Need something to bring a little sparkle to your 2026? How about some good food news?
Milwaukee’s dining scene isn’t slowing down anytime soon. In fact, there is a handful of high-profile projects already underway for 2026, with concepts that range from elevated Mediterranean and New York-inspired Italian to omakase and Levantine fare. From celebrated chefs to deeply immersive dining experiences, these five restaurants are among the most anticipated openings on the city’s culinary horizon.
Spread of dishes from Cassis (Photo: Kevin J. Miyazaki)
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333 Water St., (414) 616-1177
cassismke.com
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Headed up by James Beard honoree Chef Kyle Knall and his wife Meghan Knall, this highly anticipated restaurant will be the first to debut, with its opening date scheduled for Jan. 5.
Inspired by the South of France, Cassis will aim to bring the relaxed, convivial spirit of a classic French bistro to Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. The all-day restaurant will pair familiar bistro fare — from chilled seafood to seasonal produce-driven dishes — with a distinctly Midwestern sensibility, reimagining French classics through local ingredients and familiar technique.
Cassis will feature a wine list focused primarily on French producers, including bottles from the Provençal region that shares the restaurant’s name. The nearly 200-seat space was designed to feel transportive without losing its sense of place, blending European bistro details like mosaic tile and vintage lighting with a warm, bustling energy suited to one of Milwaukee’s most active dining neighborhoods. Read more here.
A peek at the food from Nakame (Nakame Facebook)
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1600 N. Jackson St.
nakamamke.com
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The team behind Nakama brings together Chef Jason Morimoto, winner of Morimoto’s Sushi Master Season 2; Cristian Vega, co-owner of Screaming Tuna and Lil’ Tuna; and beverage experts Dan Beres and Tripper Duval of NiteCap Consulting and Lost Whale. The venue, which is expected to open “no later than early 2026” will take over the space at 1600 N. Jackson St., formerly home to Interval Coffee.
At Nakama, Chef Morimoto will spotlight sushi tradition at its highest level, with omakase service that pays homage to tradition. He’ll do so, in part, by sourcing premium fish, much of it from Tokyo’s famed Toyosu Market, while also showcasing the elegance of hand rolls. Meanwhile, the beverage program will be designed by Beres and Duval to complement Morimoto’s fare.
Nakama will also pay homage to the Japanese listening bar. That likely means a quiet, intimate venue inspired by Japan’s jazz kissa tradition and built around immersive, high-fidelity listening. Think plenty of vinyl, meticulously tuned sound systems, and a hushed, respectful atmosphere where the music—not the chatter—does the talking.
The Ascent MKE building (Photo: Ascent)
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700 E. Kilbourn Ave.
ayamke.com
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Slated to open in the Ascent MKE Apartment complex at 700 E. Kilbourn Ave., aya is a collaboration between New Land Enterprises and Fatima and Hanish Kumar, owners of Saffron Modern Indian Dining. The upscale, elevated Mediterranean restaurant aims to conjure the spice-rice bazaars of the Middle East and is aiming for a February debut.
The restaurant’s menu will feature charcoal-grilled specialties, mezze and larger plates designed for sharing. Guests will also have the opportunity to indulge in aya’s experiential cocktail menu, founded in fresh, high-quality ingredients and experiential, bespoke drinks.
A mezze spread at Lebnani House
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4195 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood
lebnanihouseinc.com
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A second location for Lebnani House is coming to Shorewood in the New Year, expected to open inside the building that formerly housed Buttermint at 4195 N. Oakland Ave. The concept, owned by Nasef Fatteh, will be managed by operating partner and industry veteran Sofian Shilleh, who expects the concept to open by spring or early summer of 2026.
Dressed in neutral tones with a chic, modern vibe that uses geometric patterns to enhance the vibe, Lebnani House will dish up the varied flavors of the Levantine region, including cultural favorites from Lebanon, Armenia, Syria and Jordan.
Want a sneak peek? Pay a visit to Lebnani House’s Greenfield location at 5051 S. 27th St. and indulge in their wide-ranging menu of salads, hot and cold mezza, fukhara (clay pot cooked dishes), mashawi (grilled meats) and main dishes.
A rendering of the bar at Il Ponte
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818 E. Mason St.
instagram.com/ilpontemke
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This new project, located inside the Northwestern Mutual building at 818 E. Mason St., is a new restaurant from James Beard Award-winning Chef Adam Siegel and his wife, Daria Aitken-Siegel.
Guests can expect a New York-inspired Italian restaurant with a vibe that’s more casual than Lupi & Iris, but which adheres to the tenets of great service. The food will include handmade pastas and, according to the Siegels, several Italian dishes currently not found in the Milwaukee market. A convivial bar, an open kitchen and a raised patio to accommodate al fresco dining are also in the plans for this new spot.
Siegel notes that construction is slated to begin on the restaurant at the end of January or the beginning of February.
Dining and Cooking