18 Restaurants In Wisconsin To Get Ethnic Food That’ll Culture Your Taste Buds
If you’re craving some scrumptious eats, you’ll want to seek out the best ethnic food in Wisconsin.
Folks around the country scoff at us here in flyover country, but we know they’re missing out on the amazing food scene that’s developed in Wisconsin. With access to so many fresh ingredients, spectacular chefs and a hungry public, restaurants in Wisconsin have been one of our state’s hidden gems for decades.
One of the best ways the restaurant scene here has expanded is the inclusion of so much amazing and eclectic ethnic food. There’s no Italian on this list. No pizza. No tacos. We’re not talking about the foods of the world that have become so ubiquitous that we almost forget they’re not native. Nope, this list is all about the best food folks who used to live in these countries have brought to their new home in Wisconsin and we’re lucky enough that they share it with us.
Those who frequent Madison have probably strolled past this place a thousand times and never taken note. I was just there this weekend and reminded myself to take an out-of-towner here sometime. Not only are these little dumplings truly amazing, but they're inexpensive and Paul's is open late. You'd be hard pressed to find something better or more unique for $5 anywhere. Check them out at 203 W Gorham St., Madison, WI. For the latest information, visit the website for Paul's Pel'meni.
I've been here a dozen times and still drove right past when I took a friend here last week. It's tucked along a quiet part of North Avenue in east Tosa that's got some of the best food anywhere in the city. Look for the neon and then prepare to stuff yourself. The owners are so friendly, the place is cozy and the food is spectacular. I always suggest one person gets the combo plate and then the other gets a bento box - and you'll still have leftovers. Treat yourself to the garlic shrimp if you have no one to offend with your breath in the coming hours. They're located at 7215 W North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213. To learn more, visit the website for Ono Kine Grindz in Wisconsin.
These folks own a trio of Irish restaurants and inns in Wisconsin including County Clare in Milwaukee and 52 Stafford in Plymouth. They've got Slainte down to an art. The food is comforting, the environment cozy, the music amazing and the drinks spectacular. The breakfast that came with staying at the Inn was the best I'd ever had. They've got a sister property in Ireland and visiting is on my bucket list. I've never felt so at home at a restaurant before. There's no doubt about it - St. Brendan's Inn serves some of the best ethnic food in Wisconsin. Visit them at 234 S Washington St., Green Bay, WI 54301. Check out the website for St. Brendan's Inn to learn more.
This restaurant brings the tastes of Laos, Thailand and more to La Crosse. It's simple and authentic and when they say spicy, they're not messing around. You can certainly stick to the favorites you're familiar with and be happy, but letting them direct you to some Laotian staples is always a good choice. Dig into a scrumptious meal at 901 State St., La Crosse, WI 54601. For the latest information, visit the website for Hmong's Golden Egg Roll.
This is another location in Madison that you've probably passed during a million wanders down State Street without really noticing. It's tiny, but it's also a Madison staple for a reason. First serving out of a food cart and in their current location since 1986, they serve an eclectic mix of Nepalese and Himalayan food and have expanded into two other restaurants in town. Try the momochas, either on their own or as park of the Tuk-pa soup. Located at 318 State St., Madison, WI 53703. Visit the website for Himal Chuli to learn more.
It feels like a different world when you step out of the cold Wisconsin air into La Caribeña. The bright colors are only the beginning of the tropical experience. They've nailed a nuanced menu of Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban favorites. The mofongo is some of the best I've had anywhere and everything came perfectly and subtly spiced. Take a big group, get a bunch of plates to share and feel transported for a few hours. Located at 1704 S Pearl St., Milwaukee, WI 53204. Check out La Caribeña's Facebook page to learn more.
Kinara means "waters edge" in Indian, which fits for this location on the Door County peninsula. This place serves a bit of everything to sooth all picky eaters. Stick with a simple sandwich or even a gyro. But if you're smart you'll let owner Archana Patel feed you some of her amazing and authentic Indian food. Cooking is her passion and it comes through in her food. Located at 25 N Madison Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. For the latest information, visit the website for Kinara Urban Eatery in Sturgeon Bay.
