands out just as much as the food is how the experience unfolds. Service moves at an easy pace, never rushed, never hovering. During another visit, I noticed a couple celebrating an anniversary while a nearby table hosted a business dinner, and both groups looked equally at home. That flexibility shows up consistently in reviews, where diners often mention how the restaurant adapts to different occasions without losing its identity.
Location matters too. Being perched above downtown Detroit gives the place a sense of occasion, especially at sunset. The 71st-floor views aren’t just a backdrop; they shape the mood of the entire meal. Studies from hospitality groups like Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration have shown that ambiance and view can increase perceived meal satisfaction by more than 20 percent, and it’s easy to believe when you’re watching the river catch the evening light.
The wine list deserves its own mention. Curated with help from seasoned sommeliers, it balances Old World classics with approachable New World bottles. I once asked for a pairing that wouldn’t overpower a smoked fish dish, and the recommendation landed perfectly, proving real expertise rather than upselling.
No restaurant is without limits. Reservations can be hard to snag on weekends, and prices reflect the setting and craftsmanship. Still, transparency around sourcing, preparation, and service builds trust. You know what you’re paying for, and you see it executed in real time.
Between the thoughtful menu, the iconic location, and consistently strong reviews from locals and visitors alike, this place has earned its reputation. It doesn’t try to impress loudly; it simply delivers, plate after plate, night after night.
