Restaurant report: 12 new places opening this spring

Open signs will be lighting up for the first time all over Metro Detroit as the latest crop of new restaurants make their debut.

From vegan cafes to high-end hotel destinations, these 12 restaurants are on the verge of opening:

Albena: Accoladed chef Garrett Lipar is expected to open his eight-seat tasting counter inside the Siren Hotel this spring. Also coming to the hotel — which is in the Wurlitzer Building — this spring are cocktail lounge Candy Bar, Populace Coffee roaster and a karaoke bar called Sid Gold’s Request Room. Other dining options at the Siren are expected later in the year, too. 1509 Broadway, Detroit. (313) 277-4736.

Folk: An extension of the Farmer’s Hand market, Folk will serve comfort food that is inspired by the travels and personal experiences of owners Kiki Louya and Rohani Foulkes. The 24-seat cafe’s menu will have grain bowls, quiche, parfaits, meat pies and salads all made in-house from scratch. 1701 Trumbull, Detroit. (313) 290-5849.

GreenSpace & Go: A spin-off to the popular downtown Ferndale restaurant, this fast-casual cafe will offer 100 percent vegan burgers, tacos, bowls, smoothies and more. Expected to open in April. 32867 Woodward, Royal Oak. (248) 206-7510.

Chili Mustard Onions: Probably the most anticipated vegan opening, though, is Chili Mustard Onions. Serving meatless coney dogs, cheese burgers and “beet” balls — plus a vegan version of bumpy cake — this spot is expected to open soon in Brush Park. 3411 Brush, Detroit.

Cork & Gabel: Blending Italian, Irish and German cuisines, this forthcoming Corktown restaurant near Two James Spirits will also have a whiskey-focused bar program. Chef Matt McGrail say they’re pushing for an April 30 opening. 2415 Michigan, Detroit.

Brome Modern Eatery: A downtown location is expected to open in late April, adding to Detroit’s many, many burger offerings. The Dearborn-based restaurant boasts organic, grass-fed beef burgers and ethically sourced natural ingredients. 607 Shelby, Detroit.

Doug’s Delight: The team behind Mabel Gray restaurant have taken a dated, neighborhood ice cream shack and gave it a second chance. Expect frosty treats and savory stacks starting with sporadic service in April. 24110 John R, Hazel Park.

Empire Kitchen & Cocktails: Owners BAC Holdings — which operates 31 Michigan locations of Five Guys — announced last week that this new American bistro will open on the ground floor of the Scott at Brush Park apartment building in May. 3150 Woodward, Detroit.

Second Best: This 60-seat neighborhood watering hole from the folks behind Grey Ghost Detroit is expected to open this spring, but a preview taste is being offered Thursday in the Belt alley way (between Gratiot, Grand River, Library and Broadway) as part of the Detroit Tigers opening day celebration. 42 Watson, Detroit.

Cantoro Italian Trattoria: Longtime Italian market and restaurant will open a second restaurant this May in the space were Tre Monti was until it closed last year. Expect antipasti, pasta and entrees like Gorgonzola rib-eye and osso bucco. This location will be Cantoro’s first standalone restaurant; there’s no market attached. 1695 E. Big Beaver, Troy.

SheWolf: After spending almost two years living in Italy, chef Anthony Lombardo returned to Detroit to open SheWolf, which he says will be “very serious” about pasta. SheWolf could be open as soon as late May. 442 Selden between Cass and Second, Detroit.

Station Square: Restaurateur George Lukaj — who owns G. Georges Restaurant in West Bloomfield Township and others — is expected to open a new eatery in the former Papa Vino’s space in late spring. 1317 Coolidge, Troy.

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @melodybaetens