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Name: Centro Café
Address: 808 E Center St, Milwaukee, WI, 53212
Telephone: (414) 455-3751
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.26

Centro Café

808 E Center St, Milwaukee, WI, 53212

(414) 455-3751
Store is closed

Centro Café Menu

Antipasto

Garlic Bread

Bruschetta*^

Grilled Calamari With Scallops^

Grilled Asparagus Wraps^

Marinated Artichoke Dip*^

Tapénade^

Trio Spreads^
Salad And Soup

Mixed Green*^

Caesar*^

Caesar^

Rocket*^

Caprese^

Spaghetti Salad*^

Soup Of The Day
Pasta

Marinara*^

Pomodoro*^

Pesto^

Pollo^

Arancia^

Bolognese

Salsiccia^

Frutti Di Mare^

Primavera*^

Diavolo^

Gnudi

Tortellini

Ravioli

Risotto*^
Flatbread Pizzas

Margherita^

Duck Sausage^

Spinach And Artichoke^

Mediterranean
Extras And Sides

Anchovies

Asparagus

Broccoli

Mushroom Mix

Mixed Vegetables

Spinach

Cheese

Marinara

Chicken

Italian Sausage

Shrimp

Scallops

Calamari

Meatballs

Vegan Meatballs
Desserts

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Tiramisu

Gelato

Healthy Meal suggestions for Centro Café

Antipasto

Garlic Bread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bruschetta*^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Calamari With Scallops^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Asparagus Wraps^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Marinated Artichoke Dip*^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tapénade^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Trio Spreads^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salad And Soup

Mixed Green*^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar*^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rocket*^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caprese^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti Salad*^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soup Of The Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta

Marinara*^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pomodoro*^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pesto^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arancia^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bolognese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salsiccia^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frutti Di Mare^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Primavera*^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Diavolo^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gnudi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortellini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ravioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Risotto*^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Flatbread Pizzas

Margherita^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Duck Sausage^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach And Artichoke^ [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mediterranean [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Extras And Sides

Anchovies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asparagus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mushroom Mix [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mixed Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Marinara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Sausage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meatballs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegan Meatballs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Flourless Chocolate Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiramisu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gelato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.

Auntie Anne’s ( 2500 N Mayfair Rd )

Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.

Auntie Anne’s ( 2500 N Mayfair Rd )

Write An Anonymous Review

Maika M.

This place is small. The few times that I've been there, the place was packed. You might have to wait to get a table. The tables are also smaller and very close to one another so if you want to have a nice dinner without hearing 3 or four other conversations, this might not be the place to go. One plate is $10-15 but the portions are slightly smaller than other restaurants. My favorite is the penne a la bolognese, delicious. The sauce was what made the dish! They have a good amount of pasta dishes and some sandwiches. They also have a bar. I would definitely go back so I can try other dishes on the menu.
(4)
ali s.

This place is pretty radical. It sort of stands apart on the otherwise dark street - small tables that are close together, dimly lit, and a really small staff. Outdoor dining for summer, even though I hate sitting outside... The down side is that I probably wouldn't go alone, there really isn't a bar area it is more of a chef's counter, but it is really nice for an intimate dinner with a friend or someone who you want to be friends with. The apps were unimpressive, but the wine and pasta were so affordable ($10-$15 a plate) for a large, flavorful portion, that I will definitely be back, if I can find a friend. go.
(4)
Annie M.

I ate here last night and I'm definitely going back! Their gluten-free pasta is amazing. I haven't been able to eat Italian out since finding out about my celiac disease. It's great to have a place that I know I can eat a real dish without having to special order my meal. I think they need to expand their gluten-free options by offering GF bread and desserts. You will have a HUGE gluten-free following if people know you're offering these options!! The price was very reasonable. I don't mind spending my money on this yummy food. I had the pasta primivera and asparagus with prosciutto. Both were amazing and served piping hot. The service was great. I can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Justin N.

Centro Cafe has the best Italian food in Milwaukee and won't break the bank.
(5)
Bob D.

With a 4.5 star rating on Yelp and a strong recommendation from a friend I suggested this was the place we go for an early dinner to celebrate my wife's birthday. I had heard about how "tiny" the place is, and they don't take reservations, so we made a point of getting there a little before 5:30pm on a Friday. We were the second group there, and were seated against the wall at a 3-seat table. Yes, very cozy, and I could just imagine what it was going to be like in 2-3 hours. It's the size place where you better be friendly with your neighbor, because you're practically going to be sitting on their lap. On to the food! We started with the MUST-HAVE prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears. I loved the little char on the prosciutto from grilling, and the overall effect-flavor was awesome. I ordered the large Caesar salad to split with my wife and daughter. One of the better one's I've had in a while. Top of the line greens, lots of croutons, and a light-flavorful dressing. Very fresh and delicious. At this point let me talk about prices. This is one of the RARE restaurants left in Milwaukee where you can look at what you're getting vs. what you're paying and your immediate reaction will be: This place is cheap! The large VERY GOOD Caesar was $6! That's $10-14 anywhere else. My wife ordered the lobster filled ravioli on a cream sauce, and gave it a thumbs up. My daughter ordered the tortellini with fontana cheese, but ended up eating more of my wife's entree. I had a pasta dish with gorgonzola cheese, grapes, walnuts, (I added chicken), and a white wine sauce. I liked it----lighter and perfect for a hot summer night. Since it was a B-Day celebration we had to have dessert! My daughter ordered the pineapple sorbet that was definitely home-made and arrived in a hollowed out half of a pineapple---nice presentation---and delicious. My wife and I split a lemon layer cake. It wasn't quite what I was expecting with a bit of an artificial lemon flavor going on, but my wife liked it. Service was friendly if not a bit scattered especially considering the place was only about 1/3 full by the time we were leaving 1.5 hours after arriving. Again the bill was a pleasant surprise considering everything we had ordered. Beware! Cash only! There is an ATM right in the middle of the place for cash emergencies. Definitely an enjoyable experience for us. We shall return!
(4)
Gregory M.

Fact: 80 percent of women cannot orgasm from intercourse alone. Fact: 100 percent of women do orgasm from a dinner at CafÃ© Centro. I am not one to be hyperbolic, but this is my favorite restaurant in Milwaukee. It is sooo West Village-esque. It is more Italian than Italy. This place is so warm and cozy, it feels like I am lying naked on a bear rug with my lover, near a raging fire. In a formal restaurant review, this would be known as "good ambience." If you are socially awkward, you may be put off by how close together the tables are. Not me, I love talking to strangers and asking if we can do the ole "bite for bite." I know it is lame, but the Caesar salad and fettuccine alfredo (now off the menu) is pure culinary heaven. After dinner, go have dessert at nearby Foundation Tiki Bar.
(5)
amy n.

This place, on 808 E. Center, is super adorable. Very simple decor, clean and crisp and small. The perfect place for a date, or a small family dinner. It is such a gem of a restaurant, right down to the staff, and you always see the cook smiling as he grills right in the dining room. The food is delish, and super inexpensive. Most dishes are under $10. We had the calamari for an app, and it was grilled not fried. It is an Italian restaurant so there were a lot of pasta options. The tuna pene with capers and artichoke was lemony and very tasty. The sausage dish was very heavy, and not as good. We got a bottle of wine, a very unique red called Moobuzz. I totally recommend it. I will go back again, and take everyone else's suggestions and try the white bean dip and tiramisu. Perfect for everybody -- even vegetarians!
(5)
Jeremy D.

Great setting nestled away in the Riverwest Area. The service was outstanding and the food was tasty. The sauces on all pasta dishes where excellent. We had a veg head with us that tried the vegan meatball sandwich. Its a was made up of lentils and tofu. Its was a hearty sandwich but had no taste of herbs or spices. The cheese they used was favorless and no where to be found on the sandwich. The amostophere was perfect, lights slightly dimmed and the noise of peoples chatter. The food prices are reasonable. I'm suprised they don't have fresh shaved paramesean grated at the table. I think you might be missing something?! Remember to stay with the local foods and think about incorporating harvest foods on your menu especially in October. We couldn't find any fresh pumpkin or squash pasta dishes. We'll be back. Apa!
(4)
Jennifer W.

I had been hearing rave reviews of Centro Cafe some time and finally had an opportunity to check it out for myself. I went fairly early during the Sunday dinner hour (5:30 - senior citizen early bird special time, right?) My friend and I were seated right away, and I think we were on to something with our timing. CC is tiny, and they don't take reservations. I am confident I would not be ballsy enough to chance it at a peak time like Friday or Saturday night. It was fun to watch the chef do his thang right there behind the counter. It is clear that the food is fresh and made to order. My friend and I each had a starter (soup for me - you know how I am crazy for soup) and a Caesar for him. I had a pasta dish with curly pasta, broccoli, mushrooms, chicken and sundried tomatoes. It was sinfully delicious, but also very, very rich. I did not finish it, and I am a long-standing member of the Clean Plate Club. My friend had a tortellini dish which was equally rich. Not to be deterred, we shared a piece of ridiculously rich choclate cake for dessert. We are troopers! One note that I think is important to share - they only accept cash, so plan accordingly. (That being said, there is an ATM right in the restaurant.) All in all, I liked Centro Cafe and thought the concept and ambiance were superb. I'll be back, but next time for some lighter fare.
(4)
Morgan T.

I walked over for brunch and had a fritatta, delicious orange juice, and a lemon sorbetto (You HAVE to eat one of these. It's vegan, it's creamy, it's delicious, I'm hungry just writing about it...) for what I would call a totally reasonable price. It's not cheap, but man are you getting what you pay for. Service was laid-back but very friendly, the room was charming, and the windows were thrown wide open to let in a beautiful summer morning in Milwaukee. What a great find.
(5)
Wayne N.

I'm glad I read the reviews before going, because the place was small and like others said, we left our phone number for a call when our reservation was ready. There are a couple of bars in the area so my wife and I walked over to have a drink while we waited. 30-40 minutes on a Saturday night wasn't so bad, particularly when we were having a drink while waiting. Tight quarters but restaurant was nice looking and the food looked and smelled great. My wife really enjoyed the prosciutto wrapped asparagus as an appetizer. Both our pasta dishes were wonderful, my wife was talking about how good hers was the next day even. (can't remember what it was, but there was bow tie pasta involved). I had the penne bolonaise which I liked too. Very good food and the cost was very reasonable. I'd like to go back and sit at the counter, where you can watch the chef cook. It looked like they were adding more space, which would be good because it was sort of cramped. Be advised it's cash only.
(4)
Maggi K.

We arrived around 7, and had a seat at the chef's counter while we enjoyed a glass of wine and waited for a table to open up. In the meanwhile, we had a wonderful time observing the chef in action. We watched the plates go out, which only increase our appetites - they looked and smelled amazing. Within 30 minutes, we were seated and we began our dinner with the prosciutto wrapped asparagus, and each selected a pasta for the entree. My husband's bolognese was superb, as was my lobster and shrimp dish (the special of the night). We finished by sharing a slice of cheesecake topped with a little strawberry sauce. Prices were very reasonable - most entrees were under $13, except for the evenings special - and portions were generous. I would highly recommend it. Btw, they only take cash, but there is an ATM inside the restaurant.
(5)
Jen C.

We just moved into the neighborhood from Denver and were craving a nice little evening out. We looked up places in walking distance and found Centro Cafe. Our expectations were far exceeded. The service was GREAT, our server Michelle was fun, interactive and personable! AMAZING DISHES! !! We had the Gnudi, lobster ravioli, and I had the penne con salsiccia. Yum!! This is our new fav place for date night. The scene is cute, quaint, romantic and cozy. I think it would be a fun girls night environment. We loved it! Thanks Centro Cafe for a wonderful experience.
(5)
Susan B.

Excellent ambiance, food and service! Love the new back bar!! I've been going here since it opened.......and it is always so good!
(4)
Andrew K.

Went to Centro on a Thursday night and was seated right away. I noticed a lot of people mentioned how close the seating was, but I noticed this would really only be a problem in the front dining area, if a problem at all. There is more seating upstairs, out front, and on a raised side porch. The staff was happy to meet our requests (seating choice and alterations to a dish). Our waiter was great and offered great advice when it came to the menu. The wine list was OK, but they offered a great happy our deal of two glasses of a selected white or red wine for 8$. The menu is simple but with a good variety of options with many vegetarian and gluten free options. I selected the Risotto and was amazed at how flavorful it was. Complements to the chef! The food came out piping hot (which is always a plus) and the music selection was great. Centro is a gem in River West that feels like a classic Italian restaurant with a bit of a River West feel which makes it unique. I highly recommend it and will return soon!
(4)
Karl S.

Excellent, make sure to get the prosciutto-wrapped grilled asparagus appetizer!
(4)
Melissa R.

I went here on a whim with my husband after we couldn't get a table at another popular pasta place. We were NOT disappointed. So glad we tried it out. There are not a lot of tables and they don't take reservations. So grab one when you can get one. The food here was AMAZING. Really incredible. We will definately go back.
(4)
Mel H.

Brought by some locals who had only gone take out before. Great small place with a lively atmosphere and friendly wait staff. Food was fabulous in both taste and price -- would love to have a place like this near me -- enjoy locals!
(4)
Michael T.

Delicious. Reeks of garlic but in a good way. Very small, probably not good for groups over 4. The tiny little kitchen is the first thing that you see when you walk in. Simple but hip decor. Brightly lit, no smoke, decent music. Fairly loud. I had the meatball sandwich and I want another one right now. The calamari appetizer was grilled and also excellent. The white bean dip was more of a meh. Deserts were good, my favorite was a cheesecake. Mid-sized wine menu, no beers on tap (Sprecher Amber, Spotted Cow and Stella bottles). I don't think there is any dish over $12 on the menu. Fantastic value.
(5)
Laura S.

We did not feel welcome at this restaurant at all, throughout our entire meal. The hostess was not friendly when she greeted us. It was freezing in the restaurant. All the customers had their jackets on the entire time. The portion sizes were too small for the price, there was only one chef for about 15 people so it took almost an hour to get our food. Even the water they served us came from the gun, and tasted like dirty seltzer. The salad I ordered came on a plate that was too small. I understand they are remodeling, i will never be coming back here. The only good thing about this place is that it serves gluten free pasta which is healthier then regular pasta.
(1)
Erik A.

Though adorable, and has some good food options, I've been here a half dozen times and found the service to be lackluster at best. Inside and out, a great layout and attention to detail in the building itself. Waiters are friendly, but don't do the best job with hosting/seating and are, because of the layout, inherently far from those ordering food. On a number of occasions, a 20 minute wait has been more like a 60 or 80 minute wait, which in my book, is not acceptable. You also usually eat within two feet of the people next to you, which, depending on how you feel, either is too close for comfort or adds to the charm. It could go both ways. Wine list is acceptable but not great. Overall: charming spot, noisy, tasty pastas, service needs major improvements.
(2)
Marshall S.

Love this little place, which is just a few blocks from where I live. I've been here twice and was pleased both times. The food is excellent. Fresh, tasty italian food. I especially like their seafood pastas and the italian sausage in the dishes. Good portion sizes at a good price. Not too buttery or greasy like some alfredos or cream sauces at other italian restaurants. Only complaint was that one of their dishes was extremely salty. The white bean dip appetizer was delicious. The downside to this place is that it is extremely small. Only a handful of tables. Fortunately between my first and second visit they were able to expand a little to the back, so now there is at least a place to sit/stand in the back by the bar while you are waiting for a table. It is decorated nicely and has a quaint ambiance. Waitstaff is friendly and knowledgable. They also accept credit cards now, which they did not do the first time I visited.
(4)
Amanda D.

Okay, first off this place is delicious. By far some of the best Italian food in the city. However, it is cramped inside- you sit on top of each other. I'm not exaggerating. Also this place used to be really affordable, as well it should be given the neighborhood it's in. It's not anymore. The prices have increased and the portions have decreased. Since when do you leave an Italian restaurant feeling like you could eat more? Love the food, but not worth my time and money to trek to other side of town anymore.
(2)
Rebecca S.

We love Centro CafÃ©. Great atmosphere - I much prefer small and cramped to cavernous (and Centro isn't even that cramped - Crazy Water wins for cramped, I think). The pasta dishes are inventive and perfectly prepared. The appetizers (particularly spreads) are also delicious. We've brought our kids here (5 and 7) and they liked watching the open kitchen (and sometimes talking to the chef), which is far preferable to the seemingly ubiquitous restaurant TVs these day. It can be difficult to get a table on some nights, but we discovered that during Packers games can be much easier (probably because no TVs?). One of our favorites in Milwaukee.
(5)
Vicky B.

First visit on a Wednesday evening. Here are the hits and misses. Hit - Bruchetta. Wonderful! Flavorful. Loved the red onion. Tomatoes were great even for being "out of season." Hit - PENNE CON SALSICCIA. Comfort food at its finest. A very simple dish using top notch ingredients. Lovely. Hit - The crusty italian bread to dip into the sauce of my main entree. YUMMY. Hit - Helpful & friendly server. Great recommendations. Miss - Very close seating arrangement gives me a eye level view of the servers rearends. I felt a bit cramped. Not much space in between tables. Miss - During a cool "spring" evening, the cool air blew in on us when patrons entered and didn't close the door behind them. If the hostess was nearby she was conscious to make sure it was close, when she wasn't nearby the door remained open. My husband got up once to close the door. We will definetly be back.
(4)
Tetyana V.

I love their food! The place is small but it's so worthwhile! The home made pasta is always a winner! Nice staff and fast service!
(5)
Eric M.

I found that place just lovely, and it would have gotten five stars if our server wasn't very inexperienced and made some mistakes which caused some people in my dinner party to get upset. However, I don't hold that too much against the restaurant because I thought the food and drink was creative and a nice addition to the Riverwest neighborhood. They serve a variety of pasta dishes and I liked most of what I tried from them. There are also some nice gluten free options. I got a simple bowl with rigatoni, sun dried tomato, and various other vegetables. Nothing to write home about, but it was good. I also drank a couple "principessas" off the cocktail list which were nice champagne mixers. After the service mix-ups, my parents were so unpleased that we had to leave without dessert. However, I would definitely go back to try more. They jury is still out on Centro Cafe... they have some kinks to work out.
(4)
Annie M.

I ate here last night and I'm definitely going back! Their gluten-free pasta is amazing. I haven't been able to eat Italian out since finding out about my celiac disease. It's great to have a place that I know I can eat a real dish without having to special order my meal. I think they need to expand their gluten-free options by offering GF bread and desserts. You will have a HUGE gluten-free following if people know you're offering these options!! The price was very reasonable. I don't mind spending my money on this yummy food. I had the pasta primivera and asparagus with prosciutto. Both were amazing and served piping hot. The service was great. I can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Justin N.

Centro Cafe has the best Italian food in Milwaukee and won't break the bank.
(5)
Kathy L.

This is my favorite neighborhood restaurant in River West. Great little cafe with very friendly service, an adorable (yet small and noisy) dining room and great food. Definitely a European vibe. The menu features pasta plates creatively sauced and spiced. Even has gluten free which is great for me. Some dining is outside which was a recent treat with guests from out of town. One odd feature is that they don't take credit cards but there is an atm right in the dining room which is sort of weird, albeit convenient. Order anything you want. It's all great.
(4)
Scott O.

