Best Lasagna in Greater Milwaukee: The Ultimate Guide

Seeking the perfect lasagna?

The Milwaukee area has over 40 exceptional options across the metro area, from award-winning neighborhood trattorias serving generations-old recipes to convenient take-and-bake sources for busy weeknights. This comprehensive guide covers the best dine-in restaurants by geographic area plus top sources for unbaked lasagna to finish at home—organized to help families plan efficient outings throughout Milwaukee, the North Shore, and surrounding counties.

Best Restaurants

North Shore communities

The primarily residential North Shore communities have fewer dedicated Italian restaurants than Milwaukee's urban neighborhoods, but several excellent options either within or immediately adjacent to these areas deliver outstanding lasagna in family-friendly settings.

Calderone Club Fox Point

8001 N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point, WI 53217 | (414) 352-9303

The standout lasagna destination in the North Shore communities, this family-owned favorite has served Fox Point for over 30 years. Their Mama Rosa's Lasagna ($24.50) features tender noodles layered with premium Certified Angus Beef® bolognese sauce and melted mozzarella—a recipe from the original East Side restaurant that remains a house favorite.

• Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 4–9pm, Friday–Saturday 4–10pm, Sunday 4–8pm (closed Monday)

• Family features: Checkered-tablecloth atmosphere, outdoor patio, gluten-free pizza crust available, parking lot on-site

• Special notes: Award-winning meatballs (#1 in Milwaukee, 2012), original thin-crust recipe dating to 1945

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, online ordering available

Zaffiro's Pizzeria North Shore

11700 N Port Washington Rd, Mequon, WI 53092 | (262) 241-8484

Located at Marcus North Shore Cinema, this Bartolotta Restaurant group location pairs excellent homemade lasagna ($20.00) with convenient dinner-and-movie outings. The beef lasagna comes with garden salad and Italian bread—perfect for families heading to a film.

• Hours: Monday 12:30–10pm, Tuesday 10am–10pm, Wednesday–Thursday 12:30–10pm, Friday–Sunday 10am–10pm

• Family features: Movie theater location, casual pizzeria atmosphere, kids and seniors save before 4pm

• Special notes: Famous since 1954 for "Thincredible®" thin-crust pizza

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, Uber Eats delivery available

Carini's La Conca D'Oro

3468 N Oakland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211 | (414) 963-9623

Just south of Shorewood, this authentic Sicilian restaurant delivers what reviewers call "the best restaurant lasagna I've ever had." Owner Pietro Carini immigrated from Sicily's fishing village of Porticello in 1966, and his scratch kitchen uses a wood-fired Acunto Mario oven imported from Naples.

• Lasagna: Layered with bolognese, parmesan, and mozzarella (approximately $15–20)

• Hours: Wednesday–Thursday 3–8pm, Friday–Saturday 3–9pm, Sunday 3–8pm (closed Monday–Tuesday)

• Family features: Traditional Southern Italian atmosphere, owner personally greets guests, half-price wine bottle nights

• Special notes: Established 1996, 900°F Neapolitan pizzas fired in 90 seconds

Sala Modern Sicilian Dining

2613 E Hampshire St, Milwaukee, WI 53211 | (414) 964-2611

Steps from Shorewood's border, Sala offers modern Sicilian cuisine with a take-and-bake family option perfect for busy families. Their Bolognese ($33) features veal, pork, beef, pancetta, and prosciutto stewed in tomato sauce over penne.

• Hours: Tuesday–Wednesday 8am–2pm & 3–9pm, Thursday–Saturday 8am–2pm & 3–10pm (closed Sunday–Monday)

• Family features: Over 20 years in business, locally sourced ingredients, outdoor patio, gluten-free pasta available

• Take-and-bake option: Bolognese with Caesar Salad feeding 4 adults for $75

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, delivery to immediate area

Lisa's Pizzeria

2961 N Oakland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211 | (414) 332-6360

This casual neighborhood pizzeria near Shorewood offers Italian appetizers and pasta dishes in a relaxed setting perfect for families with kids. Known primarily for paper-thin crispy-crust pizza, their Italian menu includes lasagna options.

