Milwaukee’s restaurant scene is thriving, from classic establishments with decades of history to trendy newcomers serving avant-garde cuisine.
With ample types of food within a range of budget options, picking just 22 of the best restaurants in Milwaukee leaves tons of great choices.
Below are some of Milwaukee’s top restaurants – some are staples of Milwaukee’s past, and others highlight just how top-notch the restaurant options have become in the past decade. With many new restaurants in Milwaukee during 2024 opening up.
Read below, and hopefully, you can find the perfect restaurant for your next meal out to eat in Milwaukee.
Top 22 Best Restaurants in Milwaukee
1. Five O’Clock Steakhouse
Open since 1946. Five O’Clock Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouses in Milwaukee for an expertly poured martini and a perfectly grilled steak.
Expect the full Wisconsin supper club experience, where your table comes garnished with a relish tray and bread, and the salad included with the steak arrives on a rolling cart.
If you are looking for one of the best supper clubs in Wisconsin and find yourself in Milwaukee, this is the spot.
When you enter, you will be seated at the bar, where we suggest ordering one of their famous Wisconsin cocktails, the brandy Old Fashioned. You will order at the bar and be seated once your food is ready to eat.
Try any one of the steaks, and you won’t be disappointed. I always order my steak medium with sauteed mushrooms and onions.
Also, consider getting onion rings or green bean appetizers for the table. Beyond steaks, there is also a limited seafood menu and a few other meat options, including ribs, pork chops, and lamb chops. Next time you are in the mood for a steak, make Five O’Clock Steakhouse your evening to remember.
This is our go-to place for steaks in Milwaukee and one of the best Milwaukee restaurants to bring guests visiting from out of town.
Pro tip- make reservations a week+ in advance and allow yourself 2 hours for the dining experience. They do have valet parking on site, which makes parking really easy. There is plenty of street parking too.
2. Odd Duck
Many restaurants in Milwaukee offer internationally-inspired small plates, making picking one or two a difficult task. However, over the years, Odd Duck has stood out from the competition by continually throwing together an impressive menu. The menu has so many appealing options that it can be difficult to choose just a few for the table.
The menu is constantly changing based on what’s fresh and determined by what new ingredients and combinations the chefs come up with for the week. The menus always have a lengthy list of cheeses, charcuterie, and small ” snack “- sized plates.
The rest of the menu is typically divided between equally sized meat options and vegetarian options.
From here, the chefs and kitchen staff shine by coming up with a vast number of small plates with influences from all over the world. Expect to leave Odd Duck satisfied with having had a global tour of cuisines.
3. Story Hill BKC
Story Hill BKC (Bottle, Kitchen, Cocktail) is one of the city’s trendiest spots for breakfast in Milwaukee, lunch, or dinner.
Located just west of downtown, Story Hill BKC combines a wine and liquor store, laid-back bar, and excellent restaurant under one roof. Stop in for expertly crafted cocktails and stick around for the food at any time of the day.
The menu changes frequently, but staple dishes include the shakshouka, eggs in a spiced tomato sauce with lentils, or the crepe monsieur or brunch. They also have excellent burgers and sandwiches on the lunch menu.
Their dinner menu emphasizes different sized plates for sharing—some for a small taste, others that are more substantial to fill you up. The Barbacoa braised beef served over masa pudding is a great start to the meal, and it pairs well with the wild mushroom hand pie served with sherry syrup.
Be sure to check out the menu before you head over to Story Hill BKC since it continuously changes.
4. Hungry Sumo
If you are looking for some of the best sushi in Milwaukee, head to Hungry Sumo in Bay View on S Kinnickinnic Ave. If sushi isn’t your thing, there are several other Asian food options, like ramen, teriyaki bowls, pad Thai, Thai curries, and more on the menu. There are also several vegetarian and vegan sushi options too.
If you get one appetizer, you have to get the Sumo Pork Bun. We shared it as an appetizer, but both agreed we could eat several of those as our mains. The braised pork belly was amazing; just get it and thank us later.
Our favorite sushi rolls are: La Fiesta, Beauty & The Beast, Very Crunchy, and Spicy Tuna is always our go-to.