My wife and I went to Centro on Saturday night. Our first visit. We arrived at 7:40 and were seated immediately, which was nice. My first impression was that I love the space. Very small (I think I counted 10 tables in all), cozy, warm, and inviting. Reminded me a lot of the cafes I used to dine at during my years in NYC. So that was a plus. Our server was a bit of a flake. He was nice, but either really, really high or was just having an off night. Never asked how the food was, we had to flag him down to order a second round of drinks, and the oddest thing was the check. Centro is cash only (there's an ATM on-site in case you forget to bring $$ with you), so I handed him $80 for our $54 tab assuming he'd bring me $26 back. He came back with 5 singles, a five, and a ten and said, "I hope you don't mind, but I just broke your extra twenty." Obviously I planned to tip him more than the 10% he'd already assumed he was entitled to, but still, it was strange. Now onto the good part: The food. We started with the bruscetta. The bread was soft and crisp, if that makes sense, and the toppings were flavorful. Very good. For our entrees, my wife ordered the spaghetti con fruit di mare. I had the penne bolognese. The penne bolognese was likely the best pasta dish I've ever had. No joke. It's such a simple dish, but it was done just so perfectly. I'd have a hard time not ordering on my next visit. My wife's entree was also very good. The sauce and seafood had the very distinct taste of Old Bay seasoning, but my wife thinks it was the chef's own spice concoction of cinnamon and cloves. I'm not so sure. Either way, Old Bay is never a bad way to season shrimp. It's not always the best way, but it's a good seasoning to bring out the flavor of shrimp. Dessert - a lemon bar - was on the house as the host, near the end of our meal, moved us over one table in order to accommodate a group of 6. (By the way, Centro is not good for groups. Any more than 4 and you should look elsewhere to dine.) No big deal. It's a small place and they needed to get some tables filled, so I can't argue with it. The lemon bar was rich and filling. And of course, lemony. We both liked it. Final verdict: I'd go back in a heartbeat. Italian isn't often my first choice for dining out, but Centro was that good.
(4)
B H.

Horrible experience, after we waited for over 20 minutes with no drinks, no service when we left nobody even noticed or asked what was wrong. It was so sad, I was really excited to try this place and now I will never go back. The restaurant wasn't even full, so it's not like the servers were just busy and got distracted.
(1)
Colden H.

I was impressed with this place and will definitely go back to try out the rest of the menu. When we showed up there was not an available table, and there is not space for people to stand around waiting, so the host took my phone number and sent us down the street to loiter at Fuel (we went to Riverwest Film and Video instead). He called about 20 minutes later and our table was ready. Very nice. The food was delicious and our server (Erika?) was good to us. I had something involving peppers and sausage with a touch of cream in the sauce. It was rich and satisfying.
(4)
Stephanie L.

I felt like Owen Wilson in "Midnight in Paris." In this case, it would be "Midnight in Pisa." I rarely pass along a 5-star rating, but I am more than happy to give this Riverwest charmer its well-deserved top honors. I had every intention of eating at the bar, and it was definitely the best place in the house. My husband said it felt as though we had been transported to a cafe in Anywhere, Europe. It had all of the makings of a quaint European bistro. I wish I had found it sooner. We sat at the corner of the top bar, and it was still intimate, even among the steady crowd that moved in and out as they were being seated. This place turns them over, which brings a smile to my face. The food is the main attraction here, even though the surroundings (decor, lighting, bartenders, etc.) are a major draw as well. Even with all of the conversations floating in the air, I felt as though my husband and I were the only ones in the bar. We worried at first, when we initially sat down at the bar, that the bartenders would not tend to us quickly enough. Then, we began to relax. Centro makes you feel like there is no need to hurry. When the bartenders--plural, since both tended to our every whim--did tend to us, they were very attentive (refilling glasses, offering additional bread). I was very pleased with the service. It was literally service with a smile. Our dining experience began with an aperitif. When in Rome...I ordered an Americano campari with sweet vermouth and a splash of soda. It was dead on. Sometimes, campari can be overpowering, with its bitter bite, but not this time. The bartender created the perfect balance with all of the ingredients. It was smooth and easy to ingest. My husband had a rehorst gin martini. He said, "I like how he pours." It was tasty and up to his martini standards. To compliment our beverages, we had an order of the trio spreads. I wanted to stick my head in the kitchen to see how the chefs could precisely crisp the baguette pieces. Mine never turn out like theirs: lightly oiled, crisp but slightly soft. Wonderful. I was a big fan of the kalamata olive tapenade. I took a bite of the bruschetta mix too and...oh my. Packed full of unbelievable flavor. All of that kick in one small bowl of tomato and onion pieces. They are magicians. For the main event, I stuck with an appetizer for my dinner, the grilled calamari and scallops. Let me just say that the folks at Centro know what they are doing. Don't change a thing. My husband's dish of pomodoro disappeared before my very eyes, and it was because he couldn't put his fork down. He loves his red meat, and he said that it didn't need a single thing. It was simply angel hair pasta, EVOO, basil, tomato, and he sprinkled on parmesan. It doesn't get more simple than that. When we got the bill, I was even more blown away. Very reasonable. I felt like I was cheating them. All of this goodness for so little cost. I was given all of this simple luxury without feeling its impact in my wallet. Thanks, Pat! I will, without a doubt, return to Centro Cafe. I want to share this experience with others. I want them to enjoy the same luxuries and continue spreading the word. We need more places like this that offer exquisite food in a simple and elegant place without being one bit pretentious. How do they do it? Come in and find out.
(5)
Denise D.

Went back tonight and had a different server, Erica, who was EXCELLENT. This place is tasty. Would definitely go back.
(5)
Ruth Ann M.

Centro Cafe might just be my new favorite restaurant in Milwaukee. We went for brunch and were very impressed by the flavors of the food and the great prices. The Vegetariano sandwich had so much flavor, even a die-hard meat eater would be impressed. The food is made fresh to order, which was made evident by the chef who was preparing food right there in the dining room. There was a plate of fresh vegetables sitting on his counter, which he would chop fresh as needed. Just like at home! They cater to vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters. Nothing on the menu was more than $11. The restaurant is TINY, so don't try to come here with a large group. My friends who live nearby told me they have a very long wait for dinner. I can't wait to go back to try more delicious food!
(5)
C G.

Great food and friendly service. Sat at the chef table. Would give it a 5 if they took reservations!
(4)
Maika M.

This place is small. The few times that I've been there, the place was packed. You might have to wait to get a table. The tables are also smaller and very close to one another so if you want to have a nice dinner without hearing 3 or four other conversations, this might not be the place to go. One plate is $10-15 but the portions are slightly smaller than other restaurants. My favorite is the penne a la bolognese, delicious. The sauce was what made the dish! They have a good amount of pasta dishes and some sandwiches. They also have a bar. I would definitely go back so I can try other dishes on the menu.
(4)
E M.

Has the best Italian food every and I live right around the corner. Definitely brings in an eclectic crowd and many from outside of Riverwest . The portions have gotten a bit smaller, but the quality, thank god, remains consistent. The bread has been a bit of a dissapointment as you expect it to be warm and the best. We have so many local great bakeries it should not be hard to get a contract with one of them. Some of the waitstaff seem to be overwhelmed with having more than 3 tables at a time and don't seem to know how to appease their customers with at least settling them with their drinks and bread while attending to the rest of their tables.
(3)
amy n.

This place, on 808 E. Center, is super adorable. Very simple decor, clean and crisp and small. The perfect place for a date, or a small family dinner. It is such a gem of a restaurant, right down to the staff, and you always see the cook smiling as he grills right in the dining room. The food is delish, and super inexpensive. Most dishes are under $10. We had the calamari for an app, and it was grilled not fried. It is an Italian restaurant so there were a lot of pasta options. The tuna pene with capers and artichoke was lemony and very tasty. The sausage dish was very heavy, and not as good. We got a bottle of wine, a very unique red called Moobuzz. I totally recommend it. I will go back again, and take everyone else's suggestions and try the white bean dip and tiramisu. Perfect for everybody -- even vegetarians!
(5)
Bob D.

With a 4.5 star rating on Yelp and a strong recommendation from a friend I suggested this was the place we go for an early dinner to celebrate my wife's birthday. I had heard about how "tiny" the place is, and they don't take reservations, so we made a point of getting there a little before 5:30pm on a Friday. We were the second group there, and were seated against the wall at a 3-seat table. Yes, very cozy, and I could just imagine what it was going to be like in 2-3 hours. It's the size place where you better be friendly with your neighbor, because you're practically going to be sitting on their lap. On to the food! We started with the MUST-HAVE prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears. I loved the little char on the prosciutto from grilling, and the overall effect-flavor was awesome. I ordered the large Caesar salad to split with my wife and daughter. One of the better one's I've had in a while. Top of the line greens, lots of croutons, and a light-flavorful dressing. Very fresh and delicious. At this point let me talk about prices. This is one of the RARE restaurants left in Milwaukee where you can look at what you're getting vs. what you're paying and your immediate reaction will be: This place is cheap! The large VERY GOOD Caesar was $6! That's $10-14 anywhere else. My wife ordered the lobster filled ravioli on a cream sauce, and gave it a thumbs up. My daughter ordered the tortellini with fontana cheese, but ended up eating more of my wife's entree. I had a pasta dish with gorgonzola cheese, grapes, walnuts, (I added chicken), and a white wine sauce. I liked it----lighter and perfect for a hot summer night. Since it was a B-Day celebration we had to have dessert! My daughter ordered the pineapple sorbet that was definitely home-made and arrived in a hollowed out half of a pineapple---nice presentation---and delicious. My wife and I split a lemon layer cake. It wasn't quite what I was expecting with a bit of an artificial lemon flavor going on, but my wife liked it. Service was friendly if not a bit scattered especially considering the place was only about 1/3 full by the time we were leaving 1.5 hours after arriving. Again the bill was a pleasant surprise considering everything we had ordered. Beware! Cash only! There is an ATM right in the middle of the place for cash emergencies. Definitely an enjoyable experience for us. We shall return!
(4)
Gregory M.

Fact: 80 percent of women cannot orgasm from intercourse alone. Fact: 100 percent of women do orgasm from a dinner at CafÃ© Centro. I am not one to be hyperbolic, but this is my favorite restaurant in Milwaukee. It is sooo West Village-esque. It is more Italian than Italy. This place is so warm and cozy, it feels like I am lying naked on a bear rug with my lover, near a raging fire. In a formal restaurant review, this would be known as "good ambience." If you are socially awkward, you may be put off by how close together the tables are. Not me, I love talking to strangers and asking if we can do the ole "bite for bite." I know it is lame, but the Caesar salad and fettuccine alfredo (now off the menu) is pure culinary heaven. After dinner, go have dessert at nearby Foundation Tiki Bar.
(5)
Jeremy D.

Great setting nestled away in the Riverwest Area. The service was outstanding and the food was tasty. The sauces on all pasta dishes where excellent. We had a veg head with us that tried the vegan meatball sandwich. Its a was made up of lentils and tofu. Its was a hearty sandwich but had no taste of herbs or spices. The cheese they used was favorless and no where to be found on the sandwich. The amostophere was perfect, lights slightly dimmed and the noise of peoples chatter. The food prices are reasonable. I'm suprised they don't have fresh shaved paramesean grated at the table. I think you might be missing something?! Remember to stay with the local foods and think about incorporating harvest foods on your menu especially in October. We couldn't find any fresh pumpkin or squash pasta dishes. We'll be back. Apa!
(4)
Jennifer W.

I had been hearing rave reviews of Centro Cafe some time and finally had an opportunity to check it out for myself. I went fairly early during the Sunday dinner hour (5:30 - senior citizen early bird special time, right?) My friend and I were seated right away, and I think we were on to something with our timing. CC is tiny, and they don't take reservations. I am confident I would not be ballsy enough to chance it at a peak time like Friday or Saturday night. It was fun to watch the chef do his thang right there behind the counter. It is clear that the food is fresh and made to order. My friend and I each had a starter (soup for me - you know how I am crazy for soup) and a Caesar for him. I had a pasta dish with curly pasta, broccoli, mushrooms, chicken and sundried tomatoes. It was sinfully delicious, but also very, very rich. I did not finish it, and I am a long-standing member of the Clean Plate Club. My friend had a tortellini dish which was equally rich. Not to be deterred, we shared a piece of ridiculously rich choclate cake for dessert. We are troopers! One note that I think is important to share - they only accept cash, so plan accordingly. (That being said, there is an ATM right in the restaurant.) All in all, I liked Centro Cafe and thought the concept and ambiance were superb. I'll be back, but next time for some lighter fare.
(4)
Morgan T.

I walked over for brunch and had a fritatta, delicious orange juice, and a lemon sorbetto (You HAVE to eat one of these. It's vegan, it's creamy, it's delicious, I'm hungry just writing about it...) for what I would call a totally reasonable price. It's not cheap, but man are you getting what you pay for. Service was laid-back but very friendly, the room was charming, and the windows were thrown wide open to let in a beautiful summer morning in Milwaukee. What a great find.
(5)
Rachel G.

Must go if you haven't been. Delectable Italian with a modern bistro-like atmosphere. Always a go-to if we can't decide where to eat. Last time we visited, I was in the mood for greens--went with the Tuscan Kale salad and it was absolutely delicious. Shared the prosciutto wrapped asparagus, perfectly cooked with the right amount of fattiness from the prosciutto. Wine list is always good, cocktails are delicious, and food is always fresh. Get there early or come later when its a little bit quieter in the evening. Service is always great--wait staff is always patient and never rushes the orders. Love coming here!
(5)
Wayne N.

I'm glad I read the reviews before going, because the place was small and like others said, we left our phone number for a call when our reservation was ready. There are a couple of bars in the area so my wife and I walked over to have a drink while we waited. 30-40 minutes on a Saturday night wasn't so bad, particularly when we were having a drink while waiting. Tight quarters but restaurant was nice looking and the food looked and smelled great. My wife really enjoyed the prosciutto wrapped asparagus as an appetizer. Both our pasta dishes were wonderful, my wife was talking about how good hers was the next day even. (can't remember what it was, but there was bow tie pasta involved). I had the penne bolonaise which I liked too. Very good food and the cost was very reasonable. I'd like to go back and sit at the counter, where you can watch the chef cook. It looked like they were adding more space, which would be good because it was sort of cramped. Be advised it's cash only.
(4)
Maggi K.

We arrived around 7, and had a seat at the chef's counter while we enjoyed a glass of wine and waited for a table to open up. In the meanwhile, we had a wonderful time observing the chef in action. We watched the plates go out, which only increase our appetites - they looked and smelled amazing. Within 30 minutes, we were seated and we began our dinner with the prosciutto wrapped asparagus, and each selected a pasta for the entree. My husband's bolognese was superb, as was my lobster and shrimp dish (the special of the night). We finished by sharing a slice of cheesecake topped with a little strawberry sauce. Prices were very reasonable - most entrees were under $13, except for the evenings special - and portions were generous. I would highly recommend it. Btw, they only take cash, but there is an ATM inside the restaurant.
(5)
Jen C.

We just moved into the neighborhood from Denver and were craving a nice little evening out. We looked up places in walking distance and found Centro Cafe. Our expectations were far exceeded. The service was GREAT, our server Michelle was fun, interactive and personable! AMAZING DISHES! !! We had the Gnudi, lobster ravioli, and I had the penne con salsiccia. Yum!! This is our new fav place for date night. The scene is cute, quaint, romantic and cozy. I think it would be a fun girls night environment. We loved it! Thanks Centro Cafe for a wonderful experience.
(5)
Susan B.

Excellent ambiance, food and service! Love the new back bar!! I've been going here since it opened.......and it is always so good!
(4)
Lala S.

Dinner was delicious. I ordered the pollo and my friend ordered the special pizza and everything was very good. The only thing is that it is very small and seating is tight I felt like it was so small that I was having dinner with the people beside me.
(4)
Melanie H.

In my opinion, the most hidden gem in Milwaukee. The food is cleverly crafted and the prices are very reasonable. This is a great spot for an intimate dinner or a group. I had my birthday there last night and everything was spot on, our food was all decadent and rich and the staff was attentive and friendly. You can tell nothing is skimped on either- the portions are large and you will want to eat it all!
(5)
Andrew K.

Went to Centro on a Thursday night and was seated right away. I noticed a lot of people mentioned how close the seating was, but I noticed this would really only be a problem in the front dining area, if a problem at all. There is more seating upstairs, out front, and on a raised side porch. The staff was happy to meet our requests (seating choice and alterations to a dish). Our waiter was great and offered great advice when it came to the menu. The wine list was OK, but they offered a great happy our deal of two glasses of a selected white or red wine for 8$. The menu is simple but with a good variety of options with many vegetarian and gluten free options. I selected the Risotto and was amazed at how flavorful it was. Complements to the chef! The food came out piping hot (which is always a plus) and the music selection was great. Centro is a gem in River West that feels like a classic Italian restaurant with a bit of a River West feel which makes it unique. I highly recommend it and will return soon!
(4)
Karl S.

Excellent, make sure to get the prosciutto-wrapped grilled asparagus appetizer!
(4)
Melissa R.

I went here on a whim with my husband after we couldn't get a table at another popular pasta place. We were NOT disappointed. So glad we tried it out. There are not a lot of tables and they don't take reservations. So grab one when you can get one. The food here was AMAZING. Really incredible. We will definately go back.
(4)
Mel H.

Brought by some locals who had only gone take out before. Great small place with a lively atmosphere and friendly wait staff. Food was fabulous in both taste and price -- would love to have a place like this near me -- enjoy locals!
(4)
Michael T.

Delicious. Reeks of garlic but in a good way. Very small, probably not good for groups over 4. The tiny little kitchen is the first thing that you see when you walk in. Simple but hip decor. Brightly lit, no smoke, decent music. Fairly loud. I had the meatball sandwich and I want another one right now. The calamari appetizer was grilled and also excellent. The white bean dip was more of a meh. Deserts were good, my favorite was a cheesecake. Mid-sized wine menu, no beers on tap (Sprecher Amber, Spotted Cow and Stella bottles). I don't think there is any dish over $12 on the menu. Fantastic value.
(5)
Laura S.

We did not feel welcome at this restaurant at all, throughout our entire meal. The hostess was not friendly when she greeted us. It was freezing in the restaurant. All the customers had their jackets on the entire time. The portion sizes were too small for the price, there was only one chef for about 15 people so it took almost an hour to get our food. Even the water they served us came from the gun, and tasted like dirty seltzer. The salad I ordered came on a plate that was too small. I understand they are remodeling, i will never be coming back here. The only good thing about this place is that it serves gluten free pasta which is healthier then regular pasta.
(1)
Kristen D.

Beautiful tiny space! Great ambience- fresh food! And a lovely waft of garlic when you walk in the door! Service was super friendly and helpful! A wonderful selection of specials for the evening. 3 of us decided to share a selection of appetizers and a pizza. We had a double order of the scallops and calamari- good thing we ordered 2; Super delicious and scallops were cooked perfectly! We each had a salad: the special of the evening was an arugula salad with berries, walnuts, and goats cheese, and we also had the rocket salad with parmesan- classic flavours, great taste! We shared a carafe of their house sangria which a very delicious: not too sweet, great mixture of fruits including watermelon! Overall great experience, great price, great food and ambiance! Check it out!
(5)
Bethany W.

Great neighborhood gem. This quaint (and by quaint I mean tiny) little cafe is serving up great homemade Italian. I sat at the counter and watched as my dinner was prepared. The bolognese was delicious and filling. It's a little different than a traditional bolognese in that it is prepared with in a cream sauce that isn't spicy but has a little kick. Worth getting and is something that they always keep on their menu.
(4)
Shannon C.

I am in love with Centro. In. Love. We've been there about three times in the past couple of weeks, and I wish I could go every day. The interior is on the smaller side but is classy and cozy. There are two main rooms for dining, and there is also a closed-in porch at the back that provides additional seating. We have ordered, and enjoyed, several dishes, including the duck risotto (my favorite!), the Bolognese, the Arancia, and the Gnudi. I really enjoyed the duck risotto - it was creamy without being too heavy or greasy. The Gnudi was delicious as well, but I could have done without the cheese on top, which congealed as it cooled and did not really add anything to the meal. We have also tried their soups and specials, which have not failed to disappoint. And their gluten-free pasta is excellent! And if you're an asparagus fan, definitely check out the grilled asparagus - it's excellent. Their wine list is on point, and their service is consistently good. Two more reasons to hit up Centro if you're in the neighborhood!
(5)
Jamie P.

