It may not be a surprise that by now, we have tried a lot of food that the city of Milwaukee has to offer. And while there is so much good out there, there is some really, really GREAT. From the great, we have compiled a list of our favorite and most memorable bites, the bites that we will surely revisit.
It should also be noted that this may be the toughest list of all to rank, whether it be between sweet and savory, Thai food or Italian. But just know that we would recommend every single item on the below list all day and every day. So without further ado...
430 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Who would’ve thought that our favorite carpaccio in town would be made with lamb and not the dish’s traditional protein? But when you do things as well as Morel does, we shouldn’t even be surprised. We never pass up on this dish: tender and ultra thin sliced cuts of lamb topped with smoked paprika aioli, fried capers, pickled shallot, sourdough tuile, arugula, sarvecchio and olive oil. Just divine.
724 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
While everything we’ve tried at Third Coast Provisions has been next level good (read: lobster potholes full of garlic and butter), there’s something about this dish that sticks in our mind and always has us coming back for more. While the type of white fish can vary, it’s the tangy coconut sauce with palm sugar vinaigrette that makes this dish so addicting. It is complimented perfectly by farm vegetables and a deep fried crispy sticky rice.
411 E Menomonee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Riley’s may be the newest establishment on our list, and the moment we tried this beautiful medium-rare steak sandwich, we knew we had to try them all. The steak is premium quality, paired with a house made garlic spread, mushroom, red onion and cheese on a soft roll. Another perk? They are super dog (and people) friendly, and the owners model their business around it, making everyone feel welcome.
110 E Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Anyone who has been to a Chinatown neighborhood knows how delicious soup dumplings are, and the lengths people will go to get good ones. And before Momo Mee came around in 2018, Milwaukee was definitely lacking. Momo not only filled that void, but they did it well; offering the Xiao Long Bao, a dumpling made with fresh dough and hot delicious soup inside. It’s important to note that this dish is made fresh daily and limited, and is available as dine-in only.
360 E Erie St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
We always love visiting DanDan, because every bite is enticing, and it’s great for sharing with friends. And you can be sure that The General Tso’s Cauliflower, made with chili oil, ginger and bok choy, will be ordered every time. We first discovered the dish awhile back when cauliflower was making a comeback across restaurants everywhere in deep-fried form. And while buffalo cauliflower is great, there’s something so addictive about the sweet and tangy, crispy fried cauliflower that the two Dan’s are serving up.
624 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204
We live in Walker’s Point, which means we have an endless amount of Mexican restaurants to choose from- obviously not a bad problem to have. But even with so many options, Casa de Alberto is on a regular rotation for one reason: the mole. Moles can differ pretty heavily, and there are a lot of different ways it can be made. This one is everything we want in a mole: it’s rich, complex, earthy and with a sweetness that is balanced out perfectly with spice. We find that Alberto’s chicken enchiladas are the perfect vehicle for their mole. And as if we weren’t hooked enough, we think Alberto’s has the best rice and beans in town- truly addicting.
2663 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Ok, we know listing two bites might be cheating a little, but Hungry Sumo has become a regular take-out option for us, and it’s these two apps that have us coming back so regularly. The creamy Tom Kha is addictive and unlike any we’ve had, with just the right mixture of tang, spice and citrus flavors. And even with imitation crab, we’d argue that their crab rangoon is the best in the city. With a great crispy wonton to cream cheese ratio, Hungry Sumo never skimps on the delicious filling that is slightly sweet, slightly savory.
430 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
This bite sounds so simple, that you may overlook it in search of something more unique or interesting. But a word of advice: don’t. The quality ham is smoked in house and placed on a biscuit smothered in honey butter and raw honey, giving it that crystalized melt-in-your-mouth experience that leaves you very glad that you did not pass up on ordering this starter (or, hot tip: it can double as dessert).
741 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
This dish sky-rocketed Zarletti to the #2 spot on our Best Italian list, with a fresh pistachio-encrusted fish served up with a Door County cherry beurre blanc sauce that is to die for. Don’t tell anyone, but we’d trade up this piece of fish for any fish fry, even on a Friday.
11102 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53227
On such a large menu of tasty Chinese options, this dish at Sze Chuan in West Allis could easily be missed. These tender spare ribs are savory and flavorful, and can be ordered at your preferred level of spice. Regardless of how hot you go, you’re sure to be left with the signature tingling sensation the szechuan peppercorns provide.
800 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
While we all know there are endless fish fry options on a Friday in Milwaukee, Steny’s serves an unexpectedly delicious non-fried option: the Pan Seared Cod. If you don’t feel like going to a pricey seafood establishment for a good piece of fish, why not try your local sports bar? But seriously, we are continuously impressed with Steny’s menu of tasty eats. The seasoned filets are pan seared and doused in a generous amount of brown butter, lemon, and white wine emulsion. The dish is complete with crispy potato wedges and veggies (usually broccolini) that also benefit from the delicious sauce.