These folks have been honoring their Norwegian roots since 1973 in four different locations across the state - Rice Lake, Hayward, DeForest and Osseo. Definitely have some lefse and try to Norwegian favorites on the menu, but save room for dessert. It may be cliche, but there definitely are some amazing little old ladies in their kitchens hand-rolling the crusts and hand-making the fillings for their to-die-for pies. Located at 13804 7th St., Osseo, WI 54758. To learn more, visit the website for Norske Nook in Osseo.
Owner Natasha Banks missed her mama's southern, soulful cooking way up here in the north. And she missed the feeling of family, comfort and camaraderie that always seems to accompany food and gatherings down south. Instead of living with homesickness, she opened a restaurant. Now we're all lucky enough to share in the family gathering atmosphere as Natasha shares her family recipes with us. Located at 111 N Walnut St., Appleton, WI 54915. To learn more, visit the website for The Cozzy Corner in Appleton.
This Venezuelan restaurant in Madison is educating folks in the Capitol one person at a time. If you've never had arepas or pabellon, you're missing out and La Taguara is happy to help close your knowledge gap. Once you've had their guasacaca sauce, you're going to wish you could put it on everything. Add a side of tostones and you've got a perfect Venezuelan meal. Located at 3502 E Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704. Check out La Taguara's website to learn more.
Nestled in a cream city brick building from 1897 that still honors it's Schlitz roots, Three Brothers on Milwaukee's south side serves Serbian food in a no-frills but welcoming environment. They have a 2002 James Beard American Classic Award and when you settle in, you'll see why. The food is a mix of a few flavors you've probably tried before, but doesn't fit into any one category. Order the burek as soon as you sit down - it takes about 45 minutes and you don't want to miss out. They've been serving their family food for 60 years. It's easy to see why people think they make some of the best ethnic food in Wisconsin! Come try it for yourself. You'll find them at 2414 S Saint Clair St., Milwaukee, WI 53207. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for Three Brothers in Milwaukee.
Wisconsin's third-oldest city drew Cornish immigrants who were reminded of home and the work they knew in the mines. They left many legacies, but one is absolutely the pasty. This little hand pie was an easy, filling meal for workers and made use of the various root vegetables they could grow in Cornwall. You'll find a variety of different fillings these days, but the simply pasty is still something you can't miss. Located at 158 High St.,
Mineral Point, WI 53565. Check out Red Rooster Cafe's website to learn more.
Most folks aren't flocking to West Allis for a spectacular meal, but don't let it's location in a blue collar town turn you off of Chef Paz. Peruvian flavors that mix the Spanish influences with native culture and local ingredients create an amazing array of foods you'll want to try. Things have gone so well they opened a restaurant back home in Peru.
Located at 9039 W. National Ave., West Allis, WI 53227. To learn more, visit the website for Chef Paz Restaurant in West Allis.
One of Madison's first Halal eateries, these folks serve Pakistani and Mediterranean food right near campus. The samosas and chicken biryani are student favorites and the affordable menu makes it great for student budgets and local take out. Located at 317 N Bassett St., Madison, WI 53703. For the latest information, visit the website for Madistan Restaurant.
Listen, I'm not going to lie to you. You're going to go here and wonder why someone ever suggested it. The location is in the middle of a business district and it's kind of the best possible group meal you've ever had. But the food is so unique and stellar that you'll forget all of that when it hits the table.
Located at 307 E Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202. To learn more, visit the website for Alem Ethiopian Village in Milwaukee.
If you've never taken a day trip to New Glarus, make plans immediately. The quaint town is so proud of its Swiss heritage and you're never going to be sad you tried some real-deal fondue and all the goodies they have to offer here.
Located at 518 First St., New Glarus, WI 53574. Check out the Facebook page for Glarner Stube to learn more.