First time here and loved it! Loved that they had so many amazing gluten-free options. They also have vegetarian and vegan options if you're into that. We got the Scallops and Calamari appetizer with a Margherite Pizza. Both great. The appetizer was cold...maybe it was supposed to be that way? But still very flavourful. Pizza crust was slightly overcooked was still super tasty. We had a "perk" from small shops but they weren't sure they could take it at first which was a slight put-off. They did take it thankfully and we had a wonderful time. Will definitely be back again!
(4)
Gary L.

Went last night for a relaxing dinner. What a mistake. Two tables over were the loudest, drunkest group of six young ladies(?) you could ever imagine. You could hear them throughout the entire restaurant. This place is always too loud but this was over the top. Mentioned it to the waitress and the receptionist but of course all they could do is apologize. Really soured us on the restaurant. We will not be back.
(1)
Jenni P.

Stopped in for dinner last night with a friend - it was the first time at Centro for both of us but I had heard good things so I suggested we check it out. The inside of Centro is adorable & I love that they cook the food right behind the bar area! Speaking of the food - OH-MY-GOSH was it delicious! Both of our dishes were amazing, the bread at the table was amazing, the wine was amazing. I wish I would've had room for dessert, because I'm sure that would've been out of this world too! I will DEFINITELY be going back now that I've discovered Centro for myself!!
(5)
Dana M.

I was really excited when this place opened in my neighborhood because the quality was high and the prices were lower than similar places that you would find in the Third Ward. I have heard of and seen people coming from wealthier places in Milwaukee just to experience this restaurant. I still have no complaints about the food and drinks but I think they have raised their prices over the past few years and it is not as accessible/affordable for those who actually live in Riverwest. Let's try and play fair, okay?
(4)
Lauren E.

Such a fan of having Centro in my neighborhood. I absolutely agree with my friend who recommended Centro to me: it is intimate enough for a date but not too much so that you couldn't go with your parents or a group of friends. My boyfriend and I go when we're feeling like splurging so we usually get an appetizer and one or two nice drinks-they have delicious cocktails and a great wine list. I love that they have a ravioli flavor of the day. The last time we went I decided to go back to the basics and get spaghetti and meatballs and it might have been the best meal I've had there. Their building is small so plan to wait if you go later than 6 on a weekend night. A note on the menu reminds you to respect other diners by not lingering after your meal. They seat diners at the small bar so waiting in the building sometimes isn't an option but they do a good job of pointing you towards Stonefly (when it was open) or Fuel for a beer while you wait. I cannot wait for the outdoor seating in back to open when it is nice out again, the porch looks very cozy and fun!
(5)
Ian D.

Centro is one of the reasons I love living in Riverwest. I moved to the neighborhood in September, so I have only been a couple times, but it has been nothing short of excellent. I took my parents when they were in town and they loved it too. I've had the Bolognese and the Giardiniera. Both are full of flavor and just absolutely delicious. I am also a very big fan of the Baked Goat Cheese. Well, writing this review has made me quite hungry...if you need me, you can find me at Centro.
(5)
Kelly B.

I have to admit that I was not blown away by my visit to Centro this week. While nothing stuck out as terrible, nothing was mind blowing either. This small restaurant is located on Center off the beaten path. It's nestled tightly in between a couple other shops, and the seating proves just how tight. It was about 6:45 when we got there and I'd say there were 4-5 tables open. We were seated at a tiny little table in the middle of the room with barely enough room for two cups and two plates. I read other reviewers complaining of how cramped they are as well. Not to mention in giant letters in a couple different places on the menu it states "Be mindful of other guests and leave when you are finished". Um, I don't plan on crashing here all night but I don't appreciate being rushed or bullied out when I'm dropping a good chunk of change here. Our server was cute albeit a little airheaded. Drinks took much longer than necessary. I had the Peary and Joe had a rum punch. They were both $10, and tasty. I thought the complex flavors were nice and balanced in my cocktail, and his punch was nice and heavy on the rum. I came in knowing that I wanted the butternut squash lasagna, and was swayed by a new menu item - the Saltimbocca. my server recommended it highly and said it was very filling. I saw the table next to me order the lasagna, and when it was done (baked items come from the back kitchen, where the pastas are prepared in the open kitchen up front), it was brought up and just set on the bar waiting for the other food to be finished. A salad was plated on the same dish so a heating lamp wasn't advised, but I still found it odd to just stare at his plate for a while. Joe's seafood risotto was a heaping portion, full of clams, huge scallops (I think 2) and shrimp (I think 2 again). The risotto was chewy with a creamy clam sauce. He finished every bite and sang praises. I was less than impressed with my dish. The chicken was diced up into small chunks and overcooked to the point of dryness. The pancetta was delicious. Otherwise I found the pasta to be very dry, sauced only with olive oil. It could have benefited greatly with a sauce over it to add moisture to the rest of the dry ingredients. I enjoyed the Chianti that I had for dessert, but for the three beverages and two entrees we were sitting at a $75 bill, and for not being blown away I found it just wasn't quite worth it to me.
(3)
Ellie B.

This past summer, and again the last time I visited Centro (November 2014) they made awesome additions to their menu and if you haven't been, you really MUST go in right now. Go ahead. I'll wait. Okay, cool. You loved it, right?! I hope you tried their rotating housemade ravioli, which always proves fantastic. I'm still partial to the bolognese with vegan meatballs. They use a ton of local purveyors; you'll see Scardina's all over the place, woot! So, you gotta love that. I also love their baller beet salad. The small is a generous portion and perfectly balanced. I still love the cozy, intimacy of the place but they do offer take-out, which I'm about to take advantage of right quick.
(5)
Carrie G.

After two recent visits this is rapidly becoming not only my favorite Italian, but one of my favorite restaurants overall in the city. It does seem to be a bit of a hidden gem. Perhaps it's the location? One may not think they are going to find food this decadent and tasty in the assuming Riverwest space. But that Centro does not assume is part of its charm. The dÃ©cor is classically understated. Dark wood, a marble counter, simple lighting and beautiful black and white art set against white lines and cozy tables will welcome you to come in and stay awhile. The lower level dining room boasts "Chef's Table" seating as well as tables for about 40. The upper level is home to a small bar and high top table seating for about 20. They do not take reservations, so if you arrive after 6:30pm on most nights prepare yourself for a wait, but one that will be well rewarded with a fantastic dining experience. Service has always been exemplary here, and my most recent visits continued at that high mark. One visit was with a large group of friends and we planned our arrival to coincide with their 5pm opening to ensure immediate seating. The wine list is simple yet has offerings for most palates. And the craft cocktail menu is also on the small side of standard these days, but the drinks are crafted very well. I opted for the House Made Rose Sangria ($9) on both recent trips. The fruit infusion with a light handed splash of simple syrup in Dripping Springs Rose blossoms into the perfect summer cocktail. Some of my friends ordered the garlic bread ($5) which was made with fresh Sciortino's and topped with garlic and parmesan. And the PEI mussels ($10) were braised in tomatoes, shallots, garlic and lemon and served with fresh garlic crostini. The taste I had of each was spot on perfect. I choose the Seafood Risotto ($17). Large succulent scallops, plump shrimp, and fresh clams were married in a sauce of tomatoes, peas and garlic and dressed with parmesan and garlic. The warm bowl arrived radiating a pleasant stream of steam and beautiful Italian scents. No resting at under a warming light here. Kitchen immediately to table is something Centro prides itself on and it does not go unappreciated. The dish is garnished with an oil dressed arugula, whose peppery tastes was a fantastic amuse bouche. The risotto was cooked perfectly and the added parmesan made for a fantastically creamy dish. I should note that one of my friends who ordered the same dish grew up in Spain, feasting on fresh seafood nearly everyday and he declared this "the first dish I've had in Milwaukee that truly reminds me of eating back home". That's some high praise and after one bite you'll see why. We closed our group meal with an assortment of desserts. The one I opted to taste was the Flourless Chocolate Cake ($7). This was not overly heavy and leaning toward fudge as some flourless cakes do. This one has a lightness about it that was a good balance to the hearty chocolate tones of the dish. And it made a great close to a wonderful meal. On my most recent visit and friend that heard me rave about our group dinner wanted to try things for themselves. We choose stools at the kitchen bar, which allowed a the perfect view of the crafting going on in the open air kitchen. The chefs were friendly and happy to interact and comment on their creations. We started with the White Bean and Basil Dip ($8). The fresh pureed beans had the slightest accent of basil and a dash of lemon juice to create so fabulous and fresh flavors. The crisp bruschetta was the perfect slate for the creamy spread. We have a hard time deciding on entrees and made it a bit easier by order two to share. The first was the Gnudi Housemade Ricotta Dumplings ($15), which were accented with crispy pancetta, wild and domestic mushrooms, spinach and a light hand of truffle oil. The delicate dumplings had a fantastic flavor. The porous exterior expertly absorbs all the flavors in the dish. The mushrooms were so fantastic that I would have loved a few more. The spinach was fresh and the only critique of the dish I have is that baby spinach would have fared better as the larger leaves were a little challenging to spear. But it really took nothing from the perfect layers in this dish. Our second entree was the Divola ($17). More shrimp, scallops and clams in a spicy white wine tomato sauced that was finished with fresh herbs over a bed of fresh linguine. The heat on this dish was divine. Just enough red pepper spices to stimulate the taste buds, but not at all too much so that it diminishes the other flavors of the dish. The seafood was all very fresh and very plentiful and you could not go wrong ordering this classic dish. We opted to finish our entrees rather than saving room for dessert, all though there were plenty of special options beyond the three standards on the menu. Writing this review makes me long for my next visit!
(5)
Daniela C.

So, in my week long celebration of my birthday, the boyfriend brought me here for dinner. We stopped in on a Wednesday night and it wasn't packed, so we didn't need a reservation. I imagine on weekends it gets busy, so it seems like a thing you should do here. When we arrived, we were promptly seated and watered, which was nice. But it took 8 minutes for anyone to approach us and assist us...which sort of sucked since we were really hungry and saw two tables sat after us get served before us...when the server finally came over, she was so sweet, I couldn't stay mad. She was super helpful and had great recommendations, too. The decor was nice; the space was small, with the tables very close to one another, so that was a downside. I was pretty embarrassed trying to scoot into my seat and having either my bottom or front side of my crotch in the face of my neighbors. There is also an open grill in the first dining room, and it's pretty neat being able to see your food being prepared. I got the salchicca, which is penne with sausage and fontina cheese. SO. GOOD. SO. GOOD. I got extra fontina cheese, because, why not? The portions were generous, we were definitely full, but because it was my birthday, felt obligated to order desert. We ended up getting the bread pudding, which was probably the star of our meal. It had strawberries and ice cream on top. It had a beautiful moisture and texture to it. Literately melted in my mouth. Can't wait to come back and try this place again.
(4)
Marie D.

On a Monday night around 6, the cramped table spacing didn't matter, as each table had an empty table between them and the next. The decor is clean and classy, and service is good. I had the pollo (chicken) in a cream sauce with vegetables and pasta. Unfortunately, the pasta was not al dente. It was fine, but i expected it to be cooked perfectly, especially considering the other reviews and that the menu is predominantly pasta dishes. I had a great port, and the tira misu was outstanding. We enjoyed a lovely open air feel with the large screened windows in the front open. Overall, a very enjoyable atmosphere in a less than likely location with potential for a bit of improvement on some of the food. 3.5 stars.
(3)
Amy G.

Fantastic dinner! We started with the prosciutto wrapped asparagus which was so good my bf was sad we only had one order. Pasta was great too, love when all the flavors can be distinguished. I'm gluten free and I was so impressed with the menu choices. We will definitely return.
(5)
Jen Y.

Cozy, cute place.. go early to beat crowd and make sure the good stuff isn't sold out! Lots of great vegan options. Never had a bad experience here!.. all love!
(5)
Kara M.

Visited this restaurant while on travel based on Yelp reviews and they were right! Food was all great, very cozy atmosphere (although it is tight quarters), service wad excellent as well! The muscle appetizer is a VERY generous portion served with grilled bread. The bolognese was a huge portion and very very tasty! Good wine prices and some unique mixed drink options. My friend and I had a great time and I highly recommend this place :)
(4)
Alli W.

I wanted to like Centro, but I was pretty underwhelmed all together. The atmosphere and the staff were pleasant and inviting. However, the waiter made no attempt to ask us anything about our food preferences before suggesting that basically everything on the menu is good. Considering we were one of the first tables at 5:00, a little more time may have been spent to give us a recommendation beyond "yes, it's good." I had the asparagus soup, which, looking back, may have been a boring choice on my part, but the taste was definitely boring. One friend had the salsiccia, which was relatively bland and uninteresting. Another friend's meal, the giardiniera, was definitely the most flavorful dish of the bunch. For the price, I would probably skip Centro and opt for Louise's instead.
(3)
Marie D.

We had a great first visit to Centro Cafe - don't spend a lot of time in this part of Riverwest, so hadn't come across it before. The food is certainly Italian influence, with plenty of pasta, pizza, & polenta. Cocktails were super tasty (we probably had a few too many, but I promise this review is not unduly influenced!) Apps were solid with decent portions to share amongst 4 people. The butternut squash lasagna was absurdly good - served with a tiny side salad that was a good accompaniment to a sizeable slice of oh-so-cheesy lasagna. The others had pastas & the specials. I have to comment that the gluten free selection is really great - and felt like good attention to my gluten free needs. Excited to have found this gluten free gem! The restaurant itself is tiny and I personally loved the ambiance - and I think the bathrooms might be the inspiration for our home bathroom remodel :) Prices were reasonable, even including the surcharge for gluten free pasta (which I will gladly pay for the higher ingredient cost & labor cost for extra careful attention to a safe gluten free meal) One little thing I would encourage management improve -- the seats in the front window are cozy & charming, but chilly! Even the two guys in our group struggled to give up their coats. Maybe consider a curtain around the door or even a space heater on the floor, maybe not a lovely addition to the decor, would be most welcome during cold WI nights :)
(5)
Steven P.

This is one of my favorite places in Milwaukee. Why? So glad you asked: First things first - the food. I love pastas and it's sometimes tough to find places that do this well without feeling overstuffed or the sauce being too rich. Portion sizes are spot on. We had the Gnudi, which was on the heavy side but good, and the Arancia which was perfect enough for me to not want to share. Appetizer - the baked goat cheese was delightful and had a sweet garnish atop. I am still wondering why it was served with pieces of bread and Keebler crackers though. It seemed out of place. All in all, I felt healthy walking out likely to all the fresh ingredients used throughout their dishes. Service great. Wait staff is willing to explain the dishes and help you along with their extensive wine menu. We ate at the bar and got to watch the chefs cook up the different pasta dishes. Looks like the secret to their perfect portion sizes is that they pre-bag the pasta. Atmosphere is pretty tight. Table are in close proximity but eating at the bar didn't prove to be much of an issue. I loved being able to watch the chefs on the other side of the bar. I appreciate how it's a first come first serve deal here. No messing with reservations and good old fashion wait list. During our visit, we walked in to find the place packed but only needed to wait 20 minutes before being seated. Fortunately it was a nice night so we walked around the block and saw a car accident (not so fortunate for those in the accident).
(5)
Suzanne O.

Came back here for the first time in almost 2 years, and the food was just as good as I remembered. This is a nice restaurant with a romantic feel to it, but it is tiny! You'll probably sit closer to the person at the table next to you than the person you're sitting across from having dinner with! I went with my mom and my brother, but I definitely think of this restaurant as more of a date place with the low lighting and cozy seating. Between the two times I've eaten here, I've tried the Vongole, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Salsiccia and a special with duck. The food is consistently good, but my favorite so far is the Vongole. I love linguine with clams and this was slightly different because the pasta was in a cream sauce. I'm normally not a fan of cream sauces, but this one was very light and fresh tasting the the lemon. And like I said, this place is small, so there's not a ton of tables. If you don't want to wait long for a table, I'd come closer to 6, especially on a weekend since they don't take reservations.
(4)
Peter C.

Good Food, Good Wine, Good Atmosphere, Cash Only . I like the place since it is in my neck of the woods and don't find any other nicer Italian places around here. The food is always good especially with their lengthy wine list. It is a small place and they don't take reservations so get there early or plan on waiting outside since there isn't really a bar area. I recommend stopping by if you are in the area but the place is starting to become very trendy, which can either be a good thing or a bad thing for a smaller place like this in Riverwest.
(4)
Amanda H.

Great food, great ambiance. Service was a little slow to start, but once we got a waitress the night ran smoothly. Friendly staff. This is a tasty spot if you're looking for some good classy Italian food. We had the penne con salsiccia and the salciccia flatbread. Both were phenomenal.
(4)
Evan K.

Love the atmosphere, cozy and intimate. Great for a date or a double date. Not the best Italian food I've ever had but we'll worth the money and experience. The bruschetta was awesome! I would also suggest getting seats at the bar so you can watch the food being prepared.
(4)
Angie O.

I was here on a Tuesday evening, just before 8pm, and we were greeted and seated immediately. I was surprised that at this time in the evening most of the tables were still occupied. It is a small place and the tables are also fairly small and close together. Which I normally wouldn't mind, but more on that in a moment. Our waiter was friendly and always came by at the right times. After reading through the menu I decided to try the Bolongese. I loved that they clearly designated on the menu which items can be prepared Gluten Free, and that includes all the pasta. I am not GF but I have family and friends that are GF; I am always looking for new places that I can recommend. Anyway, after ordering we receive a loaf of fresh bread and created our own dipping oil at the table. It was at about this time I noticed the coziness of the restaurant.... "I should have been a Gemini... technically." Yes, clear as day we could hear every word spoken by the people at the table near us. And it was a conversation that wasn't really appropriate to be having in this nice restaurant, or so loudly. "I HAVE had a couple glasses of wine," she then said proudly. We tried our best not to listen in too much.... Our food came and it was amazing! It smelled fantastic and had fresh Parmesan shavings on top. Upon my first bite I could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the unique flavors in the sauce. And it was so filling! I would say the portions were perfect; not too much and not too little. Actually, I was pretty stuffed when we left but not roll-me-back-to-the-car stuffed. "XXX has a sweater vest of hair." Gross, I thought to myself. So I have to admit the name threw me off; I figured Centro Cafe meant it would be a cafe, with sandwiches and such. But it's actually Italian fare. And they were playing alternative indie rock type music... it was an interesting combination. "Mammals aren't meant to be monogamous," we heard from the other table... Omg, I really didn't want to listen in on this conversation but they were SO LOUD and we were pretty close to them. Luckily our check came fast and we left before things got too embarrassing. Overall: This is a nice little restaurant and would certainly recommend for a date night or small group. Lots of gluten free options. Super fresh food and great service! Just wish the tables were a little bigger, because I can have clumsy moments, and that other patrons would use inside voices ;) I'd definitely come back here in the future!
(4)
Martin G.

Returned to Centro last evening. Wonderful dinner. This is a very special restaurant and whenever we are in town make it a point to dine there.
(5)
Stephanie B.

Fantastic food and service! Everything we got was outstanding. There were 4 of us and we ordered bruschetta, rocket salad, two past dishes and a margarita pizza. Can't go wrong with anything they offered it seemed.
(5)
Laura R.

Neighborhood Italian. A bit noisy, and the tables are close. Which makes this a great first date place. You have to lean close to talk, and with neighbors, will not be talking turkey. Romantic. Very nice wine list, excellent food, reasonable prices. Tables are small, so order several plates in series and share them with your date, just like in Florence! Not good for large groups, great for couples.
(5)
Jay S.

