19 Best Italian Restaurants in Milwaukee

“Our first trip to Zarlettis downtown Milwaukee was very enjoyable. My husband and I celebrated our 38th anniversary here and were greeted with two glasses of complimentary champagne. Very nice touch. Our server was outstanding and made sure we were taken care of at all times. I chose the bolagnese with the housemade papparadelle pasta. So deliscious! Hubby had the short ribs over risotto and they were outstanding. We also shared a pancetta shrimp skewer, a pear gorgonzola salad and had the creamy chickpea soup. A very nice meal followed by a shared house made tiramisu. I would put this one in my top 5 list and I eat tiramisu every chance I get when available. We also were served bread with traditional olive oil, pepper and parmesan. Given it was a celebration we also enjoyed a nice bottle of pinot grigio and a barolo special red. The restaurant was cozy and perfect for our celebration. Thanks to all the staff for treating us so well. We would visit again for sure!“

“Fried zucchini and steaks are very good so is the spaghetti very friendly people“

“Everything was excellent. We were seated promptly in the upper level, and the atmosphere was very nice - not too loud and very cozy. We were a party of 8 and ordered a variety of entrees. Everyone was very happy with what they selected. The service was great, and our waitress went above and beyond by going outside in the cold to take our picture on the front steps. Would definitely go back.“

“My food was absolutely delicious. I went for brunch and ordered the El Mexicano Bowl. I highly recommend this place. It’s nice to see a great restaurant finally take over the old Trocadero building.“

“Very good food, great service. Drove 45 mins out of my way to try this place, will be back!“

“Just ate here with my girlfriend's and it was very good. service was excellent and food was delicious! Adding some pics“

“Great stuffed pizza. One of our favorite restaurants for many years.“

“I love the pizza but it seems like the sauce was different. did they change the sauce?“

“The best chicken parm I've ever had.“

“an amazing dining experience! food and wine list on point, and the atmosphere is amazing! 10 out of 10 would recommend!“

“This was my first time there with friends. The food was great. We'll be back again.“

“My best friend and I have been visiting for 8+ years, since we were 14/15 years old! The fusilli is our absolute favorite, and we never go without a cheeseboard or the flourless chocolate cake. We have always had great service and it has made every celebration worth visiting Onestos! ❤️“

“I had heard great things and had never been. Was heading to see a show at the Marcus Center last night and we opted for dinner here. Being a foodie, I had asked for recommendations in some of my foodie groups. I heard the meatball appetizer was a must have. It wasn’t on the menu for some reason, and I’m glad I asked as Frank, our awesome bartender/server who is in the family didn’t realize it wasn’t. I have zero idea how you get meatballs light, fluffy, not dense, but these were them. And the sauce! Beyond fresh, light, and delicious. Eggplant Parmesan fries were also super light and served with the same delicious sauce. And then the pasta… Capellini alla Caprese (which was Frank’s recommendation). From their menu: “Handmade angel hair pasta tossed with sweet Roma tomatoes, genuine Prosciutto di Parma ham and an Italian soffritto (olive oil, onion and garlic), finished in a light chardonnay-cream sauce and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.” This was also super clean, light, and just delectable. The bruschetta appetizer we did not order, but the people next to us did, and I asked to take a pic. It looked amazing, and the girls eating it absolutely raved. The tiramisu - not much to say other than chefs kiss! I literally want to go back and try everything on their menu. This was for sure one of my favorite new (to me) places and I will be back for sure! Also a shoutout to the other bartender Shea… she was an absolute gem. All of the staff we met were super friendly and helpful. Love places like this!“

“Absolutely fantastic. I ordered on a whim , en route home from work. I never heard of the place before , but it slapped harder than nonna with a hot spoon. The food was ready before the pick up time. And it was phenomenal. Would smash again. Definitely. 🤌🏻🤌🏻“

“This restaurant serves up authentic Italian food and reasonably priced. My favorite is meatballs with red sauce and angel hair pasta which combine to make a great dinner. This restaurant is family friendly. I highly recommend reservations.“

“Centro Cafe has been our favorite date night spot for years - the food is always fresh and delicious, the atmosphere is lovely and quaint, and the drinks are amazing too! They have the best Negroni in Milwaukee and we love their rocket salad so much we started making a version of it ourselves at home. Great gluten-free options as well. Truly such a gem!“

“Pizza was decent but average in the sense that it definitely wasn’t bad but it also wasn’t amazing or anything. I thought it was a twinge salty and could’ve used just a little more flavor, the owner was really nice though.

There didn’t appear to be any kind of eating area so don’t expect that.

This place isn’t bad, I recommend checking it out if you’re at the nearby beach and hankering for some pizza.“

“One of the BEST restaurants in the entire city! The food was worth traveling for alone. Some of the freshest and most flavorful food there is to offer. Caleb, the General Manager, greeted us upon arrival and made sure we were well taken care of. The atmosphere of the place was warm and cozy, yet had a modern and lively feel. It made it so hard to leave after enjoying such a lovely meal and time with friends. We will be coming back many times in the near future.“