These hidden-gem restaurants are worth exploring around Milwaukee
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A popular food truck known for its scratch-made twists on classic Italian fare is making a move to Milwaukee’s first food truck park.
Nadi Plates has joined Zócalo Food Truck Park, 636 S. Sixth St., as its newest vendor.
The truck moved into the park the week of March 2, but needs “a few mechanical and licensing updates” before it can begin serving food, according to Austin Santaniello, head of administration at Nadi Plates.
A grand opening date has not been announced, but Santaniello said the food truck plans to be open by the end of March, operating Tuesday to Sunday during lunch and dinner hours. Follow Nadi Plates on Instagram (@nadiplates) for updates.
In a recent social media post, Nadi Plates said its move to Zócalo is a full-circle moment.
“Back when Nadi was just an idea on paper, Zócalo was one of the first spots we visited to get ideas and brainstorm what our food truck business could look like,” the post said.
Santaniello said the truck at Zócalo is finalizing its menu, but guests can expect Nadi Plates favorites like personal pizzas, calzones and Parmesan truffle fries. The truck is known for its classic and signature gourmet pizzas with flavors like the Cream City (white sauce with mozzarella, ricotta dollops, Parmesan and goat cheese), the Lowcountry (barbecue sauce, chicken, onions and mozzarella), the Hog Rider (red sauce and mozzarella with pepperoni, Italian sausage, sliced ham and bacon chunks) and more.
Its wider food truck menu varies seasonally but includes handmade calzones, sandwiches and desserts like mini cannoli and Italian ice. Its “Nadi Bits” are crafty takes on Italian street food, such as Italian nachos, Parmesan truffle fries, focaccia knots, arancini and pizza fritta, which is fried pizza dough topped with prosciutto and provolone cheese.
Nadi Plates also has a roving food truck that pops up at events, festivals and for catering. It also operates a full catering service and has a location at The Alley food truck park at American Family Field, which debuted at the start of the 2025 season.
In April 2025, Nadi Plates announced plans to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the former Crossroads Collective food hall space, 2238 N. Farwell Ave. That restaurant initially hoped to open in February, but it’s currently under construction and has plans to open this spring. Its Il Grande Bambino concept in the same space will serve espresso, prepared lunches and offer a mini Italian market. That concept will follow shortly after the restaurant’s opening, Santaniello said.
At Zócalo, Nadi Plates joins vendors including Las Virellas, Anytime Arepas, SapSap and Modern Maki Sushi.
Dining and Cooking