Milwaukee is a melting pot of cultures, and the city's vibrant culinary scene showcases that diversity.
From classic Italian dishes to spicy Thai curries, Milwaukee's ethnic restaurants offer a taste of the world without ever leaving the city limits.
Food lovers can explore the city's neighborhoods and discover hidden gems that serve authentic cuisine from all corners of the globe.
Whether you're in the mood for sushi, tacos, or falafel, there's a restaurant in Milwaukee that can satisfy your cravings.
Milwaukee's ethnic restaurants are more than just places to grab a meal — they're cultural experiences. Many of these restaurants are family-owned and operated, and they take pride in sharing their heritage through their cuisine.
You can taste the love and passion that goes into each dish, and learn about the traditions and customs behind them.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the best ethnic restaurants in Milwaukee. We'll explore the flavors, ambiance, and history behind each restaurant, as well as provide recommendations for must-try dishes.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, Milwaukee's ethnic restaurants have something for everyone. So, let's dive in and discover the culinary treasures that await us in this city!
1. La Masa Empanada Bar
La Masa Empanada Bar is a Latin American restaurant that serves a variety of oven-baked empanadas and mains.
The restaurant also features a bar where customers can enjoy a range of cocktails. The food is made with quality ingredients and the empanadas are seasoned well.
The dough is soft and delicious, making it a must-try for anyone who loves empanadas. The menu offers different options for those who are not as adventurous with their food choices.
The service is excellent and the staff is polite and friendly. La Masa Empanada Bar is a great place to enjoy Latin American cuisine and drinks.
2. Blue Star Cafe
Blue Star Cafe is a hidden gem of an East African restaurant. Despite its unassuming exterior, the food inside is bursting with flavor and spices.
The portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable, making it an excellent value for the quality of food.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, adding to the warm and cozy atmosphere.
Don't miss out on the chance to try something new and delicious at Blue Star Cafe.
3. Antique Indian Restaurant Bar & Grills
Antique Indian Restaurant Bar & Grills is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic and delicious Indian cuisine. The food is amazing and the portions are generous.
The service is top-notch and the staff is friendly and accommodating. Their Sunday buffet is great and offers a variety of dishes.
The restaurant is clean and well-maintained. The ambiance is colorful and adds to the dining experience.
The prices are reasonable and they offer different payment options. All in all, it's a great place to enjoy some amazing Indian food.
4. Triciclo Peru
Triciclo Peru is a cozy and trendy Peruvian restaurant that offers authentic street food in a hip atmosphere.
The staff is attentive and friendly, and the food is excellent with good portions and reasonable prices. The restaurant also prioritizes local food and partnerships, which is a plus.
They have an impressive selection of empanadas and sauces, and the Leche de Tigre ceviche dish is a highlight. They also have vegetarian and sometimes vegan options.
The drinks are tasty, especially the pisco sours. Triciclo Peru is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for bold and fresh flavors in a fun environment.
5. Thai A Kitchen
Thai A Kitchen is a must-visit Thai restaurant. The food is always fresh and delicious, and the portions are generous.
The employees are friendly and provide excellent service. The menu offers a variety of spicy curries and other Thai favorites, along with lunch specials.
The restaurant has a basic setup, but the food is well worth the visit. Don't miss out on the fried rice and volcano chicken – they are simply amazing.
Whether you're looking for dine-in or takeout options, Thai A Kitchen should be at the top of your list.
6. Al Bazzar Restaurant & Sweets
Al Bazzar Restaurant & Sweets is a Middle Eastern restaurant that offers authentic and delicious dishes. Their lamb, rice, and hummus are highly recommended and freshly made in-house.
Customers rave about the amazing flavors and generous portions. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian options, including falafel over freekeh with a yogurt sauce.
For those with a sweet tooth, their baklava and Knafeh are a must-try. Al Bazzar Restaurant & Sweets is a great spot for anyone looking for quality Middle Eastern cuisine.
7. Alem Ethiopian Village
Alem Ethiopian Village serves up delicious and authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The lunch buffet offers a variety of vegetarian options at an affordable price.
The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with traditional Ethiopian decor.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, making for a pleasant dining experience.
