Transfer Pizzeria Café

★★★★☆ 4.1 (546) • $$

"I always point people to this spot when they ask where my favorite pizza is. I love the unique combinations that they come up with. We got two pizzas and some spinach artichoke dip. Our server had a lot of energy and was very attentive. We made a reservation on a Thursday and I'm glad we did because the place was poppin. There was live music, too."

Santino's Little Italy

★★★★★ 4.7 (388) • $$

"Santino's was our very first date night 3 years ago, and every visit since then has been the same amazing food. Santino's is reliable and consisent in both service and food. The Gigante Meatball is favorite dish to order- it's a simple classic done extremely well! Any and all of the pizzas are amazing- as well as their sangria. Whether you are looking for a semi-upscale restaurant, or a date night to enjoy happy hour (4-6pm)- Santino's is the place to go! Price was $87 for two adults, a starter, two entrees, and 4 alcoholic drinks during happy hour."

Tenuta's Italian Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.2 (427) • $$

"I've been here many times and I've never written a review - overdue! Went again last night with a party of six - beautiful atmosphere, excellent service, outstanding food. It's a small place so on a holiday or weekend definitely recommend reservation. Or, order a carryout pizza! Can't go wrong..."

Il Ritrovo

★★★★☆ 4.3 (372) • $$

"I love this place! It is a favorite pick when going out with my boyfriend's sisters. It's a cute place, casual, always hoppin'! In the summer we sit outside; inside is cozy.There is something for everyone on the menu. But first... WINE! They have my favorite Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. The pizzas are great as well as the salads. My go to pasta is the Rigatoni Con Salsiccia E Gorgonzola. There is so much food, sometimes my man and I split a salad and pasta. You always have to leave room for dessert!The last few times, we have had the same server. She couldn't be more pleasant AND positive. I wish more people were like her! (And I wish I could remember her name...)Anyway, we will definitely be back the next time we are in the area."

Zaffiro's Pizza

★★★★☆ 3.9 (403) • $$

"Great spot right outside downtown MKE off the Brady strip. We got the "everything but fish" pizza, a meatball sandwich, and italian beef sandwich, all which were amazing! The pizza crust was a perfect thin crust and great toppings. we got the largest size after our servers recommendation and that ended up being way too much food because of all the toppings, not a bad issue to have though! Definitely would recommend if you want something local and not too busy."

Lauretta's Italian Bake Shop & Cafe

★★★★★ 4.5 (298) • $$

"Everything has been nothing short of amazing from here!! The pomodoro sauce is delicious, as is the bolognese! The lasagna is TOP TIER. Their butternut squash ravioli is fantastic too! Don't miss out on their bakery either! Phenomenal!"

Lombardinos Italian Restaurant and Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (291) • $$

"Delicious! We got there at 4:30 and joined the line waiting for them to open. We were recommended this place and were grateful it just so happened we wanted to eat early. The place filled up immediately! And for good reasons. I had the half chicken. It was perfectly crispy! My dad had the spaghetti bolognese - huge portion and he ate it all. We also got the Brussels sprout side- delicious! They used thick bacon and a balsamic reduction to elevate the dish."

Balistreri's Italian American Ristorante

★★★★☆ 3.9 (299) • $$

"I knew a guy who used to always rave about the pizza from this place so I decided to stop by for lunch today. The place is small and cozy looking with a U shaped dining room. It's only tables and chairs by the way so no romantic booths. Service was slow but they were busy for lunch and pizza take out never stopped. I ordered the cheese and sausage which took about 20 minutes and looked good when it finally arrived. It had the quintessential cracker thin crust that was sliced unevenly with this one inch slice on the right side of the pizza. The sausage was on the skimpy side and unevenly placed so it's basically one piece sausage on each slice and a slice or two had no sausage, see my pictures. The crust was thin and crispy and I felt once again it needed a little more sauce and cheese compared to other pizza places around town.Overall the pizza was good but it's poorly executed compared to other places around town In I thought."

Il Mito Trattoria e Enoteca

★★★★☆ 4 (271) • $$

"The food was great. The fresh focaccia was awesome. I only gave them 4 stars as the desserts were not as good as I had hoped. I also thought some of the garlic was heavy. Yes I ordered garlic and love it others may want to order something else if this is not their favorite. I look forwad to going again and trying more!"

