Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Milwaukee | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Milwaukee | Upscale Italian Food

• Peter Sciortino's Bakery — Italian · rated 5/5: Step into a world where the sweet, nostalgic scent of toasted anise and buttery dough lingers in the air, drawing you toward counters brimming with golden-brown treasures. From the delicate, almond-scented crunch of amaretti to the flaky, fruit-filled layers of traditional kolacky and oversized bear claws, every bite celebrates the time-honored artistry of classic baking. Whether you are selecting a sugar-dusted turnover for a morning treat or a pound of crisp biscotti to share, this neighborhood gem offers a warm, sensory journey through the heart of an authentic Italian bakery.
• Ann's Italian Restaurant — Italian · rated 5/5: Ann’s Italian Restaurant captures the nostalgic essence of a classic neighborhood haunt, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of toasted garlic and simmering marinara. Tables are laden with golden-fried treasures and bubbling cheese-topped breads, offering a comforting journey through time-honored favorites like tender sautéed calamari and crisp, breaded eggplant. It is a place where the simple joy of a shared shrimp cocktail or a basket of hand-battered onion rings turns a casual meal into a warm, soul-satisfying celebration of tradition.
• Cold Spoons Gelato — Italian · rated 4/5: This vibrant gelateria invites guests into a world of frozen artistry, where the air is sweet with the scent of freshly churned cream and sun-ripened fruit. Silky scoops of decadent chocolate panna cotta and salted caramel offer a rich, velvety indulgence, while zesty bursts of pink grapefruit and mango sorbet provide a refreshing, citrus-bright finish to every visit.
• Maggio's Wood Fired Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: The warm glow of a wood-fired oven serves as the heart of this inviting neighborhood spot, where the air is thick with the irresistible aroma of bubbling mozzarella and toasted garlic bread bites. Artisanal Margherita pizzas with perfectly charred crusts share the table with hearty meatball sandwiches and vibrant Caprese salads, creating a rustic feast that celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients.
• Scordato Bakery Inc — Italian · rated 4/5: The air inside this artisanal sanctuary is thick with the comforting perfume of toasted yeast and caramelized sugar, drawing guests into a world of golden-brown perfection and flour-dusted charm. Masterfully laminated pastries shatter into buttery shards at the first bite, while rustic, hearth-baked loaves offer a satisfying crunch that gives way to airy, tender interiors. It is a neighborhood treasure where the timeless craft of the oven transforms simple ingredients into an elegant symphony of texture and warmth.
• Tanino's Restaurant — Italian · rated 4/5: Tanino’s Restaurant captures the spirited essence of a neighborhood gathering spot, where the sizzle of the fryer and the aroma of savory spices create an instantly welcoming atmosphere. Guests dive into overflowing baskets of golden-brown haystack onions and zesty jalapeno poppers, sharing plates of crispy calamari and tender chicken wings that celebrate the simple joy of perfectly executed comfort food.
• Nini's Pizzeria — Italian · rated 4/5: Nini's Pizzeria is a welcoming neighborhood haunt where the air is thick with the savory perfume of toasted garlic and the irresistible pull of bubbling cheese. Guests gather over baskets of golden-fried treasures, from crispy breaded mushrooms to molten mozzarella sticks, each bite offering a satisfying crunch and a nostalgic taste of comfort. It is a lively, unpretentious space designed for sharing, where every steaming platter invites lingering conversation and the simple joy of classic, indulgent snacks.
• Marco's "World Famous" Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: The air is thick with the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted crust, drawing guests into a lively space where the spirit of a classic neighborhood pizzeria thrives. Golden, hand-tossed pies emerge from the oven laden with vibrant toppings, ranging from the garden-fresh crunch of the Veggie to the bold, savory medley of the "Everything But Anchovies" special. Generous meal deals and a welcoming atmosphere make it a quintessential destination for shared feasts, where the simple joy of a perfectly melted cheese slice brings friends and families together.
• Organ Piper Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: Step into a whimsical wonderland where the thunderous melodies of a massive Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ fill the air, accompanied by a theatrical display of dancing puppets and shimmering lights. Families gather around checkered tablecloths to share piping hot, thin-crust pizzas and frosty pitchers, all while the floorboards hum with the vibrant energy of live musical performances that turn every meal into a nostalgic spectacle.
• Cafe La Scala — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into Cafe La Scala feels like entering a refined European salon, where the air is thick with the rich scent of roasted espresso and the gentle hum of sophisticated conversation. Artfully plated dishes bring together the timeless elegance of Italian-inspired bistro fare with contemporary flair, served amidst polished accents and a theatrical charm that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether for a pre-theater bite or a lingering afternoon retreat, the space glows with an inviting warmth that captures the essence of classic continental dining.
