Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Milwaukee

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

Bavette

4.9

4.9 (333)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

What started out as a butcher shop concept, has evolved and changed over the years to become a full-service restaurant, which was solidified with the restaurant's move to a larger space in 2022. At Bavette, the consumer will enjoy complete transparency of its food moving from farm to plate. Although the butcher shop has been phased out, the restaurant still works with the same farms, and uses the same high quality meats on its menu, which consists of a daily changing menu consisting of salads, sandwiches, small plates, pates, cheese, and charcuterie boards. The restaurant truly is a farm-to-table restaurant, sourcing not only the meat but most of its produce from nearby farms. In addition to the highly seasonal menu, there is a small store featuring chef-curated retail items, such as Wisconsin cheeses, local charcuterie, artisanal jams, pickles, salts, vinegar, and oil. Going along with the thoughtful menu is a select and unique offering of craft beers, wines, and cocktails.

Top review

MattVIP

Dined 4 days ago

As always, an incredible experience. Our favorite restaurant in Milwaukee.

Saz's State House Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (341)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

Paul

Dined 5 days ago

Really enjoyed the restaurant. Cool building and great service and atmosphere.

Santino's Little Italy

4.9

4.9 (132)

$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

Nicole

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent service and delicious drinks and food, warm inviting atmosphere.

Sorella

4.7

4.7 (1147)

$30 and under

Italian

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

Old school meets new school, East Coast meets Midwest, with a Southern-style Italian restaurant landing right in the middle of it all. Delivering distinctly Italian cuisine that’s easy to pronounce and even easier to share, guests will enjoy seasonally inspired dishes throughout the year. Sorella serves healthy foods with elegant flavors, which are often made with locally sourced products.

Top review

TimVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent dinner on a Friday night during the holidays.

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4.6

4.6 (37)

$31 to $50

European

Mequon

About the restaurant

Experience the uniquely layered flavor profiles of Euro Americana. Our entrees leverage fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, crafted to the style of European inspired classics.

Top review

JanetVIP

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

We went with another couple and everything was good and well presented except my Cacio & Pepe which was closer to macaroni and cheese than actual cacio & pepi-it was pasta smothered in a heavy cheese sauce. I will go there again but definitely order something different . We liked the atmosphere and our server was terrific.

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Experience

Tuscan Wine Dinner

Harry's Bar and Grill

4.5

4.5 (708)

$30 and under

American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

Welcome to Harry's Bar and Grill! Chic and contemporary with a modern American menu, Harry's Bar and Grill is located on Milwaukee’s East side, close to Lake Michigan.

WELCOME to Harry's Bar and Grill!

Chic and contemporary with a modern American menu, Harry's Bar and Grill is located on Milwaukee’s East side, close to Lake Michigan.

Harry's Bar and Grill is always keeping things fresh. Stop in soon to see our new look. Harry's Bar & Grill successfully combines neighborhood charm with big city sophistication. Friendly service and a menu diverse enough to satisfy any lunch or dinner craving. Appetizers, specialty burgers, salads, entrees and nightly specialty served up 7 days a week!

Top review

Beth

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

Great post UWM graduation brunch/lunch spot! Breakfast potatoes still great. Everyone was pleased.

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn

4.5

4.5 (502)

$30 and under

German

Whitefish Bay

About the restaurant

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn
~Since 1915~
"You are a stranger here but once"
When making a reservation please note if you would like it to be for inside, the outdoor patio, or the heated outdoor tent. Thank You!

Top review

Avis

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

Our group of 6 received outstanding service. We enjoyed a variety of entrees ~~ specials, German specialties, seafood, and poultry ~~ all carefully prepared and delicious. Desserts of Schaum torte and strudel completed a memorable meal. Our waiter was knowledgeable, personable, and efficient, joining in our merriment. We will return often!

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Union House Cedarburg

4.5

4.5 (172)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Cedarburg

About the restaurant

Union House, located in the heart of downtown Cedarburg, offers a unique blend of city vibes and small-town charm. As a tapas restaurant, we specialize in shareable plates perfect for any occasion. Our award-winning craft cocktails add a touch of sophistication, whether you're dining inside our beautifully preserved historic building or enjoying the outdoor atmosphere on our cozy patio. The warm, welcoming setting makes it an ideal spot for hosting gatherings, offering both a vibrant social environment and a relaxing retreat. Experience exceptional dining with a personal touch in every detail.

Top review

Miggy

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

Had an amazing birthday dinner for my mom. Service was amazing. Food was amazing. Plus, the place was fully decked out for Christmas--it had such a festive vibe!

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Let's Celebrate with Bubbles!

Smoke Shack

4.3

4.3 (446)

$30 and under

American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

We're obsessed with the craft of smoked meat. Our certified humanely-raised meats are dry rubbed, slow smoked, and sauced by you. In some cases, we began smoking your meat yesterday to ensure you get the perfect quality barbecue. We smoke our meats in small batches, all-day, every-day. In some cases, we sell out when items are in high demand, but sit back, savor a bourbon or two, and try something new. We're certain that you'll enjoy our variety!

Top review

Christine

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

Our waited today was top notch. He was informative, calm, cool and knowledgeable. He made it a great experience. I had the seitan and my boyfriend has the pulled pork. Both were amazing and cooked perfectly. Great work, team!

Mallards - Bayshore

4.1

4.1 (35)

$30 and under

American

Glendale

About the restaurant

Born and raised in Kansas City Missouri, southern hospitality is on the top of our list. It’s more than tradition. It’s ice cold beer, key lime pie, and a party in our backyard. Our family wanted to turn passion into a reality in 2013, so we came together and opened Mallards. With Dad in charge of the menu all of our favorites started showing up! From Jambalaya to Tennessee Hot Chicken, our story finds itself on each and every plate!

Top review

Alison

Dined 7 days ago

Food was fabulous! We particularly liked the crab cakes, Korean meatballs and jambalaya.

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