Valentine's Day 2026 Dining Guide to Greater Milwaukee
Love is in the air across Greater Milwaukee – and so are the delicious aromas from kitchens crafting special Valentine's Day menus! Whether you're planning an elegant candlelit dinner for two, a cozy casual meal, a family outing, or a one-of-a-kind foodie experience, Milwaukee's dining scene has something for everyone this Valentine's season.
From downtown hotspots to suburban gems, and from classic American steak to global cuisines, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you plan the perfect Valentine's 2026 celebration. We've included prix fixe specials, à la carte delights, dietary-friendly options, and experiences for every budget and family situation.
Quick Navigation:
Romantic Fine Dining
Cozy & Casual Date Night
Family-Friendly & Fun Options
Unique Local Gems & Experiences
Related: The ultimate guide to Valentine’s Day getaways in the Greater Milwaukee area
Romantic Fine Dining 💘
For those looking to impress your sweetheart with an upscale evening, Milwaukee offers outstanding romantic fine dining options. These restaurants pull out all the stops with multi-course menus, fine wines, and elegant atmospheres – perfect for a memorable Valentine's date. Reserve in advance as these fill up fast!
Lake Park Bistro
Location: 3133 E. Newberry Blvd., Milwaukee (East Side in Lake Park)
Valentine's Special: Three-course menu (Feb 14-15)
Price: Approximately $125 per person
Website: Lake Park Bistro
This renowned French restaurant in a historic park pavilion boasts sweeping Lake Michigan views and classic cuisine. The Valentine's menu features indulgences like scallops or oysters to start, choice of roasted duck breast, salmon, or beef tenderloin as mains, and decadent desserts to finish. The romantic ambience and award-winning wine list make it a favorite for couples.
Good to Know: Gluten-free and vegetarian requests can be accommodated with advance notice. Reserve via OpenTable or their website.
Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant
Location: 925 E. Wells St., Milwaukee (Downtown)
Valentine's Special: Three-course dinner (Feb 14-15, 4-10 PM)
Price: Around $125 per person
Website: Bacchus Restaurant
An elegant contemporary American fine-dining spot known for its refined ambiance and extensive wine list. The Valentine's menu includes starters like chilled king crab or lobster bisque, and mains ranging from filet mignon to Faroe Island salmon and braised short rib. Optional wine pairings and even a caviar add-on available for extra luxury.
Good to Know: Upscale dress encouraged. Vegetarian options available on request.
Harbor House
Location: 550 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee (Downtown Lakefront)
Valentine's Special: Three-course prix fixe
Price: Approximately $125 per person
Website: Harbor House Milwaukee
If seafood is the way to your love's heart, this lakefront gem delivers. Harbor House's Valentine's prix fixe highlights the fruits of the sea, featuring items like baked oysters with caviar cream and steamed South African lobster tails. With its panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the skyline, the atmosphere here is pure romance.
Good to Know: Mix of surf-and-turf options. Gluten-free selections like simply prepared fish or steak available.
Lupi & Iris
Location: 518 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee (Downtown/East Town)
Valentine's Special: Three-course prix fixe (Feb 14-15)
Price: Around $85+ per person
Website: Lupi & Iris
A newer entrant to Milwaukee's fine dining scene, blending French and Italian-Mediterranean flair. What's unique is that your reservation can include an in-house crafted floral arrangement to take home – a sweet touch! The menu offers ample choice each course, from wood-grilled Spanish octopus to Wagyu steak, with plenty of vegan options as well.
Good to Know: Reserve via Tock. Vegan and vegetarian dishes clearly noted on the menu. Stylish setting with white tablecloths.
Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993
Location: 7616 W. State St., Wauwatosa (Tosa Village)
Valentine's Special: Four-course Italian feast (Valentine's weekend)
Price: $125 per person
Website: Ristorante Bartolotta
Tucked in Tosa's charming village, Bartolotta's flagship Italian restaurant offers an authentic four-course Italian experience. Each guest chooses an antipasto, a pasta (primo), a main course, and a dessert – so you can customize your culinary journey. Past Valentine menus have included delights like egg yolk ravioli, seafood spaghetti, grilled lamb chops, and classic tiramisu. For an extra romantic touch, fresh black truffles can be added to certain dishes.
