This is an authentic Italian restaurant that feels like I'm having Sunday dinner at my papa's home…read more First and foremost the customer service is stellar. The waitstaff was lovely and owner Pietro told my son and I the story of their beautiful pizza oven that came all the way from Italy and visited our table to welcome my parents and tell us about the resturant and their family. This place is owned and operated by an incredibly talented and caring family that has opened their recipes and hearts to the community. The food was perfectly executed. From the seasoned and crips calamari to the margarita pizza that was flavorful with a thin crisp crust, our appetizers were loved. And then the pasta; just perfect. It's hard to find legitimate Italian pasta and this is it. The pasta was al dente with delectable homemade sauces. We enjoyed the chicken Marsala, chicken parmesan, a la vodka pasta, and pasta Alfredo-which my kids said was better than mine! All of these dishes were perfectly seasoned, fresh, piping hot, well sauced, and just delectable. The portions are perfect leaving just enough for lunch the next day if you can keep yourself from eating the whole plate! It was easy to get a reservation for a larger party, which I appreciate! The dining room and bathrooms were accessible for my mother who uses a wheelchair and she felt extremely comfortable dining. My two younger kids also enjoyed themselves and the atmosphere was versatile; perfect for kids, dinner with the grandparents, or a date night out. All in all we are excited to come back for another fantastic meal. Thank you to the owners and family for building this gem in Milwaukee.

I might have deducted three stars, rather than only two, if I'd included my feelings about my…read moreentree . . . which I hated. But that would be unfair and inappropriate. I had the beef Spiedini -- something we served at the venerated east side institution, Palermo Villa, when I waited tables there, years ago. But as delectable as it looked, it was one of our dishes that I never tried! And so, I think I ordered it at Carini's with unrealistic and inaccurate expectations. Suffice it to say that, FOR MY TASTE, the meat was undercooked and too chewy. I also found the stuffing off-putting, in both taste and mushy consistency. But again, THAT'S ME. It's entirely possible that this dish was prepared perfectly. It's just not for me. Now, on to the positives: * The Mussels Macchiato (in "a garlic wine sauce, splash of Carini's marinara") were the best mussels I've had anywhere. And, if you utilize the provided bread, so as not to let any of the ample sauce go to waste, you'll find it a "sopper's delight". * Is it possible to ruin Tiramisu? I doubt it . . . but its quality certainly can vary. In this case, I'll venture that Carini's is the best by far. The unfortunate negatives (and the reasons for the two-star deduction): * What could have been, and should have been, a very pleasing, simple and straightforward spinach salad (with cucumber, fontinella cheese and kalamata olives, in a sundried tomato vinaigrette) was ruined by the fact that whomever added the dressing drowned this unfortunate little salad that never did nothing to nobody. * The coffee -- both my first cup and the refill -- were barely warm enough to count as "tepid", much less hot. Details, even those as small as this, matter in a fine dining establishment with fine dining prices. * And, speaking of fine dining establishments with fine dining prices: These, of all places, should not commit that cardinal sin: jumping on board the "me too" train, shamelessly taking on the feel and appearance of a sports bar. In short, guys, 86 the giant TVs (of which there were, I think, at least two, in the not-all-that-huge bar area. I had to choose my seat in the dining area so as not to have to see either of them.) The prices, menu and marketing of Carini's all say "class" and quality (and/or an attempt to project class and quality). TVs say "tacky". Lazy. Like almost every other tacky, lazy, fungible place one might choose to step into these days. Because a Brewers game was on, and because I noticed it (behind and above the head of the understanding young lady at a table to my left), I succumbed to the temptation to steal (pun intended) several glances. But had I been left with nothing more than people-watching and my own thoughts, I would have survived just fine. Just fine, thank you.

Ordered kalimari as an appetizer. First time trying it for one of us, and it was above…read moreexpectations! We got chicken alfredo and spaghetti and meatballs, respectively. They were both very good. (This review gets a bonus star for being our first date )

Pizza is pretty sad crust is like cracker hardly any cheese. Service person tried but it took way…read moretoo long to get out pizzas

Dorma is an amazing neighborhood staple with friendly staff and excellent food. So cozy and…read morewelcoming. I am always left with good vibes after a visit. Highly recommend. (Alliexander, who left a 1-star review below, must be mistaking this restaurant for another. The owners have never owned another restaurant and I can't ever imagine them treating someone like this.)

