By Name

2894 on Main

2894 Main St., East Troy, 414-885-1919. AMERICAN,

BREAKFAST A road trip to this village 20 minutes from Lake Geneva should include a good hour

or so leisurely enjoying an omelet, carrot tacos or meatball sandwich, followed by a coffee and cupcake or other sweet treat. B L BR $-$$

Alem Ethiopian Village

307 E. Wisconsin Ave., 414-224-5324. ETHIOPIAN Entrées are served on a wafer-thin, spongy teff pancake. The beef and lamb stews are good. L D ) $$

Amilinda

315 E. Wisconsin Ave., 414-369-3683. SPANISH/PORTUGUESE The cuisine is inspired by chef/co-owner Gregory León’s interest in the Iberian Peninsula. Menu changes often and might include rabbit, pork, beef or fresh fish. D ) $$$

Anmol Restaurant

711 W. Mitchell St., 414-672-7878. PAKISTANI/INDIAN Pakistani cuisine tends to be rich and very flavorful. Anmol gets that message. Meat dishes like haleem (shredded beef), mutton kahari and the tandoori platters are of note. L D $$

Ardent

1751 N. Farwell Ave., 414-897-7022. AMERICAN NOUVEAU Simple ingredients from Wisconsin farms. Tasting menu only. Lot parking available. D $$$$

Bacchus

925 E. Wells St., 414-765-1166. AMERICAN NOUVEAU. Square lines, leather booths and an elegant bar define this

Cudahy Tower space, a sure bet for seared foie gras, sea scallops and the Chef ’s Cut for Two.

D ) $$$-$$$$

Balzac Wine Bar

1716 N. Arlington Pl., 414-755-0099. AMERICAN NOUVEAU, SMALL PLATES Walker’s Point and Bay View may be known for small plates, but the East Side offers this casual, low-lit venue just off Brady Street. D  $$

Bavette la Boucherie

330 E. Menomonee St., 414-273-3375. AMERICAN, SAUSAGE Third Ward butcher shop-resto that serves housemade charcuterie, sausages and so on. The pâtés and sandwiches should be in your mouth.

L D  ) $-$$

Beans & Barley

1901 E. North Ave., 414-278-7878. VEGETARIAN, BREAKFAST Windows frame two sides of this utilitarian dining room, allowing light to spill onto the red patterned booths. A solid choice for breakfast, the cafe is especially friendly to the veg-loving crowd.

B L D BR   $

Beerline Cafe

2076 N. Commerce St., 414-265-5644. VEGAN, VEGETARIAN The eco-friendly dining room is often filled with city folk working on their laptops. The main food focus here: crepes, cromelettes (crepe-omelets) and panini. Great mushroom-barley burger.

B L D   $

Benji’s Deli

4156 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-7777. AMERICAN, BREAKFAST, SANDWICH This Shorewood fixture specializes in corned beef and pastrami, chicken matzo ball soup, tuna melts and breakfast served all day. Grab a seat at the lunch counter or one of the booths, along with the crowd of regulars.

B L D BR  $

Birch + Butcher

459 E. Pleasant St., 414-323-7372. AMERICAN NOUVEAU

The center of this open, modern space is a wood-burning hearth, used for everything from bread-baking to roasting meats and fish. High marks for shareable menu items like roasted parsnips, sunflower seed risotto and whole chicken with BBQ carrots. Open for Sat-Sun brunch as well. D BR $$-$$$$

Blue’s Egg

3117 N. 76th St., 414-299-3180; 4195 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, 414-312-8551. AMERICAN Lines form early at the hostess station on the weekends. If you don’t mind a backless stool, the bar is comfortable and manned by a team of fast, friendly servers. The menu offers familiar ideas packaged in untraditional ways. Don’t miss the stuffed browns, crispy blue crab cakes, hoppel poppel and monkey bread.