Good to Know: Gluten-free pasta and vegetarian options available on request. Call ahead to discuss dietary needs. The cozy dining room and Italian hospitality make for an intimate night.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Location: 15665 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield
Valentine's Special: Three-course menu for two (extended period around Feb 14)
Price: Approximately $230 per couple
Website: Fleming's Brookfield
For a classic steakhouse experience, Fleming's delivers lavish surf-and-turf decadence. The Valentine's special includes shareable 28-ounce prime New York strip, filet mignon, crab-stuffed lobster tails, plus oysters Rockefeller to start and rich chocolate tortes for dessert. Perfect for couples who bond over great steak and wine.
Good to Know: They offer prix fixe but also à la carte on request. Award-winning wine selection. Vegetarians might opt for seafood or sides, as steak is the star.
Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel (Special Experience)
Location: 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee (Downtown)
Valentine's Special: "Love in the Dark" dinner in The Dark Room
Price: Approximately $175 per person
Reservations: Via Tock
This artsy twist on fine dining features a four-course gourmet meal with wine pairings in The Dark Room, featuring indulgences like scallop crudo, smoked NY strip, and "Chocolate Explosion" cake. Limited seatings (often on Feb 14 and the weekend) make it a hot ticket.
Good to Know: This experience often sells out quickly. Reserve via Tock as soon as possible.
Cozy & Casual Date Night 🍷
Not every Valentine's outing needs white tablecloths! Milwaukee has plenty of casual, cozy restaurants perfect for a laid-back date night or a Galentine's get-together. Expect creative specials at neighborhood bistros, brewpubs, and taverns, often available the entire Valentine's weekend.
Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club
Location: 6800 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Valentine's Special: Special menu additions (Feb 14-16)
Website: Buckatabon
Turn back time with a supper club experience that's uniquely Wisconsin. Special Valentine's menu additions include Shrimp Fra Diavolo linguine and an "Espresso Martini Cheesecake" with Oreo crust and chocolate-covered strawberry garnish. Don't forget the Flaming Cherries Jubilee ice cream cocktail, made with their house cherry bounce liqueur! The vibe is retro-cool and comfortable – perfect for couples who prefer a cozy booth.
Good to Know: Full regular menu also available. Vegetarian mains are limited, but fish fry options and sides available.
Café Benelux
Location: 346 N. Broadway, Milwaukee (Historic Third Ward)
Valentine's Special: Valentine's specials (Feb 14-16, starting at 3 PM)
Website: Café Benelux
Known for its rooftop and European flair, Benelux features Valentine's specials like Bourbon-glazed salmon with smashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts, and jumbo red velvet cupcakes stuffed with cheesecake filling. Try the flirty "Match Made in Heaven" cocktail with coconut rum, pineapple, grapefruit, bubbles – even garnished with cotton candy!
Good to Know: Plenty of beer and cocktail choices. Gluten-free menu items available. Casual, lively Third Ward setting.
Café Hollander & Centraal Grand Café
Locations: Multiple (Downer Ave., Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Bay View)
Valentine's Special: Valentine's specials (Feb 14-16, after 3 PM)
Website: Lowlands Group Cafés
The Lowlands Group Grand Cafés offer relaxed vibes and global comfort food. Valentine's highlights include Coq au Vin Blanc (chicken slow-braised with white wine, bacon and mushrooms), a Flourless Chocolate Turtle Cake drizzled in caramel, and the festive "Match Made in Heaven" cocktail. Great for a casual date where you can drop in for mussels and beer, then split a special dessert.
Good to Know: Vegetarian and gluten-free marked on regular menu. Multiple locations throughout Greater Milwaukee area.
Odd Duck
Location: 2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee (Bay View)
Valentine's Special: Special Valentine's menu (multiple days)
Website: Odd Duck
For adventurous eaters and craft cocktail lovers, this globally-inspired small plates restaurant offers creative tapas-style dishes and inventive vegetarian bites. The menu changes often, but expect high-quality local ingredients and sharable plates that encourage a fun, interactive meal. The intimate, dimly-lit setting with eclectic decor sets a quirky-romantic mood.
