52 Restaurants is sponsored by Educators Credit Union. April marks 21 years of Financial Literacy Month in the U.S.! Check out their exciting new initiative that will grow your financial empowerment.
It’s as important as ever to support the amazing local restaurants we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants to guide you on your journey. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2025.
If you've noticed that my weeks are slightly off, I've adjusted the 52 Restaurants schedule to accommodate the unexpected closure of EsterEv (week 24).
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 first honored with a James Beard nomination in 2023. 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, Portugal and the surrounding area.
Amilinda’s menu is small and focused, composed of dishes that change often, depending on what’s fresh and in season. Right now, that means starters like asparagus paté with whipped ricotta and chive blossoms; "Cerdos en una manta" (pigs in a blanket) with piri piri aioli, caramelized onions and whole grain mustard; and piquillo peppers served with tuna, goat cheese and carrot puree.
Main dishes include options like Skirt Steak with Cabrales blue cheese, beef fat fries and fennel salad; Hamachi Collar with roasted cherry tomatoes, spring onions, green garlic, lovage and boqueron salsa verde; and saffron-infused Chicken Azafran served with green garlic, red kale, saffron and piquillo peppers.
Recommended: Seasonal fish dishes; braised meats; piri piri chicken
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.
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