Santino's Little Italy

First time here. Came with another couple. It was a Thursday night, and we had 6:30 reservations. The place is a small, friendly looking standalone building on the corner. When you arrive, there is a bar with a seating area. There is also another seating area with a separate bar, which is where we sat. What I noticed first is that there are TVs set up throughout the restaurant playing Moonstruck, the 1987 movie with Cher and Nicolas Cage. It runs continuously, and I think without sound. I didn’t have a direct line of sight, but I did notice it a few times throughout the evening. It’s a quirky thing, and I like it. The inside is dimly lit, but bright enough to read menus and make out all the essentials. The lighting on the bars is a rich red, and it really sets off those areas. The walls are adorned with photos of iconic Italian female movie stars like Sophia Loren. I liked the classic vibe. The place was very loud. We were seated right away and settled in with waters, drinks, and menus. Our server did a nice job walking us through the menu details. It’s mostly specialty pizzas, with a few appetizers, salads, and a couple of entrees. For drinks, there were a couple of Santino Sangrias, which were unique in that they included gin, a nice touch. There was also a Paper Plane Martini, which was very good too. I mentioned before that it was loud, and it was especially loud with a large group behind us. It got much better when they cleared out. I noticed that they have sound absorbing materials on some of the walls, which probably helps, just not enough. For dinner, we started off with a couple of Caesar salads. They were a good portion and easily shared by two. The dressing was fresh and the right amount. It was a great start to the meal. I would have liked to try the calamari, but nobody else was interested, maybe next time. There were three pizzas at the table, Margherita, Paisan, and a make your own with cheese, sausage, mushroom, and onion. I decided to be different and tried the Gigante Meatball Plate. The pizzas are Neapolitan, with bubbly, charred edges. All of them had excellent presentation and flavor. Neapolitans are not known for their sturdy centers, so you have to hold on tight to keep everything from sliding off. As expected, the meatball was very large. It’s served with penne pasta, which was okay, though I would have preferred spaghetti. The sauce and cheese had good flavor. A solid entree, though not amazing. We were celebrating a birthday, so we saved room for a few shared desserts. We tried the flourless cake, tiramisu, and the chocolate hazelnut gelato. They were all good choices, satisfying, but again, not amazing. Lots to like about this place. Nice atmosphere (although loud), great service (thanks Tommy), and an excellent selection of pizzas. Would come back again, and this time order one of the specialty pizzas (Da Vinci?).

If you are looking for an incredible dinner experience this is your place. The food is so good from the starters to dessert they make sure all details are taken care of. The service is amazing. The staff is very knowledgeable and does a great job of working with you to find the perfect dish for your enjoyment. The owners are very active and are fantastic. They are concerned with your dining experience and they engage with their patrons and get to know their customers. The pizza is so good and they use Italian imported 00 flour that those with gluten sensitivity can enjoy with no issues. The gluten free pasta is very good and I’m a huge fan of the carbonara. If you haven’t tried this amazing speakeasy with great music and old movies playing in the background to enhance your dining experience you have to get here - make sure you get a reservation before you come.

What an amazing restaurant. I’ve wanted to eat there for years and finally had the opportunity. Santinos is decorated beautifully like a cross between a cozy restaurant and a speakeasy. One of the owners (Greg) greeted us and was extremely friendly and easy to talk to. The food was delicious and not pretentious. Our server went above and beyond to serve our group. A few of us had the homemade lasagna. Pasta from scratch. I guess they only serve this on Sundays (I think) so get there early. The Arancini were amazing. We will most certainly be back. An absolutely wonderful experience. Finish your dinner with a delicious desert or a nice Limoncello. Thank you for the hospitality

Yes there are like a 1,000 5-Stars already but I had to write one. Great owners. I talked to Craig. Legit guy and takes no shortcuts. Italian flour, homemade noodles, sauces, deserts,etc. it’s very rare to have a place that has all house made food. They do. The pizzas are phenomenal. Great wine selection and they know their wine. Great reasonably priced options that are really good. It was our daddy-daughter date and this one was special.

This place is a gem, moody and Italian decor. Try the fried eggplant, the pizza is phenomenal; don't forget dessert. I'll come back better dressed~

If you enjoy Italian restaurants, you have to come to Santino's. Everything we had was amazing. The pizza crust really stands out. The garlic pizzas are a unique flavor. The pasta was delicious as well.