Salvatore's Tomato Pies

★★★★☆ 4.2 (240) • $$

"Delicious food and great happy hour deals. Stopped in around 4pm and it wasn't too busy. Many more people started rolling in after. The restaurant is clean and has quirky little design details - from the lights to the cabinet front wall. Staff was also very accommodating and ready to help navigate the menu. We shared the meatball appetizer which was great. Thick meatballs but not too heavy or greasy. The sourdough bread was an unexpected highlight and perfect for scooping up every drop of sauce. The happy hour deal gives $5 off of 10" pies (a great deal), so we ordered the vegan supreme. The crust was crisp enough to hold the toppings while still being sod and foldable. The veggies were fresh and flavorful, and all sat on just the right amount of sauce. The vegan cheese was super creamy and tied it all together. Will certain be back to try more items!"

Bar Corallini

★★★★☆ 4.4 (216) • $$

"Where to start?* charcuterie and cheese board - just get it. It's beautiful and so delicious. The cheeses are on point, the veg are perfectly roasted and seasoned. * wine list, bar and bartenders are * I loved the pasta with mushroomsThis is a place we LOVE, and love to experience with friends.Go and enjoy!"

Nessun Dorma

★★★★☆ 4.4 (211) • $$

"Adore this bar. Seriously an understated gem. I was a bit hesitant to come here, but it quickly won over my heart. We came here for brunch and stayed for maybe three hours. Then circled back again four hours later. The bartender remembered us and we learned about the neighbourhood and history for hours. The food was gorgeous for both brunch and dinner. I can't wait to come back!"

Tuscany Bistro Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 (265) • $$

"Excellent foodGreat serviceNice atmosphere - dining room & bar areaLove eating there!"

Stella Van Buren

★★★★☆ 4.1 (239) • $$$

"This was my third visit to Stella and honestly it's about time I leave a review, because everything here is great and I keep on coming back. The food is always great and so is the service. This most recent visit our server was a sweet woman named Anjail. She had a great attitude and an infectious smile, and she made great recommendations for us as well. The dining room is always clean and well lit, offering an intimate feeling without also feeling cramped at all. We will be back!!"

Capri di Nuovo

★★★★☆ 4 (234) • $$

"It was Friday night and I had to take an unexpected trip to the ER with my mom. During her visit that ended up being in excess of six hours, my husband and I needed to run out and have some dinner before heading back to the ER. Capri di Nuovo is 3 minutes from Aurora and provided a much needed oasis in our otherwise bleak Friday evening. We were able to sit on their charmingly lit planter lined patio. We began the evening with whiskey old fashioneds made the Wisconsin style. They were great. For our dinner, I got their individual sized Italian cobb salad which was small but mighty. It was bursting with freshness and flavor. My dining companion got their lasagna with ricotta, which was huge. I had a couple bites and it was all cheesy deliciousness. One note: it came with two serving spoons and is definitely meant to feed 2-3 people (we didn't know and he ordered as his entree!). I also got a side of garlic bread and a small side of one piece, came with two large pieces. They were a bit hard/crunchy for my taste but the flavor was great. The service was attentive and kind and the prices are incredibly reasonable.Get to it!"

Sopra Bistro

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (320) • $$$

"This restaurant is absolutely delicious. We ordered the fried goat cheese, the Caesar salad, and the steak. Everything was absolutely delicious! Service was great! Ambiance was very cozy and welcoming. We will definitely be back."

Balistreri's Bluemound Inn

★★★★☆ 3.8 (241) • $$

"I think I kinda love this place.I especially love it during the holidays. Their holiday decor is all twinkling and over the top. It's become an absolute must stop for us during the holidays.Most recently, we got reservations for a date night and enjoyed our table surrounded by twinkling lights and Santa decorations. I had done a ton of traveling for work throughout December and was so glad to stop here when I was home as it absolutely put me in the holiday mood.I ordered their old pal cocktail, which is their spin on a boulevardier and was absolutely delicious. We also enjoyed their fresh and flavorful bruschetta as a starter. For my main, I got their eggplant parmesan. It was delicious. I've had eggplant parmesan be served very saucy--there's is not. I thought it was good but if you prefer one swimming in tomato sauce, this may not be the dish for you. I didn't get it on the most recent trip but I do so love their specialty pizzas as well. The service is always lovely and the prices are reasonable.I do recommend reservations as they can get pretty busy. I believe the only way to make reservations is to call.Get to it!"

Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993

★★★★☆ 3.9 (225) • $$$

"Oh wow, what a delightful experience this was! Honestly I'm not a regular at Bartolotta restaurants, so my rare visits feel extra special. We came here on a Monday night for my dad's birthday dinner, a few of us being first timers. My initial thought was how much the place, and overall atmosphere, gave off a true Italian experience. From the decor and white table clothes, to the wonderful staff offering great service, it was really nice.I had no idea that this was the kind of place where the menu is set up in courses, so you truly have to order four total. And listen that's not a complaint because everything was delicious. The menu rotates every few months to having dishes from different regions of Italy (how cool!), and during our visit it was Lazio. Lots of great options to choose from, and our sweet serve Carissa was so helpful in explaining each and offering her favorites.I started with the Insalata Mista for course one, which was fresh vegetables, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. For my pasta dish I chose the Pizzicotti alla Reatina aka Rieti-style "pinched" leavened pasta that came in with tomato sauce, basil, and Pecorino Romano. Very unique for a pasta dish, and I thoroughly enjoyed. Course three was the Petto di Pollo alla Romana, free-range chicken breast with braised sweet peppers, in a tomato sauce of sorts. And my meal finished with flourless chocolate cake which was to die for. Not only were all of the dishes flavorful, they were the perfect small portions, allowing you to get through them all. In addition to all of the Italian eats, you can of course find copious amounts of wine options here, and other various cocktails and beers. We split a vino for the table, which paired well.This is definitely a special-occasion spot in my book. Would highly rec."

Pizza Man Wauwatosa

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (334) • $$

"I don't think I've ever had a bad experience at Pizza Man. I've attended both group functions (work holiday parties, etc.) and gone with friends. I appreciate both the pizza options (they're all good!), as well as the non-pizza menu items. There is a balsamic cauliflower dish that is amazing! The servers are always friendly and patient. I've had at least two recent visits where I've lingered at the table way too long, catching up with friends, and the servers never rushed us out. Top notch!"

The Pasta Tree Restaurant & Wine Bar

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (398) • $$

"Food was great. Server was just OK. Not as professional as you would expect for the high price of the meal. The portions were disappointingly small. I'm not sure I would go back. It's too bad because I really enjoyed the food."

Casetta Kitchen and Counter

★★★★★ 4.6 (157) • $$

"A quick easy lunch spot with fresh ingredients and friendly staffs. There was seriously nothing bad I can say about my experience. You get a huge filling sandwich for the price, and definitely worth the visit!"

Cafe Calamari

★★★★☆ 3.7 (239) • $$$

"A wonderful place to stop in and enjoy a Saturday evening dinner. Its low light and villa decor are charming. We started with the calamari and arancini. Great appetizers the calamari was good not chewy or overcooked. The sauce for the arancini was very flavorful. We got Alfredo with scallops. The scallops were so buttery and soft. The veal was okay, but the side of mash potatoes was better. Our server Alisa was very attentive and helpful checked on us regularly. Would visit again if we're in the area."

That's Amore

★★★★☆ 3.6 (252) • $$

"An institution if you're in Milwaukee. TA is the Olive Garden of local Italian places, without the microwaved food or big corporate ownership but with just as yummy salad and breadsticks. The Alfredo sauce is top notch and the meatballs are more than good also. If you want to leave full and with a to go box, check out that's amore. You won't be disappointed."

Ca'Lucchenzo

★★★★★ 4.6 (149) • $$$

"The atmosphere is very relaxing and intimate. Our waiter was incredibly knowledgeable and made wonderful suggestions for our group. The food was absolutely incredible. From the appetizers all the way through to the deserts, I was blown away. I wouldn't have thought something as simple as the focaccia tossed in oil would be so delicious. This set the tone for the rest of the meal. Highly, highly recommend. This will become a new staple in the date night rotation."

