Albena image

Albena

Restaurant

πŸ‘πŸ‘ We dined here last year and the max was six people. We had an amazing experience the chef was very passionate about his dishes and explained anything we asked including where he sourced his salt from. The portions were small and I was skeptical that we would be satisfied but we were stuffed at the e... People often mention experience, chef, menu, dish, Chef, amazing, Albena, Garrett, intimate,


Address

1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

Website

albenadetroit.com

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (84 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 6 to 9:30β€―PM
  • Friday: 6 to 9:30β€―PM
  • Saturday: 6 to 9:30β€―PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: experience (14) chef (9) menu (9) dish (8) Chef (7) amazing (6) Albena (6) Garrett (6) intimate (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ranah S. 1 year ago on Google
    We dined here last year and the max was six people. We had an amazing experience the chef was very passionate about his dishes and explained anything we asked including where he sourced his salt from. The portions were small and I was skeptical that we would be satisfied but we were stuffed at the end of the experience.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 a i. 2 years ago on Google
    Great experience. Husband and wife duo made it feel like you were invited to their home. Took wifey for anniversary. Great food. Great atmosphere. This place is very niche. Love their approach to food prep and the "food is medicine" philosophy.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ramneet S. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to dinner at Albena not knowing what to expect, walked in and realized it was a chefs tasting menu. Every course was exceptionally beautiful and even more pleasing on the palette. Chef Garette and Tiffany set the bar high! As a health care advocate I am in awe of their efforts to avoid toxic cooking oils and refined sugars. Hope to see this effort by others in the Industry. Cannot wait to try the rotating menu every couple months!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Shruti P. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing food. They accommodate dietary restrictions. It’s a chef’s table experience. Worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Krystina L. 5 years ago on Google
    Nailed everything. The space, the music, the pairings, the course speed, the flavors, the dishware, the creativity, the level of interaction... we were so incredibly pleased. Chef Garrett is wonderfully skilled and refreshingly purposeful; nothing was forced. Each dish was complimentary while still being in a realm all by itself. The pairings were unique and well planned. We've been to many chef tastings in the past, but Albena stole the #1 spot. Can't wait for the new menu next month... we'll definitely be there.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Toojax 2 years ago on Google
    I've had the great pleasure of eating a meal prepared by Garrett and Tiffany for the second time in my life tonight. Everything about the evening was wonderful and charming, as were our hosts. So grateful for the opportunity to experience Albena with my adult child Keni. Thank you Garrett, Tiffany and Clair. We will cherish the memory forever!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Matt J.J. S. 1 year ago on Google
    I’m not at all surprised to see other poor reviews that mention the incredibly rude, inhospitable, unaccommodating staff. As a hospitality professional myself, I was insulted by the disgraceful service. I was not even able to dine at the restaurant due to a misunderstanding (which quickly devolved into a disagreement, and then a full argument) with my reservation. A complete waste of money, and a disheartening experience. 0/10, do not recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Rachel K. 9 months ago on Google
    I stumbled upon this place via an Eater article and made reservations for dinner about a month ahead of time for a weekend visit to Detroit. My partner and I ended up being the only patrons for the 20:30 seating that night. It was the first night of this particular summer menu and everything was divine and we felt especially lucky to basically have a private chef cooking just for us. We started off with a whole grain cracker with baby zucchini followed by a gazpacho made with serrano peppers, jalapeno peppers, and olive oil served over diced green grapes, cucumber, peas, pistachio, and dill. There was a deliciously fresh Swedish salad inspired vegetable course with eggplant tartare, red pepper puree, kale, walnut paste, goat cheese, black mission fig fruit leather, pickled carrots, celery, and caramelized onion. For proteins, we were served a walleye with a vin blanc sauce, buttermilk-brined Korean fried quail with a quail jus, and smoked boar with fermented strawberry. There were two desserts: a compressed watermelon with granita and maple & feta ice cream drizzled with a melon reduction and a red fife flour pastry with tomatoes and stone fruit drizzled with raw honey and a sour cream pate, finished with some thyme. The last little amuse to close out the meal was a sweet corn cake with blueberry buttercream. And, since it was date night and we were on vacation, we sprung for the wine pairing, which was lovely. Obviously, the menu changes every few months, but I figured it was worth sharing the descriptions of ours, just to give an idea of the flavor profile and creativity of this amazing eatery. Chef Garrett and his team were a pleasure to watch - they make cooking look like a choreographed dance - and fun to chat with as well. We asked about how he develops his menu and he spoke to being inspired by his youth and local cuisine, and it sparked something in my partner (who grew up in Michigan) who immediately realized why he loved the food so much: it just reminded him of home, like the ultimate luxury comfort food. For me (a native East Coaster), I was just really impressed by how balanced each and every dish was. Every course felt like a complete meal on its own, with there being a representative element of saltiness, acidity, bitterness, and sweetness, including in the desserts. It was the type of meal where after each course, I just felt fully satisfied (versus some meals where you need the next course to balance out an overwhelming feature of the previous and you're just impatiently waiting on the next course to come out because your palate just doesn't feel quite right). The amount of food was impressive - I would say these portions are incredibly generous so come hungry - and the satiety you will experience from the food, service, and cooking performance is certainly worth the cost. I highly recommend a visit, whether you are local or not (seriously, go out of your way for a visit). If ever I am back in the area, I will certainly be a repeat customer.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jennifer R. 1 year ago on Google
    Every course was outstanding. Chef was very happy to provide insight into every dish. Perfect wine pairings. Delicious, inventive dishes. Intimate, comfortable, delicious. Will be returning for every new menu.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Roman F. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing food and staff. The flavors were unique, while also delicious. The staff was very friendly and the space was intimate. Can't wait to come back for the next menu! Thank you!