I ate there last night for the first time in a while, actually eating there instead of taking a sandwich to go. It turns out that I do indeed like this place a lot. Though it was very very busy, my mother (visiting from all the way in Buckeye, AZ) got seated right away at the bar. The bat has a great view of the chef. He was working on multiple orders at the same time and was a lot of fun to watch. Not only does he cook very good food, he is entertaining without even trying. How he kept all the orders straight is beyond me. As I have mentioned, the food is good. i had the Spaghetti Marinara with Meatballs. My mother had the Lobster Ravioli. The marinara was tasty, but was a tad spicy which might not work well for some. My mother raved about the Lobster Ravioli which came in a cream sauce. If you want a table, call ahead to make a reservation as the place can be jam packed. Plus, it can be a pretty romantic or at least romanticish place if you are at a table, especially in the back. The seating at the bar is also great and can be quite entertaining (and possibly informative as far as cooking methods, etc.), but not conducive to having an intimate meal with a boyfriend or girlfriend. my only real criticism is that it is a tad expensive, but only a couple dollars per entree more than i would expect to pay, but it is a nice restaurant and the food is good. The bonus to all this is that there are gluten free options on the menu. Yup.
(5)
Kay C.

Centro Cafe has been open for four years and I finally got there - what took me so long??? I really loved this place. The ambiance is great. Reminds of those great little restaurants you find in the trendy "foodie" cities. Although not to poo-poo Milwaukee's restaurant scene - we have plenty of great choices. I just wasn't expecting this caliber of restaurant in the Riverwest neighborhood. We had excellent service. I hope to go back and dine at the Chef's counter soon. Probably best to go on a weekday night as I understand it gets pretty busy on the weekends. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Lambrusco. Yes, Lambrusco...it paired perfectly with my spicy roasted tomato soup and Gnudi entree (ricotta dumplings with spinach & pancetta) which was fairly salty...but sooo good. My husband had the special which was broiled scallops on asparagus risotto with a blueberry sauce...sounds a little different, but it was really, really good. I will not wait another four years to go back to Centro Cafe.
(4)
Danny T.

Okay. What...the...hell. If I knew Milwaukee had this good of Italian cuisine, I would come back more often! I came here for a business dinner and was thoroughly impressed. We sat at the counter and took the opportunity to watch the chef in action. I had the Grande Mela and enjoyed it. We shared the Trio Spreads. The bruschetta, white bean dip, and baked goat cheese were delectable. For mains, we had the Arancia (chef's fave...), Bolognese, and the Gnudi. The orange/tomato sauce on the Arancia was something I've never had before and so worth it. The Bolognese was deliciously light and went well with the penne (mmmm...penne with bolognese...how so tipico italiano!). My dining partners highly recommended the Gnudi. After sampling it, I understood why they raved about it. The ricotta dumplings were pillowy and light and absorbed the flavors of the truffle oil and other ingredients so well. I would love to learn how to make this! Of everything eaten, the Gnudi was my favorite, and I would come back just for that. The service was impeccable, and CC was a great place to go to on a snowy Milwaukee night in Riverwest. I look forward to the next time!
(5)
Isaac S.

Very, very good. The wait is long on weekend nights. Our group of five waited about an hour and were luckily squeezed into a four person table. The hostess called us when the table was ready. We waited in fuel cafe since the restaurant has no place for people to wait. Once seated, our waiter was very friendly and helpful. My major complaint is that they could use a second door in the front. We were in the front room so every time someone opened the door, it was freezing! The window was a bit cold too. The overall atmosphere and decor was tasteful and nice. This is a restaurant I'd expect to see downtown or in the third ward. It is so nice to see Riverwest transforming! The food came pretty quickly and was amazing. All of my dining companions thought their food was good but mine seemed to be the highlight. I ordered the butternut and leek lasagna and it was unbelievable! Soooooo good. Definitely the reason why I'll return.
(5)
Sadie T.

Absolutely delicious food, with gluten free options and some vegetarian options (I asked for a meat-free modification of a dish). Yum Yum pasta. I love that they brought in more tables, but the back-less chairs were uncomfortable. The wait is pretty long and there is no place to stand, they suggest you go to one of the bars on the same street and call your cell when your table is ready.
(4)
Nicole H.

I had high, high hopes for Centro. We'd heard great things and had even tried to go once, but had theater tickets and couldn't make it with the wait. So we finally planned, headed over early and got ourselves a table. And my food was just OK. It was so disappointing. There was nothing wrong with it, but after the hype and build-up, I was expecting great, delicious food and my pasta was just not impressive. I can't complain about the tight spaces, because you know you're dealing with that when you walk in. If that's a problem for you, don't go here. It is what it is. I can, however, complain about the number of folks who stood there holding the door open, acting surprised that there was a wait on a Saturday night. Seriously folks, it's fall in Wisconsin. It's cold. Close the damn door! Or maybe Centro needs to reconfigure tables a bit so that no one is getting the brunt of that draft every time the door opens? I'm not sure the answer, but it was uncomfortable. We'll give it another shot - the bf said his dish was really good, the caprese appetizer was pretty tasty and I so want to like this place. But my first impression wasn't great and I'm wondering what all the hype was for a totally meh bowl of $15 pasta.
(3)
Miguel W.

The food is simple yet fantastic here. Portions are nicely sized and the pricing is very fair. Really nice crowd for a Monday, good energy. I love the space that this restaurant is in, although the tables are a little close together on the first floor. I would highly recommend Centro to folks looking for a solid, affordable meal in the Riverwest area.
(4)
Chris M.

Unbelievable food, definitely five-star worthy. However, my date was unimpressed with the bartender/server. He seemed a little too cool for school. Great ambience. Come for the food, tolerate the service.
(4)
Susan F.

The food was brilliant. We all traded bites and everyone 'won'. Especially loved the prosciutto wrapped asparagus.
(4)
Sarah H.

After 1 visit, I basically love this place. The ambiance is stellar. I don't really think it's "tiny" per se - the tables ARE close together, but real estate is expensive, so the more the merrier, no? Reminds me of NY when they try to use every inch of space available for seating. Tons of dishes that can be prepared gluten free. We ordered (for 2 people): Calamari/scallop appetizer: just ok, came with a small side of greens Salad with prosciutto, figs, parmesan: delicious, including the vinaigrette, definitely will be ordering this again Gluten free pasta with shrimp/scallops: this gluten free pasta was the best I have ever had -- does not taste like gluten free! Good wines too - bonus! $75 for the above plus 4 glasses of vino.
(4)
Kathie H.

My husband and I went here when my Brother and wife were in town and all 4 of us were BLOWN AWAY by the ambiance, service, and food! My husband and I chatted this place up and quickly returned for a second try! We both LOVED our entrees so much that we ordered them again. We LOVED them both just as much the second time around, the giardianira and the pollo! The service again was very good. The only thing keeping me from 5 stars is we ordered a caesar salad to start which was less than average, and our friends were not in love with their entrees or cocktails. We will definitely be back to Centro Cafe and continue to tell people it's some of the best Italian we have found in Milwaukee.
(4)
N E.

My favorite place to dine in Milwaukee. Hopefully they will be here for many years to come. This last trip there we started with the Bruschetta . Which was done about as good as your going to get. My guest order Gnudi (homemade ricotta dumplings, pancetta, wild & domesticated mushrooms, spinach & truffle oil) Which I will be going back to have myself. While I went with my Lobster ravioli, nice light cream sauce always a big hit. This time I got a side of meatballs, well worth it. Would order the meat balls again on the side. You will not be disappointed. I promise! Signed, Customer for life
(5)
Maureen F.

Centro Cafe came highly recommended by many people so I was eager to try it out. My best friend counts this as his favorite restaurant in Milwaukee so when we went together, I knew it would be a good time. When we got to the restaurant on a Tuesday night, the dining area was completely full. We decided to sit at the bar in the back and it was a great choice. We happened to sit next to the owners who were at the bar dining. What friendly and down to earth people they were. We each had salads, a garden salad and ceasar respectfully. My friend loves the fettuccine alfredo and it was no longer on the menu. How wonderful of the owners and staff to whip up a dish of it to make my friend happy. I had the pollo chicken which was served in a big bowl. The broccoli was perfectly cooked and the white sauce was not super thick. It was just perfect. Centro is a really great addition to the Riverwest neighborhood. I love supporting locally owned businesses so I will definitely be back. I also think this place would be great to rent out for a private party. It is warm and inviting.
(5)
Tony K.

I like Centro for it's quaint atmosphere. The food is presented well - maybe a bit "over-sauced" at times.. but still the flavors are good. Service has been fine on both of my visits - neither here nor there. I wanted it to be a bit more friendly. A-OK. Yea. That's about right.
(3)
Sally N.

My friend and I were lucky enough to nab two spots here at the Chef's table last Friday night and I couldn't have asked for a better view. The restaurant itself is small, but cozy and great for a first date, long-lost friends, or simply to share entrees with your best friend (such as in my case). The staff were friendly and patient as we decided what to order based on what we saw the Chef cooking up. He recommended the duck sausage pizza and the special, a penne con tonno (tuna), and boy was he right. Always go with the Chef's recommendations. ALWAYS. This restaurant embraces the simplicity in life and it absolutely shines through in its decor, atmosphere, and food. I loved everything about it! My budget won't allow for regular recurring visits, but it was certainly a treat to start off a long weekend and I'll be recommending it to anyone who's looking for good food and a softly busy atmosphere in Milwaukee.
(5)
C K.

We have enjoyed dining at a number of locally owned Italian restaurants and this ranks at the top of the list . To start we shared the capresse salad. I had the Vongole and my dinner companion had the spicy Italian sausage pasta dish as our entree. We finished with dessert of flour less chocolate cake with sorbetto for me and gelato with espresso for my partner. Well prepared, served in a timely fashion and delicious. We will plan to come back the next time we are in Milwaukee.
(5)
Freddie M.

Went there on a Monday night. Even though it was packed the service was fast. The chef made the food right in front of us, so you know what you're eating. Fresh homemade pasta was an obvious plus and the server was really pleasant. Only wish they had a larger Lakefront Brewery selection.
(5)
Kevin H.

Ok the 3 stars has an explanation. They do not take American Express. What?!! Business travelers stay away should be the sign outside. The Caesar salad was ok and the risotto was ok. Staff and ambiance were great! But it's always about the food. Hipster Italian place in river west was cool, still mad about the suprise!!! No AMEX accepted. Will not be back unless they change the payment policy.
(3)
Amy L.

This charming little jewel in riverwest is definitely worth the visit....:) We had a party of 8 and I was concerned that we would have a long wait. I had phoned in advance only to find that they don't take reservations but they were gracious enough to set up for our large party in advance. That was so very nice. We snuggled in the back bar and it was delightfully intimate. A full bodied Syrah called ' hey mambo' started our evening out on just the right note and the entrees were the symphony with just the notes we were looking for. There was no clunker in the mix but the standout of the experience was the pasta bolognese. Meaty, deep and with a hint of spice to round out the bowl it was deeply soul satisfying on a chilly Wisconsin night. The desserts were a delight with the tiramisu truly transcendant. Service was knowledgeable and pleasant. The ambience is warm and inviting. Relax and enjoy.
(4)
Reba K.

I heard this place was hard to get a table at, so I thought it would be great! We went on a Friday night and had to wait about 20 minutes for a table. Not that bad, especially when you can drink at the bar while waiting. Drink prices are average to high for a craft beer (about $5). The menu was fairly predictable, but the food was prepared well. We had the appetizer dip platter, which was good but not life-changing. I cannot turn down any seafood dish and ordered the Fruitti de Mare. The price was reasonable for the variety of seafood (scallops, shrimp and calamari). The amount of fish was VERY generous, I thought, and cooked to perfection. The staff is also very nice and accommodating. All in all, this place was above average in quality but did not offer anything too unique.
(4)
Ruth S.

We went to dinner last Saturday. The food was ample and delicious but the service not so great. It's a bit puzzling but maybe it was just a fluke, because around us, other servers were engaged with their guests. He just seemed disinterested, no salad plates with the salad we shared, no conversation about the wait for our entrees. I got another server to help us at times. I will go back and give it another try.
(4)
H B.

Romantic ambience. Small, Not a ton of seating but the quaint-ness is very inviting. I know this place is top notch but I caught it on a bad day. Waited for service. Waters were empty. Appetizer never showed; food came first and then the "woops, sorry, did you still want that?". Food was amazing. However, the experience as an overall was not what I could have liked as a happy to be paying customer. Next time I'm hoping for better.
(3)
Julie C.

Update to my previous (also 5-star) review: They have added a squash lasagna to the menu that is out of this world, and it is ALWAYS made with gluten free pasta. You have to try it to believe how amazing it is. Two vegetarian friends of mine have also tried it, they are not gluten free, but they loved it as much as I did. I make something very similar at home, and this version is every bit as good. Centro Cafe, you've done it again!
(5)
Tomjulio ,.

A Riverwest restaurant that has charm and class and wait, what's that? A Lexus and a Benz just pulled up next door in front of Fuel Cafe? Ah fuck it, let's eat. This is an oddly good little Italian pasta in a bowl place with some real decent prices. A date place if you will in the heart of bohemian Riverwest. It's one of those places...wait...what's this coming in? Three old Northshore nancies and a poodle in a hand basket? Oh christ. Yeah, the food. Pretty decent, if not really good. I'm a fan. Def not over the top incredible but really fucking solid. The atmosphere feels like a small Brooklyn style Italian joint...wait...what the fuck!? Is that an Armani suit on the 70 year old bald CEO with that 23 year old girl on his arm? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE? Is this place handing out IRA's or donating to their 401k's with every bowl of tortellini? So anyway, it's a great little place. Is it "Riverwest"? Not in anyway, but who cares for good food. I don't mind sitting next to uptight trust fund Shorewood kids if it means I get to fill my belly. Give it a try.....wait...now what? A Scott Walker campaign finance manager having dinner with a WTMJ TV anchor? This is too god damn much...I'm heading to the co-op.
(4)
Jenn T.

I was here the first week they were open and I remember liking it, but I hadn't been back until last night. A friend of mine and I went and though it there was a half hour (and then quickly an hour) wait for a table, we got seated right away at the last sidewalk table. It is small, that is to be sure. But there's a main dining area, a bar (so confused about Rachel's post!), and a rear dining area and two tables on the sidewalk out front. It ain't much but I'm fine with doing small well. Despite having a full house inside our waitress was attentive (I think her name was Michelle or Melissa. It started with an M and she was awesome :) We ordered the proscuitto-wrapped asparagus, my friend got the pesto pasta and I got the tortellini with white wine sauce, more proscuitto and a little bit of shredded fontina cheese. Which I had with a glass of sangiovese blend that was delicious. The wine, the food were absolutely great. If you're looking for elegant dining in Riverwest this is it. This is probably an awesome spot to take a date.
(4)
Becky F.

This place is my husband and my favorite restaurant in the city. Really wonderful, unique Italian dishes and appetizers. Made from scratch and SO CHEAP for the quality! Everything is great. Most nights Thurs-Sat after 600, this place fills up super fast, and they don't take reservations, so if you don't want to wait, come early. The interior is adorable and I LOVE their rough hewn, white marble table tops. The white bean dip with garlic toast is the best!
(5)
Corey B.

When Centro first opened a few years ago we made sure to go there right away. An Italian place in Riverwest? AWESOME. Entrees were very reasonable and we had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. AWESOME. You can sit at the bar and watch the chefs cook your meal and see how they plate everyone elses meal? AWESOME. The seating was a little tight, but I don't mind that, they've since expanded, and though I haven't eaten up in that area yet I plan to. My only gripe causing this to only get 4 stars is that prices seem to have increased over the past few years and the portion size has decreased. Still great food, but keep with Riverwest tradition and please don't allow this to become a high priced place that only big spenders can afford to frequent. Thanks!
(4)
Pete B.

I went here with my sister, and we were both VERY impressed with this place! The decor is nice and cute. The service was impeccable. Our waitress was probably the most pleasant waitress we've ever met. To be honest, the food wasn't mind blowing, but it was GOOD! The price was also very reasonable too! Anyway, we had a VERY enjoyable dinner, and we'll definitely come back to this place again!
(5)
ali s.

This place is pretty radical. It sort of stands apart on the otherwise dark street - small tables that are close together, dimly lit, and a really small staff. Outdoor dining for summer, even though I hate sitting outside... The down side is that I probably wouldn't go alone, there really isn't a bar area it is more of a chef's counter, but it is really nice for an intimate dinner with a friend or someone who you want to be friends with. The apps were unimpressive, but the wine and pasta were so affordable ($10-$15 a plate) for a large, flavorful portion, that I will definitely be back, if I can find a friend. go.
(4)
Benjamin H.

Just a wonderful little Cafe, I had the chance to stop by here with my family and have a fantastic meal. Tucked into River West, you could easily pass this place if you blink too long. About 10 tables are tucked against the walls, the lighting is dim, the decor is minimalist, but the food? Fantastic. We started with the calamari plate...it was perfectly cooked, served on a beautiful salad with oil and lemon juice. It wasnt heavily salted, which on one hand, I admired the full flavors of the seafood, on the other, it could have used a pinch of sea salt. The pastas are really fantastic. I got to try a bunch, but my Penne y Tonno was outstanding...i'm pretty sure they used fresh Tuna! As well, the prices are out of this world. Coming from Chicago, I'd die to have a spot like this in my backyard. Also, good call on having MooBuzz pinot as one of your house reds...that's just bad ass.
(4)
Michael J.

Food was outstanding. Delicious pasta, cooked properly and combined with interesting and tasty fixings. I had the tortellini with prosciutto and peas...it was very cheesy and oily, but in a very good way. I only tried one of their house cocktails--the boulevardier. It was so good I had 2. I'd had Bittercube drinks before, and I felt a weird twinge of serendipity when I was served my first drink (not fully realizing that he was creating drinks for Centro). Later when I found out it's the same guy, it made much more sense. It's hard to get a better cocktail in Milwaukee. The environment inside the front of the restaurant (where we were seated) is excellent. It's a small space, but rather than feeling cramped, it simply feels intimate and warm. I'll be back.
(5)
Tex T.

Came out here at 8pm on a Monday night (didn't have to wait for a table, yay!), and although we didn't have to wait for a table, the place was also nearly full and had a good vibe going. (seemed like mostly couples dining) Started right away with 2 excellent drinks- me the Hey Mambo Red and him a cucumber basil gimlet. Both were great, and probably the best red and best cocktail I've tasted in a while. We also go served a small plate of bread after we ordered apps (which would have been nice to know before we did, as we ordered more bread) , which was good with a little olive oil (olive oil and balsamic on the table, but no salt and pepper) Our app was the bruschetta, which looked great and tasted great (extra points that I could actually taste the basil). We both had the pasta primavera as our entrees, and maybe I was just really hungry for pasta (I had a traumatic experience the previous day in which I was promised pasta that I never received), and I don't normally order pasta when out, but it was maybe the best pasta I have ever had. It's so good I wish I could go again today and get more, and I might have to make my own version just to satisfy my need for more. The noodles cooked just right, the marinara was light and bursting with flavor, the vegetables were crisp and respected. I personally would have preferred that there were a few more veggies in my pasta (next time might order some extra broccoli), and that there was salt and especially pepper on the table, as I thought the primavera would sing just a bit louder if there were just 3-4 more grinds of it. I supposed I could have just asked them to bring some, but I didn't want to insult the chefs, as it was all very good, it's just my preference to have a lot of pepper and a lot of veggies. So, excellent wine and cocktails, excellent food, excellent service. Next time you want pasta, definitely head down to Riverwest. And if there is a wait, it is worth it.
(5)
Danielle B.