Even if they didn't serve Swedish food or have goats on the roof, you'd still be going to Al Johnson's because it's an icon. But this quirky, weird and delightful Door County eatery shares all the delights of Scandinavia in a charming location with amazing staff. Located at 10698 N Bay Shore Dr., Sister Bay, WI 54234.
To learn more, visit the website for Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay.
Have you been to any of these amazing eateries? Who do you think makes the best ethnic food in Wisconsin? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another must-visit restaurant in Wisconsin, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
Wisconsin’s third-oldest city drew Cornish immigrants who were reminded of home and the work they knew in the mines. They left many legacies, but one is absolutely the pasty. This little hand pie was an easy, filling meal for workers and made use of the various root vegetables they could grow in Cornwall. You’ll find a variety of different fillings these days, but the simply pasty is still something you can’t miss. Located at 158 High St.,
Mineral Point, WI 53565. Check out <a href=”https://www.restaurantji.com/wi/mineral-point/red-rooster-cafe-/” target=”_blank”>Red Rooster Cafe’s website</a> to learn more.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 516 2nd St, Hudson, WI 54016, USA
Address: 414 W Gilman St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Address: 7215 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213, USA
Address: 234 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301, USA
Address: 901 State St #110, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
Address: 318 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Address: 1704 S Pearl St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
Address: 25 N Madison Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA
Address: Norske Nook - Osseo, 13804 W 7th St, Osseo, WI 54758, USA
Address: 111 N Walnut St, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
Address: 3502 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Address: Three Brothers, 2414 S St Clair St, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA
Address: 158 High St, Mineral Point, WI 53565, USA
Address: 9039 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53227, USA
Address: 317 N Bassett St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Address: 307 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
Address: 518 1st St, New Glarus, WI 53574, USA
Address: Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik, 10698 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best ethnic food in Wisconsin
October 29, 2020
Elisa Regulski
Where can I find the best German food in Wisconsin?
There are so many wonderful German restaurants in Wisconsin that you’ll want to visit. For starters, check out Mader’s Restaurant in Milwaukee. From the authentic schnitzel to the scrumptious pretzels, you’ll love every last dish on the menu. In fact - this place is so famous, even former presidents have eaten here! If you loved that place, be sure to stop by Dorf Haus Supper Club in Sauk City. You’ll love the cozy environment and delectable dishes. Believe us, you won’t go home feeling hungry. Bring your appetite and stuff your face full of scrumptious eats.
What are the best Italian restaurants in Wisconsin?
Craving some wonderful pasta? Head over to Sarento's in Wisconsin Dells. This casual restaurant is known for their mouthwatering meals. For more scrumptious fare, visit Tenuta’s in Milwaukee. This cozy eatery will make you feel right at home. Devour hearty plates of Italian staples like chicken parmesan, pizza, and caprese salad. Pair it with a fine glass of wine, and you have the recipe for a perfect dinner. Still hungry? Head over to Gino’s Italian Restaurant in Fond Du Lac. This family-friendly eatery has something for everyone!
What are the best Mexican restaurants in Wisconsin?
For some tasty tacos and burritos, head over to Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Wisconsin Dells. After your first bite, you’ll understand why everyone raves about this place. It’s easily one of the best Mexican restaurants in Wisconsin! For more south of the border fare, head over to San Antonio Mexican Restaurant in Wisconsin Dells. You’ll love their creamy queso, refreshing margaritas, and spicy salsa. This is one place you’ll want to return to again and again. Really, San Antonio Mexican Restaurant will make you swear you’re eating Tex Mex in the Lone Star State.
What kind of food is Wisconsin known for?
As America’s Dairyland, it’s no surprise that Wisconsin is known for cheese. There are so many scrumptious dairy shops around, and everyone has their personal favorites. If you want to hit many of the highlights in a fun weekend adventure, embark on our Wisconsin cheese trail! These exciting destinations will make your taste buds dance for joy.
Wisconsin In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
