- Attraction: Highlands Detroit
- Location: 400 Renaissance Center, Floors 71 & 72, Detroit, MI 48243
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.highlandsdetroit.com/
Highlands Detroit transforms the iconic top floors of the GM Renaissance Center into an extraordinary dining destination that reimagines what “top of the tower” dining can be.
Located on the 71st and 72nd floors of Detroit’s most iconic landmark, the GM Renaissance Center, Highlands boldly reimagines “top of the tower” dining with a multi-concept culinary destination that invites diners and socializers to live it up daily for any occasion.
Chef Shawn McClain, who earned his James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest in 2006, brings his culinary expertise home to Detroit after conquering restaurant scenes in Chicago and Las Vegas.
This isn’t just another steakhouse – it’s a complete reimagining of high-altitude dining that includes multiple concepts under one spectacular roof, making it suitable for everything from casual drinks to milestone celebrations.
Culinary Highlights & Signature Dishes
The Wagyu Beef Tartare: This standout appetizer elevates the classic dish with premium wagyu tri-tip that delivers the perfect balance of richness and texture. The preparation includes slow-cooked creamy egg yolks served atop a smoked egg yolk dressing, creating layers of umami-rich flavor. You’ll find portions here are generously sized compared to most Detroit restaurants.
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Keep Exploring →The Prix Fixe Experience: Highlands offers a thoughtfully curated four-course menu at $75 that focuses on sourcing premium meats and seafood from across the country. This three-course journey includes options like tuna tartare, steak tartare with egg and caviar, perfectly prepared filet steaks, and house-made ravioli. The format allows you to experience the restaurant’s range while ensuring a well-balanced meal that showcases McClain’s technique.
Premium Steaks: Beyond the prix fixe menu, you’ll discover an impressive selection of reserve cuts including a 45-day dry-aged 10-ounce ribeye. The wagyu bavette stands out as a particularly unique offering – this flank cut delivers exceptional beefy flavor and represents a more adventurous choice for steak enthusiasts.
Innovative Preparations: Expect dishes that push beyond traditional steakhouse boundaries. The mushroom bucatini showcases McClain’s pasta expertise, while perfectly prepared mussels highlight the restaurant’s strong seafood program. Even simple elements like the bread and butter service demonstrate exceptional attention to quality and preparation.
High Bar’s Craft Cocktails: The adjoining High Bar elevates mixology to an art form with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive whiskey collection from around the world. The bar features both classic cocktails and creative house specialties, while the wine program showcases a curated selection of bold and creative wines alongside hard-to-find classics.
Atmosphere & Setting
The Views: You’ll experience unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of Detroit’s skyline, the Detroit River, and Canada beyond. Window-side tables provide especially dramatic backdrops for your dining experience, making every meal feel like a special occasion regardless of the time of day.
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Discover MoreInterior Design: The space balances elegance with approachability, featuring contemporary furnishings and sophisticated table settings that complement rather than compete with the spectacular views. The design creates an upscale atmosphere without feeling stuffy or overly formal.
Multiple Concept Spaces: The restaurant encompasses several distinct areas across two floors. The main Highlands steakhouse provides the formal dining experience, while Hearth71 offers a more casual atmosphere emphasizing open-fire cooking and craft beer. High Bar creates an intimate cocktail lounge setting perfect for pre-dinner drinks or standalone visits.
Climate Considerations: The air conditioning runs quite cool, so you’ll want to bring a jacket or sweater even during warmer months to ensure comfortable dining throughout your meal.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: The prix fixe menu starts at $75-85 per person, but expect your total to increase significantly with drinks, additional appetizers, and automatic gratuity. Plan to budget roughly double the base menu price when including beverages and extras for a complete dining experience.
Reservation Requirements: You absolutely must make reservations well in advance, especially for weekend dining or special occasions. This popular destination books up quickly, and walk-ins are typically not available.
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Keep Exploring →Dress Code: No, there is no strict dress code at the venue. However, smart casual attire is generally recommended for an enjoyable dining experience. While you’ll see everything from business casual to more formal attire, dressing up enhances the special occasion feel of dining at this elevation.
Parking & Access: Parking is available in the Renaissance Center’s paid lots. You’ll enter through the Marriott hotel within the towers to access the restaurant elevators – this routing is essential to know before your visit.
Best Times to Visit: Sunset dining provides particularly spectacular views as the city lights begin to illuminate below. The restaurant operates dinner service Tuesday through Saturday, with slightly earlier start times on weekends.
Special Dietary Options: Yes, the venue offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options to accommodate different dietary preferences. The kitchen can accommodate various dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Highlands Detroit
📍 400 Renaissance Center, Floors 71 & 72, Detroit, MI 48243
