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Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Milwaukee

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OpenTable
Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine in Milwaukee? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Santino's Little Italy restaurant
Santino's Little Italy
4.9
4.9 (129)
$30 and under
Italian
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
Santino's Little Italy, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood with rich history echoing years gone by in the City of Milwaukee. The building housing the restaurant is over 130 years old and has been beautifully remodeled by talented designers and carpenters. The vibe has an old school Brooklyn New York feeling and is the perfect place to make wonderful memories with friends and family.

The menu features delicious gourmet pizzas / house-made pastas / salads / appetizers / deserts along with delicious Italian wine / cocktails and are professionally served to you by our attentive staff. Our amazing Neapolitan Style Pizza is hand made with the finest and freshest ingredients and cooked in a 6,000-pound Italian woodfired oven. With humility and gratitude our pizza was ranked nationally as the 46th best pizza in North America and we are very proud to serve many happy diners here in Milwaukee.

Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited. We look forward to serving you.
Top review
Donte'
Dined today
The pizza and pasta Bolognese were both fantastic! Make sure to get a reservation, it's usually pretty packed.
A photo of Cafe Manna restaurant
Cafe Manna
4.9
4.9 (886)
$30 and under
Vegetarian / Vegan
Brookfield
About the restaurant
Café Manna is one of the first 100% vegetarian restaurants in Southeastern Wisconsin. We are committed to bringing you fresh, “made from scratch” delicious food. We have produce delivered daily to ensure our dishes are fresh and full flavored. Many of our ingredients are locally grown and chosen for seasonality. Additionally, we use a reverse osmosis water purification system. Café Manna was the first restaurant in Wisconsin to reach the 3-star Green Restaurant Certification level. We have been the Open Table "Diners' Choice" award winner, and also the "Best of Milwaukee" winner for best vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free restaurant. Our fresh menu features many vegan, gluten-free and raw dishes and our specials change up every 2 weeks. Visit us during the summer to enjoy patio dining, or indoors for a more intimate experience. Our friendly staff is ready to serve you!
Top review
KathleenVIP
Dined on Dec 11, 2024
While not vegetarians, we always enjoy great tasting food and delightful service. A true gem!
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A photo of Lentil Soup of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lentil Soup
A photo of Jerk Cauliflower of a restaurant
Popular dish
Jerk Cauliflower
A photo of Thai Peanut Cauliflower of a restaurant
Popular dish
Thai Peanut Cauliflower
A photo of Safina restaurant
Safina
4.9
4.9 (318)
$31 to $50
Italian
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
It’s been over four years since guests last tasted the Sicilian dishes from longtime Milwaukee restaurant Giovanni’s. But all of that changes with Safina: a new casual Italian concept that comes to the historic building at 785 N. Jefferson St.

Focusing on comforting dishes with roots in Sicily and the southern regions of Italy, Safina's goal is to keep the menu familiar and accessible. The restaurant also features a full bar and second-level seating, complete with wood and marble finishes that highlight the rustic, modern Italian ambiance.
Top review
Nick
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
What a gem to the city of Milwaukee. Place had excellent service and amazing food.
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A photo of Cheesecake of a restaurant
Popular dish
Cheesecake
A photo of Bruschetta of a restaurant
Popular dish
Bruschetta
A photo of Fettuccine Alfredo of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fettuccine Alfredo
A photo of The Capital Grille - Milwaukee restaurant
The Capital Grille - Milwaukee
4.9
4.9 (2819)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.
Top review
KimVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Our server, Angel, and the table staff Juan and Maria were fantastic!
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A photo of Coconut Cream Pie of a restaurant
Popular dish
Coconut Cream Pie
A photo of Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake of a restaurant
Popular dish
Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake
A photo of Birch - Milwaukee restaurant
Birch - Milwaukee
4.9
4.9 (957)
$50 and over
American
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
A hyper-seasonal New American Restaurant celebrating Wisconsin farmers & food producers and cooking over an open fire.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Made a reservation and we didn’t know that it was the French Bistro pop up night. Wow! What an amazing experience from the service (thank you Lola) to the drinks and ultimately the food. Outstanding experience!
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A photo of New Year's Eve of a restaurant
Experience
New Year's Eve
A photo of Transfer Pizzeria Cafe restaurant
Transfer Pizzeria Cafe
4.9
4.9 (225)
$31 to $50
Pizzeria
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
You are cordially invited to visit Transfer Pizzeria Café, located in the Harbor District on the corner of 1st and Mitchell Streets. Established in 2008, the namesake is Transfer Pharmacy, a classic cornerstone drugstore from a bygone era that for decades supplied a thriving community with goods and services as evidenced by the stained glass windows still in place. The pharmacy was appropriately named for the constant activity that took place just outside - the boarding, departures, and transfers of the countless daily commuters of the time. The tradition of a reliable cornerstone establishment continues today, as Transfer Pizzeria delivers a unique dose of delicious pizza, drink, atmosphere, and friendly service.

