The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Milwaukee

Since 1950, Elsa Kopp’s frozen custard has been a beloved fixture, providing creamy indulgence. But it’s not just the sundaes that draw visitors to the three suburban spots. Their jumbo burgers boast a charred, juicy, buttery finish that every modern diner aspires to replicate. Nestled in soft, pillowy buns and topped with gooey processed cheese, these burgers can be customized to reflect your tastes. Prefer a classic with ketchup? Craving excitement with hot sauce and jalapeños? Or how about a double decker with crispy bacon and pungent fried onions? No matter your choice, enjoy it in your car with Bob Uecker narrating a Brewers game. That’s truly embracing Milwaukee life.

Serving as both a social movement and cultural hub, the Phoenix is the vibrant core of the Sherman Park community. In the wake of civil unrest following a tragic police shooting in 2016, local leaders revitalized a damaged BMO Harris Bank building into this extensive collective of small businesses, primarily owned by people of color. Since its inception, it has hosted a presidential campaign rally and received a nomination for the State Farm Building Blocks Award. On a day-to-day basis, it provides comfort through barbecue, chicken wings from Buffalo Boss—an establishment that also serves as a bartending school—and a variety of tenants focused on culture, wellness, and fashion, offering services from massage therapy to lash extensions.

For any upscale craving, you can choose from a Bartolotta Restaurant Group establishment: contemporary American fare at Bacchus, lunch with a stunning view at Harbor House, supper club vibes at Joey Gerard’s, juicy steaks at Mr. B’s, or rustic Italian at Ristorante Bartolotta. Yet, if you seek refined French classics with a view of Lake Michigan, look no further than Lake Park. Newly appointed executive chef Amanda Langler, who transitioned from Mr. B’s in late 2023, is now leading a menu that blends tradition with excitement: think coq au vin, steak frites, foie gras, meticulously crafted tartare, and a bone-in rib-eye paired with bacon-roasted fingerling potatoes. Indulge yourself; sometimes, a special occasion is simply when you crave French onion soup.

Founded in 1987, Lakefront Brewery feels like a long-standing part of Milwaukee's identity. Before the craft beer boom and after the iconic breweries that put the city on the map, Lakefront became a staple in local bars and liquor stores. Today, you can’t truly call yourself a Milwaukeean without experiencing one of their renowned brewery tours or enjoying the live polka music during their Friday fish fry. To stay competitive in the bustling brewing landscape, they introduce fresh ideas like 'curdsday,' intimate private chalet dinners with views of the fermentation cellar, and mini heated greenhouses along the riverfront.

With accolades from James Beard and Food & Wine, Milwaukee's East Side has solidified its reputation as a culinary hotspot, thanks in part to Ardent, its top fine dining destination. Chef Justin Carlisle crafts a seasonal and ever-evolving menu of innovative new American dishes, featuring meticulously curated tasting experiences that may include caviar, tartare, pheasant, and an array of sorbets. The lounge offers a more laid-back atmosphere, allowing walk-ins to savor creative small plates like smoked trout and chicken liver mousse, as well as boursin cheese-topped smash burgers and roasted chicken. For a twist on the classic hot dog, enjoy one topped with Nueske’s bacon and shaved foie gras, a dish that combines local pride with sophistication.

Since the 1950s, this family-run gem on the East Side has remained steadfastly committed to tradition. Amid the vibrant and ever-evolving lakefront area, the nostalgic red-checkered tablecloths and classic blue-collar barstools provide a comforting backdrop as patrons enjoy Blatz beer beneath neon lights. Zaffiro’s tavern-style pizza—served as a circular pie cut into squares—is a must-try. This shareable, savory delight pays homage to its origins as perfect beer food, featuring an ultra-thin crust that crackles with each bite and a fragrant fennel-infused sausage, reminiscent of Milwaukee's historic Italian neighborhoods.

Owner Dane Baldwin was honored as the 2022 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in the Midwest, highlighting this understated yet sophisticated East Side gem. True to its name, the restaurant elegantly balances a classy atmosphere with comfort. The dining room is perfect for romantic evenings featuring Negronis, chicken leg confit, and roasted beet salad, while also satisfying more casual cravings with triple-blanched fries and the renowned Diplomac, a refined twist on the classic Big Mac. Baldwin’s acclaim has revitalized Brady Street, reestablishing it as a destination for upscale dining.