B L BR  $-$$

Bodegón

Hotel Madrid, 600 S. Sixth St., 414-488-9146. AMERICAN NOUVEAU Think of this high-end restaurant and adjacent bar as restored old Cream City brick building meets Ernest Hemingway-esque hunting lodge. The service aims to match the expensive house dry-aged steaks. Steaks are a menu highlight. BR D  $$$$

Braise Restaurant

1101 S. Second St., 414-212-8843. AMERICAN NOUVEAU Seasonal cuisine incorporating local foods is the mantra of this beautifully restored occupant of Walker’s Point’s “Restaurant Row.” The steamed pork buns are a must. Also offers hands-on cooking classes. D  $$-$$$

Buckley’s Restaurant and Bar

801 N. Cass St., 414-277-1111. AMERICAN NOUVEAU The owners trekked the handsome old bar inside this cozy spot all the way from Boston. Executive chef Thi Cao’s creations include lobster roll to grilled hanger steak. L D BR •  ) $$-$$$

Café at the Plaza

1007 N. Cass St., 414-272-0515. AMERICAN, BREAKFAST The lunch counter winds around this art deco dining room like a Formica serpent. A perfect morning spot for pancakes, eggs Benedict and much more. B L BR  ) $-$$

Café Corazón

3129 N. Bremen St., 414-810-3941; 2394 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-544-2774. MEXICAN Cozy and friendly, even if it’s knee-deep with hungry and thirsty patrons. Wash down your wet burrito or beef tacos (with meat from the family cattle farm) with a potent margarita. Extra props go to the Corazón burger. L D BR   ) $-$$

Café Manna

3815 N. Brookfield Rd., Brookfield, 262-790-2340. VEGETARIAN Serves a completely plant-based menu in eco-friendly surroundings. Wines come from organic, sustainable vineyards. Vegan, raw and gluten-free options available. L D   $$-$$$

Carini’s La Conca d’Oro

3468 N. Oakland Ave., 414-963-9623. ITALIAN Classics like spiedini, veal Siciliana and rack of lamb combine with the more recent addition of pizzas baked in a wood oven shipped from Naples, Italy. L D ) $$

Carnevor

718 N. Milwaukee St., 414-223-2200. STEAK The SURGowned, high-tier steakhouse is a splurge experience. The menu offers decadences such as the Mangalitsa ravioli, lobster mac and cheese, and if you’re really feeling spendy, the “reserve cuts.”

D   $$$-$$$$

Centro Cafe

808 E. Center St., 414-455-3751. ITALIAN The owners furnished this storefront with a salvaged marble-top bar and old church pew seating. The affordable menu offers simple pasta, app and pizza preparations. Favorites: pan-fried gnocchi, and penne with salsiccia. D $$-$$$

Cloud Red

4488 N. Oakland Ave., 414-231-9660. BAR, VEGETARIAN

A modern, plant-based take on bar food at Shorewood’s former Village Pub. The seasonal menu is printed on the chalkboard and includes a Vietnamese po’ boy, Thai grilled steak salad and grass-fed burger. Great taco Tuesday. D $-$$

Comet Cafe

1947 N. Farwell Ave., 414-273-7677. AMERICAN,

VEGETARIAN Whether you’re a vegetarian or omnivore, you can eat well here. Oldie hits include the meatloaf with beer gravy and AJ’s compact turkey dinner. Some new items deserve attention, including the pulled pork sammie and Comet pro bowl of grilled tofu, veggies and brown rice with ginger-peanut dressing.

B L D BR •   $-$$

Company Brewing

735 E. Center St., 414-930-0909. AMERICAN The remodeled, refreshed former Stonefly is back to doing what the space was known for – brewing beer and serving food. Come for Beer Coin Burger Night (Tuesdays) and fried chicken (Wednesday).

D BR ) $$

County Clare

1234 N. Astor St., 414-272-5273. IRISH Pub and guesthouse offering expecteds like house-roasted corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, pot roast and shepherd’s pie. Vegetarian menu, too.

L D BR •  $$

Crazy Water

839 S. Second St., 414-645-2606. AMERICAN NOUVEAU The Walker’s Point resto has a rapt audience that finds nothing crazy about the chorizo-stuffed dates, parsley-crusted halibut and braised short ribs.

