Milwaukee Surprises with new Culinary Focus

Trendy Bistros and Cafes Give Flair to Downtown's Milwaukee Street

Jul 7, 2009

In the last few years, Milwaukee has into a travelers destination. The culinary scene reflects this with the cafes of Milwaukee St. leading the restaurant revolution.

Milwaukee's culinary contributions to the world are brats, cheese and German fare, and for the longest time the restaurants catered to these traditions. But in the last three years an exciting explosion of cafes, bistros and fine dining establishments have transformed Milwaukee into a destination even a die-hard foodie will love. And nowhere does the trendy dining revolution shine brighter than on Milwaukee Street located in the heart of downtown.

Walking along Milwaukee Street between Mason and Wisconsin Streets will take the visitor on a culinary journey across the globe in just one block.

Far East Cuisine Perfected by a James Beard Nominated Chef

Named best new Asian restaurant in the city, Umami Moto(718 N. Milwaukee, 414-727-9333) is a chic black and white space that looks like it came straight from New York. Chef Dominic Zumpano, a James Beard nominee is bringing a bit of Iron Chef creativity to Brew City. The menu features creative seasonal items like the Tat Soi, an innovative salad showcasing a wasabi and vodka marinated salmon with a fantastic honey Dijon sorbet, and signature dishes like Ahi Tuna (the restaurant is the only one in Wisconsin to carry the highest grade ahi available). Those on a budget should try the $5 sushi roll specials on Thursdays.

Where's the Beef? The best in Milwaukee is Here

Next door, Carnivore (724 N. Milwaukee, 877-566-7409) elevates Wisconsin’s meat and potato sensibility to a new level. The contemporary steakhouse is the only restaurant in the city serving only prime cuts of meat, in addition to domestic and Japanese Kobe beef. It won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2008.

Authentic Latin and Cuban Dining Hotspots

Stepping across the street is like stepping across the border at Charro(729 N. Milwaukee, 414-431-5557). While the décor is dark and almost foreboding, the food is light, bright and Latin influenced with ceviches and classic dishes like pollo con plantain and ropa vieja. The restaurant offers recession busters like two-dollar tacos on Sundays.

The Latin flavor fusion continues at Cubanitas (728 Milwaukee 414-225-1760), Milwaukee’s first Cuban restaurant. The Epicurious can feast on traditional dishes like the Cuban sandwich or try entrees like Lechon Asado (roasted pork) or Camarones (shrimp). Pair either with intriguing sides like tostones (fried green plantains) or yucca con mojo, a root vegetable nicknamed the Spanish potato. Dine on the tiny sidewalk patio if the weather is nice.

Round out the evening at Indulge (708 N. Milwaukee, 414-390-9463), a wine bar featuring flights of red, whites and sparkling wine paired with cheese, chocolates or charcuterie. This intimate wine bar is owned Marc Bianchini whose wife runs Cubanitas.

Dining around Milwaukee Street will show even the food snob in a group that Milwaukee has morphed into a city that celebrates its culinary traditions, but also plays homage to the tastes and styles of today.

The copyright of the article Milwaukee Surprises with new Culinary Focus in Wisconsin Travel is owned by Dena Braun. Permission to republish Milwaukee Surprises with new Culinary Focus in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.