Glorioso’s encapsulates the transformation of Brady Street and the East Side’s Italian heritage. Established in 1946, this grocery store was once reminiscent of a hangout from The Sopranos until it relocated across the street in 2011 to a spacious and bright location akin to a Whole Foods. Despite the change in scenery, it remains a go-to for Italian delicacies—guanciale, pecorino, giardiniera, and a plethora of olives—alongside sandwiches for the journey home, like Italian beef, muffuletta, and the aptly named Human Torch, a bold concoction of calabrese salami, capocollo, provolone, and hot pepper spread.

Birch is a standout in any restaurant roundup, with chef Kyle Knall crafting a menu that reflects his Alabama roots, his formative years at Gramercy Tavern in New York, and his experience launching a venue in New Orleans. Since opening in 2021, Birch has exuded a rustic charm with a menu focused on charring, smoking, and wood-fire techniques. Signature dishes include charred beef tartare, chicken under a brick, and fish inspired by Contramar, paired with smoked carrot salsa and homemade tortillas. The restaurant truly tells its own story through comforting offerings like garlic focaccia and scorched flatbread topped with bacon and buttermilk dressing.

Alongside Bartolotta across the street, this charming bistro serves as the vibrant heart of Wauwatosa. Spanning two stories, Le Rêve embodies old-world elegance and sophistication throughout the day. The menu features a delightful array of French classics: crepes, escargot, French onion soup, a duck confit BLT, pâté, frites, foie gras, and fondue, reminiscent of a lush Picasso painting.

Here’s a hot take: Milwaukee-style pizza often misses the mark, with an underbaked crust that lacks crispness and a floppy base overwhelmed by toppings. Just ask James Durawa, a Green Bay native who previously ran a food truck in Portland, Oregon, where he trained under Apizza Scholls. For his first brick-and-mortar location, he introduced long-fermented, naturally leavened pizzas to Milwaukee. At his Washington Heights shop, premium ingredients pair with local cheeses, all baked in a Forno Bravo gas dome oven that reaches around 700 degrees. This technique produces a perfectly charred crust in various shades of brown, with minimal sag and delightful crunch. Every detail is meticulously crafted, from the ideal cheese-to-topping ratio to enticing specials like bacon over a melty mix of mozzarella, fontina, and pecorino Romano—dining here is practically a pizza masterclass.

This long-established, stylish corner Mytoury strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for brunch or late-night dining. With an extensive selection of wine and whiskey, the menu features delectable dishes like house-made orecchiette with lamb sausage, a burger topped with Gruyere, a bone-in pork chop served with blistered peppers, and spicy chicken thighs paired with Muenster and fried capers. For those with discerning tastes, there's even truffle fries with house-made cheese whiz—yes, Buckley’s has that too.

Whether or not you believe in the VPN badge (Vera Pizza Napoletana, the official mark of “true Neapolitan pizza” from the Naples-based Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana), San Giorgio serves undeniably delicious wood-fired pizza. Featuring a light and chewy crust, a subtly charred base, attractive leoparding on the edges, stretchy wet mozzarella, and vibrant San Marzano sauce for that Instagram pop, any of their signature pies could easily claim the title of the best in town. If you can, wait at the pizza bar to witness your pie emerge from the 900-degree Stefano Ferrara oven—a sight to behold.

Fifteen years after receiving the James Beard award for Best Chef in the Midwest at Lake Park Bistro, Adam Siegel and co-owner Michael DeMichele have now garnered a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant in 2023 with Lupi & Iris. Yet, they are not resting on past achievements in their stylish downtown establishment. The restaurant hosts a variety of special events — from mocktail nights to casual Sunday suppers and a black truffle dinner — while maintaining a focus on French and Italian Riviera cuisine. Signature dishes include a goat cheese tart with smoked trout, chargrilled octopus with Romesco, wood oven-roasted duck breast with duck fat potatoes, and olive oil cake, positioning Lupi & Iris as a potential new leader in Milwaukee’s fine dining scene.

Long before Milwaukee Street became synonymous with valet service and upscale dining, Zarletti was already making its mark. Featuring appetizers like crostini misti and house-made burrata, alongside pastas such as ravioli and a daily ragu, and mains like osso buco and classic Bolognese, chef Brian Zarletti has transformed cherished family recipes into a warm and classy dining experience. This corner gem embodies a Billy Joel tune, illustrating that high-quality service can be friendly and that a neighborhood feel is possible even in the trendy heart of downtown, especially when it comes to a perfect carbonara.

