Livonia has long been more suburban crossroads than dining destination, but a steady influx of independent restaurants and updated classics has changed that.
Today you’ll find everything from upscale pizza and craft beer to polished Middle Eastern and modern American cooking. These five spots show off the newer side of Livonia’s food scene.
1. J. Alexander’s (Livonia)
J. Alexander’s in Livonia has quickly become a go‑to for West‑side diners wanting a polished dinner without heading into Detroit or Ann Arbor.
The space feels like an updated American grill—dim lighting, dark woods, a bustling open kitchen, and a substantial bar.
The menu focuses on well‑executed staples: prime rib, steaks, grilled salmon, ribs, burgers, and big entrée salads.
Starters like spinach con queso, deviled eggs, or fire‑grilled artichokes round things out, and the sides are hearty and shareable.
Service is attentive, and the bar offers classic cocktails and a good wine selection, making it a strong choice for business dinners, date nights, and family celebrations.
2. Bar Louie (Livonia – Newer Build‑Out)
Livonia’s Bar Louie represents the newer generation of gastropub‑style chains that actually care about their bar program.
The interior is lively and modern, with lots of screens, high‑tops, and a central bar that becomes the room’s focal point.
Food leans casual but creative: loaded flatbreads, burgers with interesting toppings, shareable appetizers like pretzel bites, loaded tots or nachos, and salads and bowls that go beyond iceberg and croutons.
Daily specials and happy hour deals add to the draw.
Cocktails are a big piece of the puzzle—think martinis, spiked lemonades, and seasonal creations—plus a good selection of draft beers.
It’s a popular choice for post‑work drinks, game nights, and casual group outings.
3. Buddy’s Pizza (Livonia – Updated Outpost)
Buddy’s Pizza is a Detroit classic, and the newer, refreshed Livonia location brings the original square, crispy‑edged pies to a modern space with full‑service dining.
The interior feels casual but contemporary, great for families and large groups.
The star, of course, is Detroit‑style pizza: thick, airy crust with caramelized cheese edges, robust sauce, and toppings from classic pepperoni to more adventurous combinations.
You’ll also find salads, antipasto, pasta, and sandwiches if someone in the group wants something other than pizza.
It hits that sweet spot of nostalgia and consistency, giving Livonia an anchor‑level pizza experience that still feels current.
4. Sheeba Restaurant (Nearby / Greater Livonia Draw)
Sheeba brings Yemeni and broader Middle Eastern cooking to the west side with a focus on grilled meats, stews, and freshly baked breads.
The space is simple and comfortable, more about feeding you well than impressing with decor.
The menu includes lamb and chicken kebabs, mandi and kabsa rice dishes, hearty stews, hummus, baba ghanoush, and warm, pillowy bread baked on site.
Portions are generous and designed for sharing, making it easy to sample different dishes.
For Livonia diners who want something beyond burgers and pizza, Sheeba has become a must‑try.
5. One Under Craft Beer & Eats
Just outside Livonia’s core, One Under blends a craft beer bar with a sizable kitchen that goes well beyond typical pub grub. The interior is lively, with multiple TVs, a long bar, and a mix of high‑tops and standard tables.
The menu features burgers, sandwiches, wings, pizzas, and bar snacks, but with attention to detail—house sauces, quality ingredients, and fun flavor combinations. Weekly specials and rotating dishes keep things interesting for regulars.
A huge rotating tap list is the main attraction for beer fans, with local Michigan breweries well represented. It’s a great place for casual nights out, group hangouts, or watching the game with something better than average bar food.
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