The 16 Most Exciting New Restaurants in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This remarkable space in Sherman Park symbolizes resurgence, having emerged from the ruins of a bank building that was damaged during a 2016 protest following a tragic police shooting. Sherman Phoenix serves as a “model for healing,” offering a high-quality venue for businesses owned by people of color. It features a diverse array of food, wellness services, and cultural activities. Since its opening, it has hosted art and film exhibitions and now accommodates nearly 30 independent businesses ranging from yoga studios to jewelry shops and counseling services. Among the culinary delights available are excellent pizza, spring rolls, gourmet popcorn, coffee, the popular Purple Door ice cream, and soon, wings from Brooklyn's Buffalo Boss.

The historic Oriental Drugs pharmacy and lunch counter, a staple at the corner of North and Farwell, has reinvented itself as a vibrant food hall. After struggling as various burger and pizza joints, the building now hosts an eclectic mix of barbecue, tacos, falafel, ice cream, and even a speakeasy-style bar. This new venture breathes fresh life into what has long been the beating heart of the old East Side.

This century-old gem in Brewer’s Hill has been lovingly restored by the Schaefer couple, who also run a home decor boutique upstairs. The result is a charming breakfast spot in a Cream City brick building, featuring classics like Johnny cakes and Benedicts alongside unique dishes such as huevos verdes y jamon, PB&J-filled French toast, American cheese-stuffed burgers, and coffee-rubbed chuck cheesesteaks. Despite the fresh twist, the bar retains its classic Old Milwaukee vibe, with inventive options like the Sake Toddy offering a new way to enjoy a daytime buzz.

Building on the success of their popular Bay View spot C-Viche, restaurateurs Karlos Soriano and Paco Villar have introduced this taco haven to the East Side. Expect a mix of traditional favorites like pastor and carnitas, alongside global twists such as Vietnamese beef and Argentinian steak with chimichurri. The tequila and mezcal-heavy cocktail menu makes it a perfect match for this lively bar scene.

Ryan Hoban of Pilcrow Coffee and renowned chef Travis Cook have joined forces to blend upscale café culture with contemporary American cuisine in a relaxed setting. Enjoy pour-overs, fluffy sausage biscuits, Brazilian lemonades, and leisurely laptop sessions during the day. As evening approaches, the menu transforms with inventive dishes like pork fat madeleines with cheese foam, trout with umeboshi, and liquid cheesecake featuring Sichuan pepper and burnt white chocolate.

Chicago’s famed thin-crust pizza spot, rumored to be Oprah’s favorite, has expanded to the town where she grew up. Though it’s housed in a sprawling sports bar on a college-centric stretch of Water Street, Pizano’s brings a deep Chicago legacy with it. Founded by Rudy Malnati Jr. in 1991, the original Pizano’s is a staple in Chicago’s pizza scene, known for its exceptional tavern-style and deep-dish pies. This outpost quickly earns its place among the top pizza spots in town.

Fauntleroy channels the rebellious spirit of “Exile on Main Street” with a blend of rock ’n’ roll and gourmet French cuisine. Chefs Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite, known for Dandan, infuse their menu with indulgent dishes like duck a l’orange, foie gras, escargot, and chicken liver éclairs, alongside more casual options like a French dip. The ambiance mixes elegant tablecloths and library lighting with a soundtrack featuring ELO and a nod to Bianca Jagger’s backstage pass. But don’t be fooled—this place is also a fantastic spot for a top-notch burger in the Third Ward.

Step into the Third Ward’s newest spot for Korean barbecue, Char'd, which now occupies the chic, high-ceilinged venue once known as Hinterland. The menu features a mix of casual delights such as crispy or steamed dumplings, edamame, grilled avocado, and Korean fried chicken wings with a sweet, spicy, and garlicky twist. For a more interactive experience, take control of the hot grill stone with options like beef bulgogi, galbi, and cumin-curry chicken thighs. Chef Yosub Yoon also experiments with inventive dishes like kimchi gumbo, kimchi paella, and kimchi poutine. Enjoy!

La Merenda, the pioneer of Milwaukee's small-plates dining, now has a younger sibling in Walker's Point. Dan Bolton, the butcher from La Merenda, and owner Peter Sandroni have transformed their old storage space into a compact marketplace. Here, you can find locally sourced meats and gourmet goodies, from bacon to pickles and stocks. Their inventive house-made sausages include unique varieties like pastrami and veal knockwurst. If you prefer a home-cooked experience, you can now bring La Merenda’s Argentine beef to your own kitchen.

Don’s brings a sophisticated twist to classic diner fare on First Street, blending sleek design with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying pancakes or brandy Old-Fashioneds. Indulge in all-day breakfast options like eggs, biscuits, and gravy, or savor a fried bologna sandwich. The standout burger features an Angus patty with aged cheddar, charred onion, demi-glace, and a brioche bun, with an optional foie truffle butter upgrade for an extra touch of luxury.

In the midst of Walker's Point's growing condo landscape, Freshwater Plaza stands out with its authentic dumpling offerings. The star here is the xiao long bao or soup dumplings, served in steaming bamboo baskets with expert slurping guidance. Other menu highlights include spicy Sichuan wontons, a variety of dumplings, fluffy Taiwanese buns, and ramen with handmade noodles.

The newest addition to Valdemar Escobar’s Chicken Palace franchise is this Walker’s Point breakfast spot, featuring a vast menu that spans the culinary landscape from north of the border to south. Enjoy hearty options like pancakes and omelets alongside chilequiles, moyetes, and chorizo-and-egg tacos. Whether you’re gearing up for a busy day or nursing a gentle morning after, this spot has you covered.

Emerging from Milwaukee’s recent frigid winter is this new Middle Eastern gem on Historic Mitchell Street. Run by Syrian refugees Abdul and Riham Silan, this spot serves up kebabs, hummus, and a variety of dishes including kibbeh, kofta, yelangi, cheese pies, and even pizzas — because if you’ve got a pizza oven, why not use it?

While Cafe Centraal was already a local favorite, its 10th anniversary last year prompted the Lowlands Group to give it a refresh. The update brought a new look and vibe, including weekday brunches and a more diverse menu — with dishes like kebabs and mole, and chili alongside hot-and-sour soup. This revamped spot still pays homage to its namesake Amsterdam station, featuring 40 rotating biers and a new personality with bloodies on tap.

Farewell escargot, hello fried chicken. With Pastiche’s move to swankier downtown digs, Charmice Dodson took over the southern Bay View location to establish her catering business as a permanent fixture. Belli’s Bistro now serves up elevated comfort food inspired by her grandmother’s recipes: crispy, dry-rubbed chicken wings, honey-glazed or blackened salmon, jambalaya, and shrimp and grits. This spot offers a cozy, everyday dining experience, perfect for a po’ boy or burger with a beer on a Tuesday night, while still providing a romantic atmosphere for special occasions with dishes like ribeye and lobster tail. Don’t forget to pair your meal with the mac and cheese.

Valeri Lucks, co-owner of Honeypie and Palomino, has brought her distinctive style to a charming garage on Oklahoma Avenue. This quaint spot, with its blend of indoor and outdoor seating, operates as a café, cocktail bar, and comfort food haven. Locals rave about its gooey cheese melts, indulgent brownies, and the star attraction: mouthwatering pies filled with Cuban pork, spanakopita, and classic cheeseburger.