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 (1481)

$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

Mike

Dined on Nov 12, 2024

The shakes at Don’s are 100% the best I’ve had. My fiancé and I were both pleasantly surprised at how good they were. We were there for penny for your tots night, and the tots were perfectly crispy, and the burgers were delicious. The staff were all very welcoming and happy, and we’ll definitely be going back soon.

ARIA - The Restaurant at Saint Kate

4.4

4.4 (661)

$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

Yonatan

Dined 1 day ago

It was a nice place for a date. The food was delicious but the drinks were okay.

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria

4.3

4.3 (818)

$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

Noah

Dined 6 days ago

I have never been before, but my friend recommended it to me for a birthday dinner with my friends. It was just as I was hoping for. The table was set up with candles, flowers, and water. The atmosphere was cozy, and warm lights permeated the room. There were nine of us, but we all had plenty of room to breathe while sitting. I definitely would come back again for a special occasion. We also loved our server! I don't recall her name but she had blonde hair and seemed very happy to be there. 9/10 experience.

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