Our lasts visit, contrary to almost all other visits, both diners ordered fare that did not have the tomato based dishes that we thought was a little overwhelming upon our last visit. WOW we were blown away with the great flavor, temperature, etc. I will continue supporting Tess as often as I can.
Joseph Cassidy
First time in, Friday night for two of us for a friend’s birthday. Everything was superb, food was so delicious, staff was very accommodating. Friendly and helpful service from my questions over the phone before booking, to altering our reservation, to dinner service with our wonderful server Moi, to serving my carry-in cake. Homemade bread was excellent and their tomato sauce was out of this world. I got the cioppino he got the ravioli and we just kept raving about the sauce. 5 stars highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: San Francisco Cioppino, Crab Cake, House Made Ravioli
Daniel Pieper
Amazing food and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin P.
I had tickets at the Oriental Theater and wanted to try a fish fry in the area. I started digging and came across Tess. It's a little off the beaten path, tucked away on Bartlett. I browsed their menu online on a Sunday and spent all week looking for the upscale fish fry. The entree is two tempura battered barramundi filets, several lemon wedges, and Asian slaw, and sweet potato fries. I was blown away by the taste. Everything was perfection, including my clam chowder. Since I was alone, I took a spot at the bar. They had a nice tray to accommodate the rail on the bar and make my area even. Everything was timed perfectly. The atmosphere is upscale yet cozy. The dining room only holds a few tables but there are three tables in the bar as well as a patio when the weather is nice. Overall, I had a nice time. This is a nice spot for date night or if you want a quiet spot to have a drink alone.
Mike R.
The food is really good and the service very attentive and friendly. It was very close to a five star rating but my wife and I each had something on our plates that should have been hot but wasn't (like warm mashed potatoes aren't my favorite). I would try it again, the place it cute and comfortable in a neighborhood setting.
Scott W
First time here. Was recommended by some friends and we were not disappointed. Make a reservation, for 6pm and got in right away. We were the only customers at that time, and a few other tables filled up later.The waitress (Jada)did a great job of getting us seated and settled in. Gave us plenty of information about the menu and specials. Got the special Pesto Sea Bass which was amazing. Service was efficient, but we did not feel rushed. The rest of the meal was all very good.We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jay Benaderet
Every time is somehow better than the last. Truly perfect from start to finish. Beer dinners are a MUST.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Faroe Island Salmon, Red Quinoa Spinach Salad, Duck Breast, Pork and Fideo, San Francisco Cioppino, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Cumin Rubbed Barramundi, Mole Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Pork Al Pastor Spring Rolls, Strawberry Salad, Creme Brulee, Crab Cake, Grilled Scottish Salmon, Steamed Mussels, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Peruvian Style Salmon Crudo, Butter Mashed Potatoes, House Made Ravioli, Lamb Ragu, Braised Chicken Stew
Aaron F
The food was so good I almost hesitate to let the world in on a gem of a place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kevin Schanz
Great wait staff and bar. I go for the pork belly! Good
A+ entrees, great beer wine and bourbon selection, extremely pleasant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh Wenthold
went for a beer dinner. exceptional food, and the pairings were creative and fun. highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Margaret English
I would say this is my favorite restaurant in Milwaukee. The staff is friendly and I’ve always loved my food. Prices seem to have increased a tiny bit recently (as it has everywhere) but it is still a great deal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt Schabo
Food was great. The butterscotch budino was amazing. Also had the pork belly and it was so good. We had the fish fry and it was quite good. Service was a bit slow so I gave them a 4 star on
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Courtnie Korpela
Every bite and sip was superb along with the service and ambience. We ordered everything gluten free and will be sure to return in the future. Wonderful date night!Parking: Easy to find a spot up frontDietary restrictions: Many gluten free options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: San Francisco Cioppino, Strawberry Salad, Flourless Chocolate Cake
Our lasts visit, contrary to almost all other visits, both diners ordered fare that did not have the tomato based dishes that we thought was a little overwhelming upon our last visit. WOW we were blown away with the great flavor, temperature, etc. I will continue supporting Tess as often as I can.
First time in, Friday night for two of us for a friend’s birthday. Everything was superb, food was so delicious, staff was very accommodating. Friendly and helpful service from my questions over the phone before booking, to altering our reservation, to dinner service with our wonderful server Moi, to serving my carry-in cake. Homemade bread was excellent and their tomato sauce was out of this world. I got the cioppino he got the ravioli and we just kept raving about the sauce. 5 stars highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: San Francisco Cioppino, Crab Cake, House Made Ravioli
Amazing food and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had tickets at the Oriental Theater and wanted to try a fish fry in the area. I started digging and came across Tess. It's a little off the beaten path, tucked away on Bartlett. I browsed their menu online on a Sunday and spent all week looking for the upscale fish fry. The entree is two tempura battered barramundi filets, several lemon wedges, and Asian slaw, and sweet potato fries. I was blown away by the taste. Everything was perfection, including my clam chowder. Since I was alone, I took a spot at the bar. They had a nice tray to accommodate the rail on the bar and make my area even. Everything was timed perfectly. The atmosphere is upscale yet cozy. The dining room only holds a few tables but there are three tables in the bar as well as a patio when the weather is nice. Overall, I had a nice time. This is a nice spot for date night or if you want a quiet spot to have a drink alone.
The food is really good and the service very attentive and friendly. It was very close to a five star rating but my wife and I each had something on our plates that should have been hot but wasn't (like warm mashed potatoes aren't my favorite). I would try it again, the place it cute and comfortable in a neighborhood setting.
First time here. Was recommended by some friends and we were not disappointed. Make a reservation, for 6pm and got in right away. We were the only customers at that time, and a few other tables filled up later.The waitress (Jada)did a great job of getting us seated and settled in. Gave us plenty of information about the menu and specials. Got the special Pesto Sea Bass which was amazing. Service was efficient, but we did not feel rushed. The rest of the meal was all very good.We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Every time is somehow better than the last. Truly perfect from start to finish. Beer dinners are a MUST.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Faroe Island Salmon, Red Quinoa Spinach Salad, Duck Breast, Pork and Fideo, San Francisco Cioppino, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Cumin Rubbed Barramundi, Mole Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Pork Al Pastor Spring Rolls, Strawberry Salad, Creme Brulee, Crab Cake, Grilled Scottish Salmon, Steamed Mussels, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Peruvian Style Salmon Crudo, Butter Mashed Potatoes, House Made Ravioli, Lamb Ragu, Braised Chicken Stew
The food was so good I almost hesitate to let the world in on a gem of a place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great wait staff and bar. I go for the pork belly! Good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee
Best Salmon I’ve ever
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
A+ entrees, great beer wine and bourbon selection, extremely pleasant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
went for a beer dinner. exceptional food, and the pairings were creative and fun. highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I would say this is my favorite restaurant in Milwaukee. The staff is friendly and I’ve always loved my food. Prices seem to have increased a tiny bit recently (as it has everywhere) but it is still a great deal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was great. The butterscotch budino was amazing. Also had the pork belly and it was so good. We had the fish fry and it was quite good. Service was a bit slow so I gave them a 4 star on
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Every bite and sip was superb along with the service and ambience. We ordered everything gluten free and will be sure to return in the future. Wonderful date night!Parking: Easy to find a spot up frontDietary restrictions: Many gluten free options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: San Francisco Cioppino, Strawberry Salad, Flourless Chocolate Cake