Here in Milwaukee, we’re used to good food. There’s something special about eating incredible dishes and knowing they’ve been passed down through generations. These seven awesome family-owned Milwaukee restaurants are already known for their amazing food, but their family has been doing it for years, and doing it right!
- Benji’s Deli & Restaurant
Chris K. / Yelp
Emiliano J. / Yelp Benji’s is a Milwaukee favorite owned by brothers Chris and Mike — though the rest of the restaurant’s history is a little fuzzy. This gem serves up amazing sandwiches, and their breakfast dish called Hoppel Poppel will make you a morning person.
Benji’s is located at 4156 N. Oakland Ave., Milwaukee.
- Sandford Restaurant
Michael H. / Yelp
Michael U. / Yelp In 1989, Sandy D’Amato and his wife opened Sandford in the same building as his family’s grocery store, so this is a true family restaurant! Though they sold the restaurant in 2012, the new owners run the restaurant with respect for those who came before them and are making guests feel more welcome than ever. This French-American restaurant serves up elegant meals without losing the homemade feeling and has come to be one of Milwaukee’s best.
Sanford Restaurant is located at 1547 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee.
- Tenuta’s Italian Restaurant
Charles B. / Yelp
Tenuta’s Italian - Bay View / Facebook Tenuta’s is a hidden gem located in Bay View, and the family who owns it are as awesome as their food. This Italian restaurant offers some of the most delicious pasta around, and it’s probably because the owners are from Italy! Not only are they great people, Tenuta’s is dedicated to the community and participates in many local initiatives.
Tenuta’s is located at 2995 S. Clement Ave., Milwaukee.
- Divino Wine & Dine
Jenn M. / Yelp
Divino / Facebook Divino is a well-loved gem by Milwaukeeans everywhere, and it’s no secret why. This family-owned restaurant will make you feel at home, and full of pasta.
Divino is located at 2315 N. Murray Ave., Milwaukee.
- Mazos Hamburgers
Eric B. / Yelp
Dan L. / Yelp This little burger joint does burgers right! Mazos grinds their own hamburger meat and offers up a traditional hamburger any way you want it. Mazos used to be part of a local chain and has been around since 1934.
Mazos is located at 3146 S. 27th St., Milwaukee.
- El Senioral
Milton B. / Yelp
Milton B. / Yelp Who doesn’t love authentic Mexican food? El Senorial is a friendly and family-oriented spot, serving up tacos and much more late into the night. This south side spot will have you feeling like a part of the family, and their food is sure to keep you coming back for more.
El Senioral is located at 1901 S. 31st St., Milwaukee.
- Cafe India
Steve S. / Yelp
Abish B. / Yelp Cafe India is a staple for Indian food in Milwaukee. This affordable and unassuming spot serves up authentic dishes made by the family, and they’re sure to always make you feel welcome!
Cafe India has two locations in Milwaukee: 605-A S. 1st St., Walker’s Point Plz, and 2201 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
There you have it, just a few of the most incredible Milwaukee family-owned restaurants! What family-owned restaurant would you add to the list? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Chris K. / Yelp
Emiliano J. / Yelp
Benji’s is a Milwaukee favorite owned by brothers Chris and Mike — though the rest of the restaurant’s history is a little fuzzy. This gem serves up amazing sandwiches, and their breakfast dish called Hoppel Poppel will make you a morning person.
Benji’s is located at 4156 N. Oakland Ave., Milwaukee.
Michael H. / Yelp
Michael U. / Yelp
In 1989, Sandy D’Amato and his wife opened Sandford in the same building as his family’s grocery store, so this is a true family restaurant! Though they sold the restaurant in 2012, the new owners run the restaurant with respect for those who came before them and are making guests feel more welcome than ever. This French-American restaurant serves up elegant meals without losing the homemade feeling and has come to be one of Milwaukee’s best.
Sanford Restaurant is located at 1547 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee.
Charles B. / Yelp
Tenuta’s Italian - Bay View / Facebook
Tenuta’s is a hidden gem located in Bay View, and the family who owns it are as awesome as their food. This Italian restaurant offers some of the most delicious pasta around, and it’s probably because the owners are from Italy! Not only are they great people, Tenuta’s is dedicated to the community and participates in many local initiatives.
Tenuta’s is located at 2995 S. Clement Ave., Milwaukee.
Jenn M. / Yelp
Divino / Facebook
Divino is a well-loved gem by Milwaukeeans everywhere, and it’s no secret why. This family-owned restaurant will make you feel at home, and full of pasta.
Divino is located at 2315 N. Murray Ave., Milwaukee.
Eric B. / Yelp
Dan L. / Yelp
This little burger joint does burgers right! Mazos grinds their own hamburger meat and offers up a traditional hamburger any way you want it. Mazos used to be part of a local chain and has been around since 1934.
Mazos is located at 3146 S. 27th St., Milwaukee.
Milton B. / Yelp
Who doesn’t love authentic Mexican food? El Senorial is a friendly and family-oriented spot, serving up tacos and much more late into the night. This south side spot will have you feeling like a part of the family, and their food is sure to keep you coming back for more.
El Senioral is located at 1901 S. 31st St., Milwaukee.
Steve S. / Yelp
Abish B. / Yelp
Cafe India is a staple for Indian food in Milwaukee. This affordable and unassuming spot serves up authentic dishes made by the family, and they’re sure to always make you feel welcome!
Cafe India has two locations in Milwaukee: 605-A S. 1st St., Walker’s Point Plz, and 2201 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
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