I visited Centro for the first time last night with a group of friends. Since there was a huge snowstorm and we arrived shortly after 6pm, we didn't have to wait for a table for 5 which was awesome. As Centro is quite small, I wondered where folks would wait if they did have to. A friend who had been before informed me that the hostess usually takes a name & number and advises folks to get a drink at Stonefly; they'll call when a table's ready. I love to see this camaraderie among small local businesses, but I can see how it could be inconvenient - especially if one were wearing flats and there were several inches of snow on the ground and traipsing all the way across the street would be no picnic. Not that I know anyone like that. I really loved the ambiance of Centro; in fact this is why I'm up to 4 stars rather than 3. I look forward to visiting again; great place for dates and actually plenty comfortable for a group of 5. Based on food alone, Centro gets 3 starts. Bruschetta was yummy, but not as good as Transfer (although I realize it's winter, so maybe it's better in the summer). I had a hard time deciding between the Creamy Pesto & the Pasta Primavera so I asked the server for advice. She said exactly what I was thinking: Peso needs some veggies which is an up-charge, so go with Primavera. I did, but was surprised when it arrived with a tomato sauce. I should have read the menu more closely because I was really in the mood for something creamy. Cocktails were awesome. I tried every one at the table (for research purposes) and they were all delicious. We'll probably visit Centro again when it's warmer for some sandwiches & cocktails. I look forward to sampling a non-pasta dish and I definitely look forward to sampling more cocktails on the fairly extensive menu!
(4)
Scott H.

In the interest of full disclosure, I ripped this place a new one on another review site after my first visit well over a year ago. The service was absolutely awful and the food was bland and lackluster at best. I was actually a little upset with the family members who brought my wife and I here (clearly not their fault as you'll read below) Somehow, I still really wanted to like this place, possibly because it was a cute little spot or maybe because it's the best dining option close to Foundation Bar, so my wife and I returned with friends several months later and had a wonderful time. The service was stellar this time and the food was very good. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals. My third and most recent visit was the true test. Sweetest Day. The place was PACKED and we were offered a small table in the newer upstairs lounge while we waited for our table. We went ahead and bought a bottle of wine and a lovely prosciutto-wrapped asparagus appetizer. We waited for quite awhile, but were having a great time in the lounge so there were no worries. Once we were led to our table downstairs, the service and food were as good as on our second visit. A great value as most entrees are plentiful and in the low to mid teens. There were some decent low-priced wines on the menu which is welcome. A good bet if you find yourself in the neighborhood. A good one-two punch with Foundation Bar where you can grab a tiki cocktail or two before or after your meal!
(4)
Lance W.

It was my second time there, but the first time with my wife. This is a really great thing they have going on . The environment is warm and inviting, and the food is outstanding! They make a nice old fashion as well if you're into that. Very well ran restaurant in a really cool neighborhood.
(5)
Tee-Ahhhh L.

I went here with my fiancÃ© for our anniversary and we absolutely loved it. I agree with the gal below that it feels and looks like a restaurant you'd find in Brooklyn. It's really small and there was a wait the night we went. However there is a brewery across the street to pass the time. The hostess takes your cell # and then gives you a ring when they can seat you- pretty cool. We ordered prosciutto wrapped asparagus, Cesar salad, and the bolognese- everything outstanding. We also tried the lobster risotto cakes and thought they were just ok, nothing special. We were seated at the chefs counter so it was a real treat to get to see them cook everything right in front of us. You won't regret your visit to Centro Cafe. Just make sure you know how to get there. We are new to Milwaukee and ended up driving through some real seedy neighborhoods to get there. Apparently there is a route to avoid that which we will take next time.
(5)
Joe P.

Descriptive phrase: homey and well-executed Italian dining. If you've never ventured to Riverwest, Centro Cafe is a good reason to start. Don't miss the small sign hanging on the unassuming brick facade, and careful not to step on anyone once you get inside. It really is cramped, appearing to have once been someone's living room (though hip-ly redone for a cozy restaurant). Directly inside you'll run into a hostess, who this Saturday night around 7 told us it'd be around a 45-minute wait (they don't take reservations). Major, major props to the way Centro Cafe handles their small space and no reservations; my name and cell number was taken and the hostess gave us suggestions on nearby establishments to waste the time away. We decided to hit Stonefly Brewery across the street, though Fuel and Foundation are just as close. Maybe 25 minutes later we got a call that they'd hold the table for us for 10 minutes more unless we needed more time. Great service. We were seated (4 of us) in a corner spot. As others have noted, a sole complaint would be that it's so cramped you're bound to be involved in other tables' conversations. Just become engrossed in your own and you'll tune everyone else out, though. I had their Boulevardier ($9), which is their take on the Manhattan. Solid, well-balanced concoction. The table opened with Baked Goat Cheese ($8), which this night was topped with a pesto and served with crostinis and crackers. I would've personally preferred more crostinis over the dry, sesame-seeded crackers, but the cheese and pesto was warm and gooey. My entree indulgence was the Tortellini (only $13!). All of the pasta is made in a tiny open bar/kitchen right on this first floor, so you can see just how fresh-made it is. My dumplings came served in a deep white bowl with prosciutto (crumbled, like a bacon), peas, and shaved fontina cheese in a white wine sauce. Come si dice "drool"? It was just so perfectly good that I never wanted to stop eating. There was nothing notable or outstanding about the dish except for how satisfying it was. My companions were equally happy with their choices (though the Giardiniera was very spicy). I also have to hand it to the chef for serving perfect proportions. We all left full but not stuffed, with no doggie-bags. Rare at Italian joints. Centro Cafe excels in its simplicity, serving wonderfully-homey Italian pasta entrees on the cheap but also featuring high-end compliments. Their handling of their space and their customers is commendable as well. I'll be spreading the word about this one.
(5)
Patrick T.

Our recent dinner at Centro Cafe was seriously the best dining experience we've had in I can't remember when. We visited Centro on Friday July 3, arriving promptly at 5:00 on the advice of the friends who joined us for dinner. Centro is a small and intimate space, has a no reservation policy, has very limited dining hours (5PM-9PM at the time of this review) - and as a result, you are almost guaranteed a wait if you don't arrive early. That minor inconvenience aside, you simply MUST put Centro on your short list of restaurants to try. Our group of four was seated promptly upon arrival at one of the front windows (with a floor to ceiling screen to allow the beautiful summer's eve breeze to join us for dinner, without the annoyance of bugs! :D). The host was very friendly and welcoming. The interior space is small - a handful of tables, in addition to a few spaces to sit at the marble-topped bar. Behind the bar is where all of the action takes place, as chefs prepare the culinary delights for the waiting diners. The sights and smells of the food being prepared are at least half the experience! :) Our server, Danielle, greeted us promptly after we sat down, went over the specials of the evening and took our drink orders (try the home made sangria!). This is the only point in the entire evening that seemed a bit off - we had a noticeably lengthy delay in getting our drinks delivered to the table. One of our friends noticed, however, that the bartender appeared to be late in arriving for work - so that might have just been a random glitch. Danielle did apologize for the delay when she finally brought our drinks - and that was the last we thought of it. For starters - and based on the recommendation of others here - we tried both the prosciutto-wrapped grilled asparagus and the baked goat cheese. I can't even adequately describe them - they were absolutely phenomenal! The goat cheese, arriving in its own baking carafe and served with toasted crusty breads, had a hint of something sweet in it that was completely unexpected but positively delicious. The flavors in the asparagus dish were crazy - the salty prosciutto, a bit of char from the grill, a perfect tender-crisp cook on the asparagus, some sort of herb-y/lemon-y oil dressing to finish them off and served atop a bed of greens - oh my goodness gracious! Just insanely good. We also shared their new Mediterranean salad - a heavenly blend of sun-dried tomatoes, spring greens, red onions, artichokes, goat cheese, Kalamata olives, and topped off with a divine, house-made lemon vinaigrette. All I can say is thank goodness we brought two friends with us because that salad served all four of us! It was positively incredible. The dressing was light, fresh and summery - and the flavors were so delicious we simply couldn't stop eating it. What a way to start our meal! For our main entrees, our guests had the special (grilled shrimp served over Jasmine rice and topped with mango salsa) and the seafood risotto. My wife had the Arancia pasta (chicken, olives, capers, artichokes with cavatappi noodles and a zesty orange marinara sauce). I had the duck risotto - also based on recommendations from previous diners here. Every entree was a home run (we all simply had to sample each other's selections) - but my duck risotto was unquestionably the standout performance of the evening. The risotto itself was so creamy and elegant, it probably could have easily stood on its own - but topped with that sliced, seared duck breast with crispy skin and a perfect cook, it became something that was simply beyond all expectations. I cannot recommend it highly enough. For dessert, each couple shared a hazelnut gelato, topped with espresso and chocolate. One of our friends, who is not even a coffee drinker, couldn't get over how wonderful it was! Our final bill - with everything included - was $167 before tip, which we felt to be more than reasonable for the food quantity, quality and service we all enjoyed. Needless to say, if Yelp offered a sixth star, Centro would unquestionably earn it - hands down. Highly recommended!
(5)
Rachel F.

Centro CafÃ© deserves a long overdue update. I'm sorry it took me so long, Centro. See, back in the day, I wasn't so sure about you. Your food was fine... but nothing to write home about. Your staff was attentive, but between your Ã¼ber-small space itself and my lackluster experiences I, well... I just wasn't sold. (If you read my previous review you'll see that I really wanted to be sold. In fact, I wanted nothing more than to be sold, but I just wasn't, and well... you gotta keep it real, Yelp Milwaukee.) So now I update, because I can now say with absolute certainty, clarity, and wholeheartedness that Centro has won me over. I'm really a fan. It's been awhile since Centro's turned the corner, both on the ground and for me, personally. Like I said... better late than never, right? Firstly, they've expanded the space into the upstairs area and added a bar where folks looking to snag a table can sit and enjoy a drink or two while they wait. You can also dine at the bar (that's my style, y'all). The wine list is nice. The drink list is nice. I wish they had a bit more in the way of craft beer options (L's a big beer guy and digs the craft brews), but whatever. They've got a few and some local options, to boot. The fare? Stepped up a notch, as far as I can tell. The menu's more extensive and features offerings more sophisticated than previously. The Gnudi = housemade ricotta gnocchi/spinach/truffle oil, wild mushrooms pancetta? I die. So rich yet so damn good. The Salsiccia pasta is delightful too... and the rocket salad? Gimme dat. Gluten-free options for those looking to defeat the wheat? You're covered, celiacs. Choose your own adventure and add almost anything to your pasta or salad? They're into it, which is a refreshing change from the "no substitution" culture of other spots. (Which, btw, I completely understand in certain circumstances for various reasons. I just like options sometimes, you know?) I'd go 4.5 these days if I could, honestly. Centro, you're a winner in my book. I'll see you soon.
(4)
Liz S.

Although I was a fan of everything we ordered (loved that each dish is made to order) I would have to go with the Gnudi as the best entree. This is a must try! Don't get discouraged by the wait. The host can take your number and call you when your table is ready. I would recommend popping into The Foundation Room for a drink while you wait. It is a few doors down. Great service and a cute, quaint little place.
(5)
Cricket R.

Thank you for being in Riverwest and on my block and in my stomach. I love you.
(5)
Travel'en C.

What a find! Yelped it, drove up from my hotel near the airport after reading some of the other reviews and I was so glad that I did. Sat up at the bar - the bartender was very informative, friendly and didn't steer me wrong on his recommendations. Opened with a great salad (beat salad) - fresh fresh greens, goat cheese, beets, pickled rhubarb (not a typo) marinated fennel and little yellow tomatoes. Amazing. For dinner I had this seared scallop dish over a champagne risotto with welded arugula. Also, excellent. The risotto was a little soupy but I'm assuming it was due to the Sauce they used/rendered for the scallops. Not a big deal. I will definitely hit this place up on my next visit.
(5)
Morgan L.

Delicious. Very cozy.
(5)
Megan M.

I had gluten free vegetable lasagne and my boyfriend had a pasta dish with homemade giardinera and Italian sausage. The lasagne was PHENOMENAL, especially the edge where the cheese crisped, and it came with a side of greens- a lettuce/arugula mix with the perfect amount of dressing. I've been a fan of Centro for years- the food, the cozy tables, the wine, the view of the grill- but this went beyond my expectations. Vegetarian, carnivore, gluten free - you will have many options here! Can't wait to try the GF flatbread with locally made sausage.
(5)
John S.

My second time here with the first being quite good. This time it was utterly horrible. The food came out too quick--within minutes. This means that it was prepared beforehand and simply slopped on a plate. The pasta was mushy and doughy and the chicken was dry and tasteless -- both signs of food simply sitting around for awhile waiting for someone to order it. Don't highlight using fresh ingredients if they are going to be treated like that. At the price charged this meal was a travesty.
(1)
Melissa H.

Wow! What an unexpected delight! Our taste buds were in love from appetizer to entree and a cheese plate with port for dessert. Amazing food. Have a hand crafted drink at The Foundation tiki bar before hand. N
(5)
Tavi O.

My girlfriend found this place from yelp. She's super Italian and loves her Italian food. Very hard to impress her. We came here with a friend and found the small atmosphere to be delightful and intimate. The food was amazing and we all enjoyed the food we ordered. Our service was nice and we didn't encounter any problems with it. I didn't like the spicy dish my girlfriend ordered but that's just me. Overall I would say come here and eat. It's so good and the people are very nice. I will be coming back when I am next in Wisconsin.
(5)
Reba K.

I heard this place was hard to get a table at, so I thought it would be great! We went on a Friday night and had to wait about 20 minutes for a table. Not that bad, especially when you can drink at the bar while waiting. Drink prices are average to high for a craft beer (about $5). The menu was fairly predictable, but the food was prepared well. We had the appetizer dip platter, which was good but not life-changing. I cannot turn down any seafood dish and ordered the Fruitti de Mare. The price was reasonable for the variety of seafood (scallops, shrimp and calamari). The amount of fish was VERY generous, I thought, and cooked to perfection. The staff is also very nice and accommodating. All in all, this place was above average in quality but did not offer anything too unique.
(4)
Ruth S.

We went to dinner last Saturday. The food was ample and delicious but the service not so great. It's a bit puzzling but maybe it was just a fluke, because around us, other servers were engaged with their guests. He just seemed disinterested, no salad plates with the salad we shared, no conversation about the wait for our entrees. I got another server to help us at times. I will go back and give it another try.
(4)
H B.

Romantic ambience. Small, Not a ton of seating but the quaint-ness is very inviting. I know this place is top notch but I caught it on a bad day. Waited for service. Waters were empty. Appetizer never showed; food came first and then the "woops, sorry, did you still want that?". Food was amazing. However, the experience as an overall was not what I could have liked as a happy to be paying customer. Next time I'm hoping for better.
(3)
Julie C.

Update to my previous (also 5-star) review: They have added a squash lasagna to the menu that is out of this world, and it is ALWAYS made with gluten free pasta. You have to try it to believe how amazing it is. Two vegetarian friends of mine have also tried it, they are not gluten free, but they loved it as much as I did. I make something very similar at home, and this version is every bit as good. Centro Cafe, you've done it again!
(5)
Tomjulio ,.

A Riverwest restaurant that has charm and class and wait, what's that? A Lexus and a Benz just pulled up next door in front of Fuel Cafe? Ah fuck it, let's eat. This is an oddly good little Italian pasta in a bowl place with some real decent prices. A date place if you will in the heart of bohemian Riverwest. It's one of those places...wait...what's this coming in? Three old Northshore nancies and a poodle in a hand basket? Oh christ. Yeah, the food. Pretty decent, if not really good. I'm a fan. Def not over the top incredible but really fucking solid. The atmosphere feels like a small Brooklyn style Italian joint...wait...what the fuck!? Is that an Armani suit on the 70 year old bald CEO with that 23 year old girl on his arm? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE? Is this place handing out IRA's or donating to their 401k's with every bowl of tortellini? So anyway, it's a great little place. Is it "Riverwest"? Not in anyway, but who cares for good food. I don't mind sitting next to uptight trust fund Shorewood kids if it means I get to fill my belly. Give it a try.....wait...now what? A Scott Walker campaign finance manager having dinner with a WTMJ TV anchor? This is too god damn much...I'm heading to the co-op.
(4)
Jenn T.

I was here the first week they were open and I remember liking it, but I hadn't been back until last night. A friend of mine and I went and though it there was a half hour (and then quickly an hour) wait for a table, we got seated right away at the last sidewalk table. It is small, that is to be sure. But there's a main dining area, a bar (so confused about Rachel's post!), and a rear dining area and two tables on the sidewalk out front. It ain't much but I'm fine with doing small well. Despite having a full house inside our waitress was attentive (I think her name was Michelle or Melissa. It started with an M and she was awesome :) We ordered the proscuitto-wrapped asparagus, my friend got the pesto pasta and I got the tortellini with white wine sauce, more proscuitto and a little bit of shredded fontina cheese. Which I had with a glass of sangiovese blend that was delicious. The wine, the food were absolutely great. If you're looking for elegant dining in Riverwest this is it. This is probably an awesome spot to take a date.
(4)
Becky F.

This place is my husband and my favorite restaurant in the city. Really wonderful, unique Italian dishes and appetizers. Made from scratch and SO CHEAP for the quality! Everything is great. Most nights Thurs-Sat after 600, this place fills up super fast, and they don't take reservations, so if you don't want to wait, come early. The interior is adorable and I LOVE their rough hewn, white marble table tops. The white bean dip with garlic toast is the best!
(5)
Corey B.

When Centro first opened a few years ago we made sure to go there right away. An Italian place in Riverwest? AWESOME. Entrees were very reasonable and we had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. AWESOME. You can sit at the bar and watch the chefs cook your meal and see how they plate everyone elses meal? AWESOME. The seating was a little tight, but I don't mind that, they've since expanded, and though I haven't eaten up in that area yet I plan to. My only gripe causing this to only get 4 stars is that prices seem to have increased over the past few years and the portion size has decreased. Still great food, but keep with Riverwest tradition and please don't allow this to become a high priced place that only big spenders can afford to frequent. Thanks!
(4)
Pete B.

I went here with my sister, and we were both VERY impressed with this place! The decor is nice and cute. The service was impeccable. Our waitress was probably the most pleasant waitress we've ever met. To be honest, the food wasn't mind blowing, but it was GOOD! The price was also very reasonable too! Anyway, we had a VERY enjoyable dinner, and we'll definitely come back to this place again!
(5)
Benjamin H.

Just a wonderful little Cafe, I had the chance to stop by here with my family and have a fantastic meal. Tucked into River West, you could easily pass this place if you blink too long. About 10 tables are tucked against the walls, the lighting is dim, the decor is minimalist, but the food? Fantastic. We started with the calamari plate...it was perfectly cooked, served on a beautiful salad with oil and lemon juice. It wasnt heavily salted, which on one hand, I admired the full flavors of the seafood, on the other, it could have used a pinch of sea salt. The pastas are really fantastic. I got to try a bunch, but my Penne y Tonno was outstanding...i'm pretty sure they used fresh Tuna! As well, the prices are out of this world. Coming from Chicago, I'd die to have a spot like this in my backyard. Also, good call on having MooBuzz pinot as one of your house reds...that's just bad ass.
(4)
Michael J.

Food was outstanding. Delicious pasta, cooked properly and combined with interesting and tasty fixings. I had the tortellini with prosciutto and peas...it was very cheesy and oily, but in a very good way. I only tried one of their house cocktails--the boulevardier. It was so good I had 2. I'd had Bittercube drinks before, and I felt a weird twinge of serendipity when I was served my first drink (not fully realizing that he was creating drinks for Centro). Later when I found out it's the same guy, it made much more sense. It's hard to get a better cocktail in Milwaukee. The environment inside the front of the restaurant (where we were seated) is excellent. It's a small space, but rather than feeling cramped, it simply feels intimate and warm. I'll be back.
(5)
Tex T.

