Best Historic Restaurants in Salem

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodBarbecueTapas / Small PlatesComfort Food

Regions

Milwaukee

Neighborhoods

GreendaleMilwaukeeWauwatosa

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

11 restaurants available nearby

1. Safina

4.9

Exceptional(359)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Milwaukee

Booked 15 times today

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.

2. The Edison

4.5

Awesome(429)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Milwaukee

Booked 26 times today

The Edison is an inspired, neighborhood restaurant. We believe in being thoughtful in the way we prepare your food and engage with our community. And like you, we know the value of a great meal shared between friends. Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, The Edison serves indulgent, classic American cuisine and nostalgic cocktails at our pre-prohibition, speakeasy-inspired bar.

3. Tre Rivali

4.7

Exceptional(1549)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Milwaukee

Booked 16 times today

Tre Rivali is a vibrant restaurant, lounge and cafe. This inspired restaurant is in the heart of Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward District. The menu features Italian and Mediterranean influences. Think scratch made pasta and wood oven pizzas. Paired with craft cocktails and a well curated wine list.**Please note when making a reservation that we do not reserve tables for outside patio dining. We will do our best to accommodate your request but patio dining is on a first available and walk-in basis only. We appreciate your patience and understanding.**

A photo of Central Standard Crafthouse and Kitchen restaurant

4. Central Standard Crafthouse and Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(339)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Milwaukee

Booked 8 times today

WE DO NOT OFFER FOOD SERVICE OR RESERVATIONS ON OUR ROOFTOP PATIO, WHICH IS "FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED". We highly encourage you to make a reservation in the main dining room and then head up for a cocktail or two after! For groups larger than 4, please call the restaurant (414) 455-8870.Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Central Standard Distillery's Crafthouse & Kitchen is an experience like none other. Enjoy culinary creations from our scratch kitchen or stop by for a few of our award winning cocktails at the bar or lounge created with Central Standard spirits. Exec. Chef David Sapp Sous Chef Noah Shirikian

5. SAGE - MKE

3.0

Good(87)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Milwaukee

Booked 1 time today

Concept heavily focused on art, color, growth and sustainability. This hip haunt features shareable cuisine inspired by nature’s organic palette. Guests will enjoy bright, dramatic plating on the menu. Plants and protein will be featured, accessing the beauty of the changing seasons. SAGE’s menu to include herbs and produce grown on site. (indoor and outdoor) The SAGE cocktail program is inspired by flavors from the garden while visually representing a hue derived from the natural ingredients. Guests will access a similar NBV eclectic mocktail menu. Local beer (draft and bottle) and wine to be featured.SAGE will feature patio and bar seating in the lush gardens on site. (May-October)

A photo of Cafe at The Pfister restaurant

6. Cafe at The Pfister

4.7

Exceptional(368)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Milwaukee

Booked 14 times today

Café at The Pfister features a casual full dining area available for breakfast and lunch, as well as a barista counter and patisserie in downtown Milwaukee. We proudly brew Starbucks® Coffee on the go and serve freshly baked-in-house pastries. Whether a quick meeting over coffee, a power breakfast, or a business luncheon, we offer a varied menu from Starbucks® favorites and traditional breakfast items to homemade soups, seasonal salads, a multitude of fresh sandwiches, as well as delicious gluten free and heart-healthy options.

