I had to give a star rating to post this review, so was not sure what to select. I did not have an opportunity to visit, so cannot provide an accurate personal star rating. *This location appears to be permanently closed.* I was planning a trip to Eastern Market and wanted to check it out, but the only business with a similar name appears to now be in Troy, MI, but it is not the same business. I called Gabriel Imported Foods and they said the husband in the couple that owned this business at Eastern Market passed away and the business closed after that. I wish I could have tried the stuffed grape leaves and other delectables...they sounded glorious. I am sad for how this business came to close- it seems as if it brought tasty joy to many lives. I hope the family is doing well now. read more

We have been going to Gabriel Importing for years. Their food items are authentic, made in house and delicious! The owners are friendly and very helpful. If you are able to get to Detroit's jewel, The Eastern Market, do yourself a favor and stop in to get the freshest, most authentic stuffed grape leaves, hummus, garlic dip and taboulli. Their cheese pies are delicious and the price is $. read more

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I really don't like it when retailers sell at different prices to different customers. At all. I hadn't been in Gabriel in years, but decided to stop in after reading Barbie's review about the $1 cheese balls. Those cheese balls are nice enough, and do contain cheese (SOME goat cheese, but also lots of cream cheese, tastes like), cayenne and zaatar as described. The price, however, is $5 each and not $1. Yikes! Gabriel also sells olives, but all at some relatively high price like $6/lb if I recall correctly. Both Super Greenland and Arabian Village sell comparable olives for prices starting at $1.99. Both also beat Gabriel in their selection of types and prices of bulk feta. Gabriel sells boxes of couscous, but the prices weren't marked and I didn't ask. Of course can get couscous at Super Greenland, Arabian Village and many other stores as well. Gabriel did offer some pretty, tasty cheese pastries, but at $3.50 for three of them, pre-bagged, they're no better a deal than the very nice 85 cent turnovers at Dearborn Bakery. If you're in the Eastern Market area and need something Gabriel sells, and need it right then, then Gabriel's probably okay. Just plan on paying for the convenience-- and watch what you're charged. read more

Gabriel Importing - what google maps sees - Cheese Shops Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

One of my very favorite places in Eastern Market. Friendly and engaging couple who remember you from visit to visit and chat like you are family. Wonderful, authentic imported European foods, cheeses and kitchen essentials. Homemade hummous (love the roasted red pepper hummous) and other flavors like dill and plain. Large variety of olives, rice and flatbreads and homemade spinach pies, cheese pies and grape leaves. You will not be disapointed! Oh, and the falafel sandwich is to die for...a must have!!! A must visit spot in Downtown Detroit. read more

Go here if you have a thing for olives! I certainly do and this dude can whip up some brine like no other!! Now this is no swanky import store. This is about as inner city market as it gets and it's the most amazing place ever! I have found so many treasures in this store!! There is a super sweet fella who works in there year round that is always good for a smile! OH OH and before I forget ask him for a cheese ball. This cheese ball concoction is so beyond great! Apparently his sister makes these! Its a small baseball size ball of goat cheese with a band of crushed red pepper flakes (spicy) running through it then it's rolled in herbs like basil and oregano! Eat this with some light water crackers and you will go back there and get one every week. Did i mention this said ball of deliciousness is ONLY $1!!! read more

Great selection of olives and different kinds of feta cheese. Very good prices on pita bread. I like the guys who work here who have a good gruff humor that reminds me always that Detroit is a great, complex, cosmopolitan city. A reliable small grocery in Eastern Market. read more

I love this place. For my parents, they were always loving and considerate. When one of them wasn't at market with me, Kim was always concerned., kisses and prayers. The true small family grocer. And their food, especially the dolmas, are the best around. One of the best selection of olives. It can be a tiny little store front, make the point of finding them. read more

I used to go here on a regular basis but it's been a while. The guy who usually mans the place was there (Gabriel, perhaps?) and a lovely woman. They actually had a table of prepared food out to taste. WOW, it was amazing. I bought some falafel, butter beans in tomato sauce and spinach pies. I had a feeling that the owners were Chaldean and it was confirmed when I chatted with the woman. She told me she was Iraqi and that made me very happy since I love Chaldean food. In addition to the prepared food we picked up a tub of olives and a spice covered cheese ball. I forgot how much I actually like this place. I promise I won't forsake you again Gabriel. They also have a location out on Dequnidre near 19 mile (if you live in the boonies). read more

Their imported dates, figs are the best and if you've got a sweet tooth you MUST get some pistachio halawa

I love this place! The prepared food is incredible, and Kim makes an awesome falafel sandwich during the market with all kinds of yummy toppings. Get your sandwich, get a pop, and explore the market! read more

The woman who runs this place is a pleasure to know. Quick to talk about the breads they make fresh each day, which is what I like to hear. Check out the free sample spread on Market days, it is universally delicious. I can't say I have ever had something that I didn't wholeheartedly enjoy, but the goat's milk feta is the most amazing thing I have ever eaten, and the red pepper or beet hummus is a close second. Seriously, pop in here if you visit Eastern Market, the lady in the back is so sweet! read more

Fantastic array of hard to find foods and tasty treats! We will be regulars as the owner is a pleasure to talk to and the prices are very reasonable. Delicious and fresh!! read more

I've been shopping at Gabriel's since I first began shopping at Eastern Market, over 40 years ago. The shop once inhabited a huge, dark space just south of Rocky Peanut on Russel Street, where I hung out and learned from Michael's mother how to prepare Middle Eastern foods. Then, the "dark cloud" of threatened rent raises by the building owner led to the "silver lining" of a smaller, newer, more manageable space on Market St., between Farmers' Restaurant and the antique shop. Michael's mother and sister are, sadly, no longer able to help run the business, but Michael is a joy to talk with, and the fresh tabouli, grape leaves, feta, hummus, baba ganoush, halva, spanikopeta, olives, and cheese balls are well worth the visit. Yes, prices are often cheaper in more distant shops, but each store, I find, has its own unique qualities, and I keep returning here for bulk rice and beans as well as for the fresh foods, smiles, information, histories, and stories! You can sample the foods at the counter, and Michael will explain how to make the cheese balls into an exquisite salad. And--$5 for a homemade unique cheese ball? This week, most natural and artisanal cheeses at Hirt's, Westborn, and Trader Joe's are selling at $6-15 a pound. And haven't you noticed that one glass of wine or one glass of beer at a local pub is $4-9? read more