Franchesco's Ristorante

★★★★☆ 3.7 (229) • $$

"I have to say the place is explicit management is great the best service that anyone can ask for.. the quality in presentation given makes this place have more the 5 star... family friendly or date with a love one I have to say the food is marvelous, from the calamari to there lobster soup to there appetizers.. definitely recommend and will drive 1 hour again to come and visit this awesome place"

Quonset Pizza

★★★★☆ 3.8 (201) • $$

"The best pizza I've had in a long long time. Thin crust, fresh mozzarella, juicy sausages.... Cut into little squares which apparently is a thing in these quarters. Seating like a diner but pizza is what they do/did... for about 75 years."

Maria's Pizza

★★★★☆ 3.9 (189) • $$

"Somehow, the new owners have managed to resurrect Maria's even better than the former! We got a pepperoni supreme and the pizza was loaded with lots of fresh veggies and it was perfectly cooked. The meat was seasoned to perfection and the pizza had the right amount of cheese. Overall this place is great, please make sure they stay going strong!"

Prohibition Bistro

★★★★☆ 4.1 (156) • $$

"This was a home run 5/5 for everything. Sat in the sunroom patio for a little evening sunlight. Temp was still warm even though it was cold out. Our waitress provided more than quick friendly service, she had her own personality and engaged in conversations with us. The food was AMAZING. Love the wood fired bread/pizza crust. The sauce for the mussels had a delicious garlic lemony butter that I soaked up with the bread. Everything had so much flavor and I cannot wait to return!"

Ron's Italian Ovens

★★★★☆ 3.9 (167) • $$

"Best Italian Beef sammies...full stop.I've been around Chicago for over 40 years. Ron's is the best."

Ala Roma Pizzeria & Pub

★★★★☆ 3.8 (165) • $$

"Ordered to go, but while I waited for my order, I did notice people coming in with their kids/grandkids...and the hostesses offered coloring kids menus, so I'm thinking they're family friendly. The bar area is separate from the dining area. This place was packed! After I got my order, I knew why! The food was fresh and so tasty! The chicken caprese flatbread was big enough for two people. I'll definitely be back when in town for business!"

Jimmy's Grotto

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (202) • $

"An absolute staple - yes! Love this place !! Delicious every time We like getting the ponzi Pizza pockets"

Zin - Uncommon California Italian

★★★★☆ 3.6 (178) • $$

"Always very good. We drive here from Madison to meet our Milwaukee friends. Everybody seems to like it. The staff is very helpful, and the menu is usually quite good."

Zesti Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.6 (175) • $$

"Great food, great find. Our table of 4 enjoyed the ribeye special, short ribs and salmon. All delicious and the ribeye better than steak houses in the area. Service was on point and the cocktails delicious!We were there at the height of dinner service and drinks and dinner were served timely. Sound in the dining room was a little hollow and noisy.We will definitely be back!"

Barbiere's Italian Inn

★★★★☆ 3.8 (154) • $$

"After all these years, this place still packs them in! Had to wait a while as it was very busy. Our server Gia was awesome. I felt like it was 1980 all over again with the iceberg lettuce salad had two pieces of pepperoni, two pieces of cheese, one pepperoncini, and one olive and one tomato. Garlic bread had lots of buttery flavor and sizable. The pizza was hot and chewy. I'm not sure how I feel about the crust cause you really had to work at it."

FANATICO

★★★★☆ 4.4 (108) • $$

"We were coming in from out of town and needed a place to host a wrap dinner for our client and crew after a week-long photoshoot. We also wanted to have Italian food catering for a few nights while in Whitewater at UWW. This was probably the best dinner catering we've ever had, and everything Fanatico prepared for us (including the incredible cakes for dessert) was top notch, some of the best food we've had, period. Eating at the actual restaurant is next-level. Great ambiance and perfect for date night, or family gathering (both big or small). Service was amazing, and I would like to call out especially Estella's service in particular. From the moment I first called the restaurant from long distance, she took the time and then some to answer every single one of my questions. It became clear to me that this wasn't just one of the best Italian restaurants in Whitewater, it is one of THE best restaurants in the entire Midwest! You cannot go wrong with Fanatico, whether you're dining in or catering. Incredible experience and I would highly recommend even going out of your way to dine here. It's that good! Reminded me of being in Italy. Five stars. Thank you!"