They do a ton of takeout. Call or place your order online. They don’t take reservations and are usually busy.
We suggest going and putting your name in and then going next door to Vanguard and having a beer while you wait. Hungry Sumo will text you when your table is ready.
If you are looking for one of the best lunch spots in Milwaukee, this is another one of our go-to’s.
5. Tre Rivali
Tre Rivali is the featured restaurant of the Kimpton Journeymen Hotel, one of the trendiest places to stay in the city, especially because it’s situated in the heart of the Historic Third Ward.
The restaurant has lived up to expectations, offering diners a culinary adventure through Mediterranean cuisine.
Although you can stop into Tre Rivali for an amazing brunch, café snacks, or a quick lunch, the restaurant truly excels at providing sophisticated yet hearty dinner options.
The menu features small plates, like the scallop Crudo with grapefruit, Calabrian chiles, and mint, homemade pasta, and wood-fired pizza.
The grilled merguez sausage is one of the restaurant’s staple dishes. It comes with a healthy portion of merguez sausage with sweet potatoes, apricots, and dates. All are served on top of pearl couscous.
6. Sorella
Sorella is one of our newer favorite restaurants and a recent addition to the best restaurant in Milwaukee list. They serve some of the best Italian food in Milwaukee.
Their menu and dishes are simple, tasty, easy to share, and really affordable for what you’re getting.
On my last trip, my friend and I shared pasta, a pizza, Brussel sprouts to eat, and a bottle of wine, as they have an affordable wine list. All the dishes were amazing. No leftovers at all. It all was so good.
The menu changes seasonally as they try to use locally sourced products as much as possible. You can check out their current menu here.
Of course, some of the all-time favorite dishes will remain on the menu. You will always be able to get pizza, so don’t worry about that. They also have takeout, so if you want to try a new pizza in Milwaukee spot, this is a good option.
We highly suggest making reservations online in advance. You can do this on Opentable.
7. Spicy Tuna
If you are looking for a new sushi restaurant to try, come check out Spicy Tuna in West Milwaukee. They are located right by the VA hospital.
The small dining room leaves a lot to be desired, but the food and flavors are amazing. The dishes come out with crazy artwork, like in the photo above.
Every time we come to eat here, we get three different plates to share, and every time, the chefs have created fun and amazing artwork on our dishes.
You can call ahead and get your meal to go. We always stay to eat in the dining room. Sushi, I think, is best eaten fresh. The menu does have a few cocktails and beers.
8. Uncle Wolfie’s Tavern
If you want a fun breakfast spot in Milwaukee, head to Uncle Wolfie’s Tavern. BUT expect to wait. This restaurant is especially popular on the weekends, and they don’t take reservations.
For a hearty meal and fun cocktails at breakfast, this is the spot. Every meal we have had at Uncle Wolfies has been amazing.
Expect breakfast dishes with a twist packed with tons of flavors. If your favorite meal to eat is breakfast, you are in luck. The restaurant is open daily, only serving brunch from 8 am to 3 p.m.
9. Kopp’s Frozen Custard
Some Milwaukee local foodie snobs will think this is too high of a rating for a place that serves burgers and frozen custard (not to be mistaken with ice cream) – but this is Milwaukee comfort food, and if you miss this restaurant on a trip to Milwaukee, you missed out.
It may not be as high-brow as some of the other popular places on this list, but it’s very much a local’s favorite restaurant in Milwaukee. Kopp’s a place to bring the entire family. It is one of our favorite kid friendly restaurants in Milwaukee.
Kopp’s has several locations throughout the city, making it an easy destination for two of Milwaukee’s iconic dishes: butter burgers and frozen custard.
While you can find numerous places throughout Wisconsin, Milwaukee is the best place to get these two iconic treats. Kopp’s Frozen Custard is arguably the best place for both (although some people may strongly disagree).
The burgers at Kopp’s are thin but large in diameter and can come served with a variety of ingredients. Getting a double burger with fries is tempting. Try to save room for some frozen custard for dessert.
The custard at Kopp’s makes the restaurant worth a visit, even if you don’t plan on getting a burger.