• Hours: Monday–Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–9pm

• Family features: Mom-and-pop atmosphere, no reservations needed, gluten-free pizza available

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes

Milwaukee city neighborhoods serve the metro's deepest lasagna selection

Milwaukee's diverse neighborhoods house the region's greatest concentration of Italian restaurants, from fine-dining establishments to beloved neighborhood institutions.

Bay View delivers three exceptional Italian destinations

Tenuta's Italian Restaurant | 2995 S Clement Ave | (414) 431-1014

Named "Best Italian Restaurant" since 2015, Tenuta's serves family recipes from Cesare and Antonia Tenuta, who immigrated from Southern Italy in 1961. Their Classic Lasagna ($16–19) features seasoned beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce with fresh homemade noodles.

• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 4–10pm (closed Monday)

• Family features: White-tablecloth dining with tea lights, outdoor sidewalk seating, happy hour 4–6pm Tuesday–Thursday, Wednesday wine night ($10 off bottles)

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, curbside pickup and delivery available, catering services

Santino's Little Italy | 352 E Stewart St | (414) 897-7367

In a beautifully remodeled 130-year-old building, Santino's brings Brooklyn NY vibes to Bay View with a 6,000-pound Italian woodfired oven and pizza ranked 46th best in North America. Their Sunday Lasagna Special includes lasagna with salad (approximately $22).

• Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 4–8pm, Friday–Saturday 4–9pm, Sunday 4–8pm (closed Monday)

• Family features: Dog-friendly patio, owners Greg and Santo personally greet guests, old Italian movies on TV

• Special notes: Uses Caputo 00 flour, Grande mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes; reservations highly recommended

• Rating: 4.9 stars on OpenTable

Sorella | 2535 S Kinnickinnic Ave | (414) 301-6255

"Sorella" means "sister" in Italian, and this spot blends New Jersey Italian heritage with Midwest charm. Their Seared Baked Ziti features Neapolitan short rib and onion ragù with béchamel—a lasagna-style experience that's become a neighborhood favorite.

• Hours: Monday–Thursday 5–8:30pm, Friday–Saturday 5–10pm, Sunday 5–8pm

• Family features: Happy hour specials, outdoor seating with heat lamps, parking in library lot after hours

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, catering available

West Allis claims Wisconsin's best-rated lasagna

Capri di Nuovo | 8340 W Beloit Rd | (414) 543-5510

This community staple since 1972 has been ranked best lasagna in Wisconsin by multiple sources. Their Classic Lasagna (under $20) is made fresh to order—never reheated—and available gluten-free. Reviewers describe it as "tremendous value with 100% Nonna taste."

• Hours: Monday–Thursday 3–8pm, Friday 3–10pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–8pm

• Family features: Cozy dining room with covered patio, good for groups and kids, wheelchair accessible

• Special notes: Family-owned where "the food speaks for itself," recipes years in the making

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes

Mama Mia's | 8533 W Greenfield Ave | (414) 475-0400

A Milwaukee tradition since 1954, Mama Mia's offers their famous lasagna at $15.99—layers of pasta and meat sauce topped with baked mozzarella. They also serve Vegetarian Lasagna with marinara, ricotta, asiago, and spinach. The real draw: Buy One, Get One at Half Price lasagna specials.

• Family features: Near State Fair Grounds, lunch buffet, family night specials (large 3-topping pizza, 2 garlic breads, pitcher of soda for $34.25), All You Can Eat Pasta for $13.50

• Special notes: 20- and 30-year team members still on staff; signature garlic bread dipped in 100% Wisconsin butter

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, online ordering; can request unbaked or parbaked for take-and-bake

Barbiere's delivers the best lasagna value in metro Milwaukee

Barbiere's Italian Inn operates two locations serving what many consider the best-value lasagna in Wisconsin.

