Milwaukee is a city known for its rich culinary scene, offering a wide variety of cuisine styles to food lovers. From farm-to-table to fusion cuisine, our city has it all! But if you’re looking for something for a special occasion, we’ve rounded up the most expensive restaurants in Milwaukee.
In this blog post, we will virtually explore some of the most expensive restaurants in Milwaukee and the types of cuisine you can look forward to enjoying. We’ll let you know where these restaurants are located as well as the standard price of a meal to help you plan ahead of time.
At City Tours MKE, we love sharing the delicious side of Milwaukee with visitors from across the world. From our famous cheeses to Milwaukee-style pizza to fusion cuisine, there’s something to delight the taste buds of every traveler on our tours.
Foodies on the move can try our wine and chocolate-tasting experience or get to know the city on one of our custom tours. Our local, experienced tour guides can help to curate your vacation however you’d like to experience Milwaukee, just get in touch to find out more!
1. Treat Yourself at Bacchus, Milwaukee
925 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Bacchus is one of the most expensive restaurants in Milwaukee and is known for its elegant atmosphere and exquisite menu. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee and offers a stunning view of Lake Michigan.
Bacchus specializes in modern American cuisine with a French twist, using only the freshest local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect dishes such as Lobster Risotto, Beef Tenderloin, and Pan-Seared Scallops.
The average price of a meal at Bacchus is around $100 per person. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, as well as a specialized menu for vegetarian diners.
2. Experience Culinary Delights at Ardent, Milwaukee
1751 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Ardent is another expensive restaurant in Milwaukee, located in the East Side neighborhood. The restaurant is known for its contemporary American cuisine, with an emphasis on using seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients.
The menu changes frequently, but you can expect dishes such as house-made ricotta with truffles, dry-aged ribeye, and roasted cauliflower. The average price of a meal at Ardent is around $150 per person and Ardent their current Spring food and beverage pairings look divine.
3. Enjoy Innovative American Flavors at Sanford, Milwaukee
1547 N Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Sanford is a fine dining restaurant located in Milwaukee’s historic East Side neighborhood. The restaurant is known for its innovative New American cuisine, featuring dishes such as seared foie gras, quail, and citrus-seared swordfish.
Having been around for over 30 years, chef Justin Aprahamian knows his stuff. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and availability of ingredients. The average price of a meal at Sanford is around $130 per person.
4. Satisfy Your Seafood Craving at Harbor House, Milwaukee
550 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Harbor House is a seafood restaurant located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The restaurant offers stunning views of the lake and the city skyline. Harbor House specializes in fresh seafood, such as Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs, and oysters.
The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring wines from around the world. The average price of a meal at Harbor House is around $70 per person, making it one of the cheaper options on our list.
Harbor House (Source | License)
5. Try a Taste of France at Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro, Milwaukee
3133 E Newberry Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro is a French-inspired restaurant located in Milwaukee’s Lake Park, offering breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The restaurant is known for its classic French cuisine, with dishes such as escargots, bouillabaisse, and steak frites.
Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro also has an extensive wine list, with a focus on French wines. The average price of a meal is around $85 per person.
Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro (Source | License)
6. Steak Your Heart on Carnevor, Milwaukee’s Premier Steakhouse
718 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Carnevor Steakhouse is a high-end restaurant in downtown Milwaukee that offers a sophisticated atmosphere and exceptional cuisine.
The restaurant is known for its selection of premium cuts of beef, including Wagyu and Kobe beef, as well as its extensive wine list. Carnevor is a must-visit for steak lovers. The average cost of a meal is around $90-$100 per person, not including drinks.
7. Relax in the Rustic-Chic of Morel, Milwaukee
430 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Morel is an upscale restaurant located in the Walker’s Point neighborhood of Milwaukee. The menu offers seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including items such as cured salmon, pork tenderloin, and ricotta gnocchi.
Morel also offers an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. The average cost of a meal is around $60-$80 per person, not including drinks. It’s a great spot for a date night or special occasion with its cozy atmosphere and delicious food.
8. The Chef’s Table, Milwaukee
500 S 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
This upscale restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts, artfully combining contemporary cuisine with innovative twists. A welcoming ambiance awaits in this refined yet cozy setting.
The restaurant exudes elegance with a speakeasy vibe, showcasing tantalizing dishes that mirror their commitment to using only the finest, locally-sourced ingredients. The Chef’s Table boasts a diverse menu, meticulously curated by a masterful chef who experiments with flavors.
Great for private events and corporate dinners, this reservation-only restaurant has a pre-fixe menu with prices starting at $150 per diner. The restaurant also offers homemade Pasta da Maddalena, named after the owner and chef’s daughter, in several spectacular flavors.
If this list doesn’t have your mouth watering, we don’t know what will! From farm-to-table meals to fusion cuisine, Milwaukee is much more than the dairy-based dishes it is famed for. We hope we’ve tempted you to visit our city, as there’s so much to discover culturally and historically.
To make your Milwaukee adventures go without a hitch, why not take a look at our sightseeing tours? Whether you want to go sightseeing, do an escape room, or discover the city’s haunted past, there’s something to suit everyone at City Tours MKE.
Just get in touch if you want to curate something special for your event. Our custom tours mean we can help you design the perfect outing in Milwaukee before you settle down in one of the city’s top-tier restaurants for a delicious meal.