They always have their traditional vanilla and chocolate, but most people go for the flavor of the day. Check online for a full calendar of flavors. There are usually two flavors of the day, followed by rotating specialty shakes and sundaes.
A few recurring classics are Carmel Cashew, Turtle, Red Raspberry, etc.
It’s impossible to leave Kopp’s unhappy, regardless of whether you went for the savory butter burger, the incredibly creamy custard, or a combination of both.
If you’re a burger lover, make sure to check out our list of Milwaukee’s best burgers. Kopps is one of our favorite Milwaukee restaurants and an ideal spot for a cheap, tasty meal!
10. Ardent
Ardent is every gastronome’s dream—a tucked away, nearly hidden restaurant with only a few tables and seats. With daily changing tasting menus with incredibly fresh ingredients, cutting-edge preparations, and complete dedication to pushing the envelope in the world of haute cuisine.
Ardent burst onto the fine dining restaurant scene in Milwaukee a few years ago and has maintained its spot as one of the most gourmet restaurants in the city. This small restaurant offers two nightly seatings. Diners should expect dinner to be about two hours.
The tasting menu is $150 and $125 more, with expertly paired beverages alongside the impressively prepared 12 or so dishes of food. There is no use even explaining the food – it is one of those places you will have to try for yourself and experience the flavors and dishes.
If you are celebrating a special occasion and looking for fine dining, this is one restaurant that will be hard to beat when it comes to impressing your dinner companion.
Check out Ardent on Milwaukee’s East Side for a truly unique to Milwaukee dining adventure. Just make sure to book your spot well in advance. A dinner reservation is required.
Related Article: Top Things To Do In Milwaukee
11. Lake Park Bistro – Bartolotta Restaurant
As the name would suggest, Lake Park Bistro is a classic French-inspired bistro tucked away in the East Side’s Lake Park.
The restaurant boasts fantastic views of Lake Michigan, a swanky bar with great cocktails, and easily some of the best French fare in the city.
While the restaurant serves an amazing brunch and has food service during lunchtime, Lake Park Bistro is probably best visited for a romantic dinner in Milwaukee.
The restaurant is part of the Bartolotta Restaurants in Milwaukee, which is known around the city for its great restaurants and dishes.
The pastry-covered escargot is traditionally prepared in garlic butter, or go for the mixed plate of house-made pates and cheeses if with a group. The Sole Meuniere is filleted tableside in a classic presentation, and Filet Mignon Au Poivre will take you away to Paris with its rich green peppercorn brandy sauce. Save room for one of the expertly crafted French desserts.
While you may not get a view of the Eiffel Tower from this restaurant, you will have to settle for some perfectly crafted French dishes with an outstanding view of Lake Michigan.
12. Eldr+Rime
One of the best new restaurants in Milwaukee, Eldr+Rime, is located in Wauwatosa just outside of Mayfair Mall and located next to Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel.
They are not your typical hotel restaurant, trust us. Hotel restaurants have really stepped up their game, and Eldr+Rime is no different. I also always love an open kitchen, and they have a gorgeous one.
The name Eldr+Rime translates to Fire & Ice, and you will see those two elements incorporated throughout the restaurant. Like grilling over a live fire and wood oven roasting and fresh seafood on ice.
There are even several dishes that are lit on fire right at your table, like baked bread cheese, and baked Alaska. We had both of those! The restaurant is Scandinavian-inspired, yet you’ll still find many traditional American offerings you’d find at an upscale restaurant.
The menu changes often. Expect to see it change quarterly, but a few menu staples often stay like the: salmon three ways, pork schnitzel, fish & chips, E&R burger, and a few more.
They change the menu to make sure they are using local fresh seasonal ingredients and local farms to determine what types of food people crave during that season.
13. Braise
Braise is Milwaukee’s premier dining spot for farm-to-table cooking. This restaurant even offers farm-to-home delivery services for produce. It combines its restaurant with a cooking school to learn how to prepare some delicious farm ingredients.
Outside of these other services, Braise is a perfect restaurant for an affordably priced gourmet dinner with feel-good ingredients. Chef Dave Swanson has a continually changing menu based on what’s fresh, though a few staple items are always offered.
