Café DIA

5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
+1 313-833-7900
$$$ Cafe
(63 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Located at 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, Café DIA is more than just a café; it’s a delightful oasis perfectly situated within the Detroit Institute of Arts. This gem not only serves quality food but also provides an artistic atmosphere that enhances your culinary experience.

The café specializes in a semi-buffet style dining that offers a variety of options to satisfy diverse palates, particularly for those who appreciate healthy and affordable meals. Customers rave about the hefty salad bar and various vegetarian offerings, making it an inviting spot for anyone looking for fresh greens and veggies. Brussels sprouts are a standout item according to patrons, and the overall selection is tailored to invoke a sense of home cooking amidst beautiful art pieces.

As you step into Café DIA, the interior captures the imagination with its unique design that invites you to linger longer. The ambiance is enhanced by stunning décor, including pieces of art that ignite conversation and inspire creativity. Whether you’re catching up with friends over a robust latte or enjoying a quick lunch break, the café provides a welcoming atmosphere that you can’t resist revisiting.

Customer reviews underscore the charm of this café. John Gonsalves highlights the passion of Chef Tray, stating, “his love for cooking shows in the food he prepares,” which is truly palpable with every bite. Carlos Fernando Lopez Del Rio shares a special sentiment, emphasizing the café’s delicious menu options that are not only tempting but also very affordable, making it an excellent choice for museum-goers looking to refuel without breaking the bank.

T S commented on the wonderful atmosphere, saying, “This place has a fantastic interior! It’s so unique and beautiful that it makes you wanna stay in and visit again just for the atmosphere.” With fast and friendly service, Café DIA ensures your dining experience is both pleasurable and efficient. While the Wi-Fi may not be the fastest, it offers just the right ambiance to settle down with your favorite digital device.

In conclusion, Café DIA is a unique dining destination that merges exquisite food with a vibrant artistic environment. Whether you are visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts or simply searching for a cozy spot to unwind, this café is a must-visit. Treat yourself not just to a meal, but to an experience that nourishes both body and soul!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

,

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 3:30 PM

63 Reviews
John Gonsalves

29 Aug 2025

Tray is the best, his love for cooking shows in the food he prepares

Carlos Fernando Lopez Del Rio

18 Aug 2025

Besides the amazing art institute, you cannot miss the cafe inside. The food and drinks were all delicious and VERY affordable. The courtyard was stunning with pieces of art hanging around (the original Medici coat of arms can be found there)

Anna C

01 Jul 2025

For museum food…. It’s not bad at all. It’s semi buffet. We are vegetarians. There were of course … the salad bar, which looked pretty hefty. Typical veggie soup. The sandwich kiosk bar didn’t have any vegetarian choices. The entree’s (steak?) kiosk didn’t have “vegetarian” labeled on the menu. Until I ordered a side of Brussels sprouts. The server told us that one side of the bar is a vegetarian meal. Vegetarian steak! And it was actually delicious! Even the Brussels sprouts! There were some pizza / looking focaccia bread at the end. ***I just want to point out that the pictures on this Google review are mixed. Cafe DIA and Kresge Court are totally different eateries. With different menus. Cafe DIA is when you wanna eat eat. Kresge Court is when you wanna hang out (Kresge Court has the brick layout. A smaller walk up order where the line tends to be a little longer. We went around lunch time. But better seating, a lot prettier, especially when it’s sunny out due to the glass ceiling.)

T S

04 Jun 2025

This place has a fantastic interior! It’s so unique and beautiful that it makes you wanna stay in and visit again just for the atmosphere. We took some lattes and the were fine! Service was nice and fast and later they came to pick up the coffee cups from the table. There is a wi-fi, although it’s not super fast, so i preferred using a hot spot from my cell phone. Overall great experience and will be coming back more!

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