Food is great, exactly as advertised. Great atmosphere. The staff is phenomenal. Ordering to go is a pain. You can’t call in an order because they don’t answer their phone. So you have to order online. Normally not a big deal but they don’t have the descriptions of their pizzas or dishes listed on the online order service. They also don’t offer the option of building your own pizza online. Unless you have the menu memorized it’s a pain.

Called to get a reservation on a Friday night only a couple hours before dinner and was able to get a seat on the patio! Cute little outdoor area. Our server was very kind and helped us pick out our pizzas based on our preferences. The pizzas were delicious! We loved the crust and agreed that it's been one of our favorite pizzas so far in Milwaukee. Would love to come back for the giant meatball appetizer as the people next to us got one and looked great!

We stopped in on thanksgiving eve and it was the perfect choice for dinner and some time for us before the holiday. The restaurant is cozy and has a classic feel. We didn't make a reservation so we sat at the bar. I recommend making a reservation if you plan on going. The menu is not large but offers a good range of Italian options. We ordered a bottle of Torre Zambra Montepulciano wine, the infamous "bocce ball", Canicattì pizza, Caesar salad, and tiramisu. Everything came out in good timing and was delicious! We loved the pizza and I enjoyed that it was a little different than traditional pizza. The Canicattì is house made garlic sauce, Italian sausage, mushrooms, and mozzarella. We will definitely be back another time to try more of the menu! I never think of coming in the summer, but with the location and the patio, I would love to spend some time here!

This is a top spot for a reason. In an unassuming building, you will find some of the best Neopolitan style pizza Milwaukee has to offer. We enjoyed the Agrigento & the Capriciossa. Both were balanced, well cooked, & just overall delicious! While we normally are too full for dessert, we decided to try the tiramisu. Soooo decadent! Definitely make a reservation as this is a small place & is very popular. Can't wait to go back & try more!

My favorite restaurant in MKE. It's like stepping back to another era. Old Italian movies playing on the TVs and the managers dressed in suits greeting customers Try to garlic sauce pizza. It is amazing

I heard tale that this was the best pizza in Milwaukee. I can now confidently say that these whispers were indeed correct. I ordered the Melanzana pizza and it was just as delicious as one could imagine. *Chef's kiss*

Santino's was our very first date night 3 years ago, and every visit since then has been the same amazing food. Santino's is reliable and consisent in both service and food. The Gigante Meatball is favorite dish to order- it's a simple classic done extremely well! Any and all of the pizzas are amazing- as well as their sangria. Whether you are looking for a semi-upscale restaurant, or a date night to enjoy happy hour (4-6pm)- Santino's is the place to go! Price was $87 for two adults, a starter, two entrees, and 4 alcoholic drinks during happy hour.

This is reservation only, lots of open tables but could only be seated at the bar. Overall the barstools were not very comfortable, sat low compared to the bar. The server didn't engage in much conversation, but was very polite!! The eggplant was delicious, and the red sauce served with it was amazing, not over seasoned or sweet. The pizzas were also good, the Margherita was soupy in the middle but great flavor. The dessert was dry with little flavor. I did enjoy dining here and would still like to go back again.

You'll likely never be disappointed in the food you get here, truly, this place is a gem. I try to be picky about giving out my 5 star reviews, but Santino's has earned it. It is a perfect date night location, with their extensive wine list and delicious food or just a nice night out with friends! My friend I went with is Gluten Free, and our waitress was extremely kind in ensuring that her food was safe from any cross contamination! That kind of service is sometimes hard to find.

Called to get a reservation on a Friday night only a couple hours before dinner and was able to get a seat on the patio! Cute little outdoor area. Our server was very kind and helped us pick out our pizzas based on our preferences. The pizzas were delicious! We loved the crust and agreed that it's been one of our favorite pizzas so far in Milwaukee. Would love to come back for the giant meatball appetizer as the people next to us got one and looked great!

Great ambience, very nice greeters and wait staff. Was lucky to get two seats at bar immediately. 100% will come again. Pizza was amazing, we got the white sauce Agrigento. Need to try everything on the menu. Local said they've tried a lot and would recommend everything.

Amazing meatball appetizer. Really, one of the best meatballs we've ever had. Wonderful Caesar salad, and the pizza special was magnificent. Great crust and sauce.

Pizzas were great! I would definitely go back to try the pastas. We all enjoyed the prosciutto pizza the most. You could easily split one pizza and get an app or two and be satisfied.