Good to Know: Many dishes can be made gluten-free or vegan upon request. Be sure to reserve – this spot is popular!
Moxie Food + Drink
Location: 340 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay
Valentine's Special: Four-course Valentine's dinner
Price: $65 per person
Website: Moxie Food + Drink
A North Shore neighborhood favorite offering gourmet dining at an approachable price. The special menu includes choices for appetizer, soup/salad, main course (options like chicken piccata, salmon almondine, mushroom ragù, or upgrade to tenderloin for +$10), plus a shareable dessert for two (tiramisu or flourless chocolate cake). The vibe is intimate but not stuffy.
Good to Know: They pride themselves on accommodating allergies – inform when booking. Vegan options can be arranged with notice.
Saffron
Location: 271 E. Erie St., Milwaukee (Historic Third Ward)
Valentine's Special: Prix fixe dinner (Feb 14)
Price: $75 per person
Website: Saffron
Spice up your Valentine's with modern Indian cuisine. The three-course prix fixe features elevated Indian dishes including creative vegetarian offerings (like an eggplant terrine) or succulent spice-crusted lamb rack, finishing with an exotic dessert such as chocolate chai pudding. Saffron's sleek, vibrant interior and craft cocktail program add to the experience.
Good to Know: Many items are naturally gluten-free. Vegetarian options are part of the prix fixe. Reserve via OpenTable.
Company Brewing
Location: 735 E. Center St., Milwaukee (Riverwest)
Valentine's Special: "A Dinner at Tony's" themed four-course dinner
Price: Around $65
Website: Company Brewing
Even breweries are getting romantic! This Riverwest brewpub hosts a themed Italian-American Valentine's dinner (think "Lady and the Tramp" vibes). The menu includes classics like vodka rigatoni, crispy chicken with burrata, and tiramisu, with optional beer or wine pairings for just $10 extra. Fun and unpretentious for craft beer and comfort food lovers.
Good to Know: Casual atmosphere. Vegetarian course option likely available. Book via their website.
Family-Friendly & Fun 💑
Valentine's Day can be a family affair! Many Milwaukee restaurants welcome kids or offer group-friendly Valentine options. From heart-shaped pizzas to interactive dining, here are family-friendly ideas:
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Locations: Five Milwaukee-area locations
Valentine's Special: Heart-shaped deep-dish pizzas (available all February)
Website: Lou Malnati's
Share the love and a pizza! The famed Chicago-style pizza joint brings back its popular heart-shaped deep-dish pizzas. Dine in or carry out this lovable pie. For every heart pizza sold, $1 is donated to Feeding America's Milwaukee chapter. An affordable, fun option for families or a casual double-date at home.
Good to Know: Kids love the novelty. Gluten-free crust available on request. Available all month long!
Rodizio Grill – Brazilian Steakhouse
Location: 1000 N. Water St., Milwaukee (Downtown)
Valentine's Special: Full Rodizio dinner (Feb 13-15)
Price: $54.99 per person; Kids 3-6: $9.99, Kids 7-11: $14.99
Website: Rodizio Grill Milwaukee
If you've got hungry kids (or hungry significant others!), Rodizio's all-you-can-eat style is sure to satisfy. Valentine's Weekend features their Full Rodizio dinner with all the grilled meats and expansive salad bar, plus Valentine's flair like salmon with passion fruit sauce and a deluxe dessert table. The discounted kids' pricing makes it family-budget friendly.
Good to Know: Reservations recommended. Plenty of gluten-free options. Lively, fun atmosphere that even picky eaters will enjoy.
SafeHouse
Location: 779 N. Front St., Milwaukee (Downtown)
Valentine's Special: Regular menu with festive cocktails
Website: SafeHouse Restaurant
For a truly unique family adventure, consider a Valentine's mission at SafeHouse. This spy-themed restaurant is a Milwaukee icon – you enter through a secret door (there's a password!) and inside it's full of spy gadgets and secret passages. It's casual pub fare (burgers, sandwiches) so the whole family can find something. Parents enjoy cocktails while kids embark on a scavenger hunt.
Good to Know: Vegetarian burger available. Be ready to solve a puzzle or two on your way in! If your Valentine vibe is more "fun" than "fancy," this is perfect.
