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El Barzon, Detroit, MI
El Barzon, Detroit, MI
El Barzon, Detroit, MI
El Barzon, Detroit, MI
El Barzon, Detroit, MI

El Barzon

4.7
4.7
1706 Reviews
$50 and over
Italian
Located 3 miles from Little Cesar's Arena, Comerica Park, and Ford Field. El Barzon Restaurante has been a staple to the city since 2007, serving both Mexican and Italian Traditional dishes. Chef/Owner Norberto Garita was able to obtain his culinary experience working in Manhattan N.Y. and in the later moved to Michigan where he worked at the famously (now Closed) Ill Posto Ristorante Italiano.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:30 PM


Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Fri 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (313) 894-2070
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Norberto Garita
  • Catering
    Not available for the moment
  • Private party facilities
    Call For More Information 313-516-5416
  • Neighborhood
    Detroit
  • Cross street
    Michigan Ave
  • Parking details
    Valet Parking Also Available
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,706 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Detroit / Eastern Michigan

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Detroit

    Great for outdoor dining

1,706 Reviews
  1. DebMich

    Northern MI

    62 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    62 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always such a great experience. Alex went over and above to serve our meals "family" style so we could share. The 3 pastas dish was awesome as well as the pueblano pepper dish with pomegranate sauce. And the seafood spaghetti with olive oil and vodka sauce. Love the ambience. Definitely a keeper

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Northern MI

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was exceptional. The wine was amazing and Dawn made sure we got exactly the right bottle. The food was superb. Just the flavors……and the chef is a sauce master. This is a must go to!

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  3. Bidness

    Charleston

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A true hidden gem in Detroit. The food is amazing and the choices can appease every pallet especially for a large group as we had that evening.

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  4. PracticallyPerfect

    Chicago

    48 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent as always!!! Can't wait to come back soon!

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Love the fusion of Italian & Mexican. Very cool spot and amazing food. We’ll be back!

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  6. CarlG

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    A good selection of Mexican as well as Italian dishes. Many vegetarian options and also gluten free. The cocktails are also delicious. Service is quick. The atmosphere is romantic in part and family in another part.

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  7. travelandeat

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience5
    Large menu, small portions, average service, but patio area has a great vibe.

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  8. MeganB

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat outside on the patio and it was beautiful! We had excellent service and everyone was very welcoming! I will definitely be back!

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  9. MaggieMae

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    I have never had a bad meal here and I have visited consistently since it opened. My favorite part is the patio.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just had another incredible meal here. Edgar was our waiter and he was fantastic. It was very slow for a Tuesday night with only three tables filled when we arrived. But they still took phenomenal care of us and the food was delicious as always. My family was very impressed and they are from California and are food snobs, so I was very happy they enjoyed it so much as I knew they would. The Pulpo (Octopus) appetizer is out of this world. I added that at the last minute and it was probably some of the best octopus I have ever had. We were saying we wished they had an entire entree of just the octopus. The Bronzino was excellent as well and my brother really enjoyed his squid ink pasta. Just love this place and wish I lived closer so I could try more of the menu!

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  11. AmyW

    Detroit

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was exceptional on a very busy Saturday night

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  12. DOROTHYB

    Detroit

    19 reviews

    3.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    SERVICE WAS LACKING IN ATTENTION. THEY NOW CHARGE FOR RED SALSA, BUT NOT GREEN. YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR RED. PORTIONS HAVE BEEN REDUCED. STILL GREAT FOOD.

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  13. PAVEL

    Detroit

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve been going to El Barzon since it first opened so many years ago. And I can’t begin to count how many other folks I’ve introduced to this absolute gem of the Detroit restaurant scene. What’s wonderful is that it has, if anything, continued to get better over time. and please note, I don’t hand out such compliments easily. I routinely eat at some of the world’s best restaurants. If there’s a “novelty” to El Barzon — a colloquial term for the yoke on an ox — it’s the blending of both Mexican and Italian cuisines. It may seem unlikely but they actually come together surprisingly well, even if you mix, say, a delightful funghi pizza with the Chile poblano nagode. (The latter is an astounding southern Mexican dish with a mild, stuffed poblano pepper topped with a nutty crema sauce and pomegranate seeds. (It’s seasonal, but do try if it’s available). The original dining room is complemented by a wonderful, covered patio that is a favorite place when the weather is acceptable. All told, El Barzon is a must on a serious diner’s Detroit dining list. Indeed, I have several friends who make it a must whenever they pass through Detroit.

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  14. DebMich

    Northern MI

    62 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great food. Great ambience. Wait staff was great. Great value.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wine manager was great, prices reasonable. Our party of four split the menu evenly between gourmet Mexican and Italian dishes. Both were absolutely spot on. The entire experience was wonderful. 

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  16. CSMRN

    Naples

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Alex, is the best. Always smiling and very attentive. The food and drinks were amazing. We brought friends with us and had a very enjoyable evening. Can’t wait to dine there again.