We keep an active wait-list and gladly accommodate walk-ins as part of both our lunch and dinner service.
Top review
Joel
Dined 3 days ago
Perfect place for a hip night out, especially when Cameron Webb is on the stage and Eric is behind the bar.
A photo of Zarletti - Downtown restaurant
Zarletti - Downtown
4.8
4.8 (2916)
$31 to $50
Italian
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
DINE IN & CURB SIDE SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE!

CURBSIDE FOOD AND RETAIL WINE SERVICE
MONDAY-SATURDAY 1:00PM-8:00PM

DINE IN FOR DINNER ONLY
MONDAY-THURSDAY 4PM-8PM
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 4PM-9PM

PLEASE CALL 414-225-0000

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

Zarletti is a fine dining northern Italian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Executive chef and owner Brian C. Zarletti focuses on creating regional Italian cuisine inspired by lessons learned in his grandmother’s kitchen and on his extensive travels in Italy.
Top review
Ellen
Dined 2 days ago
Overall wonderful experience for a party of 11. Zarletti had a table set up for us in our own private-ish space in the back of the restaurant. We had our own server who was very good and stayed on top of all of our multiple requests. The food was OUTSTANDING. We ordered appetizers for the table, individual entrees with soup or salad, and desserts to share, plus drinks and wine. As a big group we ordered some of everything and it was all was great. The Ossobuco was to die for, the fish dishes, veal, and chicken were amazing, and the pasta was fresh and sooooo flavorful. Most plates at the table were eaten completely clean. Larger groups are required to sign a contract and spend a minimum amount per person ... and we, even in our total joy of eating, we did not meet the required minimum ... however, we were able to have the amount up to the contracted minimum not spent put on a gift certificate for future use. Don't worry about the contract. One small note, we ordered champagne to have with our appetizers and to make a celebratory toast. The champagne was uncorked and let sit AND the glasses used to serve it were large wine glasses. It had lost most of its bubbles very quickly with the uncorking early and pour into the large glasses ... it was still delicious but just not as festive and fun. Champagne should be served in a way that preserves its bubbles. We will return, in smaller groups.
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A photo of Pasta alla Bolognese of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pasta alla Bolognese
A photo of La Merenda restaurant
La Merenda
4.8
4.8 (2743)
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
La Merenda is a bar and grill located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that specializes in serving globally inspired cuisine, local beers and wine. The restaurant offers a casual dining with upscale flavors.



La Merenda has an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, so the menu is constantly being updated with new dishes based on available ingredients. The main menu at La Merenda offers a selection of snacks, seafood and meat entr�es. Menu selections include such dishes as Wisconsin farmers� salad, seasonal gnocchi, veal stracotto, Sambal Goreng Udang with Gulf shrimp and pork and shrimp tostadas.

Top review
James
Dined 5 days ago
Food and service fabulous. Acoustics bad. Couldn't hear each other. Unfortunately when we walked in we smelled Fabuloso cleaning solution. It permeated the bar and dining room until our food came. The worst was the bathroom. It was so strong it almost caused a headache. Quite a turn-off mixed with food.
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A photo of Truffled Potato Skins (WI) of a restaurant
Popular dish
Truffled Potato Skins (WI)
A photo of Argentinian Style Beef (Argentina) of a restaurant
Popular dish
Argentinian Style Beef (Argentina)
A photo of Goat Cheese Curds (WI) of a restaurant
Popular dish
Goat Cheese Curds (WI)
A photo of Mo's A Place for Steaks - Milwaukee restaurant
Mo's A Place for Steaks - Milwaukee
4.8
4.8 (2492)
$31 to $50
Steak
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
Mo’s...A Place for Steaks has an ambience others strive for. A sexy yet sophisticated feel, combined with great food & unmatched service create a customized dining experience. It’s not just the wet-aged steaks that arrive beautifully cut, cooked & plated, or the extensive wine list: Mo’s is a luxury that feels luxurious. Settle deep into a leather chair, listen to tunes playing on the baby grand or relax while sipping a martini & think just how good it feels to be you! Culinary delights don’t end with the steaks – you’ll find a wide selection of delicious entrées, appetizers, sides & desserts.
Top review
TonyVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Great service and food. Highly recommend this place.
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A photo of Shrimp Cocktail of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp Cocktail
A photo of Carnevor Steakhouse restaurant
Carnevor Steakhouse
4.8
4.8 (3211)
$50 and over
Steak
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
Milwaukee's premier steakhouse, Carnevor is one of Wisconsin’s most acclaimed fine dining destinations. A restaurant consistently topping year-end “Best Of” lists, Carnevor has been lauded for its variety of culinary tastes – from our luscious barrel-cut beef to mouthwatering New York Strips and bone-in fillets. Our steak menu offers exquisite wet- and dry-aged USDA prime beef – a distinction afforded to less than two percent of all American beef – as well as daily selections of the coveted Wagyu imported from Japan. And with a wine list featuring more than 750 selections, you’ll always find the perfect bottle to uncork with your meal. But it’s not merely the “meal” you’ll enjoy at Carnevor. It’s the entire experience: service, music, menu, and more. To top it all, herbivores are always welcome.
Top review
Lisa
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent meal and experience. Our second time there and very much look forward to coming back!
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A photo of PETITE FILET of a restaurant
Popular dish
PETITE FILET
A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Bisque
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