Came out here at 8pm on a Monday night (didn't have to wait for a table, yay!), and although we didn't have to wait for a table, the place was also nearly full and had a good vibe going. (seemed like mostly couples dining) Started right away with 2 excellent drinks- me the Hey Mambo Red and him a cucumber basil gimlet. Both were great, and probably the best red and best cocktail I've tasted in a while. We also go served a small plate of bread after we ordered apps (which would have been nice to know before we did, as we ordered more bread) , which was good with a little olive oil (olive oil and balsamic on the table, but no salt and pepper) Our app was the bruschetta, which looked great and tasted great (extra points that I could actually taste the basil). We both had the pasta primavera as our entrees, and maybe I was just really hungry for pasta (I had a traumatic experience the previous day in which I was promised pasta that I never received), and I don't normally order pasta when out, but it was maybe the best pasta I have ever had. It's so good I wish I could go again today and get more, and I might have to make my own version just to satisfy my need for more. The noodles cooked just right, the marinara was light and bursting with flavor, the vegetables were crisp and respected. I personally would have preferred that there were a few more veggies in my pasta (next time might order some extra broccoli), and that there was salt and especially pepper on the table, as I thought the primavera would sing just a bit louder if there were just 3-4 more grinds of it. I supposed I could have just asked them to bring some, but I didn't want to insult the chefs, as it was all very good, it's just my preference to have a lot of pepper and a lot of veggies. So, excellent wine and cocktails, excellent food, excellent service. Next time you want pasta, definitely head down to Riverwest. And if there is a wait, it is worth it.
(5)
Danielle B.

I visited Centro for the first time last night with a group of friends. Since there was a huge snowstorm and we arrived shortly after 6pm, we didn't have to wait for a table for 5 which was awesome. As Centro is quite small, I wondered where folks would wait if they did have to. A friend who had been before informed me that the hostess usually takes a name & number and advises folks to get a drink at Stonefly; they'll call when a table's ready. I love to see this camaraderie among small local businesses, but I can see how it could be inconvenient - especially if one were wearing flats and there were several inches of snow on the ground and traipsing all the way across the street would be no picnic. Not that I know anyone like that. I really loved the ambiance of Centro; in fact this is why I'm up to 4 stars rather than 3. I look forward to visiting again; great place for dates and actually plenty comfortable for a group of 5. Based on food alone, Centro gets 3 starts. Bruschetta was yummy, but not as good as Transfer (although I realize it's winter, so maybe it's better in the summer). I had a hard time deciding between the Creamy Pesto & the Pasta Primavera so I asked the server for advice. She said exactly what I was thinking: Peso needs some veggies which is an up-charge, so go with Primavera. I did, but was surprised when it arrived with a tomato sauce. I should have read the menu more closely because I was really in the mood for something creamy. Cocktails were awesome. I tried every one at the table (for research purposes) and they were all delicious. We'll probably visit Centro again when it's warmer for some sandwiches & cocktails. I look forward to sampling a non-pasta dish and I definitely look forward to sampling more cocktails on the fairly extensive menu!
(4)
Scott H.

In the interest of full disclosure, I ripped this place a new one on another review site after my first visit well over a year ago. The service was absolutely awful and the food was bland and lackluster at best. I was actually a little upset with the family members who brought my wife and I here (clearly not their fault as you'll read below) Somehow, I still really wanted to like this place, possibly because it was a cute little spot or maybe because it's the best dining option close to Foundation Bar, so my wife and I returned with friends several months later and had a wonderful time. The service was stellar this time and the food was very good. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals. My third and most recent visit was the true test. Sweetest Day. The place was PACKED and we were offered a small table in the newer upstairs lounge while we waited for our table. We went ahead and bought a bottle of wine and a lovely prosciutto-wrapped asparagus appetizer. We waited for quite awhile, but were having a great time in the lounge so there were no worries. Once we were led to our table downstairs, the service and food were as good as on our second visit. A great value as most entrees are plentiful and in the low to mid teens. There were some decent low-priced wines on the menu which is welcome. A good bet if you find yourself in the neighborhood. A good one-two punch with Foundation Bar where you can grab a tiki cocktail or two before or after your meal!
(4)
Lance W.

It was my second time there, but the first time with my wife. This is a really great thing they have going on . The environment is warm and inviting, and the food is outstanding! They make a nice old fashion as well if you're into that. Very well ran restaurant in a really cool neighborhood.
(5)
Erik A.

Though adorable, and has some good food options, I've been here a half dozen times and found the service to be lackluster at best. Inside and out, a great layout and attention to detail in the building itself. Waiters are friendly, but don't do the best job with hosting/seating and are, because of the layout, inherently far from those ordering food. On a number of occasions, a 20 minute wait has been more like a 60 or 80 minute wait, which in my book, is not acceptable. You also usually eat within two feet of the people next to you, which, depending on how you feel, either is too close for comfort or adds to the charm. It could go both ways. Wine list is acceptable but not great. Overall: charming spot, noisy, tasty pastas, service needs major improvements.
(2)
Marshall S.

Love this little place, which is just a few blocks from where I live. I've been here twice and was pleased both times. The food is excellent. Fresh, tasty italian food. I especially like their seafood pastas and the italian sausage in the dishes. Good portion sizes at a good price. Not too buttery or greasy like some alfredos or cream sauces at other italian restaurants. Only complaint was that one of their dishes was extremely salty. The white bean dip appetizer was delicious. The downside to this place is that it is extremely small. Only a handful of tables. Fortunately between my first and second visit they were able to expand a little to the back, so now there is at least a place to sit/stand in the back by the bar while you are waiting for a table. It is decorated nicely and has a quaint ambiance. Waitstaff is friendly and knowledgable. They also accept credit cards now, which they did not do the first time I visited.
(4)
Amanda D.

Okay, first off this place is delicious. By far some of the best Italian food in the city. However, it is cramped inside- you sit on top of each other. I'm not exaggerating. Also this place used to be really affordable, as well it should be given the neighborhood it's in. It's not anymore. The prices have increased and the portions have decreased. Since when do you leave an Italian restaurant feeling like you could eat more? Love the food, but not worth my time and money to trek to other side of town anymore.
(2)
Rebecca S.

We love Centro CafÃ©. Great atmosphere - I much prefer small and cramped to cavernous (and Centro isn't even that cramped - Crazy Water wins for cramped, I think). The pasta dishes are inventive and perfectly prepared. The appetizers (particularly spreads) are also delicious. We've brought our kids here (5 and 7) and they liked watching the open kitchen (and sometimes talking to the chef), which is far preferable to the seemingly ubiquitous restaurant TVs these day. It can be difficult to get a table on some nights, but we discovered that during Packers games can be much easier (probably because no TVs?). One of our favorites in Milwaukee.
(5)
Vicky B.

First visit on a Wednesday evening. Here are the hits and misses. Hit - Bruchetta. Wonderful! Flavorful. Loved the red onion. Tomatoes were great even for being "out of season." Hit - PENNE CON SALSICCIA. Comfort food at its finest. A very simple dish using top notch ingredients. Lovely. Hit - The crusty italian bread to dip into the sauce of my main entree. YUMMY. Hit - Helpful & friendly server. Great recommendations. Miss - Very close seating arrangement gives me a eye level view of the servers rearends. I felt a bit cramped. Not much space in between tables. Miss - During a cool "spring" evening, the cool air blew in on us when patrons entered and didn't close the door behind them. If the hostess was nearby she was conscious to make sure it was close, when she wasn't nearby the door remained open. My husband got up once to close the door. We will definetly be back.
(4)
Tetyana V.

I love their food! The place is small but it's so worthwhile! The home made pasta is always a winner! Nice staff and fast service!
(5)
Eric M.

I found that place just lovely, and it would have gotten five stars if our server wasn't very inexperienced and made some mistakes which caused some people in my dinner party to get upset. However, I don't hold that too much against the restaurant because I thought the food and drink was creative and a nice addition to the Riverwest neighborhood. They serve a variety of pasta dishes and I liked most of what I tried from them. There are also some nice gluten free options. I got a simple bowl with rigatoni, sun dried tomato, and various other vegetables. Nothing to write home about, but it was good. I also drank a couple "principessas" off the cocktail list which were nice champagne mixers. After the service mix-ups, my parents were so unpleased that we had to leave without dessert. However, I would definitely go back to try more. They jury is still out on Centro Cafe... they have some kinks to work out.
(4)
Kathy L.

This is my favorite neighborhood restaurant in River West. Great little cafe with very friendly service, an adorable (yet small and noisy) dining room and great food. Definitely a European vibe. The menu features pasta plates creatively sauced and spiced. Even has gluten free which is great for me. Some dining is outside which was a recent treat with guests from out of town. One odd feature is that they don't take credit cards but there is an atm right in the dining room which is sort of weird, albeit convenient. Order anything you want. It's all great.
(4)
E M.

Has the best Italian food every and I live right around the corner. Definitely brings in an eclectic crowd and many from outside of Riverwest . The portions have gotten a bit smaller, but the quality, thank god, remains consistent. The bread has been a bit of a dissapointment as you expect it to be warm and the best. We have so many local great bakeries it should not be hard to get a contract with one of them. Some of the waitstaff seem to be overwhelmed with having more than 3 tables at a time and don't seem to know how to appease their customers with at least settling them with their drinks and bread while attending to the rest of their tables.
(3)
Scott O.

My wife and I went to Centro on Saturday night. Our first visit. We arrived at 7:40 and were seated immediately, which was nice. My first impression was that I love the space. Very small (I think I counted 10 tables in all), cozy, warm, and inviting. Reminded me a lot of the cafes I used to dine at during my years in NYC. So that was a plus. Our server was a bit of a flake. He was nice, but either really, really high or was just having an off night. Never asked how the food was, we had to flag him down to order a second round of drinks, and the oddest thing was the check. Centro is cash only (there's an ATM on-site in case you forget to bring $$ with you), so I handed him $80 for our $54 tab assuming he'd bring me $26 back. He came back with 5 singles, a five, and a ten and said, "I hope you don't mind, but I just broke your extra twenty." Obviously I planned to tip him more than the 10% he'd already assumed he was entitled to, but still, it was strange. Now onto the good part: The food. We started with the bruscetta. The bread was soft and crisp, if that makes sense, and the toppings were flavorful. Very good. For our entrees, my wife ordered the spaghetti con fruit di mare. I had the penne bolognese. The penne bolognese was likely the best pasta dish I've ever had. No joke. It's such a simple dish, but it was done just so perfectly. I'd have a hard time not ordering on my next visit. My wife's entree was also very good. The sauce and seafood had the very distinct taste of Old Bay seasoning, but my wife thinks it was the chef's own spice concoction of cinnamon and cloves. I'm not so sure. Either way, Old Bay is never a bad way to season shrimp. It's not always the best way, but it's a good seasoning to bring out the flavor of shrimp. Dessert - a lemon bar - was on the house as the host, near the end of our meal, moved us over one table in order to accommodate a group of 6. (By the way, Centro is not good for groups. Any more than 4 and you should look elsewhere to dine.) No big deal. It's a small place and they needed to get some tables filled, so I can't argue with it. The lemon bar was rich and filling. And of course, lemony. We both liked it. Final verdict: I'd go back in a heartbeat. Italian isn't often my first choice for dining out, but Centro was that good.
(4)
B H.

Horrible experience, after we waited for over 20 minutes with no drinks, no service when we left nobody even noticed or asked what was wrong. It was so sad, I was really excited to try this place and now I will never go back. The restaurant wasn't even full, so it's not like the servers were just busy and got distracted.
(1)
Colden H.

I was impressed with this place and will definitely go back to try out the rest of the menu. When we showed up there was not an available table, and there is not space for people to stand around waiting, so the host took my phone number and sent us down the street to loiter at Fuel (we went to Riverwest Film and Video instead). He called about 20 minutes later and our table was ready. Very nice. The food was delicious and our server (Erika?) was good to us. I had something involving peppers and sausage with a touch of cream in the sauce. It was rich and satisfying.
(4)
Stephanie L.

I felt like Owen Wilson in "Midnight in Paris." In this case, it would be "Midnight in Pisa." I rarely pass along a 5-star rating, but I am more than happy to give this Riverwest charmer its well-deserved top honors. I had every intention of eating at the bar, and it was definitely the best place in the house. My husband said it felt as though we had been transported to a cafe in Anywhere, Europe. It had all of the makings of a quaint European bistro. I wish I had found it sooner. We sat at the corner of the top bar, and it was still intimate, even among the steady crowd that moved in and out as they were being seated. This place turns them over, which brings a smile to my face. The food is the main attraction here, even though the surroundings (decor, lighting, bartenders, etc.) are a major draw as well. Even with all of the conversations floating in the air, I felt as though my husband and I were the only ones in the bar. We worried at first, when we initially sat down at the bar, that the bartenders would not tend to us quickly enough. Then, we began to relax. Centro makes you feel like there is no need to hurry. When the bartenders--plural, since both tended to our every whim--did tend to us, they were very attentive (refilling glasses, offering additional bread). I was very pleased with the service. It was literally service with a smile. Our dining experience began with an aperitif. When in Rome...I ordered an Americano campari with sweet vermouth and a splash of soda. It was dead on. Sometimes, campari can be overpowering, with its bitter bite, but not this time. The bartender created the perfect balance with all of the ingredients. It was smooth and easy to ingest. My husband had a rehorst gin martini. He said, "I like how he pours." It was tasty and up to his martini standards. To compliment our beverages, we had an order of the trio spreads. I wanted to stick my head in the kitchen to see how the chefs could precisely crisp the baguette pieces. Mine never turn out like theirs: lightly oiled, crisp but slightly soft. Wonderful. I was a big fan of the kalamata olive tapenade. I took a bite of the bruschetta mix too and...oh my. Packed full of unbelievable flavor. All of that kick in one small bowl of tomato and onion pieces. They are magicians. For the main event, I stuck with an appetizer for my dinner, the grilled calamari and scallops. Let me just say that the folks at Centro know what they are doing. Don't change a thing. My husband's dish of pomodoro disappeared before my very eyes, and it was because he couldn't put his fork down. He loves his red meat, and he said that it didn't need a single thing. It was simply angel hair pasta, EVOO, basil, tomato, and he sprinkled on parmesan. It doesn't get more simple than that. When we got the bill, I was even more blown away. Very reasonable. I felt like I was cheating them. All of this goodness for so little cost. I was given all of this simple luxury without feeling its impact in my wallet. Thanks, Pat! I will, without a doubt, return to Centro Cafe. I want to share this experience with others. I want them to enjoy the same luxuries and continue spreading the word. We need more places like this that offer exquisite food in a simple and elegant place without being one bit pretentious. How do they do it? Come in and find out.
(5)
Denise D.

Went back tonight and had a different server, Erica, who was EXCELLENT. This place is tasty. Would definitely go back.
(5)
Ruth Ann M.

Centro Cafe might just be my new favorite restaurant in Milwaukee. We went for brunch and were very impressed by the flavors of the food and the great prices. The Vegetariano sandwich had so much flavor, even a die-hard meat eater would be impressed. The food is made fresh to order, which was made evident by the chef who was preparing food right there in the dining room. There was a plate of fresh vegetables sitting on his counter, which he would chop fresh as needed. Just like at home! They cater to vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters. Nothing on the menu was more than $11. The restaurant is TINY, so don't try to come here with a large group. My friends who live nearby told me they have a very long wait for dinner. I can't wait to go back to try more delicious food!
(5)
C G.

Great food and friendly service. Sat at the chef table. Would give it a 5 if they took reservations!
(4)
Kristen D.

Beautiful tiny space! Great ambience- fresh food! And a lovely waft of garlic when you walk in the door! Service was super friendly and helpful! A wonderful selection of specials for the evening. 3 of us decided to share a selection of appetizers and a pizza. We had a double order of the scallops and calamari- good thing we ordered 2; Super delicious and scallops were cooked perfectly! We each had a salad: the special of the evening was an arugula salad with berries, walnuts, and goats cheese, and we also had the rocket salad with parmesan- classic flavours, great taste! We shared a carafe of their house sangria which a very delicious: not too sweet, great mixture of fruits including watermelon! Overall great experience, great price, great food and ambiance! Check it out!
(5)
Bethany W.

Great neighborhood gem. This quaint (and by quaint I mean tiny) little cafe is serving up great homemade Italian. I sat at the counter and watched as my dinner was prepared. The bolognese was delicious and filling. It's a little different than a traditional bolognese in that it is prepared with in a cream sauce that isn't spicy but has a little kick. Worth getting and is something that they always keep on their menu.
(4)
Shannon C.

I am in love with Centro. In. Love. We've been there about three times in the past couple of weeks, and I wish I could go every day. The interior is on the smaller side but is classy and cozy. There are two main rooms for dining, and there is also a closed-in porch at the back that provides additional seating. We have ordered, and enjoyed, several dishes, including the duck risotto (my favorite!), the Bolognese, the Arancia, and the Gnudi. I really enjoyed the duck risotto - it was creamy without being too heavy or greasy. The Gnudi was delicious as well, but I could have done without the cheese on top, which congealed as it cooled and did not really add anything to the meal. We have also tried their soups and specials, which have not failed to disappoint. And their gluten-free pasta is excellent! And if you're an asparagus fan, definitely check out the grilled asparagus - it's excellent. Their wine list is on point, and their service is consistently good. Two more reasons to hit up Centro if you're in the neighborhood!
(5)
Jamie P.

First time here and loved it! Loved that they had so many amazing gluten-free options. They also have vegetarian and vegan options if you're into that. We got the Scallops and Calamari appetizer with a Margherite Pizza. Both great. The appetizer was cold...maybe it was supposed to be that way? But still very flavourful. Pizza crust was slightly overcooked was still super tasty. We had a "perk" from small shops but they weren't sure they could take it at first which was a slight put-off. They did take it thankfully and we had a wonderful time. Will definitely be back again!
(4)
Gary L.

Went last night for a relaxing dinner. What a mistake. Two tables over were the loudest, drunkest group of six young ladies(?) you could ever imagine. You could hear them throughout the entire restaurant. This place is always too loud but this was over the top. Mentioned it to the waitress and the receptionist but of course all they could do is apologize. Really soured us on the restaurant. We will not be back.
(1)
Rachel G.

Must go if you haven't been. Delectable Italian with a modern bistro-like atmosphere. Always a go-to if we can't decide where to eat. Last time we visited, I was in the mood for greens--went with the Tuscan Kale salad and it was absolutely delicious. Shared the prosciutto wrapped asparagus, perfectly cooked with the right amount of fattiness from the prosciutto. Wine list is always good, cocktails are delicious, and food is always fresh. Get there early or come later when its a little bit quieter in the evening. Service is always great--wait staff is always patient and never rushes the orders. Love coming here!
(5)
Lala S.

Dinner was delicious. I ordered the pollo and my friend ordered the special pizza and everything was very good. The only thing is that it is very small and seating is tight I felt like it was so small that I was having dinner with the people beside me.
(4)
Melanie H.

In my opinion, the most hidden gem in Milwaukee. The food is cleverly crafted and the prices are very reasonable. This is a great spot for an intimate dinner or a group. I had my birthday there last night and everything was spot on, our food was all decadent and rich and the staff was attentive and friendly. You can tell nothing is skimped on either- the portions are large and you will want to eat it all!
(5)
Jenni P.

Stopped in for dinner last night with a friend - it was the first time at Centro for both of us but I had heard good things so I suggested we check it out. The inside of Centro is adorable & I love that they cook the food right behind the bar area! Speaking of the food - OH-MY-GOSH was it delicious! Both of our dishes were amazing, the bread at the table was amazing, the wine was amazing. I wish I would've had room for dessert, because I'm sure that would've been out of this world too! I will DEFINITELY be going back now that I've discovered Centro for myself!!
(5)
Dana M.

I was really excited when this place opened in my neighborhood because the quality was high and the prices were lower than similar places that you would find in the Third Ward. I have heard of and seen people coming from wealthier places in Milwaukee just to experience this restaurant. I still have no complaints about the food and drinks but I think they have raised their prices over the past few years and it is not as accessible/affordable for those who actually live in Riverwest. Let's try and play fair, okay?
(4)
Jen Y.

Cozy, cute place.. go early to beat crowd and make sure the good stuff isn't sold out! Lots of great vegan options. Never had a bad experience here!.. all love!
(5)
Kara M.

