Planning a special night out in Brew City? These restaurants in Milwaukee, Wisconsin bring cozy vibes, waterfront views, and memorable dishes perfect for date nights and special celebrations.

Highlights:

  • Waterfront dining on the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan
  • Candlelit steakhouses and elegant bistros
  • Cozy supper clubs with classic charm
  • Trendy rooftop bars and cocktail lounges
  • Farm-to-table restaurants with seasonal menus

Unique Romantic Restaurants in Milwaukee:

Celebrate Midwest Flavor with a French Twist at Morel Restaurant


Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients shine in artfully plated dishes and a warm, rustic-modern space.

Celebrate Midwest Flavor with a French Twist at Morel Restaurant

© Morel Restaurant

Morel Restaurant, located in Walker's Point, is a rustic-chic farm-to-table restaurant offering a daily changing menu of New American plates inspired by local ingredients. The menu is complemented by craft cocktails, local beers, and fine wines.

Recommended For: Food lovers, those seeking seasonal and locally inspired dishes, and anyone looking to enjoy high-quality, fresh meals with a focus on Wisconsin's bounty.

  • Indulge in seasonal dishes like Rainbow Trout with Herb Butter, Duck Breast with Parsnip, Pork Tenderloin and Boudin Blanc, Lamb Chops with Merguez, and Farrotto with Oyster Mushrooms.
  • Enjoy a selection of wines from around the world, available by the glass or bottle, paired perfectly with your meal.
  • Sip on classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, or choose from a variety of craft beers.
  • Relax in a rustic-chic ambiance, offering the perfect setting for a delightful dinner experience.
  • Experience Chef Jonathan Manyo's dedication to the freshest, highest quality produce sourced from local farms, purveyors, foragers, and artisans.

Morel Restaurant, 430 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Phone: 414-897-0747

Experience Culinary Artistry at Ardent Restaurant


An intimate, tasting-menu destination that redefines Milwaukee fine dining through innovation and precision.

Experience Culinary Artistry at Ardent Restaurant

© Ardent Restaurant

Ardent Restaurant is an intimate, upscale dining destination that serves innovative New American fare in a stylish and contemporary setting. Open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, with two seatings each evening, Ardent offers a variety of menu options including an à la carte menu, a tasting menu, and a newly launched late-night menu focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Recommended For: Food enthusiasts, those seeking a refined dining experience, and anyone looking for unique, seasonally inspired dishes paired with exceptional wines and cocktails.

  • Indulge in a tasting menu featuring dishes like Celeriac with White Chocolate and Trout Roe, Beef Tartare with a Deviled Egg and Bone Marrow, and Sunflower Porridge with Truffled Goat Cheese.
  • Savor delightful Mignardises such as Earl Grey Financier, Vanilla Cream Puff, and Salted Peppermint Fudge to end your meal on a sweet note.
  • Pair your meal with a superlative wine list or enjoy craft cocktails that complement the unique flavors of each dish.
  • Experience a contemporary setting and exceptional service, perfect for a special evening or exploring innovative flavors.

Ardent Restaurant, 1751 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-897-7022

Dine in Urban Elegance at Stella Van Buren


A stylish Italian-American steakhouse with a sleek vibe, robust wine list, and downtown skyline views.

Dine in Urban Elegance at Stella Van Buren

© Stella Van Buren

Stella Van Buren is an upscale steakhouse located in the elegant Westin Hotel on Van Buren Street in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Known for serving award-winning steaks, fresh seafood, and an array of signature cocktails and fine wines, the restaurant offers a sophisticated and relaxing dining experience.

Recommended For: Steak and seafood lovers, those seeking a refined dining experience with stunning city views, and anyone looking for a top-notch meal in a stylish setting.

  • Indulge in award-winning steaks, fresh seafood, and signature cocktails that showcase the best of fine dining.
  • Relax in a light, airy atmosphere with comfortable seating and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stellar views of the city and bathe the interiors in natural light.
  • Enjoy both traditional tables and cozy circular booths, perfect for intimate dinners or group gatherings of up to eight people.
  • Savor a delectable weekend brunch in a relaxed, laid-back setting, in addition to the restaurant’s renowned dinner service.

