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Italian food and wine in Milwaukee

A glass of wine alongside a plate of pasta turns a quiet evening into a ritual.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Cassis image 1
Restaurant

French bistro with gorgeous interior featuring white tile decor, red leather chairs, and brass accents creates a lively, urbane atmosphere. The space buzzes with energy yet allows for normal conversation even when packed. Views of the river add a beautiful element to the dining experience.

Ravioli stands out as a consistent favorite alongside steak frites and opera cake. The menu also features trout, croque monsieur, and banana mousse, all prepared with care and flavor.

Wine list stands out as the highlight of the menu. Drinks, including cocktails and wine, offer solid choices without disappointment.

People are saying

"The French food here is unreal and well done."

"The atmosphere at these date spots is stunning and beautiful."

"I enjoyed a few glasses of wine with my ravioli."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a table.

2

Expect higher prices typical of upscale dining, with entrees averaging $30.

3

Happy hour specials are available from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

02
Semolina MKE | Handcrafted Pasta & Pantry image 1

Small shop offers handmade pasta and a curated pantry with sauces, oils, and desserts. Atmosphere feels intimate and welcoming, with options for pasta classes and custom orders. Fresh ingredients and quick meal solutions make it suited for easy Italian cooking at home.

Fresh handmade pasta stands out with its decadent texture and local ingredients. Pasta making classes focus on gnocchi and traditional techniques, empowering you to recreate dishes at home.

Offers house-made pasta and a selection of wine alongside sauces and desserts. Wine pairs well with generous portions of ravioli and other fresh or dry pasta options.

People are saying

"I had so much fun learning to make pasta at home."

"I had so much fun learning to make pasta in the class."

"I had so much fun learning to make Italian food in the pasta class."

Good to know

1

You can purchase fresh and dry pasta, sauce, dessert, and wine at Semolina MKE.

2

The shop offers house-made pasta, sauces, wine, olive oils, and tiramisu.

3

The ingredients are fresh and well-curated for quality.

03
G. Groppi Food Market image 1
Italian grocery store

Huge market combines old-world charm with a classic neighborhood grocery feel. A small bar and bakery in the back create a unique atmosphere where locals gather. The space offers prepared foods, a butcher, and outdoor seating, blending grocery shopping with casual dining.

Italian sausages stand out with their excellent flavor. The market offers a full-service selection including fresh mozzarella, multiple prosciutto and mortadella varieties, and classic desserts like tiramisu and cannoli.

An amazing wine selection fills the market with a wide variety of options. The wine bar in the back offers an intimate tasting experience with great charcuterie pairings and strong value.

People are saying

"The bar inside this grocery store feels like stepping into a bygone era."

"They had a great wine selection."

"I thought their Italian sausages were the best in the city."

Good to know

1

Meatball Mondays offer a unique start to the week with special deals.

2

G. Groppi Food Market features a butcher, cocktail bar, and deli all in one.

3

Daily deliveries of Peter Sciortino Bakery breads ensure fresh options.

04
Vino Volo image 1
Wine bar

Wine bar offers quiet, calm atmosphere with comfortable Restoration Hardware seating and open seating layout. It serves local coffee and fresh baked goods alongside a diverse wine selection, creating a relaxed spot to escape airport chaos.

Freshness stands out with the bruschetta and burrata bowl offering vibrant flavors. Some dishes like the pasta arrive barely warm and the noodles need longer cooking.

Good wine selection includes the Around the World red wine flight and options to sample partial glasses at no cost. Prices stay reasonable while offering solid food and drink pairings.

People are saying

"The Italian panini and flatbread here are good."

"Melanie made the food experience delightful and enjoyable."

"The wine here is amazing, thanks to Melanie."

Good to know

1

Vino Volo offers local Anodyne coffee and fresh baked goods.

2

Expect higher prices at Vino Volo, typical for airport dining.

3

The menu has limited non-alcoholic drink options aside from water.

05
Buckley's Restaurant & Bar image 1

Converted home with elegant dark wood bar and unique architecture creates a fancy-casual atmosphere. Outdoor seating features flower-adorned tables adding charm. Background music includes a top-tier jukebox enhancing the vibe.

