The Complete Guide to Italian Food in Greater Milwaukee

Milwaukee's Italian food scene runs deep, rooted in generations of immigrant families who brought Sicilian, Neapolitan, and northern Italian traditions to Wisconsin's shores. From a pizzeria firing pies at 900°F to century-old bakeries on Brady Street, this guide covers every essential Italian dining experience across the greater Milwaukee area—fine dining destinations, neighborhood trattorias, legendary pizza joints, authentic delis, and the gelaterias worth crossing town for.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, craving a casual weeknight dinner, or hunting for the perfect cannoli, this comprehensive resource will help you navigate Milwaukee's rich Italian culinary landscape. We've organized everything by category with complete details on hours, pricing, specialties, and what makes each establishment unique.

Fine dining destinations for special occasions

Milwaukee's upscale Italian scene rivals major metropolitan areas, anchored by James Beard connections and authentic Italian government certifications that few American restaurants can claim.

Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993

Address: 7616 W. State Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Phone: (414) 771-7910
Website: bartolottas.com/ristorante-bartolotta
Hours: Daily 5:00-9:00 PM
Price Range: $$$$

This Wauwatosa Village landmark represents the pinnacle of Italian dining in Wisconsin. Founded by restaurateur Joe Bartolotta and his brother, James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta, the restaurant holds Marchio Ospitalità Italiana certification—an honor bestowed by the Italian government recognizing authentic "Made in Italy" quality outside of Italy itself.

Nestled in a historic brewery building, the intimate dining room features family photos and an unpretentious elegance that's earned 4.8 stars from over 3,300 OpenTable reviews. The signature "Un Viaggio in Italia" rotating menu explores different Italian regions monthly—currently featuring Emilia-Romagna. Don't miss the Lasagne Verde (house-made spinach pasta with bechamel and bolognese) or Pappardelle al Ragu d'Anatra (hand-crafted Tuscan ribbons with slow-braised duck). Seasonal white truffle supplements run $80-$130.

The outdoor "La Terrazza" courtyard opens in warmer months. Reservations are required with a 15-minute grace period policy. Business casual dress code applies. Long-time customers have returned for 30+ years—many calling it their anniversary tradition.

Ca'Lucchenzo Pastificio & Enoteca

Address: 6030 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Phone: (414) 312-8968
Website: calucchenzo.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5:00 PM-close
Price Range: $$-$$$

This intimate pasta shop-meets-wine bar has become Milwaukee's most romantic Italian destination. Owners Zak and Sarah Baker—both former Ristorante Bartolotta staff—named it after their dogs Luca and Enzo. The glassed-in pasta-making area lets guests watch their dinner come to life.

Sarah, formerly wine director at c.1880, hand-selects every bottle on the extensive Italian wine list. The ever-changing seasonal menu pays homage to regional Italian dishes: Tagliatelle Verde al Ragù Bianco (spinach pasta with white veal ragù), Malloreddus Sardo (Sardinian gnocchi with lamb ragu and anchovy breadcrumbs), and Arancino Al Cuore Di Fonduta (fontina-stuffed risotto fritters). Sarah's homemade tiramisu and dark chocolate-hazelnut tart finish meals beautifully.

Reviewers consistently describe the atmosphere as "transcending you to Europe without leaving your hometown." Book well in advance via Tock—this intimate spot fills quickly, especially for Valentine's Day and anniversaries.

Zarletti

Address: 741 N. Milwaukee Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 225-0000
Website: zarletti.net
Hours: Dinner service (closed Dec 24-25 and New Year's Day)
Price Range: $$$-$$$$

Chef-owner Brian C. Zarletti brings Northern Italian focus to downtown Milwaukee, drawing on his grandmother's kitchen lessons and extensive Italian travels since 2004. The Ravioli ai Zucca (butternut squash with sage brown butter) and Tagliata alla Fiorentina (sliced NY strip with arugula) showcase the refined, ingredient-driven approach.