Great pizzas, pastas and cocktails. The Agrigento (sausage & pep with garlic sauce base) is the best. Great service, knowledgeable staff, and comfortable atmosphere. Passion goes into what they do here and it shows. Definitely a must try if you are a fan of Italian food.

Loved this place. Loved the vibe. We sat at the bar which was perfect. The bartender was amazing. Fun drinks. The pasta carbonara was out of this world and the margherita pizza was so good! I especially loved the eggplant fries and the med salad.

Santino's is a wonderful addition to the Milwaukee dining scene. The pizzas are excellent and the ambiance fitting. Dark and mysterious, akin to the private clubs that used to line Mulberry Street in NY's Little Italy, Santino's is authentic in the best possible way. Even its location, tucked away on a hidden street in Bay View, adds to Santino's allure. I was sold when they screened a movie by Carlo Ponti with Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. Now, that's Italian at its finest. We sat at the bar, and Adrian took great care of us. Cocktails were poured strong and served in nice glassware. Both of our pizzas reminded us of what we ate in Naples, Italy, purportedly the birthplace of pizza. While not cheap, Santino's gives diners their money's worth. That's all anyone could ask. It is a special place, and i'm pleased to live nearby.

Best carbonara in town by a mile, truly incredible stuff. Classic Italian spot vibes, white table cloths and the like, but with a more modern feel. Service is always excellent and friendly. Pizza is excellent as well, but it's hard not to just keep ordering carbonara.

Went here on a Wednesday for date night and couldn't have asked for better food or service! We tried the bruschetta, carbonara, and bolognese and all 3 dishes were delicious! Love the location, as it seems like a nice neighbor restaurant. Would be dangerous to live within walking distance! We will definitely be coming back.

Served by a Santino! Food was great the outdoor seating near bocce ball court was so cute. And who knew that getting a marinara filled fork flung at you would be one of the best things to happen to us that night?! So much fun dining here! Will be back when we are in the area again!

One of our recent date nights took us to Bayview to Santino's- it's been on the list forever! Everything was delicious, the food and drinks came out quickly, and the service was fantastic! We give it two thumbs up. We tried the Agriento, with a house made garlic sauce, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella, and a classic margherita with San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. We added a house salad with oil and balsamic vinegar.

Food was amazing and so was the service. This was our first time and our waitress took the time to explain things and give recommendations. Very romantic atmosphere so perfect for date night. Dough was PERFECT!

We had such a great time at Santino's! I would definitely recommend a reservation, and I think they would too. We were sat in a fairly private section with walls on either side of the table, which was great for a date night! They had three specials - an app, a pasta, and a pizza. We got the app and the pasta special and the limon pasta was amazing, as was the app (filled with cheese and spinach!). All of the food was incredible and the service was great! Everyone was so friendly and prompt with service. I would 100% recommend visiting Santino's!

I'm a bit of a Neapolitan pizza fan so you can imagine my elation when a friend of mine told me about this cute restaurant near the harbor. I learned that reservations are required so immediately I was intrigued. Arriving on a Wednesday evening and pleased with the ample parking nearby, we were immediately greeted by a hostess and sharply dressed owner of the restaurant right upon entry. With immediate seating due to the reservation, we were happy to see that the restaurant was fairly full. The interior was very cute and charming, with background music playing to elevate the mood but not so loud as to intrude on table conversation. The menu is very well organized with visual indications of the popular items. Of course, having previously looked over the menu and deciding what I was going to eat even before arriving (Margherita pizza), I decided to ask for a wine recommendation from our friendly and knowledgeable waitress. She was quick to recommend an affordable red wine. For an appetizer we got the bruschetta, which came on delicious fresh pieces of bread with the usual accompanying tomatoes and herbs. It was good. As stated, I knew that I was going to order a Margherita pizza, but I was happy to see they had another variety made with low moisture mozzarella. I was interested in this option because typically a Neapolitan pizza can become a bit sopping wet due to the nature of the fresh cheese. My fiancée ordered a specialty pizza which included artichoke hearts. We were both happy with our orders, with the low moisture cheese having the predicted effect. The crusts were well done, and moderately stiff. I was happy with the doughy edges, and would have liked to see perhaps more basil. However I will say that this was a fine pizza. We opted in to a seemingly obligatory Limoncello shot after dinner - we had seen at least four other tables order it before leaving - and were happy we did. It was a great way to wrap up a delicious meal. I can imagine this restaurant becomes packed on weekends, so you will want to score some reservations well in advance.

