Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Milwaukee Original, Rooted in Italy

Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 occupies a historic brewery building in the Village of Wauwatosa, and since opening it has served as the flagship of The Bartolotta Restaurants portfolio. The concept was conceived by brothers Joe Bartolotta, a restaurateur, and Chef Paul Bartolotta, whose own culinary formation began at age sixteen under Milwaukee chef John Marangelli before continuing in Italy, Paris, New York, and Chicago. That backstory — local roots deepened by rigorous classical training — still shapes what arrives at the table.

The Kitchen Today

Executive Chef Juan Urbieta has led the kitchen for more than two decades, accumulating a sustained run of recognition that includes the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 2003, four stars from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and a spot on The Daily Meal's 101 Best Restaurants in America for 2020. The restaurant is also Wisconsin's sole recipient of the Marchio Ospitalità Italiana, a certification issued by the Italian Union of Chamber of Commerce that honors an unwavering commitment to "Made in Italy" quality and authenticity — a meaningful distinction for any Italian restaurant operating far from its source.

In 2020, Chef Urbieta launched "Un Viaggio in Italia" — Tour of Italy — a monthly rotating four-course menu that spotlights a different Italian city or region. Each edition is customizable, and the program keeps the cooking genuinely dynamic rather than fixed to a single house style. Dishes visible from past menus include handmade pasta, branzino al forno, polletto all'mattone, and a classic tiramisu that has become something of a signature.

The Room and the Courtyard

Inside, the setting is cozy and intimate, with a bar area and a dining room that encourages polished but not stiff attire. When the weather allows, guests move to La Terrazza, a courtyard patio where al fresco dining is available on a first-come, first-served basis — a genuinely pleasant way to experience authentic Italian cuisine under an open Wisconsin sky.

Events and Private Dining

The restaurant hosts a regular calendar of winemaker dinners — the "Wandering Winemaker" series has welcomed producers such as Tenuta Fanti and Tenuta Santa Maria, with menus designed by Chef Urbieta to match each estate's wines. Special tribute dinners, seasonal events, and full restaurant buyouts on weekends round out the programming. Private dining is available for intimate gatherings and business events, with customized menus on request.