The Melting Pot
Location: 18090 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield
Valentine's Special: Four-course fondue dinner
Price: Approximately $99 per person
Website: The Melting Pot
Fondue makes for a fun and interactive dining experience – great for families with older kids or for double dates. The four-course Valentine's menu includes cheese fondue, salad, an entrée of meats/seafood with dipping sauces, and their famous chocolate fondue dessert. Bonus $25 gift cards for future visits often included.
Good to Know: Vegan and vegetarian entrée options available. You can add extras like lobster tail for a surcharge. This is a leisurely meal where you cook at the table – best for kids who can safely partake. Reserve via their website.
WhirlyBall Brookfield
Location: 17575 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield
Valentine's Special: "4 of Hearts" package (Feb 14)
Package Includes: One hour of WhirlyBall, two appetizer plates, dessert
Website: WhirlyBall Brookfield
How about some friendly competition with your Cupid? WhirlyBall is an indoor court where you play a lacrosse-basketball-bumper-car mashup game. The "4 of Hearts" package includes game time plus food – fantastic for families who want to get active and laugh instead of just sitting at a table.
Good to Know: Wear comfy clothes and sneakers for the game. Menu has vegetarian options and kids' favorites. An all-in-one entertainment night!
The Bay Restaurant's "Bubbles on the Bay"
Location: 5329 N. Bay Ridge Ave., Whitefish Bay
Valentine's Special: Private outdoor heated domes
Price: Around $200 for up to 4 people (2025 pricing)
Website: The Bay Restaurant
For a family or group looking for a private dining experience, The Bay offers outdoor heated domes ("bubbles") in winter. Special Valentine's dinner packages for up to 4 people come with a preset menu and cozy decorations. Your family can have your own little space – like dining in a snow globe!
Good to Know: Check if they're running the Valentine's "Bubbles" experience in 2026. Book early if available. Bundle up a bit – the heated dome keeps it comfortable, but you'll be outside.
Unique Local Gems & Experiences 💎
Looking to really wow your Valentine with something different? Milwaukee's culinary scene offers more than just sit-down dinners. Consider these out-of-the-box ideas:
The Pasta Tree
Location: 1503 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee (East Side)
Valentine's Options:
Dine-in: Five-course "Aphrodisiac" menu
Take-home: "Take & Bake" Lovers' Dinner kit ($225)
Website: The Pasta Tree
This charming, longtime Italian spot is a classic date destination with twinkling lights and cozy atmosphere. Dine-in features five courses including oysters, burrata salad, lobster tagliatelle in saffron cream, filet mignon, and strawberry Champagne tiramisu.
Or snuggle at home with their extravagant Take & Bake kit: DIY lobster ravioli and cannelloni kits, pancetta-wrapped tenderloins, chocolate raspberry martinis, salad, tiramisu, biscotti, special blend coffee, and a bottle of rosé Prosecco – practically an entire romantic evening in a box!
Good to Know: Take-home kit typically needs pre-order by around Feb 10, with pickup a few days before Valentine's. Can accommodate dietary needs – let them know if you need gluten-free pasta adjustments.
Movida at Hotel Madrid
Location: 600 S. 6th St., Milwaukee (Walker's Point)
Valentine's Special: "San Valentín" unlimited tapas dinner
Price: Around $55 per person
Website: Movida
How about a trip to Spain without leaving Milwaukee? Movida offers an unlimited tapas experience that kicks off with a glass of Spanish Cava bubbly and then lets you enjoy all the tapas you desire – from classic patatas bravas to bacon-wrapped dates. In past years, they even sent each couple home with a keepsake paella pan and recipe!
Good to Know: The small plates format means vegetarians will have plenty to choose from. Reservations available via OpenTable. Sultry, warm setting inside the historic Hotel Madrid.
Cavas
Location: 808 E. Center St., Milwaukee (Third Ward)
Valentine's Special: Limited seating six-course dinner
Price: $240 per couple
Seatings: Only 14 guests per seating (just seven couples!)
