The Bartolotta Story

A fine dining tradition

Who We Are

The Bartolotta Restaurants is a nationally recognized restaurant and catering organization co-founded by Chef Paul Bartolotta and his late brother, Joe Bartolotta. Since the opening of its flagship restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, The Bartolotta Restaurants has grown to become the premier culinary brand in the Greater Milwaukee region, offering first-class service and cuisine across a portfolio of 18 one-of-a-kind restaurants and catering facilities, including fine dining, upscale casual, food halls, executive dining, quick-casual, and airport concepts.

The Bartolotta Story: The Making of a Hospitality Heart

Joe and Paul Bartolotta grew up in a traditional American-Italian family in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where the “Bartolotta Table” was the heart of the home. Alongside their siblings, Maria and Felicia, they shared countless meals filled with exceptional food, abundant love, and a warm sense of hospitality that welcomed all who came to share a meal with the family.

In March of 1993, inspired by their family traditions and a deep respect for their Italian roots, Joe and Paul opened their first restaurant together, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993. Their vision was simple yet powerful – serve rustic, authentic Italian cuisine that honors their heritage and creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Drawing from Paul’s extensive culinary training in Italy, the restaurant’s menu was crafted with a focus on tradition, quality, and authenticity. It quickly became a Milwaukee favorite, earning four-star reviews and a reputation as the city’s premier destination for Italian dining.

More than 30 years later, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 continues to uphold its legacy of world-class cuisine and hospitality. In 2023, the restaurant was awarded the prestigious Marchio Ospitalità Italiana certification by the Italian Union of Chambers of Commerce – an international mark of excellence that affirms its commitment to “Made in Italy” authenticity and quality.

Building on the success of their first venture, Joe and Paul Bartolotta opened their second restaurant in 1995,  Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro. Nestled within the historic Lake Park Pavilion and overlooking the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Park Bistro introduced Milwaukee to authentic French cuisine in a warm, brasserie-style setting.

With its refined menu and inviting atmosphere, Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro quickly earned a four-star review, reinforcing The Bartolotta Restaurants’ reputation as a pioneer of Milwaukee’s fine dining scene. The restaurant played a pivotal role in shaping the city's culinary landscape, bringing an elevated yet approachable French dining experience to the community.

Over the next three decades, Bartolotta Restaurants continued to expand, thoughtfully growing its portfolio to include a diverse array of fine dining establishments, upscale casual eateries, event venues, catering services, corporate executive dining, food halls, and airport restaurants. Each venture reflected the Bartolotta commitment to excellence, hospitality, and unforgettable culinary experiences.

This dedication to quality and innovation did not go unnoticed. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, Joe and Paul Bartolotta were honored as semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurateur – a prestigious recognition reserved for individuals who have been in the industry for over a decade and have set "high national standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship."

In 2019, the Bartolotta family and the Milwaukee community mourned the loss of Joe Bartolotta, a beloved restaurateur and community leader whose passion for hospitality left an indelible mark. The following year, in 2020, Paul Bartolotta was named a finalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, a fitting tribute to his and Joe’s enduring vision and leadership.

Following the passing of his brother and business partner, Paul Bartolotta assumed the role of sole owner of The Bartolotta​​​​​​​ Restaurants. Alongside a dedicated team, Paul successfully navigated the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, while remaining focused on the well-being of the company’s team members and guests.

In 2024, The BARTOLOTTA Restaurants debuted The Commodore – A Bartolotta​​​​​​​ Restaurant, a premier fine-dining and events destination developed within an historic waterfront property on Nagawicka Lake. Following an extensive two-year revitalization helmed by Jay Franke Design and Groth Design Group, The Commodore blends timeless elegance with contemporary hospitality as a tribute to the legacy and spirit of Lake Country.

Simultaneously, Paul played a pivotal role in bringing the globally acclaimed television series Top Chef to Milwaukee. Thanks in part to his leadership and advocacy, Wisconsin was selected as the host location for the show’s 21st season, filmed in 2023 and aired in spring 2024. This milestone brought international attention to Milwaukee’s vibrant culinary scene and celebrated the chefs, restaurants, farmers, and food culture that make Wisconsin a world-class dining destination.

For over three decades, The Bartolotta​​​​​​​ Restaurants has grown into the premier culinary brand in southeastern Wisconsin, rooted in a deep love of food, family, and hospitality. What began around the original “Bartolotta Table” in Wauwatosa has evolved into a vision of sharing that spirit with the world – one meal, one memory, and one meaningful connection at a time.

As the company continues to grow, its mission remains unchanged: to create authentic relationships and lasting memories for every guest who gathers around The Bartolotta​​​​​​​ Table.​​​​​​​

Learn More about Our Team