The steamed pork buns with chive vinaigrette and crushed spicy peanuts have been on the menu since day one, and for a good reason: the flavors are absolutely incredible. The menu typically features a few small plate options, either meat or vegetable and then a few larger plate options, typically for two to share.
The larger food items are great for sharing and should satisfy your appetite, along with one or two of the small plates. For a taste of the farm while in downtown Milwaukee, head over to Braise.
14. Mader’s Restaurant
Mader’s is one of Milwaukee’s classic German restaurants and is a prime destination for the city’s visitors. With over one hundred years of history, Mader’s is a perfect spot for German beers served in the Knight’s Bar or for a plate of hearty German staples in the main dining room. They also offer a really good Friday fish fry!
The Reuben Rolls are hand-made and stuffed with corned beef and cabbage. The potato pancake appetizer also makes for a perfect start to a meal, typically served with apple sauce and sour cream.
Mader’s certainly offers a diverse menu with something for everyone. Most visitors know to head for the house specialties like the pork shank served with apple demi-glaze, the sauerbraten, or the wiener schnitzel (this is my go-to), which comes as either pork or veal, served with spätzle and sauerkraut.
If you live in Milwaukee and have some German heritage, you know about and have been to Mader’s. No stop in Milwaukee is complete without a hearty German feast over at Mader’s.
15. The Vanguard
Vanguard combines one of the hottest drinking spots in Bay View on the South Side of Milwaukee with the city’s best restaurant for all things sausage.
The menu at Vanguard offers a wide variety of sausages, all made in-house and served with an array of toppings.
Some of the menu offerings are excellent renditions of standard types of sausage, like bratwursts and Italian-style sausages. Further down the menu, you will find some truly original and gourmet offerings, like Jamaican lamb currywurst topped with caramelized onions and scotch bonnet jam.
There are even vegan options with Vegan sausages, burgers, and creative takes on poutine are also offered.
Milwaukee is known for sausages of all kinds, but in few places will you find the variety, quality, flavors, and creativity that goes into these tubed wonders. Don’t forget to take advantage of the bar’s craft cocktail list and extensive beer offerings from local breweries.
To eat, we typically get two or three sausages and an appetizer dish to share. It is one of our favorite casual dining spot for a good meal and is nice on the wallet.
If you are looking for one of the best vegan restaurants in Milwaukee, head to Vanguard for the best vegan sausage. Delicious food, great beers, and just a simple atmosphere are why we keep going back time and time again.
16. Mason Street Grill
Located in the heart of downtown, right next to the famed Pfister Hotel, Mason Street Grill is one of those restaurants that doesn’t do anything particularly original.
However, they do everything to such a high standard, both in terms of food and service, that they have to make a list of top restaurants in Milwaukee.
Choose between any seats in the large dining room or try to nab a spot at the chef’s tables for a first-hand look at the kitchen in action.
While you would be hard-pressed to find something sub-par on the menu, Mason Street Grill excels in steak. They are often referred to as one of the best steakhouses in Milwaukee.
To eat, try any number of prime cuts, pick one of the included sauce options, or upgrade your steak with a blue cheese crust (an additional cost). If you aren’t feeling steak, the seafood options are excellent. Especially the jumbo sea scallops served with green coconut curry sauce.
If you want guaranteed good food, excellent service, and a convenient downtown location, then Mason Street Grill is one of the best options in Milwaukee.
17. Harbor House
Harbor House sits on some of Milwaukee’s most prized real estate, with its lakefront location situated right between the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Discovery World Museum.
With the right weather, you can find a seat on the spacious outdoor patio, or for a more traditional dining experience, take a seat in the comfortable yet sophisticated dining room.
The restaurant boasts a fantastic brunch menu and extensive options for both lunch and dinner. The menu is definitely geared toward fans of seafood. They always have a variety of fresh oysters on hand and other seafood favorites as appetizers and entrées, like fried clams and crab cakes.
Diners can choose larger fishplates for dinner, a selection of shellfish, and a few non-seafood options, like steak. The Maine-style lobster roll is one of the best in the city.