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  17. SimonPetrikov73

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I always love this place. amazing service, amazing food, amazing atmosphere, amazing amazing.

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  18. marv

    Detroit

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Very good food and nice ambiance. Nice hidden gem.

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  19. MaryB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely time, the food was wonderful, and the service was great! Loved the flowers in the courtyard.

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  20. SusanK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Nice atmosphere, great service. The food was pretty good. No big deal but the menu said the entire came with olives but there was only one olive.

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  21. StuartB

    Detroit

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    This was our 4th time. #1 was awesome, it seems to be not as good, but still an experience. It is some what loud and service was good but by no means great. Food was, good but again not great. Price did not equal what we expected…

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  22. Michael

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    El Barzon is a good restaurant. I have hosted dinners there perhaps a half dozen times over the past 18 months including a dinner for 16 guests in May and eight guests this past Saturday evening. The restaurant provides a wide variety of entrees with Italian and Mexican dishes being its signature offerings. The ambience in the courtyard is relaxing, radiating a rather romantic Mediterranean flourish. The manager is the epitome of hospitality. I like him very much. Our server, Jennifer, was awesome. The courtyard was very busy Saturday evening and she was a saint. Most entrees are very good. I don't recommend the salmon or the red snapper, however. And one more caveat: In my estimation, dishes are reasonably priced until you get to the meat dishes in the $35 to $50 range. That's when the culinary economics breaks down. The value of the offered entrees simply do not measure up to the menu prices. So, if you are looking for a premium veal chop or steak you should direct your discerning palate elsewhere. Otherwise, El Barzon is a charming and reasonably priced venue to relax with family and friends.

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  23. Donna

    Detroit

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, food, libation and service was on par! Kudos to Norberto & our server Alex!

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  24. KGal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was outstanding! Our waiter was the best I've ever had. Can't wait to come back!

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  25. DebMich

    Northern MI

    62 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome dinner. Great menu choices. Great flavors. Attentive staff. Love the courtyard. Highly recommend

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  26. MichelleS

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Ordered the red snapper. It was bad but they promptly replaced it with the sea bass and that was much better. Calamari & zucchini was just ok. Overall this restaurant was alright. It wasn't spectacular but I’d go back and have something different. The patio is very nice. And the free parking is a PLUS.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience1
    First time we have eaten inside. It was terrible. The noise level was so loud our waitress was stressed telling us the specials. It was very dark and dank. No ambience at all. I am gluten intolerant and I was told that I could order off the menu and they could make pretty much anything gluten free. What they neglected to say was it also would have no flavor. My appetizer and dinner were tasteless and very disappointing. I wonder about all the James Beard awards they brag about on line. If your truly a chef you should be able to cook gluten free with flavor. Will not be going back anytime soon if ever.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Host and server were great. Drinks and food were very good. My portion of veal marsala was a bit on the small side and the young female assistant never spoke and seemed miserable.

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  29. CherylJ

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Our group of 6 sat out on the patio on a beautiful Friday evening. Service was excellent, great ambiance and food was delicious. Great place for a special dinner or "just because".

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  30. Angela

    Detroit

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Detroit's hidden gem! 5/5 restaurant with amazingly fresh food, kind/warm service, and delicious drinks! It's absolutely beautiful to sit outside with their waterfall and flowers! You can tell the authenticity and freshness of the food and ingredients! You MUST try if you haven't!

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  31. Mono

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Food was good and service was good. Nice ambiance on the covered patio. I would definitely recommend giving it a try.

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  32. Dugg

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great atmosphere on the covered patio and a very knowledgeable server

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  33. ValerieO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We really enjoyed it, everything was excellent, no complaints.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A favorite in Detroit you don’t want to miss. Traditional Italian, with beautiful specials the bursts and octopus was delicious.

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  35. AmandaI

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service! We ate inside, which we preferred because it was quieter. Every bite was delicious and our server was knowledgeable and friendly.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was such an amazing experience, the food, ambiance, and the service were all amazing!

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  37. kiki

    Detroit

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time back since before Covid. Still wonderful!

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  38. DeniseE

    Detroit

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious Oaxaca mezcal margaritas, loved the watermelon salad and the burrata appetizers (both were specials). Our entrees were very good also. We had the Chile n Hogada and the cecina steak. Jennifer, our waitress was attentive, friendly and professional. We sat out on the patio and really enjoyed the ambience . We love El Barzon.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The outdoor seating is such an upgrade. My new favorite place. Incredible from beginning to end. Worth every penny!

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  40. SteveD

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Quiet, good service, dinner was great. A table next to the waterfall provided a nice ambience

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

El Barzon offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (313) 894-2070.

El Barzon is rated 4.7 stars by 1706 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:30 PM


Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for El Barzon

3710 Junction St, Detroit, MI 48210

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Michigan Ave
  • Neighborhood
    Detroit
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Fri 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mexican
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet Parking Also Available
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Norberto Garita
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (313) 894-2070
  • Catering
    Not available for the moment
  • Private party facilities
    Call For More Information 313-516-5416
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