It’s as important as ever to support the amazing collection of local restaurants that we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. To guide you on your journey, I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2024. View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.
Amilinda
315 E. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 369-3683
amilinda.com
Spanish, Portuguese
$$-$$$
[Read more]
This quaint Downtown spot has gotten busier since Chef Gregory Leon was honored with a James Beard nomination in 2023 (and another semi-finals nod in 2024). But little has changed in terms of the quality, seasonality and bold flavors that Amilinda’s kitchen continues to deliver. If anything, it’s given Leon the confidence to branch out in his efforts to showcase flavors inspired by Spain and Portugal.
Amilinda’s menu is small and focused, composed of dishes that change often, depending on what’s fresh and in season. But you can expect a rotating cast of offerings including fresh seasonal salads (currently showcasing heirloom tomatoes, dragon beans and more), plus dishes like skirt steak marinated with lime and annato; braised oyster mushrooms with sweet corn; pork loin with Portuguese pepper gravy; and monkfish with fennel and Jerusalem artichoke cream, leeks, cherry tomatoes and Carmen pepper juice.
Recommended: Seasonal fish dishes; braised meats; piri piri chicken (a personal favorite that cycles on and off of the menu)
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