I recently went with a group of friends and family to Nessun Dorma for a post wedding brunch…read more We tried to make a reservation, since we were a group of seven, but they would not take one. Luckily when we got there the back room was open and they pushed some tables together for us. I'd like to make this a 2.5-star review. The food was quite good. We enjoyed our drinks. The atmosphere was as cozy as ever. Our service was deeply disappointing. Our server, A.S., might have been tired or something. I can't speak for her state of mind, but she was really detached and borderline dismissive. Yes, we got all of our food. We would certainly have ordered more drinks, increasing our tab and gratuity, but she never came back and asked if anyone wanted one. One of our guests ordered avocado toast. Apparently they were out. She came back and said "Whoever ordered the avocado toast, we're out." She didn't know who ordered which dish to start, and then she didn't bring a menu back so the guest could make an informed second choice. They had to just order whatever they remembered. Coffee drinkers were offered one refill - just one. Seriously, I don't know what was going on, but we left pretty quickly since our celebratory mood was being squelched. I hope she recovered from whatever was wrong with her.

I've been here a few times and it's always great. The last time we got the eggplant chips and…read morepiccante pasta. I absolutely love the fact that you can order a half potion of any pasta dish! The service was great-the staff was super friendly and accommodating. The inside was very nice and has an elegant vibe. The eggplant chips tasted great, super thin and well seasoned. I wanted to taste and feel a little more eggplant, but they were chips and followed through with the assignment! The piccante pasta is one of my favorites, and not just because chicken is included vs. an add on. The shape of the pasta is super fun and holds the sauce perfectly. The sauce is phenomenal, I normally ask for all the salt, Parmesan, red pepper, etc. up front because I'm so used to things being under-seasoned but not with this dish! It had the perfect amount of salt and spice in addition to the pasta having the ideal al dente cook to it. I highly recommend and cannot wait to go back for more!

Surprisingly calm and relaxed for a Sunday. Very approachable staff, and despite the price point, I…read morefound the pasta to be really good! I always hesitate paying a bunch for pasta, but this fettuccine was the perfect balance that didn't make me feel too bloated or sickly after from the amount of cheese. I don't think I'd do the breaded chicken again with this, but I already knew it would hit on some of their other dishes. Overall very nice, and I'd love to try their pasta flight next time I'm in town

Went here for date night in June, and while it's a little bit on the pricier end for my husband and…read moreI, it was definitely worth it! We had Friday night reservations and sat at the bar. The bartenders are amazing, friendly, personable without being too much, knew the menu and made fantastic cocktails. When I asked for a wine pairing suggestion for the pasta we ordered, they provided a great recommendation that I was very happy with! The time between ordering, appetizers, and main entrees was well paced! Get the focaccia to soak up the any of the pasta sauces... I don't care if it's considered bad manners.

Well, the James Beard nomination removed one of my favorite restaurants from under the radar to…read moredamned packed - and they 100% deserve the kudos and the attention and the packed reservation calendar. I love this place. After every visit I have to forego pasta anywhere else for weeks. Nowhere in town compares. Their treatment of wild mushrooms is masterful. My partner and I scored a two-spot at the bar on a Saturday to celebrate and we loved it, as always. The service was just as attentive and friendly at the bar as at a table. The atmosphere there is cozy and intimate and feels very European. Bonus - you get a great look at other diners' meals. I've had the tajarin with morels in the past, blessedly, and got one of the final orders available, maybe the last for the night. It's always a revelation in how amazing simple, high quality ingredients can make a meal. The amount of morels is generous as well. He ordered the rigatoni with pork and enjoyed it very much. We started with a cauliflower and broccoli dish that would make anyone a cruciferous vegetable aficionado. I had the always wonderful browned butter bourbon drink and a twist on a Manhattan for dessert. He had the house Affogato and really enjoyed it. This place is always worth the time and the money. It's among my favorites anywhere in the country that I've ever eaten.

Wow, the Cantaloupe with Burrata is probably one of the best things I've eaten in a long time!!!…read moreYou wouldn't think something so simple would be so amazing, but it is. They drizzle olive oil, pink peppercorns and pink sea salt flakes with fennel fronds. The Burrata was buttery tasting and complimented the cantaloupe so well.

Mina is *the* spot for a taste of a meal abroad with that home-cooked feel. Bringing European…read moreflavors to Milwaukee in all forms of small bites, plates, and drinks. Their rotating menu is full of fresh and local food like no other! It doesn't matter if you can't pronounce what you're ordering; Patrice and Ryan bring flavors together that you've never thought of but now never want to live without! Don't worry if you're Veg, GF, or DF, they've got it all (and it's all delicious).

