La Feria — Restaurant in Detroit

Visited a few weeks ago on a Saturday night with my wife and our friend. The wine bar next door was a pleasant waiting area where we enjoyed decent cocktails and small plates during our expected 90 min wait.

We were eventually seated at a two person high top, pretty tight working for three people around all the glasses and plates inherent to tapas but we made it work. Our server was engaged, friendly, and attentive at the start and before we had much of a chance to look things over he asked for our menus, if we trusted him since it was our first time there and offered to guide our dinner. Admittedly we took a chance by entrusting our meal to him, but hey, it sounded fun. He asked if there were any dietary restrictions.. my wife a pescatarian and our friend a gluten free celiac. I figured with so many gluten free and seafood options he would have an easy path to appease us all, but in hindsight this was the wrong decision.

From the first dish we were concerned. Despite our friend being celiac, the first dish brought out was garlic bread (low quality bread might I add) ...maybe bring something that hits everyone to start? In total we were brought 8 dishes, 4 of which my wife couldn't eat and 2 of which our friend could not. Not everything had to be for everyone and he did seem to take heed of our gluten request but he ignored my wife's dietary restrictions, in the first 5 dishes all she was given was mushrooms and bread. It wasn't until we were brought chicken, bombas, bacon dates and steak in succession that we kindly reminded him that she didn't eat red meat or poultry. Shrimp and mussels were brought out as an afterthought. All in all, if you're going to guide a meal, LISTEN to your customers and know your menu better.

As for the food, it was raw garlic heavy, bland and the bread resembled Costco French bread. The steak was the star and the bombas were pretty good as well. I've had better shrimp and mussels in less expensive restaurants.

Overall we left underwhelmed and perturbed after the $140 meal. There are many more restaurants in the city that hit the cost to performance...

Went to La Feria during the boil water advisory in Detroit a couple weeks ago. Our waiter, Scott, brought out water bottles for us. My girlfriend then ordered wine, and I asked for a Coca-Cola. Scott looked at me incredulously, like I was an imbecile for asking for pop when there was a boil water advisory. Sorry Scott, you brought us bottled water, how silly of me to think that you possibly had bottled Coke.

Anyways, the food and service was fine after that, until we got our check. My girlfriend lives in Midtown, and we've gotten the 10% Midtown discount during a previous visit. The Midtown discount is clearly written on their blackboard. We asked for the 10% discount this time as well, and my girlfriend showed her ID which has a Midtown address. Scott, rudely, informed us that it was for businesses in the Midtown area only. He then said he "didn't want to argue," and gave us the discount anyways. Not before he lectured us by saying that it was meant for businesses in the area, or people with Midtown neighborhood association IDs, otherwise everyone living in the area would get a discount (which is kind of the point, no?).

Number one, how are you supposed to prove that you work at a midtown business? Should you bring in a paystub or something? Number two, what is a Midtown neighborhood association ID, and why would anyone ever need that?

The waiter from our previous visit gave us the discount without any hassle, and when I called La Feria a few days later to ask for clarification on the discount, whoever answered the phone (not Scott, obviously), clearly said it was for Midtown residents.

I would never advocate for someone to lose their job over a somewhat trivial manner like this, but Scott sure was a douche, and I think the experience warranted a negative review. I hope La Feria management sees this, and takes the necessary actions to educate Scott on what their discount means, and to be less of an arrogant ass to...

La Feria is nothing short of a hidden gem in the heart of Detroit. My girlfriend and I visited for a date night, and from the moment we arrived, the experience exceeded every expectation. On our way in, we ran into another couple in the parking lot who raved about the restaurant, calling it their favorite in all of Detroit. They specifically recommended the steak, and while I was hesitant at first, I’m so glad we followed their advice.

The steak? Absolutely legendary. So good, in fact, that we ended up ordering it not once, not twice, but three times. Cooked to a flawless medium-rare, with minimal gray and an impressive sear, it’s hands down some of the best steak I’ve ever had in my life. The three accompanying sauces—a bold blue cheese, a nutty romesco, and a peppery white peppercorn—elevated it to another level entirely. Each bite was a symphony of flavors.

The tapas we tried were equally impressive. The gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) were heavenly, with tender, perfectly cooked shrimp swimming in an aromatic, garlicky oil that practically begged for bread-dipping. And the calamari? Absolutely essential. Tender, crispy, and bursting with flavor, it’s an absolute must-order.

Beyond the food, the ambiance was warm and inviting, making it the perfect setting for an intimate dinner or a lively gathering. As if all of this weren’t enough, La Feria has shared that they’ve been experiencing a slower season recently, which is hard to fathom given the incredible quality they’re delivering.

Our server was excellent and also mentioned that they will be doing Wednesday Paellas starting in February, and they often will have live bands.

If you’re in Detroit, do yourself a favor and visit La Feria. Order the steak. Try the calamari. Tell your friends, your coworkers, your neighbors—everyone. This is a restaurant worth celebrating and supporting. I’ll be back soon, and I’m bringing...