8 date night restaurants downtown Milwaukee

Cheese, beer, and more cheese. That’s what most people think when they hear Wisconsin. But, there’s more to us! Especially, restaurants downtown Milwaukee. The food scene in downtown Milwaukee is incredible. There are so many talented chefs and so many cute, romantic date night restaurant spots that will inspire you to travel to a new country simply with the cuisine.

We love using our CityTin to pick the next date night restaurant we’ve never been to, but we also have a list of our never-disappoint spots.

Here is a taste of our favorite romantic date night restaurants downtown Milwaukee. Who said you have to fly to travel? Eating can you a whole new experience!

1. Movida at Hotel Madrid

“The food and drink of Spain.” An evening at Movida at Hotel Madrid will transport you to Spain with Spanish tapas, specialty sangria, and a romantic ambiance. There are weekly specials that you can’t beat and makes date night that much more affordable! It’s constantly changing so check the website for updated specials:

• Monday: all night sangria hour $5 per glass
• Tuesday: all you can eat paella $25
• Wednesday: first glass on the house!
• Every night: unlimited tapas for $44

2. Hungry Sumo

Located in the Bayview neighborhood of Milwaukee, Hungry Sumo is a Japanese & Thai restaurant. The cozy restaurant offers small plates, rice dishes, curry, sushi, and ramen. We always start with the Hottie Hottie. Trust us, you’ll regret NOT ordering this spicy tuna served on Japanese crispy rice with sweet soy sauce and creamy spicy mayo! The best value here is an afternoon date lunch:

• Every day lunch: one entree, one starter + soup $10.99

3. La Merenda

“La merenda” means “early snack” in Italian. This Milwaukee restaurant located in the Fifth Ward was inspired by an Italian custom of early evening socializing and gathering to share food and drink. The menu consists of small plates from around the world such as Italy, Indonesia, Mexico, Spain, Japan, Argentina, Canada, and more! Can’t decide on which cuisine you’ll want for date night? At La Merenda, you’ll get your fix of all types of cuisine with this fun globally-inspired tapas menu. AND, La Merenda incorporates local, seasonal items into the menu wherever possible in order to become more socially and environmentally responsible. The special?

• Monday: half-priced bottles of wine

4. Char’d

Located in the Third Ward, Char’d is Korean-inspired cuisine that features locally sourced, seasonal products. Executive chef, Yosub Yoon brings his skills and knowledge in Korean cuisine to create ‘New Korean’ dishes using traditional Korean culinary techniques and recipes. One of our favorite items is the bibimbap which is cooked veggies and a sunny-side up egg on a bed of rice served with a spicy sauce. But, what they’re really known for is perfectly charred meats. Get the name of the restaurant now?

5. Tupelo Honey Cafe

Located on the corner of Broadway and Clybourn, near the Milwaukee Public Market, Tupelo Honey is one of Milwaukee’s newest restaurants. It opened in 2021, and there are over 20 different locations across the country. The menu offers a selection of southern style comfort food, but there are a lot of healthy options. Truly, it has a nice blend of both!

• Sign up for the loyalty reward program, and you will earn $20 off for your birthday month

6. The Noble

“Small Space. Small Menu. Big Heart.” Ever traveled to a new city, eat something so delicious but can’t replicate it again? Well, that’s The Noble for ya…the menu changes constantly! It basically changes daily, so you have to follow their Facebook to get a preview if you really want to know before going. There’s a small standard menu, but the best items are always changing, and that’s what we love about this restaurant located in Walker’s Point. The fresh menu makes it feel like a new restaurant every time we dine here! One key thing to note is that there is no pricing on the menu. You won’t know until the check comes…it’s always worth it though!

7. Fool’s Errand

New to the Milwaukee food scene, Fool’s Errand opened in 2021 and is located in the Historic Third Ward. Our favorite time of year to come here and indulge on the comfort food is on a cold winter night. We can’t resist ordering the smoked gouda mac and cheese and hash brown fingers to share!

8. Centro Cafe

Located in Riverwest, Centro Cafe is an Italian-inspired restaurant with some of the best pastas in Milwaukee and an Italian wine list you can’t resist ordering from. Every corner of the restaurant has its own unique charm and at the center, we feel as if we’re dining in someone’s cozy home. When the weather gets warm, the outdoor deck sets a perfect mood for an evening out. After dinner, head right next door to Bar Centro for craft cocktails, live music, and good vibes!

BONUS: Blu Signature Room

BLU Bar and Lounge is on the 23rd floor of the Pfister Hotel. This place offers beautiful views of downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan. They offer afternoon tea for $57 on Saturdays and Sundays, but they book up fast! The best value is grabbing a drink here during happy hour before dinner!

• Monday-Thursday 5-8pm: $3 featured craft beer, $5 featured wine, $5 featured well cocktails + $8 featured signature cocktails

What are some other restaurants you would recommend downtown Milwaukee? If you’re looking for more dining experiences downtown Milwaukee, check out these elevated food halls and marketplaces!