Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Restaurant list

Discover the Best New Restaurants in Milwaukee

A photo of Red logo
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 (1819)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Milwaukee
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
PatGold
Dined 3 days ago
Lisa provided excellent service, the cheeseburgers, fries and boozy shake were delicious!
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
PatGold
Dined 3 days ago
Lisa provided excellent service, the cheeseburgers, fries and boozy shake were delicious!
The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails
4.5 (1036)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Milwaukee
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
RaymondGold
Dined on Oct 24, 2026
Max was first rate in helping managing details for a small very special party for a dear niece’s special birthday in our unexpected absence. We heard she and our sisters were treated royally, the food was deliciously prepared and they had a memorable experience. Well done! This is why we’ve loved Marcus establishments for decades.
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
RaymondGold
Dined on Oct 24, 2026
Max was first rate in helping managing details for a small very special party for a dear niece’s special birthday in our unexpected absence. We heard she and our sisters were treated royally, the food was deliciously prepared and they had a memorable experience. Well done! This is why we’ve loved Marcus establishments for decades.
Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria
4.3 (944)
$30 and under
American
Milwaukee
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
JenniferGold
Dined on Oct 17, 2026
First time dining here for both us and our friends. I was originally expecting more Mexican cuisine but was pleasantly surprised to see the menu had internationally inspired flavors. The apps (sharables) were fantastic. We had the brussel sprouts, potstickers, queso, and the most unique was the loaded hummus. Some of our party had the handhelds (tacos and similar sized street food) and some had entrees. I was super excited about my mojo pork, but the plantains were a massive let down. They were more like thick tostones, but dry and tasted like they were mass produced and previous frozen. No one else had any complaints. Drinks were enjoyable. I admire their tequila selection. Since I was driving, I was unable to try a flight. My margarita (sub mezcal) was great. My friend loved her super duper spicy jalapeño margarita. I wish they had a few more unique tequila-based cocktails to choose from. All in all we had a great time. It was laid back, and we had a really friendly and helpful server. The only slightly awkward thing was that the kitchen runner declined to clear any old plates when he was dropping the next course. He told us that it was for the server to handle. At this calibre restaurant, I think anyone serving should be capable of clearing instead of just passing that duty to someone else. We will be back!
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
JenniferGold
Dined on Oct 17, 2026
First time dining here for both us and our friends. I was originally expecting more Mexican cuisine but was pleasantly surprised to see the menu had internationally inspired flavors. The apps (sharables) were fantastic. We had the brussel sprouts, potstickers, queso, and the most unique was the loaded hummus. Some of our party had the handhelds (tacos and similar sized street food) and some had entrees. I was super excited about my mojo pork, but the plantains were a massive let down. They were more like thick tostones, but dry and tasted like they were mass produced and previous frozen. No one else had any complaints. Drinks were enjoyable. I admire their tequila selection. Since I was driving, I was unable to try a flight. My margarita (sub mezcal) was great. My friend loved her super duper spicy jalapeño margarita. I wish they had a few more unique tequila-based cocktails to choose from. All in all we had a great time. It was laid back, and we had a really friendly and helpful server. The only slightly awkward thing was that the kitchen runner declined to clear any old plates when he was dropping the next course. He told us that it was for the server to handle. At this calibre restaurant, I think anyone serving should be capable of clearing instead of just passing that duty to someone else. We will be back!
Explore other cities and regions
A photo of Thailand
Thailand
Other ways to experience the world through dining
Visiter ParisExplore Asian-Owned and -Operated RestaurantsExplore Award-Winning Restaurants on OpenTable The Best Bars on OpenTableThe Best Restaurants for Breakfast on OpenTableThe Best Brunch RestaurantsThe Best BurgersDining Occasions: Restaurants for Every CelebrationThe Best Cheap EatsThe Best Chinese Restaurants
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo