Discover the Best New Restaurants in Milwaukee

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

4.5 (1501)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

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

MommaV

Dined 1 day ago

We had a very good time at Don’s and the staff are fantastic. The food was good but when they say the potato horseradish pancakes are spicy, they ARE! Wish they weren’t. Good food and the shakes are delicious. Out of towners but we’ll be back! Definitely fun.

ARIA - The Restaurant at Saint Kate

4.2

4.2 (690)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

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

Sherri

Dined 5 days ago

Food and service was amazing!! I never leave reviews honestly, but you made our Christmas eve bright! Thank you :)

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria

4.5

4.5 (823)

$30 and under

American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

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

LaurenVIP

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

I like that they switched the menu back to the old format! Hot honey BBQ chicken and the short rib are so good!

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