Food Fam and I came here for a Filipino Food Pop Up by Bad English. Filipino food is popular on the…read moreEast and West Coasts, plus Chicago. We were excited to have representation in MKE! First of all, I can't believe I have never set foot in this restaurant. I like the overall vibe of the place. Diving into the food, we ordered the lumpia Shanghai (egg rolls) to start. Crunchy and yummy! For my main dish, I ordered the Ulam with longganisa (Filipino chorizo) and a fried egg. My cousins ordered the Ulam with Chicken Adobo. Basically, Ulam is garlic fried rice with a pickled slaw on the side. Vinegar was served on the side for extra flavor. We were impressed at how the dishes were elevated, yet maintained the traditional flavor. If we were at home, we would have had two platefuls of everything! For dessert, we split some Turon (plantains with mango & jackfruit wrapped in egg roll wrapper and fried). Definitely wanted more - but forced myself to say no! Our server was super nice and very attentive. She made sure our waters were full (we are on a hydration kick). Overall, I was happy we made it out on a Monday night and satisfied my craving for Filipino food! I will definitely be back to try their normal offerings.

We were happy to see a new restaurant open in place of Tavolino. The restaurant decor is so cute!…read moreThey had creative dishes beyond your average Italian restaurant which was refreshing. I had the shrimp arrabbiata which I knew would be spicy, but unfortunately it was way too spicy for me to eat. Everyone else at my table seemed to enjoy their meal though! I did notice that the menu online was a bit different than what they presented in the restaurant. Looking forward to going back and getting a meal I can properly enjoy!

Centro cafe is a great little hidden gem in Riverwest. The prices are a little higher than other…read morevenues in the area, but the food is well worth it. The flavors, the layers, the searing, the fresh ingredients, all fantastic. And with an exposed hot kitchen in the dining area, you can watch it all come together. The ambiance is nice, making it a great date spot. And the service is attentive without being too much. The craft cocktails and NA spritzes are fantastic, with unique and well balanced flavors. And the attached speakeasy (Bar Centro) makes for a perfect after dinner stop for another cocktail and live music 3 nights a week.

Second time coming here and already one of my favorite spots in Milwaukee. Love that it's a smaller…read moremore intimate dining experience. Service is always amazing and the food is out of this world! Tried a non alcoholic drink last night which was delicious. Appetizer we had bruschetta which I could bathe in. My daughter tried the cacio e pepe and I had the butternut lasagna. Both were absolutely divine! Also had to get the tiramisu for dessert. Cannot recommend this place enough.

Great ambiance inside and outside. We loved the pizzas and pasta for sharing. Service was fast but…read morewe didn't feel rushed.

What a fabulous meal and experience atTaurp Cocina! 3 of us…read morewent last Sunday, Aug 23rd, to celebrate a birthday. Actually 2 of the 3 of us had a birthday in the last 4 weeks. 1 of us had been to Tauro Cocina before. The food was excellent! We shared a house salad which was very good. The 3 entries ordered were: Linguine al Poblano, (house-made linguine tossed in our specialty poblano pesto with grilled chicken) Cilantro Risotto (cilantro cream risotto, served with spicy grilled shrimp, topped with shaved parmesan) And Grilled Salmon (served with your choice of risotto & sauteed seasonal. Each one was unique, so flavorful & freshly prepared. Excellent! The service was top notch. I had called earlier to see if they did anything for birthdays. The reply was yes. When arriving the host asked if we were celebrating any special event, confirming my call. Through the entire meal service was attentive without being obtrusive. When our plates were cleaned (with leftovers for each of us) the server brought out plates for both birthday friends. The plates had 3 churros, a small dish of warm chocolate sauce, were decorated with Happy Birthday & a candle. All with finesse. An overall great meal and great experience. Definitely worth visiting & I will be returning.

We stopped here on a Tuesday night. We had made a reservation so we were seated right away. It was…read morevery busy so we were glad we did. It was very loud inside the restaurant, so much were could barely hear each other talk. Sitting outside might be a better idea in the future. We ordered a Caesar salad and a house salad with garlic dressing. Both were good but I especially enjoyed the garlic dressing. For our mains, I ordered the gnocchi and my boyfriend ordered the Parmesan with pork tenderloin cutlets. Both were very tasty! The Gorgonzola sauce on the gnocchi was amazing! We both couldn't get enough of it. The Parmesan was also very good as it had great flavor and large portions.

Visit number two today for Mother's Day , Isabella was excellent as our waitress, recommendations…read morewere on point, service was great! I tried the verde today with the shrimp, 10/10 delicious! The potato leak soup was outstanding too! Zero complaints always a great time here at Sala