Zarletti hosts regular wine dinners featuring visiting Italian winemakers from houses like Garesio Barolo and Speri. Patio dining available seasonally. The restaurant also sells artisan Italian imports—olive oils, honey, pasta, and wine—directly to diners.

Safina

Address: 785 N. Jefferson Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 488-9578
Website: safinamke.com
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4:00-9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 4:00-10:00 PM
Price Range: $$

The Safina family—patriarch Giovanni and sons Giuseppe, Sal, and David—carries the legacy of legendary Giovanni's restaurant, which anchored Brady Street from 1977-2007. Giovanni himself still greets tables personally at this cozy Cathedral Square spot.

Sicilian classics dominate: Momma's Vesuvio (chicken with herby sauce, peas, potatoes), Melanzana Fritte (fried eggplant with marinara), and the Pasta with Pistachio Pesto featuring guanciale and toasted breadcrumbs. Wednesday Spedini Night brings special pricing. The space features wood and marble finishes with rustic-modern ambiance—though it can get loud when full, so arrive early for intimate conversation.

Reservations via OpenTable carry a $20/person fee for no-shows within 24 hours. Private dining on the second-level "La Loggia" accommodates 20-50 guests.

Additional fine dining options

Stella Van Buren (550 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee) brings Italian steakhouse elegance to the Westin Hotel with Linz Heritage Angus Reserve cuts, housemade pastas, and stunning city views. Ranked #1 for Romantic Italian on TripAdvisor. $$$-$$$$

IL MITO Trattoria e Enoteca (6913 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa) features Chef Michael Feker—a Food Network "Guy's Grocery Games" competitor—offering robust Italian-Mediterranean cuisine with cooking classes at the Chef's Counter. $$-$$$

Onesto (221 N. Broadway, Milwaukee) brings modern Italian to the Historic Third Ward with handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a dog-friendly patio featuring a special menu for four-legged friends. $$-$$$

Il Cervo (atop The Trade Hotel, Deer District) offers panoramic views from Fiserv Forum to the Milwaukee River, featuring dry-aged Florentine-style steak, wood-grilled octopus, and house-made mozzarella. $$$-$$$$

Casual trattorias and neighborhood favorites

These family-owned establishments serve the Italian-American comfort food Milwaukee craves—generous portions, recipes handed down through generations, and the warm hospitality that makes you feel like family.

Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante

Wauwatosa Location: 812 N. 68th Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Bluemound Location: 6501 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53213
Phone: (414) 475-1414 / (414) 348-5183
Website: balistreris.com
Price Range: $$

Family-owned since 1968, Balistreri's has earned an A+ BBB rating and countless local awards across 55+ years. The legendary thin-crust pizza—crafted by artisans with years of training—consistently earns "Milwaukee's Best" recognition. House-made cheese produced on-site tops every pie.

Beyond pizza, the mushroom risotto, linguine carbonara, and veal Marsala showcase the family's Sicilian heritage. The Friday Fish Fry (11am-11pm) features golden breaded perch, walleye, and top-rated cod—ranking among Milwaukee's top five. Sunday brunch brings steak and eggs with bakery-fresh sides.

The "time-warpy" atmosphere transports you to classic Italian-American dining. Signature ice cream drinks make perfect endings. Voted Best Late-Night Food by Milwaukee Magazine—perfect for post-event meals. Shuttle services available to Milwaukee sporting events.

Tenuta's Italian Restaurant

Address: 2995 S. Clement Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207 (Bay View)
Phone: (414) 431-1014
Website: tenutasitalian.com
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 4:00-10:00 PM
Price Range: $$ ($12-$24)

When Cesare and Antonia Tenuta immigrated from southern Italy in 1961, they brought recipes their son Frank would eventually open this Bay View gem with in 2002. The five-meat Bolognese simmers all day, and the carpaccio has been called "the best ever" by multiple reviewers.

Seasonal highlights include Zucca (butternut squash ravioli with crunchy kale) and the Agnello pasta (lamb meatballs, Calabrian chilies, tomato cream). The tiramisu repeatedly earns "best in the city" praise. Wednesday Wine Night offers $10 off every bottle; happy hour runs 4-6 PM Sunday-Thursday.