6732 W Fairview Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213
So many people are lovers of oysters, but why is it that you never see grilled, buttery, cheesy oysters like those that can be found in the Big Easy? Well, if you can’t make it to New Orleans anytime soon, Maxie’s has got you covered with their Nola Grilled Oysters; oysters covered and drowned in rich parmesan butter, with french bread for dipping. We are convinced that these delicious little shellfish would impress even the biggest seafood skeptics.
207 E Buffalo St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Classified as savory on their menu, this waffle alone explains the long lines that will always be found at the Press Waffle truck, regularly found at Milwaukee Farmers Markets and festivals. Press serves up authentic Belgian Liège waffles made with pearl sugar, and with just a honey goat cheese and candied bacon topping, it’s a combination so simple, but so perfect that it really is hard to try anything new.
601 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
We did a little poll among Milwaukee friends to see what they thought was the best bite in town, and an overwhelming favorite was this popular Indian dish from Cafe India. While Tikka Masala is a tasty dish in general, Cafe India serves up some seriously addictive Tikka at both their Walker’s Point quick service location and their Bar & Grill in Bay View. We are partial to picking this up at the quick serve location, along with their tasty garlic naan for dipping.
1300 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
We love this one for an array of reasons. The Wisco Corn Empanada combines Wisconsin flavors of creamy sweet corn with authentic Latin American inspired cooking. The dipping sauces, particularly the Aji Amarillo Aioli, elevate this baby even further. Another awesome factor? La Masa may be one of the best affordable dinners in the city. For all these reasons, this beautiful bite makes it to the top of the list.
420 W Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
While Il Cervo has a solid bread offering with their Rocket Baby sourdough and fresh made soaked and stretched Mozzarella a Mano menu, it’s actually their in-house fresh baked Roasted Garlic Focaccia that wows us the most. Both airy and buttery rich, the focaccia is served in a melty mascarpone fontina fonduta and garlic confit- music to your tastebuds.
2273 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
While there is some controversy whether Egg & Flour’s pasta lives up to the hype that some bring, there is no question that their burrata caprese knocks it out of the park. Made with fresh burrata, tomato, pesto and crushed nuts, this caprese salad is rich yet refreshing. Topped with balsamic vinaigrette and parmesan, this is a very satisfying and unique take on a common Italian dish.
5901 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
With so many options in Milwaukee, Kegel’s is our favorite fish fry in town. And while the fish is perfectly fried, it’s their take on the potato pancake that has us head over heels for their version of Milwaukee’s most popular German tradition. Kegel’s pancake is perfectly seasoned and crispy, served with a cinnamon apple sauce that is not overly sweet, and really is comparable to none other that we’ve had. In the case of Kegel’s, there is no other option when it comes to a side.
400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
We haven’t been to Boston yet, but we have to imagine this baby rivals even the most popular of lobster rolls from the North East coast (well, at least it’s close). Stuffed to the brim with fresh lobster salad that’s not too lemon forward, this sandwich is served on a perfect butter toasted brioche split top bun. It would not be uncommon to see an entire table at St. Paul’s has ordered the same thing- and you better believe it’s the lobster roll they all ordered. Edit: We’ve been to Boston and Maine recently and ate ALL of the lobster rolls. While we wish they had a warm butter option, this holds up extremely well to the cold mayo based rolls we had there.
333 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
In French, Chouquette refers to a small choux pastry topped with pearl sugar. Chef Kyle Knall of Birch decided that this pastry, usually reserved for dessert, would be a great vehicle for foie gras mousse, and oh man was he right. While Cassis is technically not open yet (they are targeting to open fall of 2025), they host the occasional pop-up, and by adding this bite to our list, we are hoping to will it onto the new restaurant’s menu once they open.
6509 S 27th St, Franklin, WI 53132
Sweet Basil, a small family-owned restaurant in Franklin, specializes in Thai & Lao Street Eats that locals cannot get enough of. Sweet Basil prides themselves on serving food reminiscent of the night markets in Thailand the way they would serve dishes at home, and no matter what they do, they do it well. Even though we want to try everything, we don't make a trip without ordering their skewers, along with their three delicious dipping sauces: the Jeow Bong, Jeow Mak Len and Jeow Sum.
2159 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
In a land full of similar Asian menus, we have truly enjoyed the unique offering of The Kinnickinnic Crisp Shell at Room Service. This small plate comes with tender marinated grilled and pulled beef, topped with a Kimchi slaw and Asian pear, all nestled in a crispy wonton shell. It may sound simple, but the mix of umami, sweet, and tangy flavors in addition to a satisfying texture just really works.