- 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.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Morel Restaurant
Located in Walker's Point, Morel Restaurant is a rustic-chic farm-to-table restaurant offering a daily changing menu of New American plates inspired by local ingredients and complemented by craft cocktails, local beers, and fine wines. Chef Jonathan Manyo draws inspiration from the rich bounty of Wisconsin, utilizing the freshest, highest quality produce from local farms, purveyors, foragers, and artisans. The changing menu of seasonal and locally inspired dishes includes Rainbow Trout with Herb Butter, Duck Breast with Parsnip, Pork Tenderloin and Boudin Blanc, Lamb Chops with Merguez, and Farrotto with Oyster Mushrooms. The full-service bar offers a variety of wines from around the world that can be enjoyed by the glass or the bottle, along with classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits and craft beers. Morel Restaurant is open for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday.
430 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, Phone: 414-897-0747
2. Ardent Restaurant
Ardent Restaurant is an intimate, upscale restaurant that serves a regular innovative New American fare in a stylish and contemporary setting. Open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday with two seatings each evening; the restaurant serves an a la carte menu, a tasting menu, and a newly launched late-night menu that focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients and a variety of flavors to create unique plates. Delights on the tasting menu could include Celeriac with White Chocolate and Trout Roe, Beef Tartare with a Deviled Egg and Bone Marrow, Sunchoke with Dates, Sunflower Porridge with Truffled Goat Cheese, and Mignardises of an Earl Grey Financier, Vanilla Cream Puff, and Salted Peppermint Fudge. The acclaimed cuisine is accompanied by a superlative wine list and craft cocktail menu.
1751 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Phone: 414-897-7022
3. Stella Van Buren
Located in the elegant Westin Hotel on Van Buren Street in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Stella Van Buren is the hotel’s upmarket and sophisticated steakhouse restaurant that serves award-winning steaks and fresh seafood and an array of signature cocktails and fine wines. The restaurant boasts a light, airy atmosphere with comfortable seating and stellar city views through floor-to-ceiling windows, which bathe the interiors in natural light. The 180-seat restaurant features both traditional tables and cozy circular booths which can comfortably fit up to eight people, and while the eatery is best known for its dinner set, it now also serves a delectable weekend brunch in a relaxed and laid-back setting.
550 N Van Buren St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Phone: 414-847-5622
4. Odd Duck
Located in the Bay View area of Milwaukee, Odd Duck Restaurant is an eclectic eatery that serves an ever-changing shared-plate menu of casual New American cuisine and creative cocktails. Established in 2012, Odd Duck Restaurant focuses on using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients from surrounding farms and producers, and creating a mouthwatering selection of small and sharing plates of meat-centric and vegetarian cuisine. Signature plates include Lemon Cured Hamachi Crudo, Chicken Fried Frog Legs, Moroccan Spiced Lamb, Muhammara Stuffed Quinoa Kibbeh, Lemon Risotto, and Handmade Blue Corn Quesadilla. Odd Duck Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
939 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, Phone: 414-763-5881
5. Sanford Restaurant
Formerly housing a family grocery store dating back 80 years, Sanford Restaurant was transformed into a modern restaurant with a European-style storefront that serves a seasonally driven menu of locally sourced cuisine and an award-winning wine list. Decorated to exude a warm, homey ambiance, the restaurant is committed to serving delicious cuisine prepared with regional ingredients, including a daily menu and an ever-changing four-course seasonal menu. Signature dishes include Citrus Seared Alaskan Halibut, Grilled Wild Sturgeon, Chargrilled Loin of Elk, Grilled Scallops, and Salmon Bourguignon and accompanied by a list of fine wines from around the world, handcrafted cocktails, and craft beers. Sanford is open for dinner only, Monday through Saturday.
1547 N Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Phone: 414-276-9608
6. Carnevor
One of Wisconsin's most acclaimed fine-dining destinations, Carnevor is a long-standing, premier steakhouse in Downtown Milwaukee that is renowned for serving the finest cuts of aged steak, prime rib, and beef, along with fresh seafood, and decadent desserts. Decorated in dark wood and leather accents with elegantly dressed tables, soft lighting, and a full-service bar, the steakhouse serves a menu of thick house-butchered cuts of USDA choice steaks, free-range chicken and pork, fresh seafood and a range of vegetarian options, created by Executive Chef Mario Giuliani. The full-service bar has an extensive menu of fine wines with over 785 selections around the world, which can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle, craft beers on tap or by the bottle, and handcrafted cocktails. The Fireside Chophouse is open for dinner only, seven nights a week.
718 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Phone: 414-223-2200
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: