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Best Authentic Restaurants in Milwaukee

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Safina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(320)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Milwaukee
Booked 9 times today
It’s been over four years since guests last tasted the Sicilian dishes from longtime Milwaukee restaurant Giovanni’s. But all of that changes with Safina: a new casual Italian concept that comes to the historic building at 785 N. Jefferson St.Focusing on comforting dishes with roots in Sicily and the southern regions of Italy, Safina's goal is to keep the menu familiar and accessible. The restaurant also features a full bar and second-level seating, complete with wood and marble finishes that highlight the rustic, modern Italian ambiance.
A photo of Zarletti - Downtown restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2918)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Milwaukee
Booked 23 times today
Zarletti - Downtown is a fine dining Italian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The executive chef and owner, Brian C. Zarletti, focuses on creating regional Italian cuisine inspired by his extensive travels in Italy and lessons learned in his grandmother's kitchen. Reviews rave about the authenticity of the food, with one stating, 'If you are looking for authentic Italian food cooked with love, Zarletti’s is a “must try”' and another mentioning the 'best authentic northern Italian food since I was in Florence'. The consistent high ratings for food, ambience, and service make Zarletti a must-visit for authentic Italian dining.
A photo of SafeHouse restaurant
4.1
Excellent(679)
Price: Moderate
• American • Milwaukee
Booked 15 times today
Offering refuge to spies national and international since 1966, SafeHouse is Milwaukee's best-kept secret. This iconic, hidden restaurant & bar is a blast for agents of all ages. Spies must find the red door and pass a fun clearance test if they do not know the password required for entry. Once behind the red door, spies will find authentic espionage artifacts, pop culture references, a disappearing booth, a secret exit, and more. Enjoy a fun night out in Milwaukee, or a covert daytime mission for the family at this kid-friendly, spy hideout. SafeHouse offers venue space for agents looking to celebrate special occasions, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and group events. Grab your fellow spies to enjoy award-winning cheese curds, solve recon duties, and learn about SafeHouse's history. Find the red door if you accept this mission, Agent!
A photo of Tupelo Honey - Milwaukee restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1542)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Southern • Milwaukee
Booked 35 times today
Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Please arrive on time with all members in your party present. We will cancel reservations 15 minutes after the scheduled time. The combining of separate reservations will not be honored. We look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of Amilinda restaurant
4.5
Awesome(291)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Milwaukee
Booked 4 times today
Amilinda is a celebrated Milwaukee restaurant known for its vibrant blend of Spanish and Portuguese-inspired cuisine. Owner and executive chef Gregory León leads the kitchen with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. His culinary talent has earned him three James Beard Award nominations, highlighting his influence and expertise in the culinary world. Amilinda continues to be a standout dining experience with the reputation as a top dinning destination that attracts locals and visitors alike.Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, just blocks away from the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Pfister Hotel, Amilinda offers a cozy and inviting space with rustic decor, reflecting its Iberian Peninsula influences. The warm, intimate atmosphere complements the creative dishes from the kitchen, making it a destination for memorable meals.
A photo of Carbon Steak restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(198)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Milwaukee
Booked 8 times today
Located in Downtown Milwaukee's East Town neighborhood, Carbon Steak is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional steakhouse focused on a chef-driven menu, complemented by a fine collection of wine and a curated cocktail program.
A photo of Movida at Hotel Madrid restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1982)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • Milwaukee
Booked 45 times today
The same Movida food you love, same great cocktails, with all the sangria you can enjoy. This is Movida at Hotel Madrid.Movida, translated meaning the movement, is a Spanish tapas restaurant located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Beyond the food, Movida features a recognized program that consists of Spanish wines, craft cocktails and house-made Sangria.
A photo of Avli - Milwaukee restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(145)
Price: Moderate
• Greek • Milwaukee
Booked 25 times today
Located in Milwaukee's Brewer's Hill neighborhood, Avli offers contemporary and classic Greek small plates, mains, and desserts as well as approachable Greek wines and inventive cocktails.Enjoy our inviting bi-level dining room and expansive outdoor patio that’s dog-friendly for dinner and weekend brunch! We look forward to having you in to experience our core philosophies of Philoxenia (hospitality), Meraki (passion) and Kefi (joy).For parties of 8 or fewer, book online with OpenTable.For parties of 9-12, please call the restaurant directly at (414) 395-1300.For parties greater than 12, book with Avli Events by contacting our team here: https://www.avli.us/tripleseat-form-avli or by calling our Events Team at (312) 526-3606.
A photo of Char'd restaurant
3.8
Excellent(731)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Korean • Milwaukee
Booked 15 times today
Char’d offers ever-changing Korean-themed small plates perfect for 'shared plate dining' or snacking along with drinks. Full-meal-sized Korean traditional entrées are served with a bowl of rice. Our dishes showcase elevated presentations and modern techniques to re-interpret authentic Korean cuisine, while staying true to its roots. We pride ourselves in featuring locally source and seasonal products to create ‘New Korean’ dishes as an homage to traditional Korean culinary skills and recipes.
A photo of Smoke Shack restaurant
4.3
Awesome(446)
Price: Moderate
• American • Milwaukee
Booked 6 times today
Smoke Shack is the real deal when it comes to American barbecue. Their dedication to crafting smoked meats is evident in their daily practice of smoking your meat the day before to ensure the best quality. Their menu offers a variety of dishes that are uniquely smoked, from brisket to ribs. The reviews are glowing, with customers praising the delicious food and friendly service. As one reviewer said, 'The ambiance at the outside dining room was like having dinner around a campfire and we love to camp.'