Bluemound Location | 5844 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee | (414) 453-3800

• Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 11am–9pm (closed Monday–Tuesday)

South Milwaukee Location | 1021 Milwaukee Ave, South Milwaukee | (414) 764-1234

Their meat lasagna runs just $10.25 à la carte or approximately $20 as a full dinner with minestrone soup, antipasto salad, two garlic breads, and spumoni ice cream. Layers of fresh mozzarella, noodles, and mushrooms swim in Barbiere's signature meat sauce—a "cheese lover's dream" that arrives bubbling hot. Veggie Lasagna also available at $10.25.

• Kids menu: Pasta bowls from $4.50–7.00

• Party pans: Pan lasagna with 4 garlic breads for $50

• Family features: Private party rooms, large bar room, Health Score 100/100

• Special notes: Founded 1963; world-famous garlic bread made fresh with double-dipped dough

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, DoorDash available

Wauwatosa ranges from upscale to classic neighborhood Italian

Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 | 7616 W State St | (414) 771-7910

The flagship of The Bartolotta Restaurants offers Traditional Lasagne Verdi—house-made spinach pasta baked with béchamel and bolognese meat ragù—as part of their customizable four-course prix fixe menu. Executive Chef Juan Urbieta leads a kitchen that's earned the prestigious Marchio Ospitalità Italiana certification for authentic "Made in Italy" quality.

• Hours: Daily 5–9pm

• Family features: Historic brewery building, La Terrazza outdoor courtyard in summer, dress code casual/business casual

• Special notes: Strictly Italian wine list, 4.8 stars from 3,377 OpenTable diners; ideal for special family celebrations

• Reservations: Strongly suggested

Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante | 812 N 68th St | (414) 475-1414

Family-owned since 1968, Balistreri's serves classic lasagna alongside what's been voted Milwaukee's best thin-crust pizza. Their warm, inviting atmosphere works equally well for families, date nights, or group celebrations.

• Family features: Holiday decorations create festive ambiance, voted Best Late-Night Food

• Special notes: A+ Better Business Bureau rating, one of Milwaukee's top five fish fries

• Second location: 6501 W Bluemound Rd

Downtown and Third Ward offer urban Italian excellence

Calderone Club Downtown | 842 N Old World 3rd St | (414) 273-3236

The original Calderone Club serves their signature Lasagna alla Bolognese ($16.95–19.95) in a convenient location near Deer District, perfect for pre-game family dining. Decades-old recipes use imported ingredients and fresh organic produce.

• Hours: Varies—call ahead; closed Sunday–Monday

• Family features: Classic checkered-tablecloth atmosphere, excellent for pre-event dining

Onesto | 221 N Broadway, Historic Third Ward | (414) 291-0888

"Onesto" means "honest" in Italian, and this Third Ward favorite delivers honest-to-goodness handmade pasta. Frequently named among Milwaukee's best Italian, their seasonal rotating pasta preparations include lasagna-style offerings.

• Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday–Saturday extended

• Family features: Casual atmosphere with elegant service, second-floor private event space, European bistro-feel patio

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, catering available

East Side serves authentic Italian market and restaurant dining

Glorioso's Italian Market | 1011 E Brady St | (414) 272-0540

This historic Italian market on Brady Street offers hot deli meals including individual homemade lasagna portions (typically under $10). Family-owned since 1946 and named Wisconsin Family Business of the Year 2007, Glorioso's delivers authentic Italian at neighborhood prices.

• Hours: Monday–Friday 9am–7pm, Saturday 8am–6pm, Sunday 8:30am–5pm

• Family features: Best Italian on a budget, great for grabbing hot meal or Italian groceries

• Special notes: Four generations of family recipes, full catering services available

Surrounding counties expand the lasagna landscape

Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties offer excellent Italian restaurants worth the drive for North Shore families seeking variety.

Waukesha County serves the suburbs' strongest Italian concentration

Mia's Italian Restaurant | 800 Clinton St, Waukesha | (262) 547-6503

Downtown Waukesha's Italian standout offers three distinct lasagna preparations. Their Famous 5-Layer Lasagna ($19) layers pasta, meat sauce, and creamy mozzarella baked in a personal crock. For something special, try Mia's Vintage Lasagna ($24)—a recipe from 1936 featuring ricotta, Italian sausage, and marinara that's "shockingly delicious."