D BR  ) $$$

DanDan Restaurant

360 E. Erie St., 414-488-8036. CHINESE Chefs Dan

Van Rite and Dan Jacobs offer their takes on dumplings, noodles, Asian pancakes and dishes like Peking duck. (They also operate the open-weekends-only EsterEv restaurant at DanDan, which offers a 10-course prix-fixe menu.) L D   $$-$$$

The Diplomat

815 E. Brady St., 414-800-5816. SMALL PLATES Has brought light back to the old Bosley on Brady space. Chef/owner Dane Baldwin (of Harbor House and Mr. B’s) brings his know-how to a hearty, flavorful little menu that includes fresh oysters, trout and beef short ribs. D  $-$$

Doc’s Commerce Smokehouse

754 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., 414-935-2029. BBQ New Milwaukee location of a chain (with two other Midwest locations) that specializes in hickory-smoked meats. Meats include pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken and Usinger’s sausage. L D $$-$$$

Eddie Martini’s

8612 Watertown Plank Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-771-6680. STEAK The place for that prime Kobe tomahawk ribeye you’ve always wanted to try. A solid choice for a filet, NY strip or even ahi tuna and sea scallops.

L D   $$$-$$$$

El Senorial

1901 S. 31st St., 414-385-9506. MEXICAN With emphasis on authentic flavors, this friendly South Side place excels at parrillada – a mixed grill serving one to four diners. Other highlights: pork in green sauce, chopped rib-eye in chile de arbol sauce. L D  $-$$

Elsa’s on the Park

833 N. Jefferson St., 414-765-0615. BURGER, SANDWICH

A Cathedral Square institution for burgers, pork sandwiches, waffle fries, Cosmos and Gooey Butter Cake. L D  $$

Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant

1824 N. Farwell Ave., 414-224-5226. ETHIOPIAN The emphasis on eating without utensils draws attention to the textures and flavors of the meat and vegetarian stews served on a thin crepe. Pop for the chicken doro wat – a chicken stew with hard-boiled egg. Group of four or more diners? Even better. Bond over beef tibs. L D $$

Falafel Guys

105 W. Freistadt Rd., Thiensville., 262-302-4122. MIDDLE EASTERN Featuring chicken shawarma, kefta kabob (ground beef), falafel, Israeli salad and more. Lots of vegetarian choices. L D $-$$

Fauntleroy

316 N. Milwaukee St., 414-269-9908. FRENCH The former Coquette Cafe digs have been transformed by the owners (who also operate the Third Ward’s DanDan). They’ve added a ’70s rock ’n roll vibe and a semi-traditional French menu. Foie gras torchon, sweetbreads, steak frites and duck a l’orange are among the specialties. Dining review to come. D $$$

FreshFin Poké

1806 E. North Ave., 414-239-8677; 316 N. Milwaukee St., 414-763-0473; 240 N. Lord St., Brookfield, 262-505-6510 BOWLS It no longer takes major finagling to find poke (rhymes with “OK”) in this town. Offers signature and customizable bowls of fish (or chicken), rice, veggies and choice of sauce. L D $-$$

Goodkind

2457 S. Wentworth Ave., 414-763-4706. AMERICAN Well-chosen wines and craft beers and well-balanced cocktails. The seasons dictate the menu to a certain degree, but you can count on the fabulous meats cooked on the French rotisserie.

D BR   ) $$-$$$

Harbor House

550 N. Harbor Dr., 414-395-4900. SEAFOOD Like sitting

in an upscale fish house in New England. Windows on three sides present an impeccable view of Lake Michigan. The oyster bar and caviar service are highlights. Buffet-style Sunday brunch.

L D BR   $$$-$$$$

Honeypie

2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-489-7437. AMERICAN NOUVEAU Think about dessert first. The pies, cupcakes and other sweets are all made in-house. Take a seat in a booth under photos of somebody’s relatives and have a pasty or a Wisco grass-fed beef burger. Now back to that other topic – pies. B L D BR   $$

Irie Zulu

7237 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-509-6014.

