2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for a lot of Milwaukee restaurants. Aside from the Michelin committee announcing its presence in the city, there are lots of new places opening throughout the area, with new and interesting concepts.
But many restaurants are also struggling with higher prices for food and rent, with even some new and popular spots having to close their doors. Lori Fredrich has been following Milwaukee’s food scene as the dining editor for OnMilwaukee, and she joins Lake Effect’s Joy Powers to share the latest restaurant openings and closings.
Openings
1154 N. Water St., Milwaukee
With the opening of Sooshibay in January, Milwaukee now has its very first conveyer belt sushi spot. The Kenosha-based restaurant opened a second location on the first floor of MSOE’s Grohmann Tower in January, filling a space that’s been closed since before the pandemic, Fredrich says…