Roma Cafe

3401 Riopelle

Detroit, MI  48207

313-831-5940

Roma Cafe's Website

The Roma Cafe is located on the northern edge of the Eastern Market area of Detroit.  It is labeled as the oldest Italian restaurant in Detroit which is saying a lot considering how many Italian restaurants are in the local area.

The building that houses the Roma Cafe was first opened in 1888 as a boarding house for farmers who sold their produce/livestock at the Eastern Market.  By 1890, the boarding house formally opened as as restaurant.   The original owners sold their restaurant in 1918 to ancestors of the current owners.  Family ownership of the Roma Cafe is now in its

third & fourth generation.

The first time I was introduced to the Roma Cafe was over 30+ years ago by my girlfriend at the time and now wife.  We would go there on dates or at times with her family for special events. Lately, we visit about once every year or so.  Although I have tried other entrees, I typically order the Homemade Paglia & Fieno (Green & White Shoestring Pasta with Prociutto and Peas).  My wife usually gets the Tortellini and Meat Sauce or their Lasagna.  I find that the cost of their entrees are on the moderate side, however, the portions are plentiful.  

The waiters wear black tuxes and the overall ambiance is like going to a restaurant out of a Godfather movie.  The building is indeed over 120 years old and that is part of the attraction of visiting this establishment.  

If you decide to visit the Roma Cafe, just a few words of advice.  For weekend dinner time meals, it is best to make reservations, although waiting for your table in the bar area is a treat.  Also, there are times when the wait staff are not as accommodating to their guests as they should be.

The Roma Cafe also offers a shuttle service to Red Wing hockey games for a $3 round trip fee.  

If you are in the Eastern Market area or just want to try a dining experience at a historical establishment, check out the Roma Cafe.