- Attraction: Mabel Gray
- Location: 23825 John R Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.mabelgraykitchen.com/
Against all odds, a humble cinder block building in Hazel Park has become Michigan’s most celebrated culinary destination.
Mabel Gray isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a daily reinvention of what dining can be, where Chef James Rigato transforms a space that once housed Ham Heaven diner into something extraordinary.
This 43-seat powerhouse earned Hour Detroit’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year award, and for good reason.
You’ll never know what you’re getting when you arrive, but you can guarantee it’ll be impeccably sourced, masterfully crafted, and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
The magic happens through Rigato’s commitment to an ever-changing menu based entirely on seasonal availability and his extensive network of local farms, butchers, and foragers. Everything arrives handwritten on daily menus that read like culinary poetry, reflecting whatever inspired the chef that very day.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights That Change With The Seasons
Tasting Menu Experience: The $92 eight-course tasting menu represents the heart of Mabel Gray’s philosophy. You’ll encounter dishes like Island Creek oysters prepared multiple ways, rich squash bisque topped with perfectly seared scallops, and Colorado lamb that rivals anything you’ve had before. Each course builds on the last, creating a narrative that speaks to Michigan’s agricultural bounty while incorporating global influences from Rigato’s travels.
Globally Inspired Local Ingredients: The kitchen excels at unexpected combinations that somehow make perfect sense. Picture Michigan Honeycrisp apple kimchi—crisp apple slices tossed in gingery, garlicky kimchi paste and topped with celery, lemon yogurt, spiced candied cashews, scallion, and Wisconsin bacon. Or consider the linguine and clams elevated with fish sauce that adds an extra dimension of umami depth to this classic preparation.
Seasonal Showcases: The menu constantly evolves, but certain themes emerge based on the time of year. Summer might bring fresh melon with berries and toasted nuts, while fall showcases dishes like duck breast with Michigan chestnut mousse, house kraut, and smoked apple mustard. Winter menus often feature heartier preparations that still maintain the restaurant’s signature finesse.
Standout Proteins: You’ll find exceptional preparations of waygu beef that guests remember for years, hamachi collar with Jamaican jerk spicing, and mortadella ribbons grilled on skewers that create an unexpectedly delicious combination. The kitchen treats each protein with respect while adding unexpected global influences.
Dessert Artistry: Pastry chef Ali Sensovich creates straightforward desserts that still manage to surprise and excite. Think house-made pumpkin pie brûlée with maple Chantilly crème, chocolate pots de crème, and lemon huckleberry curd with baked meringue that provides the perfect sweet finish to your meal.
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Expert Beverage Program: Sommelier Paulina Schemanski creates beverage pairings that perfectly complement each course, mixing Old and New World wines with occasional serendipitous finds. Her $55 beverage pairing transforms the tasting menu into a complete journey. The bar program features exceptional craft cocktails, including seasonal specialties like the prickly pear margarita made with juice from fresh cactus pears prepared in-house.
The Wine Cave: Opened in June 2024, this moody space evokes wine country cellars with its intimate, candlelit atmosphere reminiscent of old world wine bars and Champagne chalk cellars. The cave hosts special tastings and can accommodate larger parties for private dining experiences.
Champagne Focus: Schemanski’s expertise shines through the Mabel Gray Champagne Society, which advocates for small growers and low-intensity winemakers. The wine selection carefully balances variety with quality, ensuring every bottle meets the restaurant’s exacting standards.
Atmosphere & Design
Industrial Heritage: The space honors its working-class roots while embracing modern refinement. You’ll find yourself in a converted cinder block building with a light-gray awning and simple rusted signage that requires you to slow down and look carefully. The shotgun-style layout retains echoes of its diner past while creating an entirely new experience.
Intimate Layout: The 1,600-square-foot space features about 12 tables along a long white banquette where half the guests sit facing chairs on the opposite side. The 12-seat bar offers the best vantage point to watch the kitchen in action, with wood-grain and stainless-steel surfaces that feel both rustic and refined.
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Keep Exploring →Open Kitchen Energy: The exposed kitchen protrudes into the dining space, making you feel like part of the culinary team. You’ll witness Rigato and his crew in action, creating the dishes that arrive at your table. The energy is palpable but never overwhelming, contributing to the restaurant’s approachable yet elevated atmosphere.
Lighting and Music: Relaxing orange light envelops the room, complemented by vintage tiling and coloring that creates warmth without feeling dated. The music selection ranges from jazz standards to carefully curated playlists that enhance rather than distract from conversation.
Other Considerations
Pricing and Value: At $92 for the tasting menu plus $55 for beverage pairing, Mabel Gray represents exceptional value for the quality and creativity you receive. The experience rivals restaurants charging significantly more in major metropolitan areas, making it one of southeast Michigan’s best dining values.
Reservation Strategy: Book through their Tock system on a rolling 30-day schedule, with a $25 deposit per person that’s applied to your final bill. Peak times fill quickly, so plan ahead for special occasions. Walk-ins are possible at the bar and limited tables, but expect waits during busy periods.
Dining Duration: The restaurant requests 90-minute dining experiences to accommodate other guests in the intimate space. This creates a focused, intentional meal rather than a rushed experience, allowing you to savor each course properly.
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Discover MoreParking and Access: On-site parking makes arrival easy, which is particularly valuable given the restaurant’s popularity. The building is wheelchair accessible directly from the sidewalk, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.
Special Events: Throughout the year, Mabel Gray hosts unique experiences like Vegan Month, Burger Week, and Sunday at Nonna’s collaborations. These limited events showcase the kitchen’s versatility and provide regular guests with new reasons to return.
Mabel Gray
📍 23825 John R Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030