AFRICAN, JAMAICAN The menus at this friendly, vibrant restaurant highlight the cuisines of various African countries, as well as of the island country of Jamaica. Highlights: peanut butter stew, oxtail stew, jerk chicken. L D ) $$

Iron Grate BBQ Co.

4125 S. Howell Ave., 414-455-1776. BBQ A sharp focus on meats, including the great Milwaukee Rib. Grits and mac and cheese are among the sides. L D ) $$

Jing’s Chinese Restaurant

207 E. Buffalo St., 414-271-7788. CHINESE Its Marshall Building digs don’t offer street visibility, but ensure a cozy, in-the-know space. Count on staples of Chinese-American cuisine. If you’re looking for more authentic dishes, ask for the “other menu.” LD  $$

Kegel’s Inn

5901 W. National Ave., 414-257-9999. GERMAN Wash down a plate of hearty pork shanks or wiener schnitzel with one of the bar’s at least eight German tap beers. This institution is also known for fish fry (walleye, bluegill, lake perch). L D •  $$-$$$

La Merenda

125 E. National Ave., 414-389-0125. TAPAS/SMALL PLATES

The global menu at Peter Sandroni’s Walker’s Point haunt highlights India to Italy, Argentina to Morocco. Choices come and go; if you find empanadas, pumpkin ravioli and Argentinian beef, go with them. L D  ) $-$$

Lake Park Bistro

3133 E. Newberry Blvd., 414-962-6300. FRENCH Bartolotta-owned and set in historic Lake Park Pavilion, LPB has the decorative elements of a French farmhouse. Try: steak tartare, Dover sole and chocolate gateau. L D BR  $$$-$$$$

Lazy Susan

2378 S. Howell Ave., 414-988-7086. AMERICAN NOUVEAU Owner A.J. Dixon’s mantra is eclectic, shareable plates. Menus have included pan-seared skate wing and Brazilian steak frites. Three cheers for the Wednesday night dinner-for-two menu.

D BR $-$$$

Le Rêve Patisserie & Cafe

7610 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-778-3333. FRENCH Breakfast is simple counter-service fare such as quiche and croissants. Solve your lunch dilemma with a croque-madame. Come dinner, hit up the bouillabaisse or steak au poivre. Finish with pastries. B L D   ) $$$

LuLu Cafe & Bar

2261-65 S. Howell Ave., 414-294-5858. AMERICAN Bay View fixture for sandwiches on pitas or baguettes, burgers and salads. The East Indian chicken pita and half-pound Heart Attack burger all get endorsements. LuLu ramen slaw and homemade chips are obligatory. L D BR  $-$$

Maria’s Pizza

5025 W. Forest Home Ave., 414-543-4606. PIZZA One of the city’s most singular restaurants and the home of wonderful amoeba-shaped pizzas. The interior is decorated with religious and holiday finery. No liquor license. D $$

Mason Street Grill

425 E. Mason St., 414-298-3131. AMERICAN NOUVEAU

STEAK The best seat in the house is at the kitchen counter, where you’ll see the making of your crab cakes and NY strip. L D  ) $$-$$$$

Maxie’s

6732 W. Fairview Ave., 414-292-3969. CAJUN/

CREOLE, SEAFOOD, BBQ While the decor conjures up a pseudo-bordello, the cuisine takes off in various directions: BBQ, raw oysters, Louisiana jambalaya, and “low country” South Carolina specialties like frogmore stew. D   $$-$$$

Merriment Social

240 E. Pittsburgh Ave., 414-645-0240. AMERICAN NOUVEAU The old warehouse space’s garage doors make this an open-air venue in summer. The small- and large-plate menu offers bright lights like the brisket and foie gras pierogies and beef shortribs. It also serves exceptional burgers. D BR  ) $$

Milwaukee ChopHouse

633 N. Fifth St., 414-226-2467. STEAK The wedge salad, twice-baked potato and NY strip are served in a suitcoat-appropriate room of dark wood and leather furniture, and waitstaff who scrape the crumbs off the table. D $$$-$$$$