  • 5/5 Justin G. 5 months ago on Google
    One of the best, albeit expensive, dinners I've ever had. I've had some chef table dinners before, but not like this. Everything was exquisite. The simple yet refined space made sure all attention is on the food. Bravo Chef. Will be back.

  • 5/5 Cristine T. 4 months ago on Google
    An unconditionally raving review that has been a work in the making… we have been fortunate to frequent Albena over the past 5 years and leave blown away by execution and presentation each and every time. Chef Garrett has under appreciated talent for the culinary scene in Detroit. If you are a customer who values fine dining, look no further than Albena. You will not be disappointed by the fourth dimension of flavor and associated knowledge with each dish!

  • 5/5 sheila w. 4 months ago on Google
    A truly delightful dining experience! The chef's creative flair and originality shine through in every dish, making each bite a delightful surprise. The food is simply amazing, complemented perfectly by thoughtfully curated wine pairings. The intimate setting lets you get to know the chef personally. His friendly, fun and passionate nature adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal. This gem is a MUST for any food fan- just go and thank me later. And bonus - the menu completely changes every two months, I'll be a regular here :)

  • 5/5 Davor S. 1 year ago on Google
    This should be the next place you’re having a dinner out on the town in Detroit. Chef and his wife absolutely create an amazing intimate ambiance. That elk loin and the dessert with sticky toffee pudding.. i still have dreams about it!!

  • 5/5 Jerek P. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is outstanding. Every detail, every dish, every wine pairing, the service. Unbelievable! Quite possibly the best fine dining in Detroit. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 David R. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best Meal experiences I have had, super intimate setting where my wife, myself and 6 close friends were able to enjoy an amazing night with the chef all to ourselves, discussing each of the eight courses as they were being cooked. All of the food was absolutely incredible, and the experience was one of a kind.

  • 5/5 Pcully 1 year ago on Google
    An unbelievably beautiful experience. Thank you so much Garrett and Tiffany. We can't wait to come back and see you again!

  • 5/5 Gloria R. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent food and experience. Will definitely come back!

  • 5/5 Tracie Y. 2 years ago on Google
    What an amazing experience! We had no clue what to expect when we came in but it exceeded every single one. Would highly recommend if you want an intimate dinner, good food, and great company with the chef and his team!

  • 5/5 Benzi H. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is perfect. Each bite of the food is an experience. Some classic and some more experimental flavor profiles but 100% delicious! The intimate atmosphere helps you feel very close to the food and the people who clearly have a deep lifelong passion for cuisine and hospitality.

  • 5/5 Patrick M. 4 years ago on Google
    We had a great time at Albena. If you have done testing menus before be prepared that this one moves quicker than most, you will be in and out in about an hour. Nothing suffered from the quick pace, service was friendly, good was great, and the beverage pairing was highly enjoyable. The favorite dish for me and my wife are looking the barbecue cauliflower. This was an incredibly memorable dish, and while every other course was great we couldn't stop talking about the cauliflower. I would highly suggest getting the beverage pairing. I sincerely hope we can return on our next visit to Detroit.

  • 5/5 Koen D. 2 years ago on Google
    It was a perfect experience for our wedding anniversary. Punctuality is key here. Everything runs like a well oiled machine and the dishes come fast and are just delicious. The chef is absolutely an artist both in how it looks and how the food tastes. We will absolutely be back.


Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • βœ“οΈ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • βœ“οΈ Beer
    • βœ“οΈ Wine
    • βœ“οΈ Coffee
    • βœ“οΈ Alcohol
    • βœ“οΈ Cocktails
    • βœ“οΈ Hard liquor
  • Popular for
    • βœ“οΈ Dinner
    • βœ“οΈ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • βœ“οΈ Dinner
    • βœ“οΈ Dessert
  • Service options
    • βœ“οΈ Dine-in
    • βœ— Delivery

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