It all started with a dinner at Odd Duck, a pivotal moment for chef Gregory Leon that led him to leave his San Francisco kitchen and settle in Milwaukee. Since opening, Leon has garnered several James Beard nominations for Best Chef in the Midwest, and this vibrant downtown spot radiates warmth with its rich Spanish and Portuguese influences. The menu is brief yet ever-evolving, featuring adventurous dishes like duck rice paired with refogado, braised pork shoulder in piquillo and tomato sauce, and roasted eggplant with raw honey and Aleppo peppers. Amilinda might just be the only place in town serving salmorejo, an Andalusian tomato and bread puree, and it takes dessert as seriously as the main courses, offering delights like chocolate and olive oil mousse.

For over ten years, Alem has been delighting diners with shareable Ethiopian dishes served on soft injera right in downtown. The menu boasts a variety of vegetarian and meat options, including yemisir wot (slow-cooked lentils in a spicy red pepper sauce), steamed gomen, zesty doro wat paired with ayib (cottage cheese), and kitfo (steak tartare). Enjoy African beers, wines, and ouzo-infused tea that perfectly complement a lively, family-style dining experience.

This expansive venue boasts TVs, video games, cornhole, and shuffleboard, creating the ultimate adult playground. Located in a portion of the former Grand Avenue Mall, it serves as one of the city’s top spots for diverse cuisine. It’s an inviting place for families, sports enthusiasts, or anyone looking to indulge in a wide selection of dishes, including Peruvian chicken, tortas, arepas, pho, ramen, wings, pizza, and many more. Or you can opt for the beloved classic, Dairyland, featuring curds, custard, and the ever-popular burger.

Being named a semifinalist for the 2023 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur felt like a significant milestone for the Black Shoe Hospitality team. With a proven track record of delivering comforting cuisine, they’ve made their mark with upscale Southern dishes at Maxie’s, inventive breakfasts at Blue’s Egg, and refined dining at Buttermint. Story Hill BKC — which stands for bottle, kitchen, cup — encapsulates the best of their endeavors. Imagine your local liquor store transformed into a delightful Mytoury offering crepes, shakshuka, sirloin sandwiches with truffle peppercorn mayo, smoked Yukon potatoes au gratin, and cedar plank trout. With its warm wooden accents and exceptional hospitality, this restaurant feels like a charming hidden treasure nestled in one of Milwaukee’s most underrated neighborhoods.

Sobelman’s set the benchmark for burgers in town long before they became ubiquitous. Their signature burger features a rich, buttery griddled bun, juicy patties, a luxurious three-cheese melt, crispy fried onions, and zesty diced jalapenos—a true classic. Located next to the Marquette campus, this bar is also a great spot for traditional cheese curds and to indulge in Wisconsin’s often-overlooked gem: a colossal bloody mary, packed with garnishes and accompanied by a beer chaser, making it a meal in itself.

Upon its debut in 2013, Bavette felt distinctively European and upscale — reminiscent of a Chicago establishment rather than a Milwaukee gem. Fast forward to now, and following owner Karen Bell's fifth James Beard nomination, this whole-hog butcher shop and elegantly simple restaurant has become a cherished favorite. It caters to all appetites with offerings like crudos and carpaccios, the city's finest muffuletta, chicken liver mousse, a corned beef tongue Reuben, and an impressive selection of cheese and charcuterie. With a fresh, expanded location in the Third Ward, Bavette’s evolution mirrors the city's own growth.

Since its launch in 2019, Milwaukee's first food truck park has become a hub for lively summer gatherings and leisurely meals, prompting frequent visits to discover new offerings. The revamped selection now features pizza, tacos, ice cream, maki, and bagels. For a must-try, don’t miss Meat and Co’s delightfully spicy Nashville chicken sandwich and their hearty chopped cheese. With DJs and comedy nights, reservable heated huts ensure the festivities continue year-round.

