Looking for new spots to try? Our own Lori Fredrich is dishing out must-tries in 20 different dining categories, from brunch to BBQ and everything in between. Here's what she's recommended so far!

Milwaukee has never lacked Italian restaurants, although – for a long while – it was difficult to find much diversity represented in the cuisine. Fortunately, things are changing. A focus on regional dishes combined with an emphasis on housemade pasta and fresh seasonal offerings have brought an uplift to the cuisine’s local showing. 

For the purpose of narrowing this list, I’ve left off many of the classic, comforting “red sauce joints,” as well as restaurants where pizza is the primary offering (watch for list of top spots for pizza on Sunday). Yes, I love them too; but I needed to narrow the field somehow.

However, if you are looking for a place to enjoy a special Italian meal, I think you’ll be pleased with any one of the venues on this list. Each one offers memorable dishes, solid (if not excellent) service and an atmosphere to match. Buon appetito!

Ca'Lucchenzo

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6030 W. North Ave., (414) 312-8968
calucchenzo.com
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At Ca’Lucchenzo, the ever-changing menu pays homage to the regional dishes of Italy with offerings including antipasti, housemade pastas and seasonally appropriate entrees. The flavors are fresh and each dish is made with an attention to detail that truly sets Ca’Lucchenzo apart. Even better, the service is some of the best in the city.

Highlights on their current menu include starters like Insalata Caprese featuring summer's end heirloom tomatoes Drew Baker's hours-old mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive oil; and hand-minced Pin Oak lamb tartare with burgundy black truffle and grilled focaccia.

There are autumnal pastas like Broken Arrow Ranch wild venison ragù; and Culurgiones con Pomodorini (potato and sheep's milk ricotta-filled saffron pasta with cherry tomato sauce. Meanwhile entrees showcase risotto with sautéed wild hen of the woods mushrooms, sweet herbs, and parmigiano reggiano and roasted duroc pork rib chop with braised red cabbage, roasted dragon carrots and mustard jus.

L’InContro

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2315 N. Murray Ave., (414) 409-8040
lincontromke.com
Serving: Modern Italian
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This up and coming spot on Milwaukee's East Side is among my favorites that opened this year. Not just for its delicious takes on Italian fare, but the bold, beautiful way it shines a light on the seasons.

Dishes are fresh, locally sourced and seasonal and include items like cacio e pepe leveled up with the addition of sweet, umami-rich black garlic; plump sweet potato gnudi is tossed with mushrooms in sage, walnuts, brown butter and pecorino; and Sunday Sauce incorporates braised bits, italian sausage and meatballs over housemade papardalle.

Don't skip revelations like the prepared whole fish stuffed with shrimp, turnip, herbs and served with salsa verde. And if you order pizza, be sure to try the Filipino Longanisa with provolone, egg, cherry tomato, pickled jalapeno, red onion and Calabrian chili aioli.

Ristorante Bartolotta

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7616 W. State St., Wauwatosa, (414) 771-7910
bartolottas.com/ristorante-bartolotta
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For over 25 years, Ristorante Bartolotta has been a West Side staple, offering guests a long view of Italy through well prepared dishes. Over the years, the restaurant has always shone brightest when they’ve stretched their boundaries (traditionally through seasonal specials). Today, they’re offering guests the opportunity to travel abroad without leaving the Village of Wauwatosa thanks to monthly menus, each focused on a different region of Italy. Regional dinners are $75 and include guests' choice of four courses (some dish selections come with a slight upcharge).

From now through Oct. 22, you can explore the region of Tuscany through dishes like Matuffi Lucchesi (creamy polenta with mushrooms, sausage and pecorino); Gnudi di Ricotta di Pecora con Crema di Pomodoro ed Erba Cipollina (spinach-ricotta gnocchi with tomato fonduta and sage-chive butter); and Branzino con Salsa Cruda (poached sea bass with a fresh cherry tomato, red onion and arugula relish). 

A longtime Bartolotta's favorite is also currently on offer: Pappardelle al Ragu d’Anatra (red wine-braised duck ragù).

Safina

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785 N. Jefferson St., (414) 488-9578
safinamke.com 
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When Safina opened last year, it marked a comeback for the Safina family, long known for their classic Sicilian fare. The new restaurant is cozy, with plenty of nods to Sicilian culture, along with a modern menu comprised of both new and nostalgic dishes that have stood the test of time.

Highlights of the menu include classic starters like Giovanni’s baked mozzarella with San Marzano tomatoes; and Insalata di Mare, a traditional Sicilian seafood salad featuring calamari, shrimp and octopus served with finely shaved celery, onion and slivers of carrot in a red wine lemon vinaigrette.  

Meanwhile, entrees showcase dishes like Gio’s stuffed filet featuring center-cut filet stuffed with provolone, 18-month prosciutto de parma, caramelized onions, Roma tomatoes and potatoes; along with Strauss veal ribeye parmesan served with chef’s choice of pasta or salad.

Sorella

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2535 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 301-6255
sorellamke.com
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Despite its more casual, neighborhood restaurant feel, Sorella doesn’t scrimp on the details (or the service), offering a varied menu of shareable seasonal dishes inspired by Southern Italy and shaped with a bit of East Coast inflection. You’ll find a mix of antipasti, vegetable-forward plates, pastas and wood-fired pizza along with compelling, moderately priced entrees that are unlike any other restaurant in the city. 

Don't miss the kale caesar salad with Tuscan kale, celery, fennel and parmesan crispies;  the flavorful roasted broccoli with apricots, chilies and almonds; the simple-but-remarkable Spaghetti Pomodoro with wood-roasted cherry tomatoes, basil and garlic; or the craveable bone-in Duroc ribeye pork chop with hot and sweet cherry peppers, roasted garlic and demiglace.