The intimate space welcomes solo diners at the bar with newspapers and books. Voted "Best Italian Restaurant" since 2015. The family still lives in Bay View and contributes to neighborhood activities.

Carini's La Conca d'Oro

Address: 3468 N. Oakland Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 963-9623
Website: atouchofsicily.com
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 3:00-8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 3:00-9:00 PM; Sunday 3:00-8:00 PM
Price Range: $$

Chef-owner Peter Carini arrived from Porticello—a fishing village near Palermo—in 1966, learning to cook from his mother. After 50 years in Milwaukee kitchens (starting at the Milwaukee Athletic Club), he opened this authentic Sicilian destination in 1996.

The 900°F Acunto Mario wood-fired oven imported from Naples fires pizzas in 90 seconds. The arancini (deep-fried Sicilian rice balls), melanzane fritte, and octopus salad transport diners to Sicily. The seafood pasta is a house specialty. Peter's homemade marinara sauce sells by the jar for home cooking.

Note: The restaurant was listed for sale in 2023 as the owner approaches retirement—visit while you can experience this authentic gem. Half-price wine bottles on Sundays.

SALA Modern Sicilian Dining

Address: 2613 E. Hampshire Street, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 964-2611
Website: saladining.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (dinner from 3:00 PM; coffee/breakfast from 8:00 AM)
Price Range: $$

For over 20 years, SALA has served the upper East Side with recipes from the Gentile, D'Amico, and Balistreri families. Chef Anthony Balistreri creates both traditional and innovative dishes—including the unexpected SALA Tonkotsu Ramen made with three-day pork bone broth.

The five-meat Bolognese (beef, pork, veal, prosciutto, and pancetta) and chicken Marsala consistently earn acclaim. Stone-fired pizzas, oysters Rockefeller, and an extensive wine list round out the menu. The chef grows herbs in a Hampshire Street greenhouse; a summer garden near Holy Hill provides seasonal produce.

Valet parking ($5) available Thursday-Saturday. Cozy neighborhood vibe that feels like "visiting Sicily."

Caterina's Ristorante

Address: 9104 W. Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee/West Allis, WI
Phone: (414) 541-4200
Website: caterinasristorante.com
Hours: Daily 4:00-9:00 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$

Antonio "Tony" Ingrilli emigrated from Capo d'Orlando, Sicily in 1964, starting to make pizza at age 17. He opened Caterina's in 1982; son Tony Jr. took over in 2003—now celebrating over 40 years of family service.

Think of it as an Italian supper club: every dinner includes a complimentary antipasto tray (mortadella, salami, pepperoni, fontina, aged provolone, homemade garbanzo salad), plus bread, homemade soup or salad, and a side of pasta or potato. The lobster tail (16-20 oz cold water), Alaskan king crab, and 18 oz veal porterhouse showcase the kitchen's ambition. Prime rib appears Saturdays only; BBQ Baby Back Ribs on Wednesdays.

Friday Fish Fry features pan-fried lake perch or walleye pike. Reservations required for parties of 7+.

More casual Italian favorites

Calderone Club (842 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee) uses the original 1945 Caradaro Club pizza recipe—the oldest in Wisconsin—alongside award-winning meatballs and supper club-style service. Perfect pre-Bucks dining. $$

That's Amore Italian Cafe (5080 S. 108th St., Greenfield) won 2024 Top Choice for Milwaukee's Best Italian based on 66,000+ votes. Three private party rooms accommodate up to 100 guests. $$

Dorsia (Brady Street, Milwaukee) brings modern Italian with signature pasta flights—pick 2, 3, 4, or all varieties including piccante, duck carbonara, and pesto. Gluten-free options available. $$

Sorella (2535 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Bay View) serves Southern Italian with East Coast inflection—cauliflower cacio e pepe, cavatelli with "Monday Sauce," and outstanding broccolini pizza. $$

Milwaukee's pizza scene spans every style

Milwaukee developed its own distinctive cracker-thin tavern-cut style while also embracing Neapolitan traditions, New York slices, and creative contemporary approaches. The city claims one of only four VPN-certified pizzerias in Wisconsin.