Mr. B’s - A Bartolotta Steakhouse

18380 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-790-7005; 11120 N. Cedarburg Rd., Mequon, 262-518-5500. STEAK Tables with checkered cloths dominate the spacious dining rooms, where the bill of fare includes various cuts of beef and seafood. D $$$-$$$$

Morel

430 S. Second St., 414-897-0747. AMERICAN NOUVEAU You’ll find morels on occasion. And lots of rich preps of duck, lamb, beef and fish. If you don’t mind a little heat, the few seats at the kitchen counter are the most entertaining spots in the house. D  ) $$$

The National

839 W. National Ave., 414-431-6551. AMERICAN Sometimes a pan of biscuits or brownies will be cooling on the lunch counter when you stop in for a turkey club or a bowl of tonkotsu ramen. The charming counter-service cafe also serves a super breakfast, options including huevos rancheros and a breakfast rice bowl. B L  $

Odd Duck

2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-763-5881. TAPAS/SMALL PLATES The menu is diverse, most definitely not odd. Bein’ inventive might be a prereq for working here. Small plates are tagged “Animal” or “Vegetable.” D  

) $$

Palomino

2491 S. Superior St., 414-747-1007. AMERICAN “Cold beer, hot whiskey” is part of the slogan for this Bay View bar. It’s also your portal to Southern deliciousness such as fried chicken.

L D BR  ) $$

Pastiche Bistro and Wine Bar

Hotel Metro, 411 E. Mason St., 414-225-3270; 4313 W. River Lane, Brown Deer, 414-354-1995. FRENCH Confusion may ensue upon entry. Is this MKE or a farmhouse in France? Calling your name, in French: fried frog legs, ratatouille, cassoulet. Hotel Metro: B L D Brown Deer: D  $$$

Pizza Man

2597 N. Downer Ave., 414-272-1745; 11500 W. Burleigh St., Wauwatosa, 414-249-2000; Drexel Town Square, 7974 S. Main St., Oak Creek, 414-856-1000. PIZZA An empire of thin-crust pies with cream cheese, meatballs and more. L D BR   ) $$-$$$

Polonez

4016 S. Packard Ave., 414-482-0080. POLISH Traditional plates such as the sampler (stuffed cabbage, pierogis, sausage), hunter’s stew and potato dumplings L D BR •  ) $$-$$$

Rice N Roll Bistro

1952 N. Farwell Ave., 414-220-9944 JAPANESE, THAI This little kitchen across the street from Comet Cafe can hold its own with sushi and Thai dishes, maki rolls and chef’s choice entrées. Recent additions include a pork “chashu” bun, and crabmeat fried rice wrapped in banana leaf,. L D $$$

Sabrosa Cafe & Gallery

3216 S. Howell Ave., 312-834-1929. BREAKFAST Order badly? It’s not likely here, not with the huevos rancheros, avocado smash-up and enchiladas verdes as options. B L BR  $-$$

SALA

2613 E. Hampshire St., 414-964-2611. ITALIAN Red walls and colorful canvases decorate the dining room at this casual spot near UW-Milwaukee. Start with the baked goat cheese in tomato-basil sauce, follow with chicken Marsala. Valet parking available in the evenings. L D  $$-$$$

Sanford Restaurant

1547 N. Jackson St., 414-276-9608. AMERICAN NOUVEAU Founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Sanford D’Amato; owned by JBA winner Justin Aprahamian. Unsurpassed for service and food. The global cuisine incorporates products from a long list of Wisconsin farms. Dessert is compulsory. D ) $$$-$$$$

Smyth

Iron Horse Hotel, 500 W. Florida St., 414-831-4615. AMERICAN NOUVEAU The hotel restaurant embraces seasonality and Midwestern cuisine. Executive chef Joshua Rogers understands the delicate menu balance of approachable and envelope-pushing plates. B L D BR $$$-$$$$

Snack Boys Snack Bar

814 S. Second St. SMALL PLATES A decorative thread of 1980s neon and poster art filters through this offbeat Walker’s Point bar run by folks from Boone & Crockett and Vanguard. Tater tots, sliders, Radskis salad, cheese fries and Brussels sprout salad are all worth snacking on. D $-$$

Stella Van Buren

Westin Hotel, 550 N. Van Buren St., 414-847-5622. ITALIAN, STEAK This polished hotel restaurant strives to impress with its bourbon list and dinner menu of steaks and house-made pastas.

