Yes, Milwaukee said goodbye to some much-beloved bars and restaurants this year, but it also welcomed many promising newcomers. From the city’s first fully Burmese restaurant to a laid-back oyster bar to inclusive third spaces that serve food and drinks all day, more than two dozen promising places to eat, drink, gather and relax opened in the area this year. 

In order of opening date, here are new bars and restaurants that opened in Milwaukee in 2025. 

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What if 2026 became the year you explored the best restaurants in Metro Milwaukee, one bite at a time?

I’ve got your number. This guide highlights 52 locally-owned restaurants within the Milwaukee Metro area. That’s one per week offering something unforgettable—whether it’s a standout dish, a comforting favorite or a restaurant that surprises and delights. 

Supporting local restaurants is more important than ever. These eateries are the heart of our communities, creating connection, sustaining jobs and keeping Metro Milwaukee’s dining scene vibrant and inventive. Every meal you share helps these businesses thrive.

This list wasn’t put together at random; in fact, it was literally a year in the making. When I consider which restaurants to include, I’ve noted their consistency, the creativity and seasonality of their offerings and overall experience. I’ve made it a point to include a combination of new restaurants and long-standing favorites. I’ve also tried to include both pricier and more affordable options and aspired to include a balanced number from various neighborhoods. 

Each week during the year, I’ll feature one restaurant from the list, sharing updates on seasonal dishes, special events and must-try menu items. The full 52 Restaurants list is also republished every Sunday, and you can download this handy old-school paper version to keep on your fridge or in your wallet.

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Are you a fan of variety? Then you’ll love this year’s lineup of the best restaurants that opened in the Milwaukee area in 2025. 

Newcomers that stood out from the rest all had delicious food and excellent service, but I also gave bonus points to those that delivered something different to Milwaukee’s dining scene, whether with the type of food they serve, the creativity of the menu, or offering a new kind of dining experience to their neighborhood. 

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There’s more than one way to ring in the new year, whether it’s a family-friendly outing or a wine-paired dinner. Some of the best restaurants and venues in the Milwaukee area will serve a special menu or offer a unique activity.

Here’s where to go and what to do on New Year’s Eve.

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The Inn has been open for nearly a year in downtown Hartland and recently expanded service to include lunch Thursday through Saturday.

Owners Matt Armistead and Maddie Armistead helped transform the former Max Meier’s Hartland Inn, which closed in 2019 after a fire broke out in the kitchen and damaged the inside of the building, into a modern eatery with a scratch menu of dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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New Year’s Eve is on its way, and if the countdown to 2026 feels like just one more thing to plan on your busy holiday list, we’ve got you covered. No matter your plans, all night or by day, here’s how to New Year’s Eve your way. Here’s where to be when the ball drops in MKE.

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If you hear the words “food” and “Wisconsin” and all your brain comes up with is cheese, well, no one would blame you. But despite the nickname, America’s Dairyland state has much more culinary variety to offer. To find out firsthand, make your way to the adorable village of Hartland, just 20 miles from Milwaukee, where you’ll discover an array of delicious restaurants. From Italian food to Mexican cuisine to steak and beyond, this charming hidden-gem town of under 10,000 residents punches well above its weight class when it comes to quality eats.

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HARTLAND — After three decades of working in kitchens in London and Los Angeles, chef Matt Armistead was ready to open his own restaurant with wife, Maddie, — and what that looks like is a miso-glazed salmon served with brown rice, kimchi and a romesco sauce in a bowl; duck leg confit with braised cabbage and potato rosti; and a wood-fired blueberry pound cake with whipped cream and berries…

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Thanksgiving Day is Nov. 27, and area restaurants, resorts and caterers will be open for dine-in, or offering bakery, pies, sides, and full meals to go. Use this list to make a reservation, or pre-order something special to complement your holiday dining…

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner! This year, leave the cooking to the pros at one of Milwaukee’s outstanding restaurants. Enjoy the best turkey day feast you’ve ever had in the warm ambiance and hospitality of a restaurant or savor delectable dishes with your loved ones at home (maybe even pass those mashed potatoes as your own – we won’t tell!). Save yourself the mess and stress this Thanksgiving at one of these local businesses offering dine-in and carry-out service around Milwaukee and get to gobblin’…

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