Best Casual Restaurants in Milwaukee

Discover the best restaurants in Milwaukee

Explore must-try spots, new openings, and hidden gems.

Price

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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianJapanese

Regions

Milwaukee

Neighborhoods

BrookfieldBrown DeerGlendaleGreendaleMilwaukeeWauwatosa

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

71 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. DanDan Milwaukee

4.8

Exceptional(1211)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Milwaukee

Booked 43 times today

DanDan Milwaukee has a Chinese soul with a Midwestern sensibility. Flavorful, respectful, playful and seasonal, it’s an homage to the foods of our childhood.

2. Safina

4.8

Exceptional(386)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Milwaukee

Booked 18 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.

3. Bavette

4.9

Exceptional(386)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Milwaukee

Booked 48 times today

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.

4. Birch - Milwaukee

4.8

Exceptional(1064)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Milwaukee

Booked 32 times today

A hyper-seasonal New American Restaurant celebrating Wisconsin farmers & food producers and cooking over an open fire.

A photo of Carnevor Steakhouse restaurant

5. Carnevor Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(3251)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Milwaukee

Booked 24 times today

Milwaukee's premier steakhouse, Carnevor is one of Wisconsin’s most acclaimed fine dining destinations. A restaurant consistently topping year-end “Best Of” lists, Carnevor has been lauded for its variety of culinary tastes – from our luscious barrel-cut beef to mouthwatering New York Strips and bone-in fillets. Our steak menu offers exquisite wet- and dry-aged USDA prime beef – a distinction afforded to less than two percent of all American beef – as well as daily selections of the coveted Wagyu imported from Japan. And with a wine list featuring more than 750 selections, you’ll always find the perfect bottle to uncork with your meal. But it’s not merely the “meal” you’ll enjoy at Carnevor. It’s the entire experience: service, music, menu, and more. To top it all, herbivores are always welcome.

6. Onesto

4.8

Exceptional(2699)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Milwaukee

Booked 50 times today

Onesto, which means “honest” in Italian, serves a modern twist on Italian fare with an emphasis on fresh, handmade, flavorful cuisine. We also feature an approachable wine list and a craft cocktail menu. When you visit, be sure to check out our dramatic event space.

A photo of Craft - Trade Hotel restaurant

7. Craft - Trade Hotel

4.5

Awesome(204)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Milwaukee

Booked 16 times today

Drawing upon the rich history of Milwaukee’s craftsmanship we present, Craft. The history of Milwaukee dates to the early 17th and 18th centuries when traders first began to travel through and eventually settle in what is now Milwaukee. Deep European roots brought craftsmen and skilled hands to the area and to this day an ethic of hard work and determination inhabits the spirit of the city. Early on the area was full of coopers, butchers, shoemakers, and farmers. Milwaukee’s beer history started in the 1840’s, driven by the presence of the frontier settlement near the Great Lakes. Immigrants, including Welsh and German settlers, yearned for the native beers of their homelands, so they embarked on making delicious craft beer with techniques from their native countries. Craft features a cuisine including locally sourced foods, hand crafted cocktails, and a vast selection of local beer.

8. SafeHouse

4.1

Excellent(730)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Milwaukee

Booked 16 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!

9. Tre Rivali

4.7

Exceptional(1555)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Milwaukee

Booked 16 times today

Tre Rivali is a vibrant restaurant, lounge and cafe. This inspired restaurant is in the heart of Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward District. The menu features Italian and Mediterranean influences. Think scratch made pasta and wood oven pizzas. Paired with craft cocktails and a well curated wine list.**Please note when making a reservation that we do not reserve tables for outside patio dining. We will do our best to accommodate your request but patio dining is on a first available and walk-in basis only. We appreciate your patience and understanding.**

10. Don's TV & Repair

4.5

Awesome(1579)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Milwaukee

Booked 34 times today

Located on 1st Street, the former Don’s Diner now turned speakeasy. Disguised as a TV repair shop we welcome you to come grab some drinks and TV Dinners. Serving Boozy Shakes and Retro-Cocktails. We are in the business of repairing the need for a good drink and a great burger! Reservations recommended, walk-ins are accommodated with limited seating. Call Ahead for Large Parties 5+ or join the waitlist here on OpenTable!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
CodieVIP
Wisconsin •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent meat selection and great service. It is definitely worth a try
More info
Carnevor SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Milwaukee
•
4.8
M
Mary
Wisconsin •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Our first time to DanDan and we will definitely be returning. Server was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating providing a special Gluten Free menu for myself and daughter.
More info
DanDan MilwaukeePrice: Expensive• Chinese• Milwaukee
•
4.8
M
MeganVIP
Nashville •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food was absolutely delicious - incredible, fresh flavors! Great ambiance plus, we did counter seating so entertaining to see the kitchen in action. This continues to be one of our favorite restaurants in Milwaukee!
More info
Birch - MilwaukeePrice: Very Expensive• American• Milwaukee
•
4.8
M
Michael
Wisconsin •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
Incredible meal and restaurant. The Pork Chop was incredible and the staff was tremendous. The owner even came to our table to talk to us.
More info
SafinaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Milwaukee
•
4.8
W
William
Wisconsin •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 16, 2025
An excellent lunch spot with menu items that you will not find at other restaurants. Prices are very reasonable and food quality is excellent. My place for dining in the Third Ward.
More info
BavettePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Milwaukee
•
4.9

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