It’s as important as ever to support the amazing collection of local restaurants that we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. To guide you on your journey, I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2024. View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.
Le Reve Patisserie & Cafe
7610 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa (414) 778-3333
lerevecafe.com
French
$$-$$$
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If there’s a place in town that captures the feel of a casual Parisian bistro, it’s Le Reve, where French fare is treated with elegance and care. Not only is the atmosphere crisp and always filled with a pleasant bustle, there’s a menu that meets folks where they are, with offerings that span a variety of budgets.
At lunch, you’ll find the city’s best croque-monsieur, along with expertly prepared mussels scented of Pernod and served alongside ultra crisp frites. Meanwhile, the dinner menu is a feast of choices, from amazing steak frites to seasonal fish dishes and well-executed classics like coq au vin. Don’t miss ordering something special (and French!) off of their well curated wine list.
Le Reve is also among a few places where I’d consider dessert to be a must-have; their selection of intricate treats, including opera torte and chocolate caramel cake, are as beautiful as they are delicious. Also – don’t discount their fantastic brunch service, which includes some of the most lovely eggs benedict around.
Recommended: Moules frites au Pernod; Parisian gnocchi; confit de canard crepes; opera cake
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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