ImaginATE Restaurant

401 S Lafayette Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
$$$
(1331 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Welcome to ImaginATE Restaurant, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Royal Oak, Michigan. This innovative dining establishment captivates guests with a dynamic menu, blending creativity and flavor in a truly unique experience.

At ImaginATE, you'll find a delightful array of sumptuous dishes that invite you to savor each bite. Notable sides like Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Mac and Cheese add comfort without compromising on finesse. The Grilled Asparagus with Egg and Summer Vegetable Medley highlight freshness and seasonal inspiration, while the Parmesan Fries offer a playful twist on a classic favorite.

The atmosphere at ImaginATE is another extraordinary aspect of your dining experience. Guests highlight the enchanting decor, featuring chandeliers and mood lighting that creates an inviting ambiance perfect for intimate dinners or celebratory occasions. The whimsical yet relaxing environment sets the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Many have described their dining experiences as nothing short of phenomenal. Anamaria Galvez, who celebrated her birthday here, praised the five-course chef's table experience and the exceptional service provided by Steven. With the chef personally introducing each course, it’s evident that ImaginATE takes pride in creating a personal connection to its cuisine.

Another customer, Monica SanchezRodarte, celebrated a special anniversary and found the entire evening magical. With the thoughtful touch from Chef Dwayne and a focus on beautiful presentation, they truly make every meal an occasion to remember.

For those seeking a night out, ImaginATE offers an experience that transcends just a meal. From the knowledgeable and attentive staff to the creatively plated dishes, every element is designed to provide a memorable culinary journey. Whether you're indulging in exquisite lamb chops or shrimp, or simply enjoying their innovative drinks, you will leave the restaurant with your dining expectations exceeded.

In summary, ImaginATE Restaurant not only serves delightful dishes that stimulate the palate but also emphasizes exceptional customer service and a captivating atmosphere. Don’t just take our word for it—come and experience the artistry of ImaginATE for yourself! You won't be disappointed.

1331 Reviews
Anamaria Galvez

07 Sep 2025

We had the 5 course chef table experience with wine tasting for my birthday. I would 100% recommend. Steven was our server and he was amazing. The food was delicious and the chef was so nice. She came out for each course and explained the plate. We were there for about 3 hours which was a great amount of time to eat, drink and chat comfortably. I will be back!

Les Alawishes Snoopfoot

28 Aug 2025

Went for a lovely night out with my lady. The atmosphere was nice and we enjoyed the decor. My lady ordered the lamb chops meal and caesar salad while I ordered the much simpler shrimp. We both enjoyed our meals. The prices are a little on the high side but it was worth the experience.

Sami Schulthies

04 Aug 2025

The food was phenomenal & very creative. The food is served in unique/fun plating that you wouldn’t imagine coming to your table. They have a rotating menu that was to die for as well. Chef Dwayne does an amazing job & then some! Inside is beautiful with chandeliers & mood lighting. We will definitely be back!

C Spann

01 Aug 2025

Had a great experience here. The ambiance is very relaxing yet whimsically done. The wait staff was amazing and very knowledgeable. The chef came out and was very professional as well as knowledgeable. It was a packed house when we came and the vibes were just all around great. I had the salmon which was absolutely delicious. My sister had the steak and said it was the best steak she's had. We shared the Mac and cheese (it's a nice size) served in cast iron and was perfectly browned on top. Bottom line I will definitely be back to support this establishment. Oh, did I mention it's black owned?!? Makes me that much more inclined to return again.

Tiffany

28 Jun 2025

We had the 5 course Chef’s Table Experience yesterday evening. The entire experience was wonderful!!! The ambiance, the service from the bartender (THE DRINK), our waiter Steven was beyond amazing, the food was delicious, the presentation was phenomenal and very entertaining!!!! My mother really enjoyed herself and so did we!! We will be back!! We were a little nervous about not knowing what we’d be eating but everything was really tasty!!! Job well done!!! and praying for your continued success! Please keep Steven around! He’s representing you well!!!

Monica SanchezRodarte

26 Jun 2025

We had a fabulous experience at ImaginAte in Royal Oak. We were there to celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary and Chef Dwayne and our server ( who I shouldn’t have forgotten her name sorry) made sure we had a great time. Chef Dwayne even came to our table to introduce himself and made sure we had something special for our anniversary. Food was served promptly and beautifully presented. The flavors were spot on on every dish. The seasoning on the salmon was delicious!!! Thank you Chef Dwayne and staff for making us feel special in such and special day for us!!!!

Tamika Cherry

05 Jun 2025

We were looking for a new fine dining experience for our anniversary dinner and found Imaginate. I will say, I was a bit skeptical based on reviews from another site, but I am glad we didn’t let that stop us. While the restaurant was extremely slow, our server Latoya was amazing. She had great drink and food recommendations and she was very nice and attentive. While the food was good, I do have to say it is a bit overpriced. Our group had meatballs, popcorn shrimp, salmon, short rib, scallops, and burger. But for a special occasion and the experience, we didn’t mind the price. Unfortunately, since they have been slow they didn’t have live music or valet, but thankfully there was an open parking spot close to the door and metered parking is free on Sundays. Overall great experience and would go back again.

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