It can be hard to find variety in local restaurants that offer Halal. In the Dearborn and Metro Detroit area, Halal restaurants that can be found are typically of the traditional Arabic cuisine genre. But, what if there was a restaurant that served delicious Halal entrees Italian style? And, on top of the delectable Halal filet mignon and mouthwatering chicken dishes offered upon request, perhaps some live music and a spectacular view?

Well, according to Andiamo Dearborn’s General Manager Ali Fawaz, there is such a restaurant. Ali has been with Andiamo Dearborn since it first opened in 2003. He conveys, “Some of the things that separate Andiamo from other restaurants are the variety of Halal, gluten-free, and low carb meal options.”
Fellow Manager Yousef Zumut, also with the company for several years, enlightens restaurant goers with some of the exquisite chicken entrees offered Halal**. He lists, “Chicken Piccata, Marsala, and Brick Chicken—Brick Chicken is semiboneless chicken with asparagus, artichoke, mushrooms and a glaze sauce.”

Andiamo Dearborn’s Executive Chef Najwan Mansour has been with the company for seven years. With much gratitude, he professes that, “One of the most satisfying things about being a chef is to see the pleased look on someone’s face when they taste one of my dishes.” He takes much pleasure in what he does and prides himself in his artistic work behind the daily Chef Specials.

The addition of Halal dishes at Andiamo Dearborn was a heartfelt move made by Mr. Fawaz. He simply, “felt it was necessary to cater to the local and nonlocal people that look for Halal and enjoy great food.” And, he delightfully adds that, “The community has responded very well and is very happy with the change.” This response is very dear to Mr. Fawaz. He, along with his staff, deem that, “Our guests are our family. Every guest that walks in our doors are considered part of our family.”

As a bonus, he then adds, “Did I mention that we have a patio that overlooks the woods and river?” In fact, according to Mr. Fawaz, “The deck can accommodate up to 90 people with live entertainment.” The patio is opened for the season and has an outside bar as well, where both alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty beverages are created.

So, along with some decadent Halal cuisine, some exuberant entertainment is also waiting for you. Different musical acts will be featured on the patio. Keith Furgeson plays every Thursday and The George Brothers Band rotates between Fridays and Saturdays. Manager Zumut adds, “We have much to offer every crowd. There is no better place to relax, enjoy the view, the music, and for the patrons who do drink alcohol, those guests are welcome to indulge in a fine glass of wine with their dinner.”

As seen in their distinguished menu and in their outstanding customer service, Andiamo clearly has what it takes to be an asset to the community. On that note, Graduation season is fast approaching, and Andiamo is a restaurant that should be kept in mind. Ali insists, “We would love to cater to your needs, we hold many events here…This is one of the best looking restaurants in the Dearborn area. Students, teachers, anyone can call 313-359-3300 and ask for Elaine who is our event coordinate or for me, Ali Fawaz, and ask about our banquet area and private conference rooms.” Mr. Fawaz can also be contacted via email: afawaz@andiamoitalia.com.

The secret to Andiamo’s success, Ali believes that lies within the founder and CEO of Andiamo, Mr. Joe Vicari. He states, “Mr. Vicari is of Italian American descent and knows what it takes to build a restaurant group based on three simple principles…great food, great family, and great zest for life.” Mr. Fawaz may be onto something here. Over the last 25 years Vicari has developed nine metro Detroit Andiamo restaurants.

Chef Jim Oppat, Corporate Chef of Andiamo has been featured on WDIV local news and has had a role in Andiamo expanding to Las Vegas in 2013.
Whether it be for a savory twist on Halal cuisine, or to simply kick back and enjoy a picturesque afternoon on the patio, to have a banquet, or to enjoy an evening out with friends and a live band, Andiamo Dearborn located in West Dearborn is definitely on this summer’s bucket list.

** Upon request