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Annie
    Wisconsin •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This place was so tasty for brunch! We started out with the fried green tomato appetizers and we could have just gotten those, we got pretty full. 4 large fried green tomatoes on top of a spicy sauce and goat cheese grits (the best!). I got a grain bowl with extra avocado which was so good and then we got a traditional breakfast but added loaded potatoes (bacon and sauce on top), I would highly recommend. I would come back to this place. Service was great and attentive and lots of options (even if you are a vegetarian).
    More info
    Tupelo Honey - MilwaukeePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Milwaukee
    4.7
  • JacquelineVIP
    Wisconsin •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My duck breast was wonderfully prepared as was my partner's rabbit. The one think lacking was a piece of bread to sop up every last bit of the savory sauces, but alas none was served to us. Other tables had it, so I think it was simply an oversight on a busy night. We didn't have the opportunity to flag down our waitress to ask for some as we had a performance to get to.
    More info
    AmilindaPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Milwaukee
    4.5
  • ThomasVIP
    Wisconsin •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always a great experience. The food is outstanding. My favorite is the Veal Cotoletta Our server-Kayla was very attentive and did a great job You need to try Safina asap!!
    More info
    SafinaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Milwaukee
    4.9
  • Mary
    Wisconsin •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food, great magician, great waitress. great night
    More info
    SafeHousePrice: Moderate• American• Milwaukee
    4.1
  • Ellen
    Los Angeles •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Overall wonderful experience for a party of 11. Zarletti had a table set up for us in our own private-ish space in the back of the restaurant. We had our own server who was very good and stayed on top of all of our multiple requests. The food was OUTSTANDING. We ordered appetizers for the table, individual entrees with soup or salad, and desserts to share, plus drinks and wine. As a big group we ordered some of everything and it was all was great. The Ossobuco was to die for, the fish dishes, veal, and chicken were amazing, and the pasta was fresh and sooooo flavorful. Most plates at the table were eaten completely clean. Larger groups are required to sign a contract and spend a minimum amount per person ... and we, even in our total joy of eating, we did not meet the required minimum ... however, we were able to have the amount up to the contracted minimum not spent put on a gift certificate for future use. Don't worry about the contract. One small note, we ordered champagne to have with our appetizers and to make a celebratory toast. The champagne was uncorked and let sit AND the glasses used to serve it were large wine glasses. It had lost most of its bubbles very quickly with the uncorking early and pour into the large glasses ... it was still delicious but just not as festive and fun. Champagne should be served in a way that preserves its bubbles. We will return, in smaller groups.
    More info
    Zarletti - DowntownPrice: Expensive• Italian• Milwaukee
    4.8

Discover best authentic restaurants in Milwaukee

Discover the heart of Milwaukee's dining scene with our curated list of restaurants renowned for their authenticity. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of American barbecue, the comfort of Italian family recipes, or the innovation of global cuisine, Milwaukee offers a rich tapestry of culinary experiences that cater to every palate. Each restaurant we feature has been praised for not only the authenticity of their food but also for their commitment to quality ingredients and memorable dining environments. Milwaukee’s restaurant landscape is vibrant and diverse, with establishments that blend traditional cooking methods with modern culinary innovation. From chef’s counters where you can watch your meal being prepared, to cozy spots that feel like dining in grandma's kitchen, the authenticity of Milwaukee's dining options is sure to enchant and satisfy. No matter where you choose to dine, you'll find knowledgeable staff, welcoming atmospheres, and a commitment to providing a truly genuine dining experience. These restaurants are celebrated not just for their excellent cuisine but also for their ability to create a sense of community and connection through food. If you're seeking an authentic dining experience in Milwaukee, you'll be delighted by the range of options that celebrate both local and international culinary traditions. Remember, an authentic meal isn't just about the food; it's about the entire experience that surrounds it, making each meal a memorable event.

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