• Zarletti — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into Zarletti feels like an escape to a refined corner of Northern Italy, where crisp white linens and warm, polished wood create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. The air carries the enticing scent of slow-simmered ragùs and hand-rolled pasta, each plate a masterclass in regional authenticity that balances rustic soul with elegant presentation. It is a place where the clink of wine glasses and the hum of intimate conversation invite guests to linger over the art of a perfectly paced, soulful Italian meal.
• Classic Slice — Italian · rated 4/5: Classic Slice captures the nostalgic charm of a neighborhood parlor, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of bubbling mozzarella and garlic-infused tomato sauce. Oversized, hand-tossed pies emerge from the ovens with perfectly charred, foldable crusts, inviting guests to pull up a stool at the flour-dusted counter for a quintessential urban dining experience. This vibrant corner spot celebrates the timeless art of the pizza, blending unpretentious warmth with the irresistible crunch of a golden-brown crust.
• Egg & Flour Pasta Bar - Bay View — Italian · rated 4/5: This lively Bay View destination celebrates the art of the noodle, where the rhythmic toss of fresh pasta meets an atmosphere of modern, industrial warmth. Guests gather over pillowy mounds of burrata and golden, crusty loaves before diving into bowls of silk-smooth carbonara or herb-forward pesto campanelle that showcase the unmistakable bite of house-made dough. Every plate, from the rich, slow-simmered bolognese to the nostalgic comfort of Wisconsin mac and cheese, captures a soulful balance of casual ease and culinary precision.
• Walker's Pint — American · rated 4/5: This spirited neighborhood anchor pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible scent of golden-crust pizzas and the convivial clink of mini pitchers shared among friends. Whether sipping a chilled Deep Eddy can or a towering cocktail, diners find a welcoming retreat where salty bar snacks and cold drinks transform a casual night out into a vibrant social tradition.
• Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company - Bay View Cafe — Italian · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams through the windows of this industrial-chic roasting house, where the rhythmic hum of the roaster and the rich, toasted aroma of small-batch beans create a vibrant neighborhood sanctuary. From the high-voltage energy of their signature Atomic Blend to the velvety complexity of a perfectly pulled Mind Tonic espresso, every cup celebrates the craft of the roast in a space that feels both raw and deeply welcoming. Whether you are seeking the organic warmth of Donut's Friend or the dark, lingering depth of Midnight Oil, it is a place where the city’s coffee culture comes alive over shared tables and steaming mugs.
• Puddler's Hall — American · rated 4/5: Steeped in neighborhood charm, Puddler’s Hall invites guests into a lively, historic atmosphere where the comforting aroma of bubbling cheese and golden, oven-fired crusts fills the air. The kitchen balances timeless classics with bold, inventive flavors, topping artisanal pizzas with everything from traditional savory meats to the vibrant heat of peach habanero sausage and zesty chicken giardiniera. Whether gathering for a hearty Meatball Monday or a mid-week panini, diners find a warm, communal retreat where every bite celebrates the spirit of a true local haunt.
• Angelo's Piano Lounge — Italian · rated 4/5: Soft candlelight flickers against the polished mahogany of a grand piano, casting a warm glow over an intimate space where the timeless melodies of live jazz mingle with the rhythmic shake of a cocktail tin. Guests sink into velvet banquettes to sip expertly crafted martinis and savor refined small plates, enveloped in an atmosphere of old-world glamour that turns every evening into a soulful celebration.
• Pizza Man — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into this vibrant neighborhood haunt, guests are greeted by the irresistible aroma of toasted crust and savory herbs wafting from a kitchen fueled by passion and high-heat ovens. The space balances a nostalgic charm with a bustling energy, serving up hand-stretched pizzas topped with molten cheese and garden-fresh ingredients that turn every meal into a celebration of simple, soulful flavors.
• Pizzeria 3301 — Italian · rated 3/5: Step into a vibrant culinary workshop where the art of the crust takes center stage, offering a global tour of textures from the delicate shatter of European pastry-style dough to the charred, smoky bubbles of a wood-fired Italian base. The air hums with the warmth of the hearth as artisanal flatbreads and golden-brown strombolis emerge from the heat, each bite delivering a perfect balance of hearth-baked crunch and savory, melted toppings. It is a destination where pizza is elevated to a craft, inviting diners to explore a diverse landscape of doughs that range from ultra-thin, "screamin'" Sicilian styles to thick, rising masterpieces.
• Gouda's Italian Deli — Italian · rated 3/5: Stepping into this bustling neighborhood deli feels like a nostalgic retreat where the air is thick with the savory perfume of aged provolone and freshly sliced Italian meats. Towering sandwiches like the bold Tommy Gun and the elegant Greta Garbo are piled high on crusty bread, offering a masterclass in Italian-American comfort that turns a simple lunch into a storied, flavorful feast.