• Spinach Lasagna: $22 with sweet baby spinach, ricotta, pasta, and mozzarella

• Hours: Opens 4pm daily (hours vary)

• Family features: Legendary garlic bread ($3.50) made with 100% Wisconsin butter, extensive menu variety

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, DoorDash, carryout, catering

Michael's Italian Restaurant | 1400 S Grand Ave, Waukesha | (262) 290-4330

Serving pizzas since 1955, this old-school neighborhood institution offers lasagna ($23.75) layered with a special three-cheese blend and Michael's meat sauce. Their Pasta Platter ($22.60) lets indecisive diners sample half lasagna plus ravioli and fettuccine alfredo.

• Hours: Opens 3:30pm daily

• Family features: Vinyl booths, uniformed waitresses, kid-friendly environment, regulars' atmosphere

• Takeout: Pickup via Slice app

Bravo Italian Kitchen | 95 N Moorland Rd, Brookfield | (262) 785-0858

This upscale-casual spot in Brookfield offers Classic Lasagna (approximately $15.99) with signature meat sauce, house-made alfredo, ricotta, and mozzarella. Their Pasta Sampler at the same price lets families try lasagna alongside shrimp scampi and pasta woozie.

• Hours: Lunch daily 11am–4pm; dinner until 9–11pm depending on day

• Family features: Roman-ruin décor, outdoor terrace, kids menu, happy hour, reservations accepted

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, DoorDash, curbside pickup, catering for 10+

La Tavola Italiana | 161 Wisconsin Ave, Pewaukee | (262) 696-4301

Opened in 2024 across from Pewaukee Lakefront beach, this modern Italian spot offers Lasagna di Carne and praised Lasagna Rolls with lake views. Chef Llazar Konda brings fresh, light Italian fare with gluten-free options.

• Hours: Monday–Thursday 4–9pm, Friday–Saturday 4–10pm (closed Sunday)

• Family features: Indoor and outdoor seating with lake views, pets allowed at outdoor tables

Lago Su Bella | 126 W Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc | (262) 354-3440

Featured on America's Best Restaurants, this lakefront gem on Lac La Belle delivers homemade pasta and fresh seafood (never frozen). The name means "on a beautiful lake"—perfect for special family celebrations.

• Hours: Sunday, Tuesday–Thursday 4–8:30pm, Friday–Saturday 4–9:30pm (closed Monday)

• Family features: Stunning lakefront views, reservations available 14 days in advance

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, curbside pickup and delivery to surrounding areas including Delafield

Johnny Manhattan's Italian Steakhouse | 3718 Hubertus Rd, Hubertus | (262) 628-7700

This DiRoNA Award-winning establishment near Holy Hill combines Italian specialties with supper club charm. Located in the Kettle Moraine, it's worth the drive for families seeking a unique dining experience. Multiple private dining rooms accommodate celebrations.

• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 4–8:30pm (closed Sunday–Monday)

• Family features: "Jeans and helmet hair welcome," multiple unique dining rooms, outdoor patio

• Special notes: 26+ years in business, known for hosting Erin Hills golf pros

• Reservations: OpenTable available

Ozaukee County offers intimate Italian in charming downtowns

Zarletti Mequon (Salotto Zarletti) | 1515 W Mequon Rd | (262) 241-5990

Designed by renowned restaurateur Brian Zarletti, this Critics' Choice Top 30 restaurant features an Acunto wood-burning oven imported from Italy. Their house-made Bolognese—slow-stewed veal, beef, and pork ragù finished with cream—delivers sophisticated Italian in a setting that welcomes families.

• Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 4–8pm, Friday–Saturday 4–9pm, Sunday 4–8pm (closed Monday)

• Family features: Private room for events, patio dining, indoor fireplace, gluten-free options marked

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, contactless curbside pickup, catering

Mequon Pizza Company | 12020 N River Rd, Mequon | (262) 242-5917

This family-owned spot built on a legacy serves Homemade Meat Lasagna (available gluten-free) in a casual, relaxed atmosphere where all ages feel at home. Known for their unique thick tavern-style pizza with sauce atop the cheese.

• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 4–9pm (closed Monday)

• Family features: Outdoor seating, good for kids, order at bar

• Special notes: Outstanding Friday fish fry, homemade chips popular

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, online ordering, catering for parties

The Pasta Shoppe | 323 N Franklin St, Port Washington | (262) 284-9311

Family-owned for nearly 40 years, this Sicilian family restaurant serves Mike's Homemade Meat Lasagna with homemade marinara sauce, handmade meatballs, and fresh buttery garlic bread. Walking distance to Lake Michigan makes it perfect for family outings.

• Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Sunday 4:30–8:30pm (closed Tuesday)

• Kids menu: White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Ravioli

• Weekly specials: Kids eat free with adult entrée, $10 off wine bottles Thursdays, Friday Italian-style fish fry

• Family features: Dog-friendly outdoor tables, kids can draw on tables, free parking behind building

• Takeout/Delivery: Yes, DoorDash

Tomaso's Cedarburg | W63N688 Washington Ave area | (262) 377-7630

A Cedarburg institution since 1976, Tomaso's has earned "Best Pizza in Ozaukee County" recognition. Their signature style puts cheese directly on crust for crispy results. Italian dishes including pasta round out the menu.

• Family features: Gluten-free options and whole wheat dough available, excellent garlic bread

Washington County options remain limited but growing

Vino con Volo Bar and Italian Kitchen | 110 Wisconsin St, West Bend

Opened June 2021 to fill a gap for local Italian in West Bend, this downtown spot offers Italian dishes including pasta entrees. Indoor and patio seating in a welcoming atmosphere—favorites include blackened swordfish and crème brûlée.

• Hours: Opens daily at 4pm

Part Two: Best Take-and-Bake Lasagna Sources

For busy families wanting restaurant-quality lasagna without the restaurant, these sources offer unbaked or partially baked lasagna to finish at home.

Italian markets and specialty grocers lead the take-home category

Glorioso's Italian Market | 1011 E Brady St, Milwaukee | (414) 272-0540

Since 1946, Glorioso's has been Milwaukee's premier source for Italian prepared foods. Their frozen section stocks individual homemade lasagna portions, while larger family-sized options are available through their catering department.

• Hours: Monday–Friday 9am–7pm, Saturday 8am–6pm, Sunday 8:30am–5pm

• Ordering: Walk-in for individual portions; call for larger orders

• Quality notes: Four generations of family recipes, Wisconsin Family Business of the Year 2007

Sendik's Food Market | Multiple locations including Bayside (340 W Brown Deer Rd)

Sendik's Fresh2GO offers convenient Grab N Go Family Meals featuring 2.5 lbs of lasagna, 1 lb green beans and mushrooms, and 7 oz garlic bread—serving approximately four. Available in Beef, Four Cheese, or Spinach varieties, all prepared with Sendik's marinara and imported cheeses.

• Ordering: Walk-in for grab-and-go; advance ordering for catering quantities

• Locations: Bayside, Marquette, Greendale, and others

• Special notes: Family-owned since 1926; detailed heating instructions on website

Restaurants offering explicit take-and-bake options

Mama Mia's West Allis | 8533 W Greenfield Ave | (414) 475-0400

The most explicit take-and-bake option among Milwaukee restaurants. Their meat lasagna ($15.99) can be ordered unbaked or parbaked—meat sauce is pre-cooked, so you're just finishing the bake at home.

• Catering sizes: Small pan (serves ~15) or large pan (serves ~30)

• Ordering: Online through Toast, call, or walk-in; request "unbaked" when ordering

• Also available: Spinach Lasagna with marinara, ricotta, asiago, and spinach

Sala Modern Sicilian | 2613 E Hampshire St, Milwaukee | (414) 964-2611

Their Take & Bake Family Meal features Bolognese with Caesar Salad feeding 4 adults for $75—restaurant-quality Sicilian cuisine ready for your oven.