Dishes feature house-made pasta with fresh ingredients like lobster and truffle-fired artichokes. The lobster pasta has a light sauce blending lemon, tomato, and lobster flavors, while the short rib pasta stands out for its richness.

A great wine selection complements dishes like salmon and brisket. Beautiful wine pairings enhance the meal, with options including red wine bottles and cocktails.

People are saying

"You have to try the carrot cake; it's the best in Milwaukee."

"The Italian food here is so delicious, especially the pasta."

"The wine recommendations were accurate and the service was excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a table.

2

Parking is free and available for patrons in the restaurant's lot.

3

A 3% fee applies for credit card payments.

06
Nessun Dorma image 1

Bar occupies a historic building over 100 years old with multiple seating areas including indoor, outdoor, and bar spots. Atmosphere stays cheerful and relaxing, often filling up fast with a friendly, welcoming crowd. Decor features interesting details that add charm to the space.

Spicy Steak Panini and Lasagna stand out as flavorful options. Pasta dishes are solid, and tiramisu ranks among the notable desserts. The pesto making class offers a hands-on, tasty experience.

Cinque Terre wine stands out with its amazing taste. Wine pours come generous and pair well with fresh antipasto. A large selection of beers and wines adds variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the spicy steak sandwich."

"I found this wine bar to be a cozy slice of heaven."

"The Italian food here is amazing, especially the lasagna."

Good to know

1

Nessun Dorma operates on a strictly first-come, first-serve basis and fills up fast.

2

They host lots of fun events like Secret Words on Thursday.

3

Nessun Dorma opens at 4 PM but doesn't serve food until 5 PM.

07
Brisa Do Mar image 1
Italian restaurant

Upscale Italian restaurant with riverside patio and bright, airy dining room offers a peaceful water view and live Italian soprano music. Guests arrive by boat or on foot, enjoying a contemporary style that blends classic and creative dishes. The atmosphere stays welcoming and classy, suited for relaxed dinners or special occasions.

Eggplant Chips come perfectly deep-fried with Harissa and Marinara sauce. The Caprese salad features burrata and fresh avocado. Tiramisu is creamy, rich, and perfectly sweet. Chicken parmesan sandwich serves as a large portion suitable for two meals.

House wines offer good value and the pinot grigio stands out as a solid choice. Staff serve wine from fresh bottles, enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing, especially the wood-fired kind."

"I've never had pizza this good; the crust was crispy and light."

"The wine here is terrific, especially with the pizza."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during events to avoid inconvenience.

2

Fashion shows and house music events are hosted regularly.

3

Gluten-free pasta options are available, but may vary seasonally.

08
Ward's House of Prime image 1

Steakhouse combines warm, upscale atmosphere with an old school steakhouse vibe. Dining areas offer quiet booths for intimate meals, though bar noise can be loud and affect nearby seating. Known for exceptional prime rib and a strong cocktail selection including classic Old Fashioneds.

Lobster ravioli stands out as a signature dish, often described as incredibly delicious and satisfying. Other Italian options include dishes like truffle cream corn, complementing the rich flavors.

The wine list offers options for every taste, from sophisticated connoisseurs to newcomers. Cocktails and wine pair well with meals, and the pricing provides good value for group celebrations.

People are saying

"I thought the prime rib was tender and flavorful."

"The lobster ravioli here is out of this world delicious."

"The wine here is tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

2

A mandatory 20% gratuity is added to all bills without prior notice.

3

The restaurant offers a prix fixe menu for special events at $85 per person.

09
Stella Van Buren image 1
American restaurant

Space features huge windows and high ceilings, creating an inviting atmosphere with great city views. Bar offers an exceptional liquor wall and fantastic bourbon cocktails. Dining room combines a beautiful setup with a romantic vibe.

Ossobuco comes out so tender it cuts with a butter knife. Lasagna tastes rich and satisfying. Focaccia bread is buttery, toasted outside, and soft inside.

An extensive wine selection features Malbec and other notable choices. Servers offer wine samples and suggest better substitutes to match preferences.

People are saying

"The breakfast staff here are so friendly and attentive."

"The Italian food here, especially the tiramisu, is the best I've ever had."

"The wine selection here is extensive and the staff helps you choose."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available daily from 4-6pm with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for special occasions to ensure seating.

3

The bar closes at 12 am, so plan your visit accordingly.

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Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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