• Stella Van Buren — Steakhouse · rated 3/5: Perched high above the city streets, this sun-drenched sanctuary blends modern sophistication with the soulful warmth of an Italian-inspired steakhouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping urban views as the kitchen turns out charred, prime cuts and silken handmade pastas, creating a glamorous atmosphere where polished service meets the comforting clink of a perfectly stirred bourbon cocktail.
• Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub — American · rated 3/5: Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub hums with the spirited energy of a classic neighborhood hangout, where the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese and golden-fried appetizers fills the air. Guests dive into shareable platters of crispy "frickels," zesty buffalo wontons, and towering nachos, all while crafting their own custom pizzas in an atmosphere that celebrates the simple joy of good company and comforting, salt-of-the-earth flavors.
• Scaffidi's Hideout — Italian · rated 2/5: Tucked away like a well-kept secret, this quintessential neighborhood haunt hums with the low-lit charm of a classic tavern where the "Champagne of Beers" flows freely. Guests gather around the weathered bar for ice-cold pours from quarter barrels of Miller Lite and High Life, finding a timeless sanctuary where the simple pleasure of a crisp lager and easy conversation takes center stage.
• IL MITO Trattoria e Enoteca — Italian: IL MITO Trattoria e Enoteca welcomes guests into a soulful, candlelit haven where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered tomato soup and savory meatballs evokes the warmth of a traditional Italian kitchen. The table becomes a canvas of vibrant flavors, featuring everything from the crisp crunch of fried calamari and herb-stuffed mushrooms to the elegant, paper-thin layers of beef carpaccio. This spirited enoteca invites lingering conversations over a grand "Seafood Symphony" or a curated cheese plate, perfectly capturing the timeless romance of a Mediterranean evening.
• Beto's Pizza — Italian: Beto's Pizza hums with a vibrant energy where the comforting scent of toasted dough mingles with the smoky, zesty aromas of slow-roasted Al Pastor and savory Carne Asada. This lively spot reimagines the classic pizzeria by topping golden, bubbling crusts with bold Mexican-inspired ingredients like the spice-kissed Aztec specialty alongside timeless, cheese-laden favorites. It is a place where tradition and innovation collide, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for those seeking a fresh, flavorful twist on the ultimate comfort food.
• D'sign Pizza — Italian: D’sign Pizza invites diners into a sleek, modern space where the artistry of dough-making takes center stage amidst a backdrop of contemporary design and warm, ambient lighting. Bubbling artisanal pies emerge from the heat with perfectly charred crusts, topped with a vibrant mosaic of fresh ingredients that balance bold, innovative flavors with timeless tradition. It is a destination where every slice feels like a curated masterpiece, offering a sophisticated yet soulful approach to the classic pizzeria experience.
• Wy'East Pizza — Italian: Stepping into Wy'East Pizza feels like a warm embrace after a day in the mountains, where the scent of charred dough and bubbling cheese fills a space inspired by the rugged beauty of the Cascades. Each hand-stretched pie, from the spicy Ring of Fire to the earthy Trailhead, arrives with a perfectly blistered crust that mirrors the volcanic landscapes of its namesakes. It is a neighborhood sanctuary where artisanal craft and local soul converge, inviting guests to linger over slices that celebrate the wild, adventurous spirit of the Northwest.
• Caradaro Club Pizza — Italian: This legendary Milwaukee institution welcomes diners into a warm, nostalgic atmosphere where the storied legacy of the city’s original thin-crust pizza comes to life. Each golden, cracker-thin pie emerges from the oven with a satisfying crunch, layered with a signature savory sauce and a rich blanket of melted cheese that stretches across every square-cut piece. It is a timeless neighborhood gathering spot where the simple joy of a perfectly crisped crust and a cold drink creates an enduring sense of community and comfort.
• Brick 3 Pizza — Italian: The air at Brick 3 Pizza is thick with the irresistible scent of charred dough and bubbling mozzarella, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the energy of a classic pizzeria meets modern urban flair. Artisanal pies emerge from the oven with perfectly blistered crusts and bold toppings, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to a symphony of savory sauces and premium melted cheeses. It is a welcoming neighborhood retreat where the simple, timeless joy of a well-crafted, foldable slice takes center stage.
• State Street Pizza Pub — Italian: This lively downtown destination pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of golden, bubbling mozzarella and hand-stretched dough crisping to perfection. Friends gather beneath the glow of big screens to share towering specialty pies and frosty pints of craft ale, creating a symphony of laughter and clinking glasses. It is a place where the high-octane spirit of a sports bar meets the soulful comfort of a neighborhood pizzeria, offering a warm, communal atmosphere for every social occasion.