Appetite for romance
Carol Deptolla suggests great places for dinner on a first date or anniversary.
Where to have a first dinner date is an important question, because it might lead to another important question — where to have dinner for the anniversary.
For a first dinner date, a certain kind of place, where the mood is light, might be more important than how fancy it is. That’s how I feel about it, anyway.
A restaurant that’s buzzing might be essential, too. It gives dinner an undercurrent of energy and, if the date is a dud and the place is loud enough, cover. (“What? Sorry, can’t hear a word you’re saying!”) It helps if the restaurant has some visual interest, too; it’s something to talk about when all else fails.
Anniversaries call for settings that are more romantic, and most of the ones listed here are lower in decibels. (Any of these spots would also be ideal for a Valentine’s Day dinner.)
This list focuses on Milwaukee restaurants, in case the night also calls for live music or another event in the city, and they range from more budget-minded choices to splurges.
First dinner date
The Noble — Elbow-rubbingly cozy, with a quirky decor and a free-form, frequently changing menu, including a pork dish du jour and a vegetable-based plate. Reservations not taken. 704 S. 2nd St. (414) 688-5289 facebook.com/TheNobleMKE
Corazón Cafe — The Riverwest restaurant — especially the colorful original dining room, loaded with religious memorabilia — is a charmer, a good place for a drink and Mexican-inspired fare. The Bay View location is roomier, with a slightly larger menu. Reservations not taken. 3129 N. Bremen St., (414) 810-3941, and 2394 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 544-2774 corazon milwaukee.com
The Vanguard — It doesn’t get much more relaxed than at this bar, where customers order the excellent housemade sausages at the counter (including a vegan version) and watch retro game shows and more on the TVs. At the bar, tap cocktails, draft beers and an array of bourbons. Reservations not taken. 2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. (414) 5393593 vanguardbar.com
Strange Town — The menu is entirely plant-based and entirely delicious. Wines are natural, cocktails often are based on herbal spirits and fortified wines, and beers are mainly imports; that music you hear comes from vintage vinyl. The little dining room is so cozy it feels like a hug. 2101 N. Prospect Ave. (414) 885-0404 Facebook.com/strange townmke
La Merenda — The casual smallplates restaurant is as good for a first date as it is for groups. Local ingredients plus La Merenda’s versions of global dishes help keep the restaurant perpetually popular. 125 E. National Ave. (414) 389-0125 lamerenda125.com
Dandan — Dandan offers a modern take on Chinese-American fare, with plates to share (or not) and very good drinks in a just-as-modern dining room. If you’re like-minded, the multicourse Peking duck dinner for two is a memorable option. Be sure to order dessert. 360 E. Erie St. (414) 488-8036 dandan mke.com
Odd Duck — Shareable plates with flavors from around the world and topnotch drinks in a lively setting make this a hot spot. The dining room can get loud enough on the weekends that you might have to lean in — not the worst thing. 2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. (414) 763-5881 oddduckrestaurant.com
Movida — Spanish tapas and paella to share in a dimly lighted room with a lively vibe. Great cocktails are mixed here, including traditional and seasonal Spanish gin tonics plus sangria, and the list of Spanish wines is worth your consideration. 524 S. 2nd St. (414) 2245300 movidamke.com
Tre Rivali — Visit the year-round rooftop bar before or after dinner at this restaurant, which looks to the Mediterranean for its well-rounded, well-made menu, including house pastas and wood-fired pizzas. 200 N. Broadway, in the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. (414) 291-3971. trerivalirestaurant.com
Anniversary
Centro — Warmly lighted and snug, Centro serves Italian-inspired fare, mainly pastas for its main dishes. It doesn’t take reservations, but a bar next door that will serve as a waiting room for diners is opening in March. 808 E. Center St. (414) 455-3751 centrocaferiverwest.com
Amilinda— With exposed brick and the original 19th-century tile floor, Amilinda has an Old World patina, touched with modern flair. It’s a good match for the food, which draws inspiration from Spain, Portugal and countries that have been in the colonial powers’ orbits and from local, seasonal ingredients. Find well-made cocktails and wines from Spain and Portugal. 315 E. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 369-3683 amilinda.com
Buckley’s Restaurant — A delightful little dining room, great cocktails and a menu with Mediterranean and Asian influences are Buckley’s calling cards. The dining room can fill up quickly, so the restaurant is being expanded (but the owners say they will be mindful of the place’s charms). 801 N. Cass St. (414) 271-1111 buckleysmilwaukee.com
Third Coast Provisions — A handsome, modern restaurant that practically shimmers on the first floor; the mezzanine is more dimly lighted and cozier. Seafood is the specialty here, in plates to share or in main dishes. 724 N. Milwaukee St. (414) 323-7434 thirdcoast provisions.com
Sanford — It’s one of Milwaukee’s great restaurants, with seasonal food by an award-winning chef, a sleek but warm dining room and staff that will treat celebrating couples like the reigning royalty of anniversarydom. 1547 N. Jackson St. (414) 276-9608 sanford restaurant.com
c.1880 — Jazz is the soundtrack to the lovely modern fare at c.1880, which delivers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Couples will find top-notch service and well-made drinks, plus a carefully assembled wine list and smart cocktails. 1100 S. 1st St. (414) 431-9271 c1880.com
Lake Park Bistro — The setting for Lake Park Bistro’s delicious country French fare is idyllic, in lovely Lake Park with a view of Lake Michigan — if you reserve those tables well in advance for a seating at peak times. 3133 E. Newberry Blvd. (414) 962-6300 lakepark bistro.com
Ardent — It’s not the usual restaurant in any sense. It can feel like entering another world, walking down the stairs to this restaurant that’s below street level. No opulence in this dining room, but expect stylish touches in a relaxed environment. The tasting menu, creative and thoughtful, holds surprises as it weaves in seasonal Wisconsin ingredients. Dishes are delivered by the chefs who prepared them. 1751 N. Farwell Ave. (414) 897-7022 ardentmke.com