We ordered 3 pizza. Margarita was great. The Paisano was a nice balance of pesto and tomato sauce. Diavolo dulce tho was the star. It was such a perfect mix of mild spicy and sweet spicy. Service was superb. Super friendly staff. And the outside seating is very cute and has a nice lawn for games and activities. 10/10

It was recently my birthday - and I knew I wanted Italian food to celebrate. I'm so thrilled I chose Santino's Little Italy as the spot to toast to the next year. Ambiance: The space is a cozy, cute, unassuming spot in Bay View. I loved the classic Italian movies playing in the background. It felt like an undiscovered hole in the wall. Service: Service was wonderful. Our waitress was on top of things and incredibly friendly. Food: WOW! We all had pizzas (both vegan and otherwise) and each loved our dishes. I opted for a Margherita and also tasted a Veggie pizza - both delicious. Super tasty crust. We also split Bruschetta, which was equally delicious. Drinks: Solid negronis!

I have been meaning to try this place for a long time and was very excited because their menu looks fabulous and the reviews I've read indicate this restaurant is awesome. We sat outside on a pretty patio, lovely potted flowers and a very nice atmosphere. Unfortunately, we kept getting wafts of a very unpleasant smell- which we determined was probably manure from one of the other buildings in the area. Not something g the restaurant could help but it was definitely kind of a downer to the atmosphere. Service was good. Our server recommended several items and we decided on the arancini as an appetizer. It came out very crispy and hot, the sauce was tasty. the filling was ok, not my favorite as it was spinach and I'm used to meat/pea arancini. We ordered the carbonara with shrimp and a pizza (sausage, pepperoni, green pepper and onion). We had mentioned to the server that we would be sharing both. When the food arrived we were given two small appetizer places to put our food on. Definitely clumsy to try to eat pizza and pasta on a tiny plate. The carbonara was disappointing. The shrimp was slightly overcook and had a very smoky flavor. The carbonara sauce was very thick- almost a glue or paste- like consistency. The pasta itself was likely pasta from a box, not homemade as I'd assume for the price point. The pizza was good- the crust had nice flavor but was very floppy in the middle of the pizza. The pieces of pepper and onion were very large and unevenly chopped. Overall, neither of us were excited when we left. My husband, who generally doesn't pay much attention to restaurants/food and is pretty easy to please, actually mentioned that he was really unhappy with the carbonara and the consistency of the sauce. I wanted to love the place, but we probably won't be rushing back.

The food was wonderful and the ambiance is that of a traditional family owned Italian restaurant.

Great ambiance and food! Had the meatball plate pause also bruschetta it was very good waiter was very nice and attentive

The food was Amazing. The server was outstanding and the food was ready in a very timely manner. We found ourselves in the neighborhood and decided to treat ourselves.

The best place to go in Milwaukee, hands down. My wife and I first came here back in March on a Friday night and did not know reservations were highly recommended for how popular it is but the host said not to worry and was able to seat us right away! We had the most amazing server/bartender as we sat in the back bar. He was kind, thoughtful, and attentive (I think his name was Santino actually but could be wrong). We had drinks, amazing appetizers, and the pizza was so incredible we had to come back again tonight! We made a reservation this time and again just as amazing as last time. Wine, The Bocce Ball as appetizer, and again the incredible pizza made it the perfect night. I believe Tommy was the name of our server this time. He was also kind, attentive, knowledgeable and had great overall service! Cannot say enough positive things about this location. Soft lighting, music not too loud but soothing, and great staff. It has truly become my favorite restaurant in Milwaukee.

Have been to Santino's a couple of times now and have had a wonderful experience each time! We have tried each of the pastas and have greatly enjoyed each one. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and perfect for a chill date night. We have also tried carry out pizza and we will definitely continue to do that in the future. One of our new favorite spots!

I'd done carryout from Santinos once before and loved it so I though I'd try dining in. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of atmosphere but it was perfect! They were playin old movies on the TV and playing classical music, and the house wines were only $32 a bottle! The food I knew was already amazing but i tried the pasta for the first time and it was soooooo good, I got the pasta carbonara and I'd highly recommend it! Service was great and efficient especially since we went with 8 people, on the front door they have a sign saying reservation only and I believe you have to call to make one so just a heads up!

A midweek visit still required a reservation so I thought Wow this is going to be amazing. And it probably would have been if there weren't two large parties flanking us and requiring all of the servers and buzzers attention. The pizza and lemon pasta were delicious although a little cooler than fresh. The eggplant fries were delicious and so were our initial beverages. The second round was a little warm from sitting at the bar too long. It's beautiful space and in a part of the neighborhood that isn't too busy so parking isn't a problem. I'll go back but hopefully there won't be two huge tables taking up all the attention and concern.