Long before small plates became a staple in Walker’s Point, La Merenda was the pioneering venue, serving international tapas in a cozy, reservation-only setting. Owner Peter Sandroni previously offered global brunch favorites at the Barack Obama-approved Engine Company No. 3 and dabbled in retail, but his flagship remains the center of action, presenting Milwaukee’s beloved shareable dishes: pork and shrimp tostadas, seared trout, empanadas, and house-made gnocchi. Butter chicken harmoniously coexists with lamb Bolognese, while goat cheese curds in chorizo cream sauce pair well with just about anything.

Allie Boy’s brings a slice of New York to Milwaukee with a bagel shop that exceeds all expectations. This vibrant corner spot in Walker’s Point serves up delightful treats, including various schmears and lox, house-made pickles, and whitefish salad, alongside cappuccinos and wine spritzes. For lunch, try the lavishly topped pizza bagel, reminiscent of comfort food from grandma’s kitchen, or indulge in the pastrami chop cheese bagel sandwich, a deliciously guilty pleasure. It's a top-notch destination for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Milwaukee’s reigning champion of al pastor is expanding into a mini taco empire across the city. In addition to its fleet of trompo-equipped trucks on the south side, the brand has introduced a takeout-only location in Bay View and its first sit-down restaurant. This spacious corner venue on National Avenue boasts an extensive menu of Oaxacan delicacies: tlayudas, aguas frescas, birria de chivo, and unique tortilla-meat combinations like volcánes and mulitas. Don’t miss out on the al pastor pork, which is crispy, fatty, and perfect with a drizzle of red sauce—only $1 per taco every Thursday!

It’s a rare occasion for a beloved restaurant to close, reinvent itself, and reopen with fresh focus and new leadership. Once known as Crazy Water, La Dama now features owner and chef Peggy Magister working alongside longtime chef Emanuel Corona, who infuses his dishes with the flavors and techniques from his upbringing in Puebla, Mexico City, and Oaxaca. Prepare for a culinary adventure that begins with tlayudas, albondigas, and pork belly esquites. The taco selection is equally enticing, offering duck carnitas with orange habanero salsa, tuna topped with horseradish crema, huitlacoche, and a campechano filled with hanger steak asada, veal chorizo, salsa de diabla, and a crispy Chihuahua cheese crust. Out with the old, in with the nopalito.

Reflecting the days when Walker’s Point was primarily home to Latino families, this restaurant embraces its history with pride, featuring charmingly worn decor that enhances its homestyle warmth, authentic Mexican cuisine, and a bold use of spices. Hearty bowls of menudo and pozole serve as fiery remedies for hangovers and colds alike. The mole and birria are slow-cooked all day to achieve deep, earthy flavors. Don’t miss the bistec en chile de arbol—tender morsels of steak enveloped in a rich, spicy mahogany sauce, perfect for crafting dangerously delicious tacos. For those seeking even more heat, an arbol salsa is available upon request, satisfying anyone who loves a spicy kick.

This vibrant slice of Silver City is brimming with diverse international flavors. A mix of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Laotian, and standout Thai cuisines can be found at a single intersection along National Avenue. The menu here is just as varied, allowing you to choose between fried quail, crispy chicken skewers, hot pots, larb, curries, or steaming bowls of pho. The Thai barbecue pork noodle soup — enhanced with jalapeños, chile garlic paste, and crushed dried peppers — is the highlight on chilly Milwaukee nights, featuring a rich, velvety broth filled with tender pork. It’s hard to envision a more satisfying bowl of comfort for your senses.

When it debuted on Kinnickinnic Avenue in 2010, Odd Duck quickly became the heartbeat and culinary anchor of the trendiest neighborhood in town. Now, owners Ross Bachhuber and Melissa Buchholz have established their own building in Walker’s Point, ready to take on a new community with their innovative small-plate creations, rustic DIY charm, and lively atmosphere. The new venue maintains the same knowledgeable waitstaff and expertly crafted (yet approachable) cocktails, featuring dinners that may include duck cassoulet, lamb and potato pierogi, or huitlacoche and goat cheese pupusas. Begin your meal with charcuterie, raw oysters drizzled with crying tiger sauce, and a Without Borders cocktail — a gin, vermouth, and molasses mix where proceeds support Doctors Without Borders. Rely on your server’s recommendations for the rest.

