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Discover the Best New Restaurants in Milwaukee

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated October 23, 2019

Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee features pristine lake views, stellar food, and tons of great brews all wrapped with a hearty dose of Midwestern kindness. Small enough to easily get around and feel safe, the city still feels big enough to discover something new every time. Home of the Harley-Davidson, the legendary motorcycle city also served as the setting for the hit 70's TV show, Happy Days. Check out the lovely downtown lakefront, visit the War Memorial Center or spend a few hours in the excellent Milwaukee Art Museum. When you work up an appetite, refuel with some great eats in this dining and drinking destination. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? If you want to check out the latest offerings from this culinary capital, here’s our Tastemaker List of the best new restaurants in Milwaukee.

Don's TV & Repair
4.5 (1581)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Milwaukee
Don’s Diner, located on 1st Street in the Harbor View neighborhood, takes the old-school cool diner and brings it into modern times. It’s a contemporary diner with delicious American, Breakfast and Comfort Food and cocktails to please even the pickiest drinkers. The interior features both old and new, from clean subway tile walls and modern bar stools to marble-topped tables reminiscent of those found in old soda shops. Listen to playlists of 1940s and 1950s music while you dine on menu favorites like Corned Beef Hash, Fritattas, Burgers and more.
Top review
HollyVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Cute, nostalgic and kitschy! Loved the experience, drinks!
Don’s Diner, located on 1st Street in the Harbor View neighborhood, takes the old-school cool diner and brings it into modern times. It’s a contemporary diner with delicious American, Breakfast and Comfort Food and cocktails to please even the pickiest drinkers. The interior features both old and new, from clean subway tile walls and modern bar stools to marble-topped tables reminiscent of those found in old soda shops. Listen to playlists of 1940s and 1950s music while you dine on menu favorites like Corned Beef Hash, Fritattas, Burgers and more.
Top review
HollyVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Cute, nostalgic and kitschy! Loved the experience, drinks!
ARIA - The Restaurant at Saint Kate
4.5 (780)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Milwaukee
Aria Cafe and Bar, located on Kilbourn Avenue, is one of the best new restaurants in Milwaukee for Contemporary American dining. This all-day restaurant and meeting place offers a locally-inspired, seasonal menu steeped in the culinary traditions of the American midwest. Tucked into the Saint Kate Hotel, it has an approachable, homey American theme in a setting that celebrates visual art. Expansive windows offer views of the city while you dine on simple, classic fare like steak and fries and mini lobster BLTs.
Top review
CHRISTINE
Dined on Apr 21, 2025
Food was wonderful. Service was amazing. LOVE the view! Staff was pleasant. It was an overall great experience. Will return the next time I'm in Milwaukee.
Aria Cafe and Bar, located on Kilbourn Avenue, is one of the best new restaurants in Milwaukee for Contemporary American dining. This all-day restaurant and meeting place offers a locally-inspired, seasonal menu steeped in the culinary traditions of the American midwest. Tucked into the Saint Kate Hotel, it has an approachable, homey American theme in a setting that celebrates visual art. Expansive windows offer views of the city while you dine on simple, classic fare like steak and fries and mini lobster BLTs.
Top review
CHRISTINE
Dined on Apr 21, 2025
Food was wonderful. Service was amazing. LOVE the view! Staff was pleasant. It was an overall great experience. Will return the next time I'm in Milwaukee.
Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria
4.7 (849)
$30 and under
American
Milwaukee
Blue Bat Kitchen and Tequilaria, located on Water Street in the former Water Buffalo Restaurant, features fresh, upscale street food in a relaxed and casual environment. As Milwaukee’s first Tequilaria, they are proud to offer an all-day happy hour, too! The restaurant is immediately warm and welcoming and makes a great place to gather with a beautiful waterfront view. It’s an open and bright space and also features a revamped garden level bar area with riverside views. With bowls, tacos, snacks, salads and over 150 different kinds of tequilas, it’s just the kind of place Milwaukee needs!
Top review
Laura
Dined on Apr 26, 2025
Great food and the staff was very accommodating. Great location right on the river walk.
Blue Bat Kitchen and Tequilaria, located on Water Street in the former Water Buffalo Restaurant, features fresh, upscale street food in a relaxed and casual environment. As Milwaukee’s first Tequilaria, they are proud to offer an all-day happy hour, too! The restaurant is immediately warm and welcoming and makes a great place to gather with a beautiful waterfront view. It’s an open and bright space and also features a revamped garden level bar area with riverside views. With bowls, tacos, snacks, salads and over 150 different kinds of tequilas, it’s just the kind of place Milwaukee needs!
Top review
Laura
Dined on Apr 26, 2025
Great food and the staff was very accommodating. Great location right on the river walk.

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