Steven Lelli's on the Green Serves Iconic Zip Sauce
The Farmington Hills restaurant continues a Detroit legacy that first began in 1939.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Italian Food
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Steven Lelli's on the Green in Farmington Hills maintains the tradition of Detroit's famous zip sauce. The restaurant honors the history of the original Lelli's establishment, which first introduced the staple sauce in 1939.
Why it matters
The restaurant serves as a cultural link to Detroit's mid-century culinary roots while providing a modern setting for local diners. Its longevity highlights the enduring appeal of the region's specific Italian-American flavor profiles.
Located at 27925 Golf Pointe Blvd, the restaurant maintains the 1939 origin of the zip sauce brand. The venue serves signature items including chicken marsala, pasta dishes, and rack of lamb Genghis Khan.
The players
Steven Lelli's on the Green
An Italian-American restaurant located in Farmington Hills that continues the regional tradition of zip sauce.
Frank Sinatra
The legendary American singer and actor whose legacy is honored through a tribute within the restaurant.
The details
The restaurant prepares the signature zip sauce as a central element of its menu, often pairing it with filet mignon. In addition to its culinary offerings, the dining space features a tribute to Frank Sinatra to complement the atmosphere.
Timeline
1939 marks the year the original Lelli's restaurant opened and the zip sauce was first created.
October 2026 serves as a month of celebration for Italian American Heritage Month.
Culture Shift
This restaurant follows a pattern set by the 1939 development of Detroit-style zip sauce by maintaining its status as a staple of local Italian cuisine. Its continued operation reflects how regional culinary identities persist despite broader shifts in the modern dining landscape.
Patrons visiting the Farmington Hills location can expect to encounter traditional recipes that have defined Detroit's Italian food scene for decades. The menu offers specific options for diners seeking both historical staples and variety in their meal choices.
The takeaway
Diners looking to experience regional history can sample the zip sauce at this local landmark. Understanding the origins of local ingredients helps visitors appreciate the long-standing culinary heritage of the Detroit metropolitan area.
Further reading
Discover more about local dining traditions in our Italian Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXYZ 7 News Detroit.
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