Don’t miss one of Milwaukee’s best restaurants for seafood, which comes with an unmatched view of the lake, by stopping into Harbor House for Sunday brunch, lunch, or dinner.
The Harbor House is a Bartolotta Restaurant. If you are looking for delicious restaurants, any of the Bartolotta local restaurants will leave you satisfied.
18. Three Brothers
Three Brothers restaurant is one of Milwaukee’s best-kept secrets, even though it has been around for over fifty years. Located on the edge of Bay View and housed within a historic Schlitz tavern, the restaurant serves homestyle Serbian comfort foods that will make you feel right at home.
The Burek is a must-have—a large filo pie stuffed with meat, cheese, or spinach and cheese—which takes about forty-five minutes to an hour to bake. The Goulash is one of their most popular dishes, which combines simmered tender beef with paprika sauce and is served with a side of potato dumplings. The Czevapchichi is also a Serbian classic, basically spiced sausages topped with onion and tomato.
Take a step back into Milwaukee’s immigrant past by visiting Three Brothers with some of the best comfort food.
19. Zaffiro’s Pizza & Bar
Zaffiro’s Pizza & Bar has been making some of Milwaukee’s best pizza and Italian-American favorites since 1954.
Although Zaffiro’s pizzas are now available at area movie theaters, visiting the original East Side location on N Farwell Ave is a must. The fried eggplant is a must-have, as is the Zaffiro’s Salad for the table.
While the sandwiches and pasta are excellent and certainly worth a try, most people visit Zaffiro’s for one of their famous extra-thin crust pizzas. Pizzas range from $12 to $25 and come with a variety of toppings to choose from.
This is one of those essential Milwaukee restaurants where you go to eat really good pizza and beer. There isn’t anything fancy about this dining spot. The menu is small and simple, but the pizza is amazing!
20. La Dama Mexican Kitchen
If you want to taste the flavors of Mexico in Milwaukee, head to La Dama. They serve up some of the best Mexican food in Milwaukee in Walker’s Point. They have all those classic Mexican flavors but a tasty twist! Oh, and they have great cocktails too. Make sure to try a tequila or mezcal flight!
This is not your traditional taco joint or Mexican restaurant. They have a unique menu with crazy flavors. This is upscale, really good Mexican food with an adventurous menu.
Some of our favorite dishes are ribeye aquachile, cochinita pibil, duck carnitas & mole, and much more!
- East Side – Address: 839 S 2nd Street
21. Sanford Restaurant
Longtime Chef Justin Aprahamian heads the kitchen at one of Milwaukee’s top gourmet restaurants, Sanford. Tucked into a residential neighborhood on the East Side, this chef owned restaurant is frequently cited as one of the best in the city and, along with its chef, has taken home numerous national awards.
The menu changes daily and reflects only the finest ingredients with both French and international preparations. This is one of those restaurants that refuse to cut any corners in regard to quality.
You can order a la carte options or go for one of the tasting menus with or without wine pairings.
Diners can also email ahead of time, alerting the kitchen staff of any food allergies or other special requests, ensuring that every visitor to the restaurant will receive only the best experience.
Don’t plan on visiting Sanford restaurant without a reservation since the dining room is small and the restaurant is nearly always filled.
For one of Milwaukee’s prime destinations for a fine dining establishment that could rival any city in the country, plan your night out at Sanford.
22. Amilinda
Amilinda combines a restaurant with a dedication to local ingredients with the best the Iberian peninsula has to offer, including the cuisine of Spain, Portugal, and the Basque region.
With a small, narrow restaurant downtown, Amilinda features a cozy dining room along with seating at the bar and chef’s counter.
They also offer a happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm Tuesdays through Fridays for drink discounts and half-off wine at the bar and chef counter. During these times, diners can also enjoy discounted Pintxos, or small bites, like patatas bravas and Spanish tortillas.
Amilinda also features a great drink list, discounted during happy hour, with specialties like the Sparkling Gin, with gin, cava, lemon, elderflower, and sangria by the glass.
