- Attraction: Ima Izakaya
- Location: 2100 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
- Industry: Japanese Restaurant
- Website: https://www.imaizakaya.com/
Imagine stepping through a floor-to-ceiling stained glass entrance into a world where 1600-degree robata grills meet handcrafted ramen broths that have earned James Beard recognition.
Chef Mike Ransom transformed a historic 1889 building in Detroit’s oldest neighborhood into what many consider the city’s premier Japanese dining destination.
This isn’t just another ramen spot – it’s a culinary journey that transports you to an authentic Tokyo izakaya while celebrating the best of Detroit’s food scene.
The restaurant occupies the stunning former Gold Cash Gold space, where every design element tells a story.
From the giant eagle emblem salvaged from a local high school gymnasium adorning the dining room floor to the herringbone ceiling crafted from reclaimed wood, the atmosphere perfectly balances rustic Detroit character with refined Japanese aesthetics.
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Keep Exploring →The signature spinning disco ball adds an unexpected touch of whimsy that has become a hallmark of all EightyAte Hospitality restaurants.
Signature Dishes & Ramen Excellence
The Tonkotsu Ramen: Prepare yourself for what many consider Detroit’s finest bowl of ramen. The rich, cloudy broth develops its incredible depth through hours of careful preparation, creating a silky base that clings perfectly to each noodle. The tender pork belly melts in your mouth while the perfectly soft-boiled egg adds creamy richness to every spoonful.
Forest Udon with Porcini: This vegetarian masterpiece showcases Chef Ransom’s innovative approach to Japanese comfort food.
The earthy porcini mushroom broth delivers intense umami flavors, while thick udon noodles provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up every drop. Smoked trumpet mushrooms add a meaty texture that satisfies even the most devoted carnivores.
Robata Grill Selections: The restaurant’s centerpiece 1600-degree robata grill produces some of the most flavorful skewers you’ll find outside of Japan.
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Discover MoreThe kurobuta pork sausages develop a perfect char while maintaining juicy interiors, and the asparagus skewers achieve an ideal balance of smokiness and crisp texture. Each skewer showcases the precise temperature control that makes robata grilling so special.
Golden Curry Don: This comfort food champion features tender protein nestled atop fragrant steamed rice, all swimming in a curry sauce that strikes the perfect balance between rich and aromatic. The katsu-style preparation adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the velvety curry.
Handmade Dumplings: Created fresh daily in-house, these delicate parcels burst with flavor combinations that range from traditional pork and shrimp to innovative mushroom blends. The pleated wrappers achieve that coveted texture – tender yet substantial enough to hold their generous fillings.
Atmosphere & Décor
Historic Charm: The building’s 1889 origins shine through every carefully preserved detail.
The colorful stained glass vestibule immediately signals that you’re entering something special, while the original architectural elements create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and distinctly Detroit.
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Keep Exploring →Indoor Dining Experience: The 75-seat dining room strikes an ideal balance between intimate and energetic.
Warm wood tones dominate the space, complemented by fresh plants in vintage pottery that line the walls. The minimalist decoration allows the stunning architectural features to take center stage while maintaining a cozy, welcoming vibe.
Covered Atrium: The heated outdoor space provides year-round dining comfort, whether you’re seeking summer patio vibes or a cozy winter retreat.
This versatile space offers the perfect setting for both casual meals and special celebrations, with weather protection that ensures your dining experience never gets disrupted.
Bar Program: The 14-seat bar showcases an impressive collection of nearly 30 Japanese whiskies alongside ten rotating beer taps. The bar area features lush plants and vintage sake memorabilia that create an authentic izakaya atmosphere perfect for after-work drinks and casual dining.
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Discover MoreOther Considerations
Pricing & Value: Expect to invest in quality here – most ramen bowls range from $16-20, with small plates and skewers falling in the $8-15 range.
While this positions Ima at the higher end of Detroit’s ramen scene, the exceptional ingredient quality, careful preparation, and generous portions justify the premium. The craftsmanship evident in every dish makes each meal feel like a special occasion.
Happy Hour Treasure: The $5 happy hour menu (Monday-Friday, 3-6 PM) represents one of Detroit’s best dining values. Everything from robata skewers to hand rolls to craft cocktails gets marked down to just five dollars, making it possible to experience the restaurant’s excellence without the full dinner price commitment.
Parking Reality: Street parking along Michigan Avenue requires payment at meters, but many surrounding side streets like Wabash offer free parking options. The ParkDetroit app makes payment convenient when you do need to use metered spots.
Reservation Strategy: While walk-ins are always welcome, reservations through Tock are highly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekend visits. The restaurant’s growing reputation means tables fill up quickly, particularly during peak dining hours.
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Keep Exploring →Ima Izakaya
📍 2100 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