On Saturday night we decided to go to Santino's for a nice relaxing dinner outside on their patio and they did not disappoint! We went a little later and the ambiance was so beautiful! We had some fun cocktails that we chose from their featured cocktail menu. The food was outstanding. You can't go wrong with a giant meatball and a garlic pizza! They are both perfect to share with one other to experience the best of both worlds! The service was out of this world! She was so sweet! I love how personable the owners were, they greet every guest just as they were hosting in their home. It was cozy, friendly, family vibes and we can't wait to go back! Thank you for an amazing experience! We will absolutely be back!

A gem of Milwaukee. Former PI opens awesome Italian spot in a nook of the city. The people and the food are soulful.

We stumbled upon Santino's while we were visiting Milwaukee for the weekend. The hospitality at this restaurant is unmatched! Santos, the owner, treated us like family! The ambiance was so welcoming, with Christmas music playing and classic Christmas movies on TV. Now the food... some of the best, if not THE best Italian food I have ever had. We started with the focaccia with Montamore cheese and a ceasar salad, both wonderful dishes! My husband had the Pasta Carbonara with chicken and I had the Gigante meatball plate. It was probably the best meatball I've ever had in my life! Finished it up with some tiramisu. The perfect dinner and a wonderful dining experience. A Milwaukee must!

Great pizza and appetizers! Excellent service and a very inviting atmosphere. We had the margarita pizza and it was great!

Highly recommend!!! The pizza is damn near perfect! Wood fired style crust was so good!. I recommend the Paisano which blends pesto and a spicy tomato sauce. Wife had pasta, came with a gigantic meatball, penne and delicious marinara sauce. If they'd only add MamaMia's style salad and garlic bread I would be in heaven.

I've been to Italy. This is not "Little Italy". It's much more, "a little Italy". The pizza in Italy is light, easy and amazing. This is much more American IMHO.

I've enjoyed the pizza here and a seasonal ravioli dish. Both were great and i would definitely return to try more things off the menu! The place has a nice evening ambiance and is a great spot for a date night. I hope to get there at some point this summer to enjoy their patio outside for the first time!

Great food, and fun Italian restaurant. The inside is decked out with photos and old videos all while playing great music in the background. The food is delicious. Everything we got was amazing. I loved the greek pizza and eggplant fries! Although it is a bit pricey, it's definitely a great spot for a date night! And don't forget to finish the night with tirimisu

The Sangrias were very good to start our meal. We had Carbonara pasta with chicken which was prepared well with grilled chicken. Also tried the Margarita pizza which had great crust and very good . Our experience was great and will return soon.

Fantastic pizza, appetizer and service. A wee bit pricy, but the food was top notch and will definitely pull me back into this beautiful establishment for another meal and experience.

Antipasto: Excellent! Paisano Pizza: Delicious Neapolitan wood fired Pizza. I walked in early with my daughter on a busy night for them and met the owner "Santo". Great guy, suuuuper accommodating and dressed immaculately in a suit. Great ambiance! We had the antipasti plater and a pizza. Absolutely delicious ! I highly recommend this place as must try in Milwaukee!!! 5 stars for sure!! Thank you Santo!

First thing is you need to have a reservation which was no problem because we had one book. It's nice because you never have to worry about the restaurant getting over booked. The service was amazing. The restaurant is clean and the decor is very unique and tasteful. They had a nice selection of drinks with a variety of Italian cocktails and wines. For appetizers we got the focaccia which wasnt traditional but it was a wood fired focaccia pizza but it was very good. We also got the spinach arancini and they were amazing! Everyone else got a pizza and everyone enjoy theirs. We finished the meal with dessert and again it was great. Not only was the food great but so was the service. Our waiter was extremely attentive.

Delicious pizza! Great service! Love the vibes and atmosphere! Will definitely be back!

I love this restaurant! My family was celebrating my birthday and everything was lovely! Our waitress was fabulous. Bruschetta and eggplant appetizers were so yummy. We ordered a variety of pizza and pasta for dinner and everyone was happy. The manager even stopped by our table to check on us and wished me happy birthday. The ambiance was dark and comfortable and relaxing. Can't wait to return!

Love Santino's pizza and I highly recommend! I ordered takeout via their online system on a Friday and my order was ready right on time. I did have to go inside to