Executive Chef and owner Gregory Leon’s menu at Amilinda diverts considerably from a well-worn tapas menu. Instead, expect a smaller ever-changing menu with a serious dedication to locally sourced ingredients.
Try any of the appetizers, like the squid escabeche salad with grilled squid, almonds, peppers, arugula, and radish. There are often five or six entree options to pick from, like the spicy Piri Piri chicken or marinated chicken with sweet potato puree, goat cheese, pickled vegetables, and tostones.
For local ingredients and creative spins on traditional Spanish and Portuguese dishes, check out Amilinda in downtown Milwaukee.
What Food Is Milwaukee Known For?
All Milwaukee is known for is its beer and cheese, right?
Oh, and beer, too, but that isn’t a food… At least, that’s what most first-time visitors to the city seem to think.
However, we think you are going to be surprised by how much great food there is in the Milwaukee area, and yes, don’t worry, there will be beer and cheese involved.
There are a few Milwaukee classics you need to try when visiting Milwaukee that are dairy-related and aren’t found in too many other places in the world – Deep Fried Cheese Curds and Frozen Custard.
When dining out at a casual restaurant for lunch or dinner, you will find cheese curds on the menu almost all the time as they are a staple food item.
- Best Cheese Curds in Milwaukee – Lakefront Brewery
- Best Frozen Custard in Milwaukee – Kopps Frozen Custard
Best Milwaukee Breweries
If you are not only a foodie but also like beer, Milwaukee is for you. New breweries are popping up all the time in Milwaukee. Here are some of our favorite breweries in Milwaukee to grab a beer.
Some breweries offer brewery tours, some have dining rooms with full menus, and some partner with local Milwaukee food trucks to serve food at their location. A trip to Wisconsin requires some local beer tasting too.
- Lakefront Brewery – Best brewery tour in Milwaukee and has a full menu with several dishes and the best cheese curds.
- Mobcraft Brewery – Really unique beers and fun pizza options.
- Good City Brewing – Several locations, really good food dishes too.
- Eagle Park Brewing – Small menu with a few food items.
- Third Space Brewing – Partners with a food truck and has pizza.
- City Lights Brewery – Has a small menu with a few dishes and sandwiches.
Other Top Milwaukee Restaurants We Hope to Eat at Soon
- Momo Mee Asian Restaurant
- Third Coast Provisions
- Carnevor Steakhouse Moderne
- Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993
When we decided to move back home to Milwaukee after spending five years traveling the world, we were nervous the food scene would be blah and unique flavors we have grown to love.
But so much has changed in the city in the last ten years. We can find just about every cuisine and more dishes than we could ever wish for!
If you were to ask us the best restaurants in Milwaukee five years ago and our favorite places to eat. Our list would look much different.
We are so happy the restaurant scene in Milwaukee is growing. Now offering way more unique dishes, amazing flavors, and new talented chefs opening up restaurants in Wisconsin.
Don’t forget to pin me for later!
That is just a taste of some of the best restaurants Milwaukee has to offer. Do you live in Milwaukee, or have you visited and had a favorite Milwaukee restaurant?
There are so many fantastic Milwaukee restaurants we have yet to eat at.
We’d love to hear from you, and we’re always looking for the new best restaurants in Milwaukee to check out.
Leave a comment below with your favorite essential Milwaukee restaurants or a restaurant that opened in 2023 or 2024 that is serving up amazing food packed with tons of flavors!
Jean
Wednesday 21st of September 2022
Zarletti, Stella Van Buren, Packing House
SAH
Tuesday 26th of April 2022
Adding my favorites: La Merenda and Sorella!
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Thursday 28th of April 2022
I am planning on updating the list and including Sorella! We ate there a few weeks ago, soooo good!
Philip Gissen
Sunday 28th of April 2019
I lived in Milwaukee for forty years and was part owner of three fairly well known restaurants. It has been ten years since I called Milwaukee home, but it’s great to read a top restaurant list that includes iconic places to “feed your face.” Having Kopps, Sanford, Five O’’Clock, Zafirro’s etc. on the same list is all about good eating. Bravo!
Adam
Wednesday 22nd of May 2019
Thanks! These are always the first restaurants we visit when we are in Milwaukee!