Why Dinogo Readers Selected Milwaukee as One of 2024’s Top Dining Destinations

When Dinogo invited readers to vote for the next emerging dining hotspot in the U.S. that could rival some of the world's best food cities on the ultimate 2024 bucket list, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, emerged as the clear favorite. Enthusiastic residents and supporters of MKE accounted for a third of the total votes, expressing their passion for this Midwestern culinary gem through enthusiastic comments. With a surge of new restaurants, food trucks popping up throughout the city, its rich Germanic culinary heritage, diverse global flavors, and a relaxed dining vibe, fans passionately championed Milwaukee. Here are some of our favorite responses we received.

Reasons to Love MKE’s Culinary Scene:

“Incredible and varied food scene. Infused with genuine Midwestern warmth and hospitality. You won't find friendlier people who cook this well anywhere else!”

“Prioritizing accessibility over exclusivity.”

“Experience big city dining in a compact, walkable area.”

“Supper clubs, drive-ins, Friday fish frys, beer halls, relaxed African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Indian Mytouries, classic pizza taverns, and Italian markets and delis.”

“The affordable cost of living is drawing in innovative chefs, enabling them to experiment. There are remarkable culinary developments at both ends of the spectrum, driven by chefs who began in fine dining and then launched their own establishments.”

“Milwaukee boasts an unexpectedly vibrant vegan scene! The veggie paella without aioli at Movida is outstanding! (They serve meat options too.) Check out Odd Duck for James Beard Award semifinalist small plates. Blackwood Brothers offers delightful comfort food, as does Comet. You truly can't go wrong in MKE.”

“Our local takeout spots and food trucks have significantly improved over the past five to ten years. Top-quality food is accessible everywhere. Come and discover the flavors for yourself.”

“Some cities are spotlighted for their high-end restaurants, while others, like Milwaukee, get features that start with, ‘In Los Angeles, it’s food carts, strip-mall Mytouries, and everyday dishes that shine.’ Choose Milwaukee, but think of it as the latter! Everyone who visits, even Top Chef, indulges in a bit of frozen custard alongside fine dining to impress the coasts. Yet, it’s the middle-class establishments that truly thrive these days.”

“Milwaukee’s culinary scene operates in its own sphere. Even though Chicago is just 90 minutes away, no one here cooks with the intent of attracting Chicago diners. The lower cost of living and rent allows restaurants to take risks and follow their own vision. It’s a bit punk rock with the attitude of ‘We’ll do this, and if you don’t like it, go eat somewhere else.’

Voters consistently highlighted several favorite restaurants as proof of Milwaukee’s culinary prowess:

Readers frequently mentioned restaurants led by James Beard Award winners and nominees, including Lupi & Iris, the Diplomat, Amalinda, Sanford, and Bavette. Casual yet thoughtfully crafted spots like Birch, Odd Duck, Goodkind, Morel, and Uncle Wolfie’s also received high praise. Additionally, many highlighted the diverse cuisines represented in the city, featuring places like Three Brothers, La Dama, Saffron, La Merenda, and Lebnani House.

Newcomers and Chicagoans are raving:

“I relocated here from Nashville two years ago and have been amazed by the variety. There are so many fantastic and unique dining options. New restaurants keep popping up, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have these great places and wonderful people in this city. It’s truly a hidden gem!”

“After moving from Chicago to Milwaukee, I feared I would be stuck with chain restaurants and poor dining experiences. I couldn’t have been more mistaken! There are fantastic independent Mytouries, a vibrant chef culture, delicious cheese curds, excellent steaks, and a rich variety of ethnic cuisines!”

“As a Chicagoan who often visits Milwaukee, places like Kopp’s Frozen Custard, Sherman Phoenix, Comet’s Cafe, and Ristorante Bartolotta are culinary gems that America needs to discover.”

“We reside in Chicago, and whenever we get the chance for a weekend escape, we love to head to Milwaukee and dine at Three Brothers Restaurant, savoring their renowned cheese burek.”

Long-time residents of Milwaukee have much to celebrate as well:

“I’ve lived in Milwaukee for 45 years and have worked in numerous restaurants. So many incredible new Mytouries are opening throughout our city. Developers are investing significantly in Milwaukee to elevate it to a world-class destination.”

“Residing in New York City, I’m continually amazed at how closely my hometown competes with the biggest cities in the country. The food scene in Milwaukee is reliably excellent, regardless of where you dine. New spots like Third Street Market Hall and Movida introduce creative concepts, the Third Ward and downtown buzz with thrilling choices, and long-standing favorites like Cafe Lulu and Beans & Barley never fail to impress.”

“Having lived in Milwaukee for 40 years, I’ve always appreciated the diverse dining options, particularly German cuisine. However, in recent years, I’ve witnessed a surge of new establishments showcasing global flavors. Exploring new restaurants has become an enjoyable journey, with C-Viche (Peruvian) and Saffron (Indian) among my latest favorites.”

The rich variety of international cuisines stands out as a major highlight:

“Milwaukee’s culinary landscape features local Wisconsin classics (like supper clubs) alongside innovative dishes from around the globe, including Mexican (La Casa de Alberto), Serbian (Three Brothers), and Chinese/American fusion (DanDan), to name a few. It’s fresh and exhilarating!”

“There are far too many exceptional restaurants and chefs to mention, reflecting the extensive range of cuisines available. Whatever your food preference, you can find it in Milwaukee — well-crafted and reasonably priced. It’s no wonder that Top Chef was recently filmed here.”

“Before farm-to-table became trendy, Milwaukee was already serving affordable upscale dishes, casual Friday night fish fries, the finest pho in the Midwest, diverse Latin cuisines in small family-run shops, and an emerging scene for Middle Eastern restaurants. And let’s not forget: beer, cheese, and sausages.”

“Lao dining options (Vientiane, An Ox Cafe, Sweet Basil), classic tavern-style pizza (Calderone Club, Zaffiro’s, DeMarini’s), and Serbian fare (Three Brothers, Old Town).”

Cheese is definitely a highlight:

“Growing up in Milwaukee, cheese and beer are staples — no one shies away from fat or butter. We celebrate it.”

“Black Sheep’s pancake-battered cheese curds are absolutely amazing.”

“Chef Erick [Disbrow from Palomino Bar] creates the finest beer-battered cheese curds in town.”

“Lakefront Brewery: home to Wisconsin’s finest cheese curds.”

Sobelman’s bloody mary has also garnered plenty of praise:

“Sobelman’s serves the ultimate bloody mary you can buy.”

“These bloody marys come with so many appetizers, they can fill you up if the burgers don’t.”

Everyone seems thrilled about it:

“No city deserves to shake off its unjust reputation more than this one.”

“Milwaukee is amazing! It’s quietly one of the best-kept secrets.”