7. ASH Milwaukee

4.3

Awesome(386)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Milwaukee

Booked 1 time today

We’re not just serving meals; we’re crafting a dining experience that celebrates the essence of seasonal, farm-to-table freshness. Our updated menu honors traditional flavors with a modern twist, highlighting the vibrant produce and artisanal craftsmanship of our community. As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, join us to savor the warmth of thoughtfully prepared dishes, where every bite tells a story of care and dedication to both our guests and their wellbeing. Classic hearth cooking brings smoky flavors and charring over an open flame to enhance the flavor of meats and vegetables.The Ash dinner hours Thursday - Saturday (5pm-10pm)

A photo of Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum restaurant

8. Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum

4.4

Awesome(472)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Milwaukee

Booked 2 times today

At the heart of the 20-acre Harley-Davidson Museum campus, MOTOR Bar & Restaurant is a destination for connection, community, and conversation. MOTOR offers bold and spirited food and beverage with a focus on local products, genuine hospitality, and memory-making events that will keep guests coming back all year long. Our desirable location in Milwaukee on the Menomonee River, combined with the iconic history of Harley-Davidson, fosters a unique and inviting space for people to gather and connect beyond the plate.

A photo of Saz's State House Restaurant restaurant

9. Saz's State House Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(349)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Milwaukee

Booked 6 times today

In 1976 Milwaukee native Steve Sazama, a.k.a. Saz, opened Saz's State House Restaurant in a historic building nestled beside the railroad tracks on the West Side of town. Saz knew how to make his customers happy with great food and stellar service. What he didn't know was that 45 years later Saz's State House would be the cornerstone for a thriving operation that includes successful Catering, Festivals and retail Barbecue Products divisions. Get the insider scoop on Saz's - click here to read the whole story!

A photo of Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 restaurant

10. Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993

4.8

Exceptional(3306)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Wauwatosa

Booked 17 times today

Nestled in an historic brewery building in the Village of Wauwatosa, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 is the flagship restaurant in The Bartolotta Restaurants portfolio. Conceived by The Bartolotta Restaurants co-founders, restaurateur Joe Bartolotta and his brother, Chef Paul Bartolotta, it is acclaimed for its handmade pasta and authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting. Executive Chef Juan Urbieta presents the popular “Un Viaggio in Italia” menu series, highlighting a different city or region of Italy with a four-course, customizable menu that takes guests on a journey of Italy and changes monthly.The restaurant was recently awarded the coveted Marchio Ospitalità Italiana certification of excellence by the Italian Union of Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious award honors a restaurant for its commitment to “Made in Italy” quality and authenticity. Reservations are recommended, and we have a 15-minute grace period, so please call us if you are running late.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
DanielVIP
Chicago / Illinois •59 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent food, great service, fun vibe, but you can hear yourself talk which I like.
More info
Tre RivaliPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Milwaukee
•
4.7
M
mark
Wisconsin •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Alex was top notch! Our first time visiting, and quite enjoyed everything!
More info
The EdisonPrice: Expensive• American• Milwaukee
•
4.5
J
Jared
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent food and experience. We really like their burgers.
More info
Central Standard Crafthouse and KitchenPrice: Moderate• American• Milwaukee
•
4.8
K
KatieVIP
Wisconsin •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great ambiance and delicious food Wonderful service and family style portions
More info
SafinaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Milwaukee
•
4.9
H
Heidi
Wisconsin •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 30, 2025
I didn't know until I got there that this is located in the old White House bar, which was favorite of mine in the early 90's. The instant nostalgic hit was my first impression. I love how Sage has kept the beauty and character of the place while giving it a lovely update with chandeliers, plants, and paintings by local artists. I ordered the Lavender #2 cocktail to begin and it was so delicious and presented so prettily that I had to order a second. My dinner was the Winter Salad with Salmon and it was also not only delicious but pretty as well. I am gluten free and the menu was full of great options for me. It was a very slow night, mid week, so I had the opportunity to enjoy chatting with both the owner and the server, who were absolutely lovely. I will definitely return and highly recommend a visit.
More info
SAGE - MKEPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Milwaukee
•
3

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Historic

Salem

Salem
Hartland
Bayside
Wauwatosa
Hales Corners
Milwaukee
Pewaukee
Brookfield
Nashotah
Whitefish Bay
Wisconsin
Delafield
Brown Deer
Grafton
Cudahy
Shorewood
West Allis
Glendale
Fitchburg
Greendale