San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana — VPN Certified

Address: 838 N. Old World 3rd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: (414) 276-2876
Website: sangiorgiopizza.com
Price Range: $$-$$$

The only VPN-certified (Vera Pizza Napoletana) pizzeria in Milwaukee, San Giorgio follows strict Italian standards under CIA Hyde Park-trained Chef Gino Fazzari. The Stefano Ferrara wood-fired oven fires at 900°F, cooking pizzas in 70-90 seconds with naturally fermented dough.

The Margherita showcases San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte mozzarella, Parmigiano, and fresh basil. The Doppia Calabrese—oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, double spicy soppressata, smoked mozzarella with hot honey drizzle—is highly recommended. The star-shaped Americana features ricotta-stuffed crust with Neapolitan ragu and Ezzo cup pepperoni.

Buzzing atmosphere near Fiserv Forum makes this ideal for pre-game dining. Extensive Italian wine list accompanies the pizza menu. 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor (#59 of 935 Milwaukee restaurants).

Zaffiro's Pizza & Bar — Milwaukee Institution

Original Location: 1724 N. Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
North Shore Location: 11700 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI
Phone: (414) 289-8776
Website: zaffirospizza.com
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM (Closed Wednesday)
Price Range: $-$$

Founded in 1954 by brothers John and Liberio "Bobby" Zaffiro, this is the "granddaddy of Milwaukee-style pizza." The cracker-thin crust, sliced (never grated) cheese, and secret sauce have served five generations of families. Celebrities, sports figures, and politicians frequent the original Farwell location.

The Special—cheese, sausage, mushrooms, onions—remains the signature. The Zaffiro's Salad piles lettuce, tomato, olives, pepperoncini, onions, mozzarella, peppers, mushrooms, and pepperoni. Spaghetti special on Mondays; Friday fish fry. The cozy, old-school bar features red checkered tablecloths and pink neon lights.

The Mequon location at Marcus North Shore Cinema brings the tradition to the suburbs—perfect for dinner and a movie.

Santino's Little Italy — Nationally Ranked

Address: 352 E. Stewart Street, Milwaukee, WI 53207 (Bay View)
Phone: (414) 897-7367
Website: santinoslittleitaly.com
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4:00-8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 4:00-9:00 PM; Sunday 4:00-8:00 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$

Ranked #46 best pizza in North America, Santino's occupies a beautifully restored 130-year-old building with a 6,000-pound Italian wood-fired oven. Owners Santo Galati (whose parents immigrated from Italy in the 1950s) and Greg Huber use Caputo 00 flour, Grande mozzarella, and San Marzano tomatoes with fresh-cut cherry wood from northern Wisconsin.

The atmosphere evokes "old school Brooklyn"—dark, mysterious, intimate, with a Genco Olive Oil Importer sign (The Godfather II reference) over the front door. The 10 oz Bocce Ball Meatball with marinara, asiago, ricotta, and kalamata olives is legendary. A bocce ball court adds to the experience while Italian movies stream on TV.

4.8/5 from 275+ OpenTable diners. Reservations highly recommended, especially weekends.

Ian's Pizza — Creative Slices

Downtown: 146 E. Juneau Avenue (Pizza-cade with 16 arcade games)
East Side: 2035 E. North Avenue
Story Hill: 5300 W. Bluemound Road
Website: ianspizza.com
Hours: Varies by location; open until 2:00-2:30 AM Friday-Saturday
Price Range: $-$$

Madison-born Ian's has become a Milwaukee institution for giant New York-style slices with creative toppings. The famous Mac n' Cheese Pizza started as a joke—now it's a signature. Smokey the Bandit (chicken BBQ), Buffalo Mac N Cheese, and rotating slice-of-the-week specials keep regulars returning.