Visited this restaurant while on travel based on Yelp reviews and they were right! Food was all great, very cozy atmosphere (although it is tight quarters), service wad excellent as well! The muscle appetizer is a VERY generous portion served with grilled bread. The bolognese was a huge portion and very very tasty! Good wine prices and some unique mixed drink options. My friend and I had a great time and I highly recommend this place :)
(4)
Lauren E.

Such a fan of having Centro in my neighborhood. I absolutely agree with my friend who recommended Centro to me: it is intimate enough for a date but not too much so that you couldn't go with your parents or a group of friends. My boyfriend and I go when we're feeling like splurging so we usually get an appetizer and one or two nice drinks-they have delicious cocktails and a great wine list. I love that they have a ravioli flavor of the day. The last time we went I decided to go back to the basics and get spaghetti and meatballs and it might have been the best meal I've had there. Their building is small so plan to wait if you go later than 6 on a weekend night. A note on the menu reminds you to respect other diners by not lingering after your meal. They seat diners at the small bar so waiting in the building sometimes isn't an option but they do a good job of pointing you towards Stonefly (when it was open) or Fuel for a beer while you wait. I cannot wait for the outdoor seating in back to open when it is nice out again, the porch looks very cozy and fun!
(5)
Kelly B.

I have to admit that I was not blown away by my visit to Centro this week. While nothing stuck out as terrible, nothing was mind blowing either. This small restaurant is located on Center off the beaten path. It's nestled tightly in between a couple other shops, and the seating proves just how tight. It was about 6:45 when we got there and I'd say there were 4-5 tables open. We were seated at a tiny little table in the middle of the room with barely enough room for two cups and two plates. I read other reviewers complaining of how cramped they are as well. Not to mention in giant letters in a couple different places on the menu it states "Be mindful of other guests and leave when you are finished". Um, I don't plan on crashing here all night but I don't appreciate being rushed or bullied out when I'm dropping a good chunk of change here. Our server was cute albeit a little airheaded. Drinks took much longer than necessary. I had the Peary and Joe had a rum punch. They were both $10, and tasty. I thought the complex flavors were nice and balanced in my cocktail, and his punch was nice and heavy on the rum. I came in knowing that I wanted the butternut squash lasagna, and was swayed by a new menu item - the Saltimbocca. my server recommended it highly and said it was very filling. I saw the table next to me order the lasagna, and when it was done (baked items come from the back kitchen, where the pastas are prepared in the open kitchen up front), it was brought up and just set on the bar waiting for the other food to be finished. A salad was plated on the same dish so a heating lamp wasn't advised, but I still found it odd to just stare at his plate for a while. Joe's seafood risotto was a heaping portion, full of clams, huge scallops (I think 2) and shrimp (I think 2 again). The risotto was chewy with a creamy clam sauce. He finished every bite and sang praises. I was less than impressed with my dish. The chicken was diced up into small chunks and overcooked to the point of dryness. The pancetta was delicious. Otherwise I found the pasta to be very dry, sauced only with olive oil. It could have benefited greatly with a sauce over it to add moisture to the rest of the dry ingredients. I enjoyed the Chianti that I had for dessert, but for the three beverages and two entrees we were sitting at a $75 bill, and for not being blown away I found it just wasn't quite worth it to me.
(3)
Ellie B.

This past summer, and again the last time I visited Centro (November 2014) they made awesome additions to their menu and if you haven't been, you really MUST go in right now. Go ahead. I'll wait. Okay, cool. You loved it, right?! I hope you tried their rotating housemade ravioli, which always proves fantastic. I'm still partial to the bolognese with vegan meatballs. They use a ton of local purveyors; you'll see Scardina's all over the place, woot! So, you gotta love that. I also love their baller beet salad. The small is a generous portion and perfectly balanced. I still love the cozy, intimacy of the place but they do offer take-out, which I'm about to take advantage of right quick.
(5)
Carrie G.

After two recent visits this is rapidly becoming not only my favorite Italian, but one of my favorite restaurants overall in the city. It does seem to be a bit of a hidden gem. Perhaps it's the location? One may not think they are going to find food this decadent and tasty in the assuming Riverwest space. But that Centro does not assume is part of its charm. The dÃ©cor is classically understated. Dark wood, a marble counter, simple lighting and beautiful black and white art set against white lines and cozy tables will welcome you to come in and stay awhile. The lower level dining room boasts "Chef's Table" seating as well as tables for about 40. The upper level is home to a small bar and high top table seating for about 20. They do not take reservations, so if you arrive after 6:30pm on most nights prepare yourself for a wait, but one that will be well rewarded with a fantastic dining experience. Service has always been exemplary here, and my most recent visits continued at that high mark. One visit was with a large group of friends and we planned our arrival to coincide with their 5pm opening to ensure immediate seating. The wine list is simple yet has offerings for most palates. And the craft cocktail menu is also on the small side of standard these days, but the drinks are crafted very well. I opted for the House Made Rose Sangria ($9) on both recent trips. The fruit infusion with a light handed splash of simple syrup in Dripping Springs Rose blossoms into the perfect summer cocktail. Some of my friends ordered the garlic bread ($5) which was made with fresh Sciortino's and topped with garlic and parmesan. And the PEI mussels ($10) were braised in tomatoes, shallots, garlic and lemon and served with fresh garlic crostini. The taste I had of each was spot on perfect. I choose the Seafood Risotto ($17). Large succulent scallops, plump shrimp, and fresh clams were married in a sauce of tomatoes, peas and garlic and dressed with parmesan and garlic. The warm bowl arrived radiating a pleasant stream of steam and beautiful Italian scents. No resting at under a warming light here. Kitchen immediately to table is something Centro prides itself on and it does not go unappreciated. The dish is garnished with an oil dressed arugula, whose peppery tastes was a fantastic amuse bouche. The risotto was cooked perfectly and the added parmesan made for a fantastically creamy dish. I should note that one of my friends who ordered the same dish grew up in Spain, feasting on fresh seafood nearly everyday and he declared this "the first dish I've had in Milwaukee that truly reminds me of eating back home". That's some high praise and after one bite you'll see why. We closed our group meal with an assortment of desserts. The one I opted to taste was the Flourless Chocolate Cake ($7). This was not overly heavy and leaning toward fudge as some flourless cakes do. This one has a lightness about it that was a good balance to the hearty chocolate tones of the dish. And it made a great close to a wonderful meal. On my most recent visit and friend that heard me rave about our group dinner wanted to try things for themselves. We choose stools at the kitchen bar, which allowed a the perfect view of the crafting going on in the open air kitchen. The chefs were friendly and happy to interact and comment on their creations. We started with the White Bean and Basil Dip ($8). The fresh pureed beans had the slightest accent of basil and a dash of lemon juice to create so fabulous and fresh flavors. The crisp bruschetta was the perfect slate for the creamy spread. We have a hard time deciding on entrees and made it a bit easier by order two to share. The first was the Gnudi Housemade Ricotta Dumplings ($15), which were accented with crispy pancetta, wild and domestic mushrooms, spinach and a light hand of truffle oil. The delicate dumplings had a fantastic flavor. The porous exterior expertly absorbs all the flavors in the dish. The mushrooms were so fantastic that I would have loved a few more. The spinach was fresh and the only critique of the dish I have is that baby spinach would have fared better as the larger leaves were a little challenging to spear. But it really took nothing from the perfect layers in this dish. Our second entree was the Divola ($17). More shrimp, scallops and clams in a spicy white wine tomato sauced that was finished with fresh herbs over a bed of fresh linguine. The heat on this dish was divine. Just enough red pepper spices to stimulate the taste buds, but not at all too much so that it diminishes the other flavors of the dish. The seafood was all very fresh and very plentiful and you could not go wrong ordering this classic dish. We opted to finish our entrees rather than saving room for dessert, all though there were plenty of special options beyond the three standards on the menu. Writing this review makes me long for my next visit!
(5)
Daniela C.

So, in my week long celebration of my birthday, the boyfriend brought me here for dinner. We stopped in on a Wednesday night and it wasn't packed, so we didn't need a reservation. I imagine on weekends it gets busy, so it seems like a thing you should do here. When we arrived, we were promptly seated and watered, which was nice. But it took 8 minutes for anyone to approach us and assist us...which sort of sucked since we were really hungry and saw two tables sat after us get served before us...when the server finally came over, she was so sweet, I couldn't stay mad. She was super helpful and had great recommendations, too. The decor was nice; the space was small, with the tables very close to one another, so that was a downside. I was pretty embarrassed trying to scoot into my seat and having either my bottom or front side of my crotch in the face of my neighbors. There is also an open grill in the first dining room, and it's pretty neat being able to see your food being prepared. I got the salchicca, which is penne with sausage and fontina cheese. SO. GOOD. SO. GOOD. I got extra fontina cheese, because, why not? The portions were generous, we were definitely full, but because it was my birthday, felt obligated to order desert. We ended up getting the bread pudding, which was probably the star of our meal. It had strawberries and ice cream on top. It had a beautiful moisture and texture to it. Literately melted in my mouth. Can't wait to come back and try this place again.
(4)
Marie D.

On a Monday night around 6, the cramped table spacing didn't matter, as each table had an empty table between them and the next. The decor is clean and classy, and service is good. I had the pollo (chicken) in a cream sauce with vegetables and pasta. Unfortunately, the pasta was not al dente. It was fine, but i expected it to be cooked perfectly, especially considering the other reviews and that the menu is predominantly pasta dishes. I had a great port, and the tira misu was outstanding. We enjoyed a lovely open air feel with the large screened windows in the front open. Overall, a very enjoyable atmosphere in a less than likely location with potential for a bit of improvement on some of the food. 3.5 stars.
(3)
Amy G.

Fantastic dinner! We started with the prosciutto wrapped asparagus which was so good my bf was sad we only had one order. Pasta was great too, love when all the flavors can be distinguished. I'm gluten free and I was so impressed with the menu choices. We will definitely return.
(5)
Ian D.

Centro is one of the reasons I love living in Riverwest. I moved to the neighborhood in September, so I have only been a couple times, but it has been nothing short of excellent. I took my parents when they were in town and they loved it too. I've had the Bolognese and the Giardiniera. Both are full of flavor and just absolutely delicious. I am also a very big fan of the Baked Goat Cheese. Well, writing this review has made me quite hungry...if you need me, you can find me at Centro.
(5)
Alli W.

I wanted to like Centro, but I was pretty underwhelmed all together. The atmosphere and the staff were pleasant and inviting. However, the waiter made no attempt to ask us anything about our food preferences before suggesting that basically everything on the menu is good. Considering we were one of the first tables at 5:00, a little more time may have been spent to give us a recommendation beyond "yes, it's good." I had the asparagus soup, which, looking back, may have been a boring choice on my part, but the taste was definitely boring. One friend had the salsiccia, which was relatively bland and uninteresting. Another friend's meal, the giardiniera, was definitely the most flavorful dish of the bunch. For the price, I would probably skip Centro and opt for Louise's instead.
(3)
Marie D.

We had a great first visit to Centro Cafe - don't spend a lot of time in this part of Riverwest, so hadn't come across it before. The food is certainly Italian influence, with plenty of pasta, pizza, & polenta. Cocktails were super tasty (we probably had a few too many, but I promise this review is not unduly influenced!) Apps were solid with decent portions to share amongst 4 people. The butternut squash lasagna was absurdly good - served with a tiny side salad that was a good accompaniment to a sizeable slice of oh-so-cheesy lasagna. The others had pastas & the specials. I have to comment that the gluten free selection is really great - and felt like good attention to my gluten free needs. Excited to have found this gluten free gem! The restaurant itself is tiny and I personally loved the ambiance - and I think the bathrooms might be the inspiration for our home bathroom remodel :) Prices were reasonable, even including the surcharge for gluten free pasta (which I will gladly pay for the higher ingredient cost & labor cost for extra careful attention to a safe gluten free meal) One little thing I would encourage management improve -- the seats in the front window are cozy & charming, but chilly! Even the two guys in our group struggled to give up their coats. Maybe consider a curtain around the door or even a space heater on the floor, maybe not a lovely addition to the decor, would be most welcome during cold WI nights :)
(5)
Megan M.

I had gluten free vegetable lasagne and my boyfriend had a pasta dish with homemade giardinera and Italian sausage. The lasagne was PHENOMENAL, especially the edge where the cheese crisped, and it came with a side of greens- a lettuce/arugula mix with the perfect amount of dressing. I've been a fan of Centro for years- the food, the cozy tables, the wine, the view of the grill- but this went beyond my expectations. Vegetarian, carnivore, gluten free - you will have many options here! Can't wait to try the GF flatbread with locally made sausage.
(5)
Steven P.

This is one of my favorite places in Milwaukee. Why? So glad you asked: First things first - the food. I love pastas and it's sometimes tough to find places that do this well without feeling overstuffed or the sauce being too rich. Portion sizes are spot on. We had the Gnudi, which was on the heavy side but good, and the Arancia which was perfect enough for me to not want to share. Appetizer - the baked goat cheese was delightful and had a sweet garnish atop. I am still wondering why it was served with pieces of bread and Keebler crackers though. It seemed out of place. All in all, I felt healthy walking out likely to all the fresh ingredients used throughout their dishes. Service great. Wait staff is willing to explain the dishes and help you along with their extensive wine menu. We ate at the bar and got to watch the chefs cook up the different pasta dishes. Looks like the secret to their perfect portion sizes is that they pre-bag the pasta. Atmosphere is pretty tight. Table are in close proximity but eating at the bar didn't prove to be much of an issue. I loved being able to watch the chefs on the other side of the bar. I appreciate how it's a first come first serve deal here. No messing with reservations and good old fashion wait list. During our visit, we walked in to find the place packed but only needed to wait 20 minutes before being seated. Fortunately it was a nice night so we walked around the block and saw a car accident (not so fortunate for those in the accident).
(5)
Suzanne O.

Came back here for the first time in almost 2 years, and the food was just as good as I remembered. This is a nice restaurant with a romantic feel to it, but it is tiny! You'll probably sit closer to the person at the table next to you than the person you're sitting across from having dinner with! I went with my mom and my brother, but I definitely think of this restaurant as more of a date place with the low lighting and cozy seating. Between the two times I've eaten here, I've tried the Vongole, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Salsiccia and a special with duck. The food is consistently good, but my favorite so far is the Vongole. I love linguine with clams and this was slightly different because the pasta was in a cream sauce. I'm normally not a fan of cream sauces, but this one was very light and fresh tasting the the lemon. And like I said, this place is small, so there's not a ton of tables. If you don't want to wait long for a table, I'd come closer to 6, especially on a weekend since they don't take reservations.
(4)
John S.

My second time here with the first being quite good. This time it was utterly horrible. The food came out too quick--within minutes. This means that it was prepared beforehand and simply slopped on a plate. The pasta was mushy and doughy and the chicken was dry and tasteless -- both signs of food simply sitting around for awhile waiting for someone to order it. Don't highlight using fresh ingredients if they are going to be treated like that. At the price charged this meal was a travesty.
(1)
Melissa H.

Wow! What an unexpected delight! Our taste buds were in love from appetizer to entree and a cheese plate with port for dessert. Amazing food. Have a hand crafted drink at The Foundation tiki bar before hand. N
(5)
Joe P.

Descriptive phrase: homey and well-executed Italian dining. If you've never ventured to Riverwest, Centro Cafe is a good reason to start. Don't miss the small sign hanging on the unassuming brick facade, and careful not to step on anyone once you get inside. It really is cramped, appearing to have once been someone's living room (though hip-ly redone for a cozy restaurant). Directly inside you'll run into a hostess, who this Saturday night around 7 told us it'd be around a 45-minute wait (they don't take reservations). Major, major props to the way Centro Cafe handles their small space and no reservations; my name and cell number was taken and the hostess gave us suggestions on nearby establishments to waste the time away. We decided to hit Stonefly Brewery across the street, though Fuel and Foundation are just as close. Maybe 25 minutes later we got a call that they'd hold the table for us for 10 minutes more unless we needed more time. Great service. We were seated (4 of us) in a corner spot. As others have noted, a sole complaint would be that it's so cramped you're bound to be involved in other tables' conversations. Just become engrossed in your own and you'll tune everyone else out, though. I had their Boulevardier ($9), which is their take on the Manhattan. Solid, well-balanced concoction. The table opened with Baked Goat Cheese ($8), which this night was topped with a pesto and served with crostinis and crackers. I would've personally preferred more crostinis over the dry, sesame-seeded crackers, but the cheese and pesto was warm and gooey. My entree indulgence was the Tortellini (only $13!). All of the pasta is made in a tiny open bar/kitchen right on this first floor, so you can see just how fresh-made it is. My dumplings came served in a deep white bowl with prosciutto (crumbled, like a bacon), peas, and shaved fontina cheese in a white wine sauce. Come si dice "drool"? It was just so perfectly good that I never wanted to stop eating. There was nothing notable or outstanding about the dish except for how satisfying it was. My companions were equally happy with their choices (though the Giardiniera was very spicy). I also have to hand it to the chef for serving perfect proportions. We all left full but not stuffed, with no doggie-bags. Rare at Italian joints. Centro Cafe excels in its simplicity, serving wonderfully-homey Italian pasta entrees on the cheap but also featuring high-end compliments. Their handling of their space and their customers is commendable as well. I'll be spreading the word about this one.
(5)
Patrick T.

Our recent dinner at Centro Cafe was seriously the best dining experience we've had in I can't remember when. We visited Centro on Friday July 3, arriving promptly at 5:00 on the advice of the friends who joined us for dinner. Centro is a small and intimate space, has a no reservation policy, has very limited dining hours (5PM-9PM at the time of this review) - and as a result, you are almost guaranteed a wait if you don't arrive early. That minor inconvenience aside, you simply MUST put Centro on your short list of restaurants to try. Our group of four was seated promptly upon arrival at one of the front windows (with a floor to ceiling screen to allow the beautiful summer's eve breeze to join us for dinner, without the annoyance of bugs! :D). The host was very friendly and welcoming. The interior space is small - a handful of tables, in addition to a few spaces to sit at the marble-topped bar. Behind the bar is where all of the action takes place, as chefs prepare the culinary delights for the waiting diners. The sights and smells of the food being prepared are at least half the experience! :) Our server, Danielle, greeted us promptly after we sat down, went over the specials of the evening and took our drink orders (try the home made sangria!). This is the only point in the entire evening that seemed a bit off - we had a noticeably lengthy delay in getting our drinks delivered to the table. One of our friends noticed, however, that the bartender appeared to be late in arriving for work - so that might have just been a random glitch. Danielle did apologize for the delay when she finally brought our drinks - and that was the last we thought of it. For starters - and based on the recommendation of others here - we tried both the prosciutto-wrapped grilled asparagus and the baked goat cheese. I can't even adequately describe them - they were absolutely phenomenal! The goat cheese, arriving in its own baking carafe and served with toasted crusty breads, had a hint of something sweet in it that was completely unexpected but positively delicious. The flavors in the asparagus dish were crazy - the salty prosciutto, a bit of char from the grill, a perfect tender-crisp cook on the asparagus, some sort of herb-y/lemon-y oil dressing to finish them off and served atop a bed of greens - oh my goodness gracious! Just insanely good. We also shared their new Mediterranean salad - a heavenly blend of sun-dried tomatoes, spring greens, red onions, artichokes, goat cheese, Kalamata olives, and topped off with a divine, house-made lemon vinaigrette. All I can say is thank goodness we brought two friends with us because that salad served all four of us! It was positively incredible. The dressing was light, fresh and summery - and the flavors were so delicious we simply couldn't stop eating it. What a way to start our meal! For our main entrees, our guests had the special (grilled shrimp served over Jasmine rice and topped with mango salsa) and the seafood risotto. My wife had the Arancia pasta (chicken, olives, capers, artichokes with cavatappi noodles and a zesty orange marinara sauce). I had the duck risotto - also based on recommendations from previous diners here. Every entree was a home run (we all simply had to sample each other's selections) - but my duck risotto was unquestionably the standout performance of the evening. The risotto itself was so creamy and elegant, it probably could have easily stood on its own - but topped with that sliced, seared duck breast with crispy skin and a perfect cook, it became something that was simply beyond all expectations. I cannot recommend it highly enough. For dessert, each couple shared a hazelnut gelato, topped with espresso and chocolate. One of our friends, who is not even a coffee drinker, couldn't get over how wonderful it was! Our final bill - with everything included - was $167 before tip, which we felt to be more than reasonable for the food quantity, quality and service we all enjoyed. Needless to say, if Yelp offered a sixth star, Centro would unquestionably earn it - hands down. Highly recommended!
(5)
Tavi O.

