Check out some of Milwaukee’s most romantic restaurants
From a swanky spot for seafood lovers to a retro lounge for cocktail lovers, these are some of Milwaukee’s most romantic bars and restaurants.
A long-standing Madison Italian restaurant is closing its doors at the end of the month.
Porta Bella, 425 N. Frances St., announced Feb. 14 on Facebook that it’ll close Feb. 28 after operating for 58 years.
“We will deeply miss all of the customers that we have come to know over the years and hearing how our restaurant has become a part of their family traditions,” the post reads. “Many customers have celebrated their wedding, anniversaries and engagements since we opened the restaurant in 1968.”
Porta Bella, owned by Ed Shinnick and Wally Borowski, has received local recognition as a romantic date night destination, according to the restaurant’s website. Its offerings include fresh pasta, pizza, seafood and steaks.
In late 2025, the Madison City Council conditionally approved a proposal from a Texas-based developer, Villas Student Housing, to redevelop Porta Bella’s property and an adjacent property to construct high-rise luxury student apartments.
Timothy Park, Madison city planner said the plans for the building are in for final review, and the project team plans to break ground on it in the spring.
The developer’s website lists the building, which will have 118 units and 466 beds, as coming in 2028.
Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @ArseneauKelli.
Dining and Cooking