It’s as important as ever to support the amazing local restaurants we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants to guide you on your journey. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2025. View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.
Sanford
1547 N. Jackson St., (414) 276-9608
sanfordrestaurant.com
New American
$$$$
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If you’ve never been to Sanford, consider this a cordial invitation to experience this local gem, which celebrated 35 years this past December. And, while a meal at Sanford doesn't require a special occasion, I've strategically placed this recommendation in the weeks before Valentine's Day so there might still be a chance to secure a reservation.
Founded by Sanford D’Amato in 1989, Sanford has continued to thrive under the ownership of Chef Justin Aprahamian and his wife Sara, who took the reins in 2012. In fact, for the past 12 years, James Beard Award-winning chef and co-owner Justin Aprahamian has continued to approach his work with humble fervor, ensuring that Sanford’s ever-changing menu of globally-inspired seasonal New American fare has remained relevant and (more importantly) delicious. Meanwhile, under Sara’s guidance, the restaurant’s hospitality has remained as cordial as ever, ensuring that the guest experience is excellent from start to finish.
Maybe most impressive, thirty-five years after opening – despite national trends that favor more casual dining concepts – the Aprahamians have proven that there is still a place, and an appreciation, for finer dining in the Milwaukee landscape.
Currently, Sanford offers a choice of a four-course menu (with varied selections available for each course) or seven-course surprise tasting menu (Tuesday through Friday only).
Among the dishes on the current menu, you'll find at least one comforting winter dish that reflects Aprahamian's Armenian heritage. This tender, flavorful Armenian herbed lamb loin is served alongside hand-stuffed and baked manti (Armenian dumplings) and served with balancing spiced yogurt, steamed spinach leaves and a beautifully rich Armenian pickled garlic broth.
Pro tip: Guests tend to dress up at Sanford, insinuating there’s a dress code; but like most modern spots, there isn’t. Go as you feel comfortable; they won’t turn you away.
Recommended: The Armenian lamb is amazing; the surprise tasting menu is unparalleled
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.