B L D BR   $$$-$$$$

Story Hill BKC

5100 W. Bluemound Rd., 414-539-4424. AMERICAN The storefront offers a great 3-5 p.m. happy hour menu and “Upper Midwest”-inspired evening meals like “quarry-style” steak. L D BR  $$-$$$

Strange Town

2101 N. Prospect Ave., 414-885-0404. VEGAN Warm, European-vibed spot for genuinely inspiring plant-based food and wines from naturally operated vineyards. Frequent menu changes. Highlights: gnocchi con giardiniera, Sicilian pizza and any salad. D  $$

Sweet Diner

239 E. Chicago St., 414-488-9600. BREAKFAST The Third Ward’s “diner” defies the divey definition with stylish looks; hearty dishes like fried chicken and waffles and caramel apple pancakes define the theme of “treat yourself.” B L BR $-$$

The Tandem

1848 W. Fond du Lac Ave., 414-885-1919. AMERICAN Comfort foods, including the Southern staple fried chicken and sides. L D BR $-$$

Third Coast Provisions

724 N. Milwaukee St., 414-323-7434. SEAFOOD Elegant multi-level place for fresh, char-grilled and fried oysters; lake fish; and seafood. Don’t miss: shrimp and grits and lobster potholes. The lower level is occupied by the oyster bar Oak & Oyster. D  $$$$

Three Brothers Bar & Restaurant

2414 S. St. Clair St., 414-481-7530. SERBIAN The Bay View institution still has a Schlitz brewery globe over the building – a piece of historic MKE in an otherwise old-world bubble. Order: cevapcici (sausage), burek, chicken paprikash. No credit cards. D ) $$$

Tofte’s Table

331 Riverfront Plaza, Waukesha, 262-408-5633. AMERICAN NOUVEAU Former Eddie Martini’s chef Jason Tofte offers up diverse shareable plates – such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes – in a warm, informal setting. D $$

Transfer Pizzeria Cafe

101 W. Mitchell St., 414-763-0438. PIZZA It’s hard to not fall for the chewy, billowy-crust pies at this storefront (that in the early 1900s housed a pharmacy). Garlic sauce-topped pizzas are especially delicious. L D $$

Tre Rivali

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, 200 N. Broadway, Suite 100, 414-291-3971. AMERICAN NOUVEAU Hotel resto offering nibbly plates and Mediterranean creations like whole branzino. B D   $$-$$$

Vanguard Bar

2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-539-3593. SAUSAGE Cheddarwursts, chili dogs and other links are the modus operandi of this counter-service sausage emporium, which is also serious about whiskey and bourbon. L D BR  ) $

View MKE

1818 N. Hubbard St., 414-763-0003. SMALL PLATES,

PIZZA Seasonal menu features things like cheese and charcuterie boards, caraway pork meatballs, charred octopus, Korean beef tartare and farmer’s tomato salad. Also a roster of pizzas baked in the wood-burning oven.

D BR $$-$$$

Wy’east Pizza

5601 W. Vliet St., 414-943-3278. PIZZA From the same folks who used to run a Portland, Oregon, pizza camper. Try the aptly named Hot Marmot and any of the seasonal specials. D  $$-$$$

Zaffiro’s Pizza

1724 N. Farwell Ave., 414-289-8776. PIZZA MKE old-style pizza, cracker-thin. Sausage and cheese is a solid standby. L D •  $$

Zarletti

741 N. Milwaukee St., 414-225-0000. ITALIAN The modern space is devoted to classic, regional cuisine. Order osso bucco or rack of lamb. Tiny and intimate. L D   ) $$$-$$$$