Website: Cavas
For an ultra-intimate culinary adventure, Cavas curates a very exclusive Valentine experience with only two seatings per night (5 PM and 7:30 PM) on Feb 14-15. The six-course meal features playfully named courses ("Falling in Love," "Happy Ending," etc.) with decadent ingredients from smoked salmon with caviar to creative chocolate-dipped dessert bites. With only a handful of tables, you're guaranteed a quiet evening.
Good to Know: Excellent wine and Spanish cava selection to pair with each course. Secure tickets early on their website, as space is extremely limited – this is for serious foodies avoiding crowds.
Celesta
Location: 2826 N. Oakland Ave., Milwaukee (East Side)
Valentine's Special: Vegan tapas-for-two package or dine-in tasting menu
Price: Around $50 for tapas package
Website: Celesta
Who says Valentine's can't be vegan? Celesta is a 100% vegan restaurant proving plant-based cuisine can be richly romantic. Their tapas-for-two package includes vegan and gluten-free delights: papas bravas with chipotle aioli, garlicky mushrooms, braised tempeh "meatballs," roasted asparagus, stuffed dates, hearts of palm "lobster" salad, and more. Optional mini vegan chocolate cake with strawberry buttercream available.
Good to Know: Many items are gluten-free or can be modified. Note any allergies when ordering. Wonderful choice for vegetarian, vegan, or anyone excited to try creative meatless dishes. Can dine in at their intimate cafe or take goodies home.
The Chef's Table
Location: Walker's Point (private dining venue)
Valentine's Special: "Aphrodisiacs Dinner" (throughout February)
Price: Around $175 per person
Website: The Chef's Table Milwaukee
For a truly immersive dining experience, Chef David Magnasco hosts an "Aphrodisiacs Dinner" featuring multi-course sensual foods – think oysters, chocolate, chili peppers, and figs worked into gourmet dishes. This is a semi-private or private dinner where the chef guides you through each course's "aphrodisiac" elements. Couples receive a copy of "Chef David's Culinary Guide to Aphrodisiacs" to take home!
Good to Know: Seats are very limited. Reserve in advance on their website or by phone. They can tailor the menu for allergies with notice. Perfect for couples who love learning and trying new things together.
Bars & Rec "New Fashioned Love Fest"
Location: The New Fashioned, 1111 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee (Deer District)
Valentine's Special: Art + appetizers experience
Website: Bars & Rec
Dinner and painting class? This Valentine's Weekend event combines art and appetizers. You and your partner will be guided by a local artist to each paint a canvas that joins together into one connected artwork – a lovely metaphor for your union! Valentine-themed cocktails, light snacks, sweet treats, and cute photo-ops included.
Good to Know: Ages 21+ likely since cocktails included. Tickets available via Bars & Rec's site. Nearby restaurants in Deer District can round out your night. This is about the experience, not a full meal.
Planning Tips & Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of Valentine's Day dining experience you're seeking in Milwaukee – swanky fine dining with champagne and caviar, casual night out with craft beer and comfort food, kid-friendly dinner that makes the whole family smile, or an offbeat adventure like painting or playing WhirlyBall – the Greater Milwaukee area has you covered!
Pro Planning Tips:
Reserve Early: Most restaurants featured here allow booking via their websites, OpenTable, Tock, or by phone. Valentine's Day books up quickly, so don't wait!
Inquire About Dietary Needs: Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets with advance notice. Always call ahead if you have specific requirements.
Pre-Order When Required: Some take-home packages (like The Pasta Tree's) require pre-ordering by specific dates. Check restaurant websites for deadlines.
Consider Valentine's Weekend: Most specials run February 14-15 (or even 13-16), giving you flexibility to celebrate when it works best for your family.
Check Hours: Some restaurants have special hours or seating times for Valentine's Day. Confirm when booking.
Budget Appropriately: Prices range from $50 for casual options up to $240+ for exclusive fine dining experiences. Choose what fits your celebration style and budget.
Make It Special: Whether you're celebrating as a couple, with family, or with friends, the thought and planning you put into the evening is what makes it memorable!
Celebrate love and great food this Valentine's Day 2026! 💕🍴
Have you tried any of these restaurants for Valentine's Day? Share your experiences in the comments! And if you're looking for more family dining guides across Wisconsin, check out our other restaurant roundups on North Shore Family Adventures.
