5 Best Restaurants in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Braise Chef-owner Dave Swanson learned the ropes at acclaimed restaurants including Milwaukee's renowned Sanford. In 2012, he transferred his skills to the burgeoning Walker's Point neighborhood and repurposed a rundown building. He used its old bowling lanes as communal tables, paneled one wall with old barn siding and brought Milwaukee a farm-to-table hit. The menu changes depending on the ingredients he receives from the 400-some Wisconsin farmers he works with. Past favorites have included crispy pork belly served with creamy polenta goat cheese and sorghum syrup. For a special treat, book a spot at the last-Sunday-of-the-month suppers, featuring a local farmer's fare in three courses, served family style.

Provincial French bistro fare is served at this café in a large, renovated warehouse in Milwaukee's trendy Third Ward district, just south of downtown. The beer is specially brewed to complement the menu, which is filled with dishes like roasted mussels and thin-crust Niçoise and Alsatian pizzas.

This small, cozy restaurant on the east side of town has a sushi bar and a menu of traditional Japanese fare, such as udon and sukiyaki.

Every night feels like Cinco de Mayo at this popular and colorful Mexican restaurant and bar in the heart of the city's Latin Quarter. La Fuente doesn't accept reservations, but the reasonably priced traditional Mexican dishes—enchiladas, quesadillas, sizzling fajitas, and the like—are worth the wait. (Warning: your food will be spicy unless you request otherwise.) Ask for a table on the fountain-filled patio if weather permits, or come during lunch for a more relaxing atmosphere.

Delicate decorations, from the ivory flower design on the chairs to golden wall hangings, set the stage for this restaurant's delicious pad Thai, mango curry, and volcano chicken. Patrons can peek over the wooden counter from the spacious dining room into the kitchen to watch the cooks prepare their meals.