Balisteri's Bluemound Inn   

Down the road from Miller Park and the State Fair grounds sits a romantic, cozy Italian eatery that has been feeding hungry Milwaukeeans for years. Owned by James Balistreri, this location is noticeably more upscale than its sister restaurant on 68th street. While Balistreri's Bluemound Inn offers a fine dining experience, it retains a relaxed, casual atmosphere. The menu is downright mouth-watering and includes an dizzying array of appetizers, salads, pasta, pizza and Italian entrees. Start dinner off right with scallops amaretto before moving onto the blackened duck breast salad. Next, be sure to pack your breath mints and try the house's Pasta Balistreri, made with rigatoni pasta, Italian sausage, roasted garlic, shallots, caramelized fennel, fresh mozzarella and crimini mushrooms tossed in a zesty marinara sauce. Balistreri pizza fans need not worry if it's the famous pie you crave, since the same great pizzas are available at this location as well. -- Rachael Liska