It’s as important as ever to support the amazing collection of local restaurants that we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than making a commitment to patronize them throughout the year. To guide you on your journey, I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2023. View the full list here OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file.
Kawa Ramen & Sushi
**Crossroads Collective 2238 N. Farwell Ave.
kawaramensushi.com
3rd Street Market Hall, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave.
3rdstmarkethall.com/vendors
Japanese
$$
[Read more]
** temporary location
I have a great deal of respect for sushi restaurants that aren’t above purchasing great fish in small quantities, even if it means running out of it by the end of the day. It’s a philosophy employed by Kawa Ramen & Sushi, a restaurant that has upped the ante for local sushi fans.
I’m a fan of their sashimi and nigiri; but you’ll also find creative balance in their signature maki, including options like the White Swan featuring spicy yellowtail, tempura flakes & tobiko, topped with white tuna or the Wasabi Toro Roll with fatty tuna, wasabi, scallion and nori on the exterior.
Non-sushi fans will also find plenty in the way of other Japanese dishes, including their ultra-consistent bowls of comforting tonkotsu (including spicy Hellfire), seafood and garlic miso ramen.
Want something different? Head over to their location at the 3rd Street Market Hall on Wisconsin Avenue for sushi and sashimi, plus their equally compelling chicken-based ramen, including the lovely, citrusy Yuzu Chicken Ramen served with chashu chicken. They also serve delicious poke bowls if you need a quick fix for lunch.
Recommended: traditional sashimi and sushi; If you like your ramen spicy, try the Hellfire Ramen.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
