10 Best Milwaukee Restaurants

The Milwaukee food scene is famous for items like bratwurst, cheese curds, and frozen custard. German immigrants in the 19th century introduced bratwurst, a sausage now synonymous with Milwaukee. A specific cooking technique for brats involves simmering them in beer with onions before grilling, a method that infuses the sausage with local flavor. The city's location on Lake Michigan also gives rise to the tradition of the Friday night fish fry, a year-round staple featuring beer-battered and fried perch or cod. Milwaukee is also known for the butter burger, a hamburger served on a buttered and toasted bun, which is a local delicacy. The city has perfected the extravagant Bloody Mary, often garnished so elaborately with cheese, sausages, and even small burgers that it becomes a meal in itself. The city has the highest number of frozen custard shops per capita in the world, with local institutions like Leon's and Kopp's serving this richer, denser version of ice cream. A regional pastry, the Kringle, a large, oval-shaped Danish filled with fruits or nuts, is another local favorite and some of the best food in Milwaukee, having been declared the official state pastry of Wisconsin.

The cost of a meal in Milwaukee varies significantly depending on the type of establishment. For a budget-friendly meal, breakfast items may range from $5 to $12. A lunch at a casual spot or food truck could cost between $10 and $18. Dinner at a similar establishment might be in the $15 to $25 range. A mid-range breakfast or brunch for one person can cost between $15 and $25. Lunch at a sit-down restaurant will likely be in the $20 to $35 range. A three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant for two people averages around $80, meaning a per-person cost of roughly $40. At a fine-dining restaurant in Milwaukee, a multi-course tasting menu starts at $75 and goes up to $150 or more per person.

No, there are no Michelin Star restaurants in Milwaukee. The Michelin Guide, which awards the prestigious stars, does not currently have a guide for the state of Wisconsin. The guide's coverage is limited to select cities and regions worldwide.

The fast food scene in Milwaukee includes popular national chains and beloved local establishments such as the ones listed below:

• Culver's: This Wisconsin-based chain is a local favorite, known for its "ButterBurgers" and fresh frozen custard. Its popularity stems from its use of regional ingredients and its reputation for quality.
• Kopp's Frozen Custard: A Milwaukee institution, Kopp's is famous for its rich frozen custard, with unique "flavors of the day," and jumbo burgers. It's a go-to for a quick, nostalgic meal.
• Leon's Frozen Custard: Another iconic local spot, Leon's has been serving frozen custard since the 1940s from its classic drive-in style location. Its popularity is rooted in its long history and consistent quality.
• George Webb Restaurants: A 24-hour diner chain local to Wisconsin, George Webb is popular for its affordable, classic American fare, especially for breakfast, and its "two clocks" guarantee of fast service.
• Gilles Frozen Custard: As the oldest operating frozen custard stand in Milwaukee, Gilles is a historic and popular choice for its custard and grilled sandwiches.

Here are some of the best new restaurants Milwaukee that have recently opened:

• Discourse: Located at the Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr., this coffee shop offers creative and experimental coffee and tea drinks.
• Celesta: Found at 1978 N. Farwell Ave., Celesta is a plant-based restaurant offering a menu of vegan comfort food.
• Tupo: Situated in the Historic Third Ward, this restaurant focuses on modern American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
• Sorella: Located at 2535 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. in Bay View, Sorella serves a menu of regional Italian dishes, including handmade pastas and pizzas.

The Historic Third Ward is a premier dining neighborhood with some of the best places to eat in Milwaukee. These acclaimed Third Ward restaurants are considered must-eat in Milwaukee spots:

• Milwaukee Public Market: This bustling market at 400 N. Water St. is a central food destination. It houses numerous vendors offering a wide array of options, from lobster rolls at St. Paul Fish Company to artisan cheeses and sandwiches at West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe. The atmosphere is lively and casual.
• The Wicked Hop: Located at 345 N. Broadway, this spot is famous for its brunch, particularly its award-winning Bloody Marys. The atmosphere is that of a classic city tavern.
• Bavette La Boucherie: This restaurant and butcher shop at 330 E. Menomonee St. is the creation of a James Beard Award-nominated chef. It is celebrated for its expertly prepared sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and steak frites in a chic, modern setting.
• Onesto: Situated at 221 N. Broadway, Onesto offers a menu of modern Italian fare, including house-made pastas and an extensive wine list. The ambiance is rustic yet refined, with exposed brick and a cozy interior.
• Tullio: At 242 N. Broadway, Tullio is an upscale Italian restaurant known for its handmade pastas and classic dishes. The setting is elegant and intimate.

Yes, Milwaukee has a large number of sit-down restaurants. The city is home to many great spots for Milwaukee lunch spots like Café Benelux in the Third Ward offering a European-inspired menu and a rooftop patio for a relaxed meal. The Swingin' Door Exchange, a historic downtown pub, serves American classics in a comfortable setting. For a more upscale experience, Café at the Pfister is one of the top lunch Milwaukee restaurants and provides an elegant atmosphere.

Milwaukee has a growing number of restaurants that offer dedicated vegan menus or substantial vegan options such as Strange Town in the Lower East Side offers a globally inspired, entirely vegan menu with dishes like "Oyster" Mushroom Tartine and Za'atar-Spiced Carrots. Celesta, located on the East Side, serves vegan comfort food, with popular items including their Seitan "Wings" and a variety of plant-based burgers and sandwiches. Twisted Plants, with locations in Cudahy and Brady Street, this restaurant specializes in vegan comfort food, offering a menu of plant-based burgers, "chicken" sandwiches, and loaded fries. The Green Kitchen, situated within the Milwaukee Public Market, this spot focuses on fresh, healthy options, including a variety of salads, juices, and sandwiches with many vegan choices. On The Bus also in the Milwaukee Public Market, offers a 100% plant-based menu of sandwiches, burgers, and ice cream.

The restaurants in Milwaukee that accommodate gluten-free menus or clearly marked options are Bavette La Boucherie, which offers many of its salads and plates gluten-free and can accommodate requests with their meat and cheese boards. The Beerline Cafe, located in the Riverwest neighborhood, has a menu where nearly every item can be made gluten-free, including their crepes, sandwiches, and salads. Odd Duck is known for its small plates, has a menu that changes frequently but consistently offers numerous gluten-free dishes and a knowledgeable staff to guide diners. Transfer Pizzeria Café, a popular spot for pizza, offers gluten-free crust for its pizzas. Milwaukee's restaurant scene offers a wide spectrum of dining options, including many healthy choices such as The Green Kitchen, Strange Town and Celesta.

The most famous types of food in Milwaukee are a reflection of its immigrant history and Midwestern location. The list shows the famous cuisines in Milwaukee:

• German: This is arguably Milwaukee's most defining cuisine due to the large wave of German immigrants who settled here in the 19th century. This influence is why bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, and beer gardens are so famous and prevalent throughout the city.
• American Comfort Food: Reflecting its Midwestern roots, Milwaukee is known for classic American fare. This includes butter burgers, frozen custard, and hearty diner-style breakfasts, which are staples in the local diet.
• Friday Fish Fry: A culinary tradition more than a cuisine, the Friday fish fry is an institution in Milwaukee. Usually featuring beer-battered cod or perch, it's a weekly special at countless pubs, taverns, and restaurants across the city.
• Italian: The city has a strong Italian heritage, particularly in the Brady Street neighborhood. This is reflected in the popularity of Italian-American restaurants, pizzerias, and delis.
• Polish: Polish immigrants also played a significant role in shaping the city's culture, and their influence can be seen in the availability of foods like pierogi and Polish sausage.