Stella Van Buren, 550 N Van Buren St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-847-5622

If You Love Inventive Plates and Creative Pairings, Make a Reservation at Odd Duck


Small plates, global flavors, and locally grown ingredients make this a must-visit for adventurous foodies.

If You Love Inventive Plates and Creative Pairings, Make a Reservation at Odd Duck

© Odd Duck

Odd Duck Restaurant, located in the Bay View area of Milwaukee, is an eclectic eatery offering an ever-changing shared-plate menu of casual New American cuisine and creative cocktails. Established in 2012, Odd Duck focuses on using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients from surrounding farms and producers to create mouthwatering small and sharing plates.

Recommended For: Those seeking a unique dining experience with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and anyone looking for a fun and creative twist on New American cuisine.

  • Indulge in signature plates like Lemon Cured Hamachi Crudo, Chicken Fried Frog Legs, Moroccan Spiced Lamb, and Handmade Blue Corn Quesadilla.
  • Enjoy a wide variety of meat-centric and vegetarian small plates, all designed for sharing and perfect for group dining.
  • Pair your meal with creative cocktails that complement the unique flavors of the dishes.
  • Relax in a cozy, eclectic setting, with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner.

Odd Duck Restaurant, 939 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Phone: 414-763-5881

Date Ideas:

Savor Timeless Technique at Sanford Restaurant


A Milwaukee institution blending classic preparation with contemporary refinement in every carefully crafted course.

Savor Timeless Technique at Sanford Restaurant

© Sanford Restaurant

Sanford Restaurant, formerly a family grocery store dating back 80 years, has been transformed into a modern restaurant with a European-style storefront. It serves a seasonally driven menu of locally sourced cuisine and boasts an award-winning wine list. The warm, homey ambiance makes it the perfect spot for enjoying delicious, regionally inspired dishes.

Recommended For: Food enthusiasts, wine lovers, and those seeking a refined yet inviting dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

  • Indulge in signature dishes like Citrus Seared Alaskan Halibut, Grilled Wild Sturgeon, Chargrilled Loin of Elk, Grilled Scallops, and Salmon Bourguignon.
  • Experience a daily menu and an ever-changing four-course seasonal menu crafted with the freshest regional ingredients.
  • Pair your meal with fine wines from around the world, handcrafted cocktails, and craft beers to complement your dining experience.
  • Relax in a warm, inviting setting that exudes a cozy, homey atmosphere perfect for an intimate dinner.

Sanford Restaurant, 1547 N Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-276-9608

Sink Your Teeth Into Luxury at Carnevor


This high-end chophouse delivers prime cuts, moody ambiance, and a top-tier wine selection for the serious steak lover.

Sink Your Teeth Into Luxury at Carnevor

© Carnevor

Carnevor is one of Wisconsin's most acclaimed fine-dining destinations and a premier steakhouse in Downtown Milwaukee, renowned for serving the finest cuts of aged steak, prime rib, and beef, along with fresh seafood and decadent desserts. The restaurant is decorated with dark wood, leather accents, and elegantly dressed tables, creating a refined ambiance perfect for an unforgettable dining experience.

Recommended For: Steak lovers, seafood enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an upscale dining experience with top-notch service and an extensive wine list.

  • Indulge in thick house-butchered cuts of USDA choice steaks, free-range chicken and pork, and fresh seafood, all expertly prepared by Executive Chef Mario Giuliani.
  • Enjoy a variety of vegetarian options designed to complement the steakhouse's offerings.
  • Pair your meal with one of over 785 wine selections from around the world, available by the glass or bottle, along with craft beers and handcrafted cocktails from the full-service bar.
  • Relax in a sophisticated atmosphere with soft lighting and an elegant setting that makes for the perfect fine dining experience.

Carnevor, 718 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-223-2200

FAQ:

  • Q: What makes Milwaukee a great destination?
  • A: There are many great things to do in Milwaukee, including a wealth of breweries and restaurants.
  • Q: Where is Milwaukee located?
  • A: Situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, meaning ‘beautiful, good, and pleasant land’ in the Algonquian language, Milwaukee boasts beautiful natural landscapes of rivers, lakes, and rolling hills which are perfect for romantic picnics.
  • Q: What indoor options are available for a romantic date in Milwaukee?
  • A: If you prefer taking your date indoors, there are an array of excellent cafés, restaurants, distilleries, and eateries to enjoy.

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