Extensive vegan options include Fall Out Boy drummer Andy Hurley's signature vegan pizza. The downtown "Pizza-cade" location features 16 classic arcade games—perfect for late-night crowds after bar hopping.

Additional pizza destinations

Flourchild Pizza (722 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee) uses heirloom flour and Wisconsin cheese for creative pies like Curd Your Enthusiasm (cheese curds, pickled peppers) and Crab Rangoon Pizza. Retro décor with stunning full-wall mural. $$-$$$

Transfer Pizzeria Café (101 W. Mitchell St., Milwaukee) offers 30+ stone-baked varieties including the famous Dill Pickle Pizza in a historic pharmacy building. Live jazz Tuesdays and Thursdays. Excellent gluten-free options. $$

Classic Slice (2797 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Bay View) serves "mindbogglingly massive" New York slices plus Detroit-style pan pizza. House-made soy cheese for vegans. Board games and arcade classics create hipster Bay View vibes. $-$$

Brick 3 Pizza (1107 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee) brings authentic New York style with massive slices open until 3:00 AM on weekends. Perfect for post-bar pizza runs. $-$$

Pizza Man (2597 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee) has served Milwaukee since 1970, destroyed by arson in 2010, and rebuilt in 2013. Recently reopened September 2024 under new ownership with upscale renovations and an extensive wine list. $$-$$$

Pizzeria Piccola (7606 W. State St., Wauwatosa) from the Bartolotta Restaurant Group has offered Neapolitan wood-fired pies since 2003. Also at Mitchell Airport. $$

Italian markets, delis, and specialty shops

Milwaukee's Brady Street corridor preserves the heart of Italian-American heritage, with generational businesses offering imported goods, fresh-made products, and authentic flavors you can't find elsewhere.

Glorioso's Italian Market

Address: 1011 E. Brady Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 272-0540
Website: gloriosos.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM; Sunday 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Price Range: $$

Family-owned since 1946, Glorioso's began when brothers Joe, Eddie, and Ted Glorioso returned from WWII with just a 150-pound wheel of provolone and $2,000. Nearly 80 years later, it's ranked #1 of 923 restaurants in Milwaukee on TripAdvisor with a 4.8/5 rating from 677+ reviews.

The fresh handmade sausage uses Nonno Felice's secret family recipe, made daily. House marinara simmers on the stove continuously. The famous "Trio's" pizza bakes to perfection in-house. Other essentials include the Milwaukee Muffaletta sandwich, extensive imported olive oils, in-house gelato, imported cheeses and deli meats, fresh and frozen pasta, Italian cookies and pastries, and the Glorioso's Family Collection wines.

The expanded modern store preserves old-world charm with family photos spanning four generations. Indoor/outdoor café seating available.

Note: The market temporarily closed in October 2025 due to a second-floor fire. Call ahead to confirm reopening status.

Peter Sciortino Bakery

Address: 1101 E. Brady Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 272-4623
Website: petersciortinosbakery.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7:00 AM-4:00 PM; Sunday 7:00 AM-1:00 PM
Price Range: $

Established in 1948, this is Milwaukee's oldest remaining Italian bakery. Peter and Grace Sciortino founded it; the Vella family (longtime employees Maria, Joe, and Luigi) purchased it in 1997 and maintain the traditions.

The legendary "wall of cookies" features Italian specialties that are "always sooo fresh." Fresh Italian breads bake from scratch daily—the quality supplies Fonzarelli's and other local restaurants. Don't miss the Sfincione Siciliano (Sicilian-style pizza with breadcrumbs, cheese, onions, anchovies, oregano)—it sells out quickly. Sunday hot ham and rolls are a tradition that also sells out fast.

Named "Milwaukee's Best Bakery" by Shepherd Express and OnMilwaukee.com. Nationwide shipping available via priority mail.

