Happy New Year!
I hope you’re having a joyful first day of 2026. Did you make it to midnight? I typically try to, but instead of watching the ball drop surrounded by others at a big party or even a flashy restaurant, my ideal New Year’s Eve celebration centers on sweatpants, the couch and flipping between New Year’s Eve specials on TV. OK, and champagne. And snacks. Lots of snacks.
I usually attempt to cook something ambitious for NYE dinner, but the busy holiday season caught up with me, so I opted for takeout this year. Last night, I feasted on spicy noodles, creamy curry and steamy dumplings from EE-Sane, 1806 N. Farwell Ave. The beloved Thai and Lao restaurant recently reopened on the east side after an extensive remodel, and I’m happy to say the food is just as delicious as it was before its temporary closure, while the dining room and bar are a little brighter, sleeker and more modern.
Predictions for Milwaukee’s dining scene in 2026
As many of us do this time of year, I’ve been reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead at what’s to come. You can find lists of what restaurants opened and closed in the Milwaukee area last year below. But in this space, I want to focus on what we can look forward to in 2026.
Dozens of bars and restaurants will open this year, and I’ve already reported 12 of them we know of now. I’ve also shared a list of five new restaurants I’m especially excited for. I can’t wait to watch these lists grow as the year goes on.
With our volatile dining scene, it’s a tough time to predict restaurant trends for the upcoming year. But I’ll try to anyway. Last year, I figured that our love affair with pan-Asian cuisine would only grow stronger, and oh, has it. The past year was a big one for Korean fare in the city, but 2026 will bring an influx of Japanese cuisine. Soon, Milwaukee will welcome its second omakase sushi restaurant with Nakama, its first-ever conveyor-belt sushi restaurant with Sooshibay, and more Japanese comfort fare when the owners of Kawa Sushi & Ramen open Miyaki on Brady St.
It’s no secret that times are tight right now. Everyone is looking for ways to save, stretch dollars and spend smartly when dining out. I’m predicting the rise of more casual, everyday restaurants − those that still feel like a fun night out without the giant bill at the end of the meal. We already know two fine-dining superstars are swinging that direction with new concepts this year: Birch’s owners are leaning more casual with their French bistro, CASSIS, which opens this month, and Lupi & Iris’ owners are planning their more easygoing Italian restaurant, Il Ponte, a block away from their high-style eatery at the end of this year. And this past November, when EsterEv reopened after its temporary closure, it welcomed diners with a more “neighborhood” feel, trading its prix fixe menu for an à la carte menu, adding pizza and welcoming more walk-ins to its expanded bar.
Are we over smash burgers yet? I don’t think so. They’re becoming the de facto style that burger lovers flock to, from Archie’s Flat Top in West Allis to Saint Bibiana on Brady Street to Riley’s Bar + Burger in Bay View. Next year may be when they finally fizzle out, but I suspect they’ll have a stronghold on our city through 2026.
What kind of restaurants would you like to see come to Milwaukee? Is there a major style of cuisine you think we need more of? I’d love to hear your thoughts — send them my way atrseis@usatodayco.com.
I so look forward to sharing more restaurant news, reviews and insights with you this year. Thank you for all the kind messages you’ve sent, for the Instagram follows (follow me at@rach.eats.mke) and for the restaurant recommendations you’ve sent my way in 2025. I love sharing this space with you each week.
Here’s to a delicious new year,
Rachel
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