My girlfriend found this place from yelp. She's super Italian and loves her Italian food. Very hard to impress her. We came here with a friend and found the small atmosphere to be delightful and intimate. The food was amazing and we all enjoyed the food we ordered. Our service was nice and we didn't encounter any problems with it. I didn't like the spicy dish my girlfriend ordered but that's just me. Overall I would say come here and eat. It's so good and the people are very nice. I will be coming back when I am next in Wisconsin.
(5)
Rachel F.

Centro CafÃ© deserves a long overdue update. I'm sorry it took me so long, Centro. See, back in the day, I wasn't so sure about you. Your food was fine... but nothing to write home about. Your staff was attentive, but between your Ã¼ber-small space itself and my lackluster experiences I, well... I just wasn't sold. (If you read my previous review you'll see that I really wanted to be sold. In fact, I wanted nothing more than to be sold, but I just wasn't, and well... you gotta keep it real, Yelp Milwaukee.) So now I update, because I can now say with absolute certainty, clarity, and wholeheartedness that Centro has won me over. I'm really a fan. It's been awhile since Centro's turned the corner, both on the ground and for me, personally. Like I said... better late than never, right? Firstly, they've expanded the space into the upstairs area and added a bar where folks looking to snag a table can sit and enjoy a drink or two while they wait. You can also dine at the bar (that's my style, y'all). The wine list is nice. The drink list is nice. I wish they had a bit more in the way of craft beer options (L's a big beer guy and digs the craft brews), but whatever. They've got a few and some local options, to boot. The fare? Stepped up a notch, as far as I can tell. The menu's more extensive and features offerings more sophisticated than previously. The Gnudi = housemade ricotta gnocchi/spinach/truffle oil, wild mushrooms pancetta? I die. So rich yet so damn good. The Salsiccia pasta is delightful too... and the rocket salad? Gimme dat. Gluten-free options for those looking to defeat the wheat? You're covered, celiacs. Choose your own adventure and add almost anything to your pasta or salad? They're into it, which is a refreshing change from the "no substitution" culture of other spots. (Which, btw, I completely understand in certain circumstances for various reasons. I just like options sometimes, you know?) I'd go 4.5 these days if I could, honestly. Centro, you're a winner in my book. I'll see you soon.
(4)
Liz S.

Although I was a fan of everything we ordered (loved that each dish is made to order) I would have to go with the Gnudi as the best entree. This is a must try! Don't get discouraged by the wait. The host can take your number and call you when your table is ready. I would recommend popping into The Foundation Room for a drink while you wait. It is a few doors down. Great service and a cute, quaint little place.
(5)
Cricket R.

Thank you for being in Riverwest and on my block and in my stomach. I love you.
(5)
Travel'en C.

What a find! Yelped it, drove up from my hotel near the airport after reading some of the other reviews and I was so glad that I did. Sat up at the bar - the bartender was very informative, friendly and didn't steer me wrong on his recommendations. Opened with a great salad (beat salad) - fresh fresh greens, goat cheese, beets, pickled rhubarb (not a typo) marinated fennel and little yellow tomatoes. Amazing. For dinner I had this seared scallop dish over a champagne risotto with welded arugula. Also, excellent. The risotto was a little soupy but I'm assuming it was due to the Sauce they used/rendered for the scallops. Not a big deal. I will definitely hit this place up on my next visit.
(5)
Angie O.

I was here on a Tuesday evening, just before 8pm, and we were greeted and seated immediately. I was surprised that at this time in the evening most of the tables were still occupied. It is a small place and the tables are also fairly small and close together. Which I normally wouldn't mind, but more on that in a moment. Our waiter was friendly and always came by at the right times. After reading through the menu I decided to try the Bolongese. I loved that they clearly designated on the menu which items can be prepared Gluten Free, and that includes all the pasta. I am not GF but I have family and friends that are GF; I am always looking for new places that I can recommend. Anyway, after ordering we receive a loaf of fresh bread and created our own dipping oil at the table. It was at about this time I noticed the coziness of the restaurant.... "I should have been a Gemini... technically." Yes, clear as day we could hear every word spoken by the people at the table near us. And it was a conversation that wasn't really appropriate to be having in this nice restaurant, or so loudly. "I HAVE had a couple glasses of wine," she then said proudly. We tried our best not to listen in too much.... Our food came and it was amazing! It smelled fantastic and had fresh Parmesan shavings on top. Upon my first bite I could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the unique flavors in the sauce. And it was so filling! I would say the portions were perfect; not too much and not too little. Actually, I was pretty stuffed when we left but not roll-me-back-to-the-car stuffed. "XXX has a sweater vest of hair." Gross, I thought to myself. So I have to admit the name threw me off; I figured Centro Cafe meant it would be a cafe, with sandwiches and such. But it's actually Italian fare. And they were playing alternative indie rock type music... it was an interesting combination. "Mammals aren't meant to be monogamous," we heard from the other table... Omg, I really didn't want to listen in on this conversation but they were SO LOUD and we were pretty close to them. Luckily our check came fast and we left before things got too embarrassing. Overall: This is a nice little restaurant and would certainly recommend for a date night or small group. Lots of gluten free options. Super fresh food and great service! Just wish the tables were a little bigger, because I can have clumsy moments, and that other patrons would use inside voices ;) I'd definitely come back here in the future!
(4)
Martin G.

Returned to Centro last evening. Wonderful dinner. This is a very special restaurant and whenever we are in town make it a point to dine there.
(5)
Stephanie B.

Fantastic food and service! Everything we got was outstanding. There were 4 of us and we ordered bruschetta, rocket salad, two past dishes and a margarita pizza. Can't go wrong with anything they offered it seemed.
(5)
Tee-Ahhhh L.

I went here with my fiancÃ© for our anniversary and we absolutely loved it. I agree with the gal below that it feels and looks like a restaurant you'd find in Brooklyn. It's really small and there was a wait the night we went. However there is a brewery across the street to pass the time. The hostess takes your cell # and then gives you a ring when they can seat you- pretty cool. We ordered prosciutto wrapped asparagus, Cesar salad, and the bolognese- everything outstanding. We also tried the lobster risotto cakes and thought they were just ok, nothing special. We were seated at the chefs counter so it was a real treat to get to see them cook everything right in front of us. You won't regret your visit to Centro Cafe. Just make sure you know how to get there. We are new to Milwaukee and ended up driving through some real seedy neighborhoods to get there. Apparently there is a route to avoid that which we will take next time.
(5)
Jay S.

I ate there last night for the first time in a while, actually eating there instead of taking a sandwich to go. It turns out that I do indeed like this place a lot. Though it was very very busy, my mother (visiting from all the way in Buckeye, AZ) got seated right away at the bar. The bat has a great view of the chef. He was working on multiple orders at the same time and was a lot of fun to watch. Not only does he cook very good food, he is entertaining without even trying. How he kept all the orders straight is beyond me. As I have mentioned, the food is good. i had the Spaghetti Marinara with Meatballs. My mother had the Lobster Ravioli. The marinara was tasty, but was a tad spicy which might not work well for some. My mother raved about the Lobster Ravioli which came in a cream sauce. If you want a table, call ahead to make a reservation as the place can be jam packed. Plus, it can be a pretty romantic or at least romanticish place if you are at a table, especially in the back. The seating at the bar is also great and can be quite entertaining (and possibly informative as far as cooking methods, etc.), but not conducive to having an intimate meal with a boyfriend or girlfriend. my only real criticism is that it is a tad expensive, but only a couple dollars per entree more than i would expect to pay, but it is a nice restaurant and the food is good. The bonus to all this is that there are gluten free options on the menu. Yup.
(5)
Kay C.

Centro Cafe has been open for four years and I finally got there - what took me so long??? I really loved this place. The ambiance is great. Reminds of those great little restaurants you find in the trendy "foodie" cities. Although not to poo-poo Milwaukee's restaurant scene - we have plenty of great choices. I just wasn't expecting this caliber of restaurant in the Riverwest neighborhood. We had excellent service. I hope to go back and dine at the Chef's counter soon. Probably best to go on a weekday night as I understand it gets pretty busy on the weekends. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Lambrusco. Yes, Lambrusco...it paired perfectly with my spicy roasted tomato soup and Gnudi entree (ricotta dumplings with spinach & pancetta) which was fairly salty...but sooo good. My husband had the special which was broiled scallops on asparagus risotto with a blueberry sauce...sounds a little different, but it was really, really good. I will not wait another four years to go back to Centro Cafe.
(4)
Danny T.

Okay. What...the...hell. If I knew Milwaukee had this good of Italian cuisine, I would come back more often! I came here for a business dinner and was thoroughly impressed. We sat at the counter and took the opportunity to watch the chef in action. I had the Grande Mela and enjoyed it. We shared the Trio Spreads. The bruschetta, white bean dip, and baked goat cheese were delectable. For mains, we had the Arancia (chef's fave...), Bolognese, and the Gnudi. The orange/tomato sauce on the Arancia was something I've never had before and so worth it. The Bolognese was deliciously light and went well with the penne (mmmm...penne with bolognese...how so tipico italiano!). My dining partners highly recommended the Gnudi. After sampling it, I understood why they raved about it. The ricotta dumplings were pillowy and light and absorbed the flavors of the truffle oil and other ingredients so well. I would love to learn how to make this! Of everything eaten, the Gnudi was my favorite, and I would come back just for that. The service was impeccable, and CC was a great place to go to on a snowy Milwaukee night in Riverwest. I look forward to the next time!
(5)
Isaac S.

Very, very good. The wait is long on weekend nights. Our group of five waited about an hour and were luckily squeezed into a four person table. The hostess called us when the table was ready. We waited in fuel cafe since the restaurant has no place for people to wait. Once seated, our waiter was very friendly and helpful. My major complaint is that they could use a second door in the front. We were in the front room so every time someone opened the door, it was freezing! The window was a bit cold too. The overall atmosphere and decor was tasteful and nice. This is a restaurant I'd expect to see downtown or in the third ward. It is so nice to see Riverwest transforming! The food came pretty quickly and was amazing. All of my dining companions thought their food was good but mine seemed to be the highlight. I ordered the butternut and leek lasagna and it was unbelievable! Soooooo good. Definitely the reason why I'll return.
(5)
Sadie T.

Absolutely delicious food, with gluten free options and some vegetarian options (I asked for a meat-free modification of a dish). Yum Yum pasta. I love that they brought in more tables, but the back-less chairs were uncomfortable. The wait is pretty long and there is no place to stand, they suggest you go to one of the bars on the same street and call your cell when your table is ready.
(4)
Laura R.

Neighborhood Italian. A bit noisy, and the tables are close. Which makes this a great first date place. You have to lean close to talk, and with neighbors, will not be talking turkey. Romantic. Very nice wine list, excellent food, reasonable prices. Tables are small, so order several plates in series and share them with your date, just like in Florence! Not good for large groups, great for couples.
(5)
Nicole H.

I had high, high hopes for Centro. We'd heard great things and had even tried to go once, but had theater tickets and couldn't make it with the wait. So we finally planned, headed over early and got ourselves a table. And my food was just OK. It was so disappointing. There was nothing wrong with it, but after the hype and build-up, I was expecting great, delicious food and my pasta was just not impressive. I can't complain about the tight spaces, because you know you're dealing with that when you walk in. If that's a problem for you, don't go here. It is what it is. I can, however, complain about the number of folks who stood there holding the door open, acting surprised that there was a wait on a Saturday night. Seriously folks, it's fall in Wisconsin. It's cold. Close the damn door! Or maybe Centro needs to reconfigure tables a bit so that no one is getting the brunt of that draft every time the door opens? I'm not sure the answer, but it was uncomfortable. We'll give it another shot - the bf said his dish was really good, the caprese appetizer was pretty tasty and I so want to like this place. But my first impression wasn't great and I'm wondering what all the hype was for a totally meh bowl of $15 pasta.
(3)
Miguel W.

The food is simple yet fantastic here. Portions are nicely sized and the pricing is very fair. Really nice crowd for a Monday, good energy. I love the space that this restaurant is in, although the tables are a little close together on the first floor. I would highly recommend Centro to folks looking for a solid, affordable meal in the Riverwest area.
(4)
Chris M.

Unbelievable food, definitely five-star worthy. However, my date was unimpressed with the bartender/server. He seemed a little too cool for school. Great ambience. Come for the food, tolerate the service.
(4)
Susan F.

The food was brilliant. We all traded bites and everyone 'won'. Especially loved the prosciutto wrapped asparagus.
(4)
Morgan L.

Delicious. Very cozy.
(5)
Peter C.

Good Food, Good Wine, Good Atmosphere, Cash Only . I like the place since it is in my neck of the woods and don't find any other nicer Italian places around here. The food is always good especially with their lengthy wine list. It is a small place and they don't take reservations so get there early or plan on waiting outside since there isn't really a bar area. I recommend stopping by if you are in the area but the place is starting to become very trendy, which can either be a good thing or a bad thing for a smaller place like this in Riverwest.
(4)
Amanda H.

Great food, great ambiance. Service was a little slow to start, but once we got a waitress the night ran smoothly. Friendly staff. This is a tasty spot if you're looking for some good classy Italian food. We had the penne con salsiccia and the salciccia flatbread. Both were phenomenal.
(4)
Evan K.

Love the atmosphere, cozy and intimate. Great for a date or a double date. Not the best Italian food I've ever had but we'll worth the money and experience. The bruschetta was awesome! I would also suggest getting seats at the bar so you can watch the food being prepared.
(4)
Sarah H.

After 1 visit, I basically love this place. The ambiance is stellar. I don't really think it's "tiny" per se - the tables ARE close together, but real estate is expensive, so the more the merrier, no? Reminds me of NY when they try to use every inch of space available for seating. Tons of dishes that can be prepared gluten free. We ordered (for 2 people): Calamari/scallop appetizer: just ok, came with a small side of greens Salad with prosciutto, figs, parmesan: delicious, including the vinaigrette, definitely will be ordering this again Gluten free pasta with shrimp/scallops: this gluten free pasta was the best I have ever had -- does not taste like gluten free! Good wines too - bonus! $75 for the above plus 4 glasses of vino.
(4)
Kathie H.

My husband and I went here when my Brother and wife were in town and all 4 of us were BLOWN AWAY by the ambiance, service, and food! My husband and I chatted this place up and quickly returned for a second try! We both LOVED our entrees so much that we ordered them again. We LOVED them both just as much the second time around, the giardianira and the pollo! The service again was very good. The only thing keeping me from 5 stars is we ordered a caesar salad to start which was less than average, and our friends were not in love with their entrees or cocktails. We will definitely be back to Centro Cafe and continue to tell people it's some of the best Italian we have found in Milwaukee.
(4)
N E.

My favorite place to dine in Milwaukee. Hopefully they will be here for many years to come. This last trip there we started with the Bruschetta . Which was done about as good as your going to get. My guest order Gnudi (homemade ricotta dumplings, pancetta, wild & domesticated mushrooms, spinach & truffle oil) Which I will be going back to have myself. While I went with my Lobster ravioli, nice light cream sauce always a big hit. This time I got a side of meatballs, well worth it. Would order the meat balls again on the side. You will not be disappointed. I promise! Signed, Customer for life
(5)
Maureen F.

Centro Cafe came highly recommended by many people so I was eager to try it out. My best friend counts this as his favorite restaurant in Milwaukee so when we went together, I knew it would be a good time. When we got to the restaurant on a Tuesday night, the dining area was completely full. We decided to sit at the bar in the back and it was a great choice. We happened to sit next to the owners who were at the bar dining. What friendly and down to earth people they were. We each had salads, a garden salad and ceasar respectfully. My friend loves the fettuccine alfredo and it was no longer on the menu. How wonderful of the owners and staff to whip up a dish of it to make my friend happy. I had the pollo chicken which was served in a big bowl. The broccoli was perfectly cooked and the white sauce was not super thick. It was just perfect. Centro is a really great addition to the Riverwest neighborhood. I love supporting locally owned businesses so I will definitely be back. I also think this place would be great to rent out for a private party. It is warm and inviting.
(5)
Tony K.

I like Centro for it's quaint atmosphere. The food is presented well - maybe a bit "over-sauced" at times.. but still the flavors are good. Service has been fine on both of my visits - neither here nor there. I wanted it to be a bit more friendly. A-OK. Yea. That's about right.
(3)
Sally N.

My friend and I were lucky enough to nab two spots here at the Chef's table last Friday night and I couldn't have asked for a better view. The restaurant itself is small, but cozy and great for a first date, long-lost friends, or simply to share entrees with your best friend (such as in my case). The staff were friendly and patient as we decided what to order based on what we saw the Chef cooking up. He recommended the duck sausage pizza and the special, a penne con tonno (tuna), and boy was he right. Always go with the Chef's recommendations. ALWAYS. This restaurant embraces the simplicity in life and it absolutely shines through in its decor, atmosphere, and food. I loved everything about it! My budget won't allow for regular recurring visits, but it was certainly a treat to start off a long weekend and I'll be recommending it to anyone who's looking for good food and a softly busy atmosphere in Milwaukee.
(5)
C K.

We have enjoyed dining at a number of locally owned Italian restaurants and this ranks at the top of the list . To start we shared the capresse salad. I had the Vongole and my dinner companion had the spicy Italian sausage pasta dish as our entree. We finished with dessert of flour less chocolate cake with sorbetto for me and gelato with espresso for my partner. Well prepared, served in a timely fashion and delicious. We will plan to come back the next time we are in Milwaukee.
(5)
Freddie M.

Went there on a Monday night. Even though it was packed the service was fast. The chef made the food right in front of us, so you know what you're eating. Fresh homemade pasta was an obvious plus and the server was really pleasant. Only wish they had a larger Lakefront Brewery selection.
(5)
Kevin H.

Ok the 3 stars has an explanation. They do not take American Express. What?!! Business travelers stay away should be the sign outside. The Caesar salad was ok and the risotto was ok. Staff and ambiance were great! But it's always about the food. Hipster Italian place in river west was cool, still mad about the suprise!!! No AMEX accepted. Will not be back unless they change the payment policy.
(3)
Amy L.

This charming little jewel in riverwest is definitely worth the visit....:) We had a party of 8 and I was concerned that we would have a long wait. I had phoned in advance only to find that they don't take reservations but they were gracious enough to set up for our large party in advance. That was so very nice. We snuggled in the back bar and it was delightfully intimate. A full bodied Syrah called ' hey mambo' started our evening out on just the right note and the entrees were the symphony with just the notes we were looking for. There was no clunker in the mix but the standout of the experience was the pasta bolognese. Meaty, deep and with a hint of spice to round out the bowl it was deeply soul satisfying on a chilly Wisconsin night. The desserts were a delight with the tiramisu truly transcendant. Service was knowledgeable and pleasant. The ambience is warm and inviting. Relax and enjoy.
(4)

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Address : 808 E Center St
Milwaukee, WI, 53212
Phone (414) 455-3751
Website https://centrocaferiverwest.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :5:00 pm - 9:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

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Centro Café

808 E Center St, Milwaukee, WI, 53212

Centro Café Menu

Antipasto

Salad And Soup

Pasta

Flatbread Pizzas

Extras And Sides

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Centro Café

Antipasto

Salad And Soup

Pasta

Flatbread Pizzas

Extras And Sides

Desserts

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