• Ordering: Call (414) 964-2611

Zarletti Downtown | 741 N Milwaukee St | (414) 225-0000

This fine-dining establishment offers full and half trays of handmade take-and-bake lasagne featuring northern Italian style with house-made pasta.

• Ordering: Pre-order required by calling (414) 225-0000

Restaurant carryout and catering sources

Tenuta's Italian Restaurant | 2995 S Clement Ave, Bay View | (414) 431-1014

Their mother's lasagna recipe—one of the founding dishes—is available through Tenuta's To Go from their satellite kitchen. Family Meals feeding 4 adults run $49.99, and full catering services are available.

• Ordering: Call (414) 431-1014; carryout and curbside pickup 4–9pm daily

Barbiere's Italian Inn | Bluemound: (414) 453-3800 | South Milwaukee: (414) 764-1234

Party pans of their signature lasagna with 4 garlic breads run $50—enough for large family gatherings. Their generous, cheesy preparation travels well for home serving.

• Ordering: Call ahead for carryout; catering available

Calderone Club | Fox Point: (414) 352-9303

Professional catering services include their signature Certified Angus Beef® lasagna. Contact the Fox Point location specifically for event planning.

Balistreri's | Wauwatosa: (414) 475-1414 | Bluemound: (414) 348-5183

Meat Lasagna (layered with three Italian cheeses, seasoned beef, mushrooms, and signature sauce) and Vegetable Lasagna (grilled eggplant, zucchini, peppers, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella) available for carryout.

• Bonus: They'll prepare half-baked pizza for your freezer upon request

Charlie's Catering Company | (414) 570-7500 | charliescateringcompany.com

This professional caterer offers multiple lasagna varieties at $12.10 per person including salad, Italian bread, and cookies: Homemade Meat with Cheese, Vegetarian (layered with veggies and white cheese sauce), and White Cheese Sauce with Italian Sausage.

• Ordering: Call or order online; two-day notice typically required

• Delivery: Throughout greater Milwaukee (5% gratuity after 3:30pm and Saturdays)

Budget-friendly warehouse option

Costco | Multiple Milwaukee-area locations (membership required)

For maximum value, Costco's Kirkland Signature frozen lasagna delivers quality comparable to homemade. Their Italian Sausage & Beef twin pack (two 3-lb trays) runs $16.99—each tray serves 4–6. Cook from frozen at 375°F for approximately 65 minutes.

• Perfect for: Stocking freezer for last-minute family meals or large gatherings

Quick Reference: Best Lasagna by Category

Best overall value: Barbiere's Italian Inn ($10.25 à la carte)

Best family atmosphere: Calderone Club Fox Point, Mia's Waukesha, The Pasta Shoppe Port Washington

Best for special occasions: Ristorante Bartolotta (Wauwatosa), Lago Su Bella (Oconomowoc)

Best vegetarian option: Mama Mia's Spinach Lasagna, Balistreri's Vegetable Lasagna

Best take-and-bake convenience: Mama Mia's (explicit unbaked option), Sendik's Grab N Go

Best authentic Italian: Carini's La Conca D'Oro, Glorioso's Italian Market

Best for large family gatherings: Barbiere's party pans, Charlie's Catering, Costco

Conclusion

Milwaukee's lasagna landscape rewards exploration, with meaningful differences in style, portion size, and value across the metro area. Barbiere's delivers unbeatable value at $10.25 per serving, while Capri di Nuovo in West Allis has earned recognition as Wisconsin's best. For North Shore families, Calderone Club Fox Point combines convenient location with 30+ years of family recipes, and Zaffiro's North Shore pairs well with movie outings.

Take-and-bake seekers should note that Mama Mia's explicitly offers unbaked lasagna—a rarity among restaurants—while Glorioso's and Sendik's provide reliable grab-and-go options. For catering quantities, Charlie's Catering at $12.10 per person including sides offers professional convenience.

The best approach for families: bookmark this guide, then work through it geographically as you explore different parts of the metro. Each neighborhood has its own Italian character worth discovering.