Sunda Opens in Downtown Detroit
Detroit's dining scene is buzzing with the opening of Sunda, a vibrant new Southeast Asian restaurant in downtown. The "wonderland" of pan-Asian flavors blends influences from across Southeast Asia in an immersive setting, signaling Detroit's growing appeal as a foodie destination.
Sunda's arrival in Detroit marks the fifth location for the acclaimed restaurant, which first opened in Chicago in 2009. The brand has since expanded to Nashville and Tampa, bringing its modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine to a growing national audience. The Detroit outpost is strategically located at 33 W. Columbia Street in The District Detroit, a pedestrian-friendly area between the Fox Theatre and Little Caesars World Headquarters. The force behind Sunda is Emmy award-winning TV personality and restaurateur Billy Dec, a Filipino-American with deep roots in the hospitality industry. Dec, who has served as a White House appointee, was inspired by Detroit's "incredible creative momentum" and the support from Michigan patrons at his Chicago locations over the years. His culinary team includes Pampanga-born Culinary Director Mike Morales and Tokyo native Head Sushi Chef Ise Matsunobu. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant, with seating for over 200, was designed by Studio K with local partners McIntosh Poris Associates and Sachse Construction. The interior design blends Tokyo street style with Southeast Asian craftsmanship, featuring a notable resin flower art installation inspired by both Japanese Cherry Blossoms and Michigan Apple Blossoms. A 1,400-square-foot patio offers additional seating. The menu, which has earned the title of “Best Asian Cuisine” by USA Today, features signature dishes that have become fan favorites. Patrons can expect items like Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Oxtail Potstickers, and Miso Glazed Sea Bass, which have attracted a celebrity following that includes Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, and Michael Jordan. The bar program complements the cuisine with craft cocktails, premium sakes, and Japanese whiskies.
