Louise’s Trattoria

WITH ITS EMPHASIS on the "best of fresh," Louise’s Trattoria is the perfect place to dine as springtime finally arrives in the Milwaukee-area.

Two locations, one in downtown’s East Town, 801 N. Jefferson St., and the other in suburban Brookfield, 190th St. and Bluemound Rd., put Louise’s within easy reach of the area’s two major clusters of hotels.

The restaurants feature an airy, contemporary design that is sophisticated but never stuffy. Whether you’re dressed-up for a night on the town or casually attired for a ballgame or the zoo, you’ll be welcomed here.

The knowledgeable and friendly staff describes the cuisine as "Traditional Italian with a fresh California flair." Everything is prepared from scratch, guaranteeing a quality dining experience. The fact that your order is created just for you also means that special dietary requests can be honored. Many of the menu items can be served Atkins- or South Beach-diet friendly.

Vegetarians will be delighted with the many options at Louise’s. For example, salads are huge and refreshingly different. A favorite tosses organic baby lettuces with tossed goat cheese, pine nuts and sundried tomatoes in a sherry wine vinaigrette. (The mild, creamy, made-in-Wisconsin goat cheese is just one of the local ingredients that Louise’s
proudly serves.)

Those craving traditional pasta dishes will find them here, often with the addition of fresh herbs and featuring made-on-the-premises pasta. Pasta choices range from lasagna to asparagus mushroom ravioli. Appetizers include roasted Portobello mushrooms, steamed mushrooms and Mozzarella Caprese. The seafood side of the entrée menu includes an amazing Cioppino, and poultry dishes range from Chicken Piccata to three citrus-grilled chicken.

Many visitors cannot resist the pizza. Choose from Louise’s Original Pizza—homemade tomato sauce and 100% natural whole milk mozzarella with a medium thin, crispy crust, or Louise’s California Pizza—non-traditional sauces and gourmet toppings with a thin, cracker-thin crust. In addition, you can create your own Calzone and have that baked in Louise’s pizza ovens.

Downtown, Louise’s is located across the street from Cathedral Square Park. In keeping with the picturesque setting and the staff’s spirit of adventure, Louise’s on Jefferson Street opens for patio dining April 1. Those already marking their calendar for Jazz in the Park nights and Bastille Days should know that this is a prime spot for enjoying those summer events.

Both locations have great party rooms. The fact that Louise’s is locally owned and operated, "a Milwaukee original," makes it a favorite for visitors. Louise’s opens every day at 11 a.m., also noteworthy for travelers looking for lunch on Saturday or dinner on Sunday, when some restaurants are closed. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday. For more information, phone 414-273-4224 (downtown) or 262-784-4275 (Brookfield).