Whether you're a fan of Ethiopian food or looking to try something new, Alem Ethiopian Village is definitely worth a visit.
8. Mader's Restaurant
Mader's Restaurant is an authentic German restaurant with a rich history that spans over a century. The restaurant is decorated with German artifacts, wood carvings, and stained glass.
The menu features classic German dishes like Weiner Schnitzel and Ruladen, as well as a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails.
The service is prompt and friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.
Mader's Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who loves German cuisine and wants to experience a piece of German heritage and culture.
9. Damascus Gate Restaurant
Damascus Gate Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.
The food is authentic and flavorful, with generous portions at great prices. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, and the service is quick and friendly.
The falafel and rice dishes are particularly noteworthy. The restaurant is family-friendly and offers a range of vegetarian options.
Despite its unassuming appearance, Damascus Gate Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious Middle Eastern food.
10. Three Brothers
Three Brothers is a hidden gem serving up delicious Serbian cuisine in a vintage storefront setting.
The staff is attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The food is freshly prepared and full of flavor. The beef burek is a must-try dish.
The restaurant takes safety protocols seriously, making diners feel comfortable and safe.
Make sure to call ahead for a reservation as the restaurant is small and popular. A great spot for a unique dining experience.
11. Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant
Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant is a hidden gem for those who crave authentic Ethiopian cuisine.
The restaurant offers a variety of flavorful dishes, including the popular combo platter and vegetarian options. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is perfect for a casual night out with friends or a quick takeout meal.
Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the rich and exotic flavors of Ethiopia.
12. Amilinda
Amilinda is a cozy and chic Spanish and Portuguese restaurant that offers a well-curated menu of unique flavors and cultures.
The restaurant's specialty is its bold and delicious cuisine that will surely satisfy the inner foodie in you. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and gracious, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
Amilinda also has a great selection of cocktails and wine that perfectly complement its plates. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date or a night out with friends.
If you're looking for a new and exciting dining experience, Amilinda is definitely worth checking out.
13. Vientiane Noodle Shop
Vientiane Noodle Shop is an excellent choice for anyone who loves Laotian and Thai cuisine. With a variety of dishes on offer, this restaurant is perfect for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
From the chicken pho to the homemade Vientiane sausage, every dish is packed with flavor and made to perfection.
The staff is attentive and kind, making the dining experience all the more enjoyable.
Although parking can be a challenge, the delicious food at Vientiane Noodle Shop is well worth the effort.
14. Cavas
Cavas is a Spanish/Latin restaurant that serves delicious food in a small but cozy space.
The staff is friendly and makes customers feel right at home. The restaurant's attention to detail shows in their plates, glassware, and plating.
The empanadas and paella are must-try dishes. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.
The restaurant is family-run, and the chef is a boss lady who knows how to make amazing dishes. Cavas is a gem of a restaurant that should not be missed.
15. Pita Palace Mediterranean Cuisine
Pita Palace Mediterranean Cuisine is a fantastic Middle Eastern restaurant that offers a wide variety of delicious dishes.
The cafeteria-style ordering system is quick and easy, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The food is fresh and flavorful, with generous portion sizes that won't leave you hungry.
The interior of the restaurant is beautifully decorated with Arabic-style lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant also has a great fresh juice and smoothie bar, perfect for a refreshing drink to complement your meal.
Pita Palace Mediterranean Cuisine is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for authentic and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.
16. Siam Thai
Siam Thai is a must-visit for those craving authentic Thai cuisine. The menu is extensive and offers a variety of dishes that are full of flavor.
The staff is attentive and accommodating to individual requests.
The restaurant has a cozy ambiance and is well-maintained. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable.
Siam Thai is a great option for a casual dinner or a quick lunch.
17. Comiendo Rico LLC
Comiendo Rico LLC is a Puerto Rican restaurant that serves authentic food with great flavors.
The homemade sauces are a must-try, and the portion size is generous. The atmosphere is clean and subtle, and the upbeat music adds to the ambiance.
The shrimp creole is divine, and the alcapurias and bacalaitos are off the hook. The service is wonderful, and the server is attentive.
The only downside is that they only accept cash. But overall, Comiendo Rico LLC is a restaurant worth visiting for a great Puerto Rican food experience.