G. Groppi's Food Market

Address: 1441 E. Russell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207 (Bay View)
Phone: (414) 747-9012
Website: groppis.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM-8:00 PM; Sunday 7:00 AM-7:00 PM
Price Range: $$

Bay View's premier specialty grocery since 1913—over 110 years of continuous operation. This historic establishment combines a full-service deli with Italian sandwiches, butcher department, in-house bakery, produce section, and extensive liquor/wine selection with tastings.

Customers describe it as "a cute old school Italian grocer with a deli, hot bar and lots of amazing snacks—a foodie's dream!" The bar and patio are popular for casual weekend visits. Online ordering available through Square.

Scardina Specialties

Address: 715 E. Locust Street, Milwaukee, WI (Riverwest)
Phone: (414) 395-3369
Website: scardinas.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Price Range: $ ($9-$17 sandwiches)

Authentic Sicilian recipes handed down through the Scardina family define this Riverwest deli. The Sassiza Originale ($11) features mild Italian sausage with house-made vinaigrette. The Chicago Combo ($16) layers roast beef, spicy Italian sausage, giardiniera, and marinara—available "dipped." The Sicilian Steak ($17) is a breaded choice beef steak with house vinaigrette.

Fresh pasta dishes include spaghetti and meatballs ($14) and Pasta alla Norma (rigatoni with fried eggplant). House-made tiramisu ($8) and cannoli ($4) finish meals perfectly.

Scordato Bakery

Address: 5011 W. Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53220
Phone: (414) 327-8555
Website: scordatobakery.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 7:30 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday 7:30 AM-4:00 PM; Sunday 7:00 AM-1:30 PM
Price Range: $ (~$18.95/lb for specialty cookies)

Customers call this "the best authentic Italian bakery I've found in all of Wisconsin." The extensive Italian cookie selection includes gluten-free Italian Macaroons, Vanilla and Chocolate Bon Bons, Apricot Tea Cookies with rum flavor, Limoncello Cookies, Anise Toast, and Pipatelli (crunchy almond-filled with light spice).

Known especially for custom cakes including elaborate wedding cakes. Fresh Italian bread and rolls bake daily.

Gelato and Italian desserts

Milwaukee's gelato scene includes a nationally recognized destination and several neighborhood gems crafting authentic Italian frozen desserts.

Divino Gelato Café — USA Today's Best

Address: 227 W. Main Street, Waukesha, WI 53186
Phone: (262) 446-9490
Website: divinogelatocafe.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12:00-9:00 PM; Friday 12:00-10:00 PM; Saturday 11:00 AM-9:30 PM; Sunday 12:00-9:00 PM
Price Range: $-$$

Recognized by USA Today as the best gelato in the country, this Waukesha destination has served over 220+ authentic artisan flavors since owner Lori Lester founded it in 2003. Made and served fresh daily with 40+ employees across multiple locations.

Popular flavors include Blood Orange Sorbetto, Coffee with Heath, Cookies and Cream, and the signature Romeo & Juliet. Macarons (Birthday Cake, Raspberry), coffee drinks, and gelato shakes round out the menu. Pints available for take-home.

Customers compare it favorably to Italian gelato—"Gelato as good as we found in Italy!" 4.7/5 on TripAdvisor, ranked #14 of 138 Waukesha restaurants. DoorDash delivery available.

Cold Spoons Gelato

Address: 5924 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208 (Washington Heights)
Phone: (414) 727-9457
Website: coldspoonsgelato.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 4:30-9:00 PM; Saturday 12:00-9:00 PM; Sunday 12:00-8:00 PM
Price Range: $

This neighborhood gem near the Milwaukee County Zoo makes all 24 ever-changing flavors on-site daily. The Salted Caramel has literally made customers claim they "nearly had a heart attack"—it's that good. Chocolate Hazelnut, Grapefruit (sweet, tangy, perfectly balanced), and dairy-free Strawberry showcase the range.

The unpretentious shop is "not fancy in appearance but fancy where it counts: in the service and the quality of the food." Gelato shakes highly recommended.

