Our Story

On a cold, gray Michigan day in 1997 a group of friends reminisce about April in Seville, Spain over a couple bottles of Rioja wine…

Ahhh, the sun, warmth, friends and family, and the unmistakable excitement as the city prepares for its annual spring bash—Feria de abril: a week long party of frolic, food, and fun. The sounds of Flamenco, the colors of beautiful dresses, the fragrances of orange blossoms, the heat of the Andalucian sun, and the enticing aromas from the simple yet powerful kitchens as they churn out tortilla, paella, and pescaito frito. Oh, to be back in Sevilla…

Since these friends knew Michigan would be their home for years to come, they embarked on a mission to recreate la Feria in their own backyards. And so began a yearly tradition of cooking, dancing, and celebrating in an attempt to bring the joy of Spain to Southeastern Michigan. Each year these friends invited others to join them at their “feria,” and the party grew in numbers and popularity. Soon, murmurings began that la Feria—with all of its goodness—should be more than a once a year affair; somehow it should be held in a permanent gathering place for all to enjoy year round. And the seeds of what would come were planted.

Fast forward 17 years to October 2013, and talk of sharing a piece of Spain with others became a reality when three friends—Pilar Barón-Hidalgo, Naomi Khalil, and Elias Khalil opened the doors to La Feria.

Ahhh, the sun, warmth, friends and family, and the unmistakable excitement as the city prepares for its annual spring bash—Feria de abril: a week long party of frolic, food, and fun. The sounds of Flamenco, the colors of beautiful dresses, the fragrances of orange blossoms, the heat of the Andalucian sun, and the enticing aromas from the simple yet powerful kitchens as they churn out tortilla, paella, and pescaito frito. Oh, to be back in Sevilla…

Since these friends knew Michigan would be their home for years to come, they embarked on a mission to recreate la Feria in their own backyards. And so began a yearly tradition of cooking, dancing, and celebrating in an attempt to bring the joy of Spain to Southeastern Michigan. Each year these friends invited others to join them at their “feria,” and the party grew in numbers and popularity. Soon, murmurings began that la Feria—with all of its goodness—should be more than a once a year affair; somehow it should be held in a permanent gathering place for all to enjoy year round. And the seeds of what would come were planted.

Fast forward 17 years to October 2013, and talk of sharing a piece of Spain with others became a reality when three friends—Pilar Barón-Hidalgo, Naomi Khalil, and Elias Khalil opened the doors to La Feria.

Pilar, the culinary talent of La Feria, is both owner and head chef. Pilar created the menu based upon recipes from her mother and grandmother, and is committed to serving authentic, traditional Spanish cuisine to her guests.

Naomi, a life long devotee of Spanish culture, cuisine, and traditions, is an owner who strives to ensure that guests and employees are embedded in an environment of uncompromised quality, hospitality, and authenticity.

Elias, a life-long resident of Detroit, is both owner and general manager. Elias is co-author of a book on the neighborhood, entitled Detroit’s Cass Corridor, and engages his extensive social network to ensure La Feria is a good and welcoming business for all who enter its doors.

Pilar, the culinary talent of La Feria, is both owner and head chef. Pilar created the menu based upon recipes from her mother and grandmother, and is committed to serving authentic, traditional Spanish cuisine to her guests.

Naomi, a life long devotee of Spanish culture, cuisine, and traditions, is an owner who strives to ensure that guests and employees are embedded in an environment of uncompromised quality, hospitality, and authenticity.

Elias, a life-long resident of Detroit, is both owner and general manager. Elias is co-author of a book on the neighborhood, entitled Detroit’s Cass Corridor, and engages his extensive social network to ensure La Feria is a good and welcoming business for all who enter its doors.

With five years under their belt, and a longing by Pilar for more products from her homeland, the three friends expanded their offerings in December 2018, when they opened Cata Vino Mercado and Wine Bar. The new offering is housed in the space adjacent to La Feria. Cata Vino offers patrons a retail wine shop specializing in wines and sherry from Spain, and a retail gourmet foods section selling cured meats, cheeses, olives, tinned seafood, and other take-home delicacies. Cata Vino is a wine bar as well, providing residents in the area an inviting space to enjoy a glass of wine and some tapitas (small tapas!) before or after they dine at La Feria, or as its own destination. Take a trip to Spain in Detroit when you walk through our doors and join us as family

Or purchase a gift card for later use for you or a friend!

Visit

4130 CASS AVENUE, DETROIT, MI 48201

Contact

313.285.9081

TUESDAY - THURSDAY:

4PM*–11PM

*HAPPY HOUR w/LIMITED MENU 4PM-6PM 

FULL MENU & RESERVATIONS STARTING @5PM 

FRIDAY & SATURDAY:

4PM–11PM

SUNDAY - MONDAY:

CLOSED

Our Reservation Policy

La Feria/Cata Vino accept reservations but do not require them. If a reservation is made, a $25 deposit is required to secure the reservation and will be removed from your bill when dining with us. In the case of cancellation, the deposit will be refunded for any cancellation made 24 hours prior to the reservation. For groups larger than 10, please call the restaurant to secure your reservation or email info@laferiadetroit.com 

We also cater and host private events. Should you like to explore your catering needs, please email events@laferiadetroit.com

To make a reservation online by clicking here:

Passionate Food for Passionate People.