Since its debut in 2011, Chef-owner Dave Swanson’s Braise has been a pioneer of all things trendy. It offers a variety of cooking classes, from beginner sessions to intensive 10-week boot camps, along with options for private rooftop dining, in-home private dining, farm dinners, and a selection of local groceries. But it’s also a restaurant where the menu evolves constantly, featuring delights like steamed pork buns, Filipino braised chicken, or a grilled pork chop topped with jalapeno-molasses apples. The attention to detail is so refined that even a slice of roasted focaccia paired with whipped garlic butter can feel extraordinary. Braise is Milwaukee’s relentless overachiever — and that’s what makes it so appealing.

Sichuan spice and soup dumplings are the stars at Momo Mee. Every diner leaves raving about at least one of these dishes, often feeling transformed by the experience. The spice hits with a fiery, tongue-numbing sensation, whether it’s in the dry-rubbed chicken wings or pork wontons swimming in chile oil. The xiao long bao, on the other hand, are unmatched little bundles of savory delight, with handcrafted dough pockets releasing a slurp-worthy pork broth. While ramen and various noodles are available, they might pale in comparison to the restaurant's standout offerings.

Welcome to Milwaukee’s true renaissance Mytoury, a vibrant woman- and LGBTQ-owned venture that adapts to the seasons. In warmer weather, you might find this mobile wood-fired pizza operation at farm nights in Oconomowoc, catering weddings, popping up at local breweries, or serving slices from their sister spot, Everyone’s Ice Cream. The team also cultivates herbs and keeps bees for hot honey at their cozy West Allis takeaway, which thrives in the colder months. The impressive 900-degree oven—hailing from central Maine—adds a smoky char to every dish it touches: think cup and char pepperoni pizzas, garlic-pickle-bacon creations, and Detroit-style pies adorned with racing stripes of tomato sauce and delightfully crisped crust.

Step into this historic Schlitz tavern and you'll immediately feel the warm, homey vibe reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen on a busy day. Nestled in a quiet corner of Bay View, this Serbian gem offers cash-only dinners and a wait of over 45 minutes for their flaky böreks, transporting you to a different era. The dinner menu showcases a variety of flavors: Serbian salad, goulash, moussaka, chicken paprikash, roasted goose, and chevapchichi (beef sausages). It’s hearty Eastern European comfort food perfect for fending off the winter chill.

This sausage haven combines traditional indulgence with modern flair, all within a relaxed bar atmosphere. Indulge in a range of hearty options: jalapeno cheddar brats, Nashville hot chicken sausages, Ukrainian pork sausage accompanied by carrot kraut, and an extravagant burger featuring a sausage patty and Velveeta. Pair your feast with a selection of Midwestern beers or enjoy one of their unique house cocktails, which even come on draft, perfectly reflecting the Vanguard’s playful vibe.

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, Sze Chuan stands apart. This West Allis gem has garnered a loyal following, enticing spice lovers to venture away from the waterfront for dishes like cumin pork knuckles, dry pot intestine, sautéed spare ribs, pork kidney, and countless others, all drenched in the exhilarating, tongue-tingling flavor of Sichuan peppercorns.

Anodyne is dedicated to perfecting small-batch, single-source roasts, aiming to become the quintessential neighborhood café with an impeccable brew. You can stock up on beans and brewing gear, enjoy a live performance at the Bruce Street roastery, savor a nitro-line cold brew (widely considered the most invigorating non-alcoholic drink in town), or indulge in a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza fresh from the Stefano oven at their vibrant Bay View location.

Located in a former fast-food outlet across from Subaru City on the south side, this cozy haven of Jordanian and Palestinian cuisine exudes warmth with its intricate rugs and beautiful lamps. A stone oven serves as the restaurant's fiery core, producing an abundance of taboon bread, flavorful manakish (flatbreads), and spiced pastries like fatayer stuffed with beef or sumac spinach, establishing Taqwa’s as a bakery in its own right. Beloved staples such as Turkish coffee, hummus, baba ghanoush, hearty breakfasts featuring eggs or fried Mediterranean cheeses, and kebabs have quickly made this a local favorite just a few years after its debut.

With three locations to choose from, El Tsunami sets itself apart with delightful details: icy micheladas served in generously salted glasses, camarones presented in abundant chalices, tacos al carbon exuding the charm of a backyard barbecue, smoky house-made chorizo infused with garlic, and a lively verde salsa that complements almost every dish. The chicken taco serves as a great introduction, while the bistec en chile de arbol might just deliver an unforgettable heat.