La Gelati

Address: 5663 S. 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Phone: (414) 226-6067
Website: lagelatiusa.com
Hours: Daily 12:00 PM-12:00 AM
Price Range: $-$$

Open until midnight daily, this newer dessert café offers handcrafted gelato alongside crepes, Dubai Chocolate, tiramisu cake, boba drinks, soft serve, smoothies, and juices. Family-friendly environment with knowledgeable staff.

North Shore and suburban Italian dining

Beyond Milwaukee proper, exceptional Italian dining extends throughout the North Shore communities and into nearby Wisconsin towns—some worth a special trip.

Mequon

Zarletti Mequon (1515 W. Mequon Rd., Suite 1) offers rustic-chic Italian with wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, freshly made pasta, and homemade burrata. Sister to downtown Zarletti with extensive vegetarian/gluten-free/dairy-free options. $$$

Mequon Pizza Company serves "the best pizza in Ozaukee County" with both thin-crust and deep-dish options. Cozy, family-owned with gluten-free pizza available. $$

Ferrante's Restaurant has been family-owned and operated for over 44 years, serving Italian-American classics Wednesday through Sunday. $$

Wauwatosa

Beyond the fine dining destinations listed earlier, Alioto's Bar & Grill brings Italian supper club charm with real lake perch and excellent eggplant appetizer. BB's on North (7237 W. North Ave.) offers modern thin-crust pizza from brothers Pietro and Mario Balistreri—yes, from that pizza family. Maggiano's Little Italy at Mayfair Mall provides reliable family-style Italian with three banquet rooms for large groups.

Cedarburg

Tomaso's Cedarburg (W63N688 Washington Ave.) has served its unique "cheese under sauce" thin-crust since 1976. Milwaukee Magazine's Best Pizza winner—order at the bar, seat yourself, enjoy the local bar atmosphere. $

Brandywine (W61N480 Washington Ave.) elevates Italian-American fusion with handmade pastas using locally-sourced ingredients—black pepper mafalda, squid ink gnocchetti, cocoa rigatoni. Housed in an 1862 downtown building, reviewers say it's "on par with trendy restaurants in downtown Chicago." $$$

Brookfield

BRAVO! Italian Kitchen (Brookfield Square) brings Roman-ruin décor with wood-fired pizza and happy hour specials ($8 items weekdays, $7 wine Wednesdays). Carrabba's Italian Grill (18375 W. Bluemound Rd.) features wood-burning grill specialties with an exhibition kitchen and outdoor patio.

West Allis

Mama Mia's serves legendary garlic bread alongside pizza, spaghetti with meatballs, and lasagna—a multi-generational favorite that former residents "always miss" after moving away. $$

Capri di Nuovo brings traditional family recipes to a residential neighborhood—a "local gem" worth supporting. $$

Day-trip destinations worth the drive

These establishments outside the immediate Milwaukee area merit a special journey for serious Italian food enthusiasts.

Racine: Wells Brothers Italian Restaurant

Address: 2148 Mead Street, Racine/Mount Pleasant, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 632-4408
Website: wellsbrosracine.com
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11:00 AM-8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Price Range: $$

Opened in 1921, this fourth-generation family restaurant has served famous thin-crust pizza for over 100 years—voted #6 in the nation. The distinctive cornmeal-bottom crust creates unique texture. Every dinner includes unlimited soup and antipasto salad.

The quirky tradition of offering sauerkraut as a pizza topping dates to the German-influenced founders. Retro 1960s décor (rebuilt after a fire) and an old-school friendly bar complete the experience. Featured on Discover Wisconsin and Around the Corner with John McGivern.

Reservations highly recommended—weekends see hour-plus waits.

Kenosha

Infusino's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria carries a family tradition from the late 1970s with homemade pizza, in-house sausage, lobster ravioli, and Chicago-cut steaks. Voted "Best Italian Food" six consecutive years. $$

Villa D' Carlo has anchored Kenosha's waterfront for over 65 years as home of "Carl's Pizza"—stone-bottom oven pies with crispy crust. $$

Tenuta's Deli (not a restaurant) has provided curated Italian groceries since 1950—fresh-cut deli meats, cheeses, and an enormous beer/wine/spirits selection. Essential for home Italian cooking.

Lake Geneva

Ristorante Brissago at Grand Geneva Resort offers contemporary Italian with seasonal ingredients, an antipasti bar, and wines organized by Italian region. Wood-burning oven specialties in an authentic setting. $$$-$$$$

Tuscan Tavern and Grill serves quality steaks, fresh seafood, and brick oven pizzas in a comfortable historic Lake Geneva space with private dining rooms. $$-$$$

Crafted Italia focuses on artisan pizzas with premium ingredients from sustainable local farms, hand-selected wines, and seasonal daily specials. $$

Sheboygan: Worth every mile

Trattoria Stefano (522 S. 8th St.) has cooked authentic regional Italian since 1994 in an 1892 brick building. Chef Stefano Viglietti earned James Beard semi-finalist recognition for Best Chef: Midwest in 2018. Wisconsin-sourced produce pairs with Italian imports in dishes reflecting his commitment to supporting local producers.

Featured in Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Saveur, and the New York Times. Viglietti also owns Il Ritrovo—a VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria since 2000. Reviewers consistently say it's "worth the drive from Milwaukee" and ranks "among the best Italian dining experiences I've ever had." $$$

Quick reference by category

For special occasion fine dining: Ristorante Bartolotta (Wauwatosa), Ca'Lucchenzo (Wauwatosa), Zarletti (Downtown), Trattoria Stefano (Sheboygan)

For family-style casual dining: Balistreri's (Wauwatosa/Milwaukee), That's Amore (Greenfield), Maggiano's (Wauwatosa), Caterina's (West Allis)

For authentic Sicilian: Safina (Downtown), Carini's La Conca d'Oro (East Side), SALA (East Side), Santino's Little Italy (Bay View)

For Milwaukee-style thin-crust pizza: Zaffiro's (multiple locations), Balistreri's (multiple locations), Calderone Club (Downtown/Fox Point)

For Neapolitan/wood-fired pizza: San Giorgio (VPN-certified, Downtown), Santino's Little Italy (Bay View), Pizzeria Piccola (Wauwatosa)

For late-night pizza: Ian's Pizza (open until 2:30 AM), Brick 3 (open until 3:00 AM weekends)

For Italian grocery shopping: Glorioso's Italian Market (Brady Street), G. Groppi's (Bay View), Tenuta's Deli (Kenosha)

For Italian bakery goods: Peter Sciortino Bakery (Brady Street), Scordato Bakery (Southwest side)

For gelato: Divino Gelato Café (Waukesha—USA Today's best), Cold Spoons Gelato (Washington Heights)

For historic pizza worth the drive: Wells Brothers (Racine—since 1921, #6 in nation), Tomaso's (Cedarburg—since 1976)

Conclusion

Milwaukee's Italian food scene reflects over a century of immigration, family tradition, and culinary craft that rivals any American city. Brady Street remains the spiritual heart, where Glorioso's and Peter Sciortino Bakery have anchored the neighborhood for generations. Yet the best Italian dining now extends throughout the metro area—from VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzerias to James Beard-recognized trattorias an hour north in Sheboygan.

The diversity surprises: you can find century-old thin-crust traditions and cutting-edge pasta tasting menus in the same city. Family-owned establishments spanning four generations coexist with innovative newcomers. Whether you're seeking a $15 slice or a $150 anniversary dinner, Milwaukee delivers authenticity rarely found outside major coastal cities.

Start with the classics—Balistreri's for Milwaukee-style pizza, Glorioso's for a sandwich and some shopping, Ristorante Bartolotta for a special occasion. Then explore the hidden gems: Carini's wood-fired oven before the owner retires, Santino's bocce ball court and nationally ranked pies, the three-day ramen at SALA that shouldn't exist in a Sicilian restaurant but somehow works perfectly.

This guide will continue to evolve as Milwaukee's Italian food scene grows—but these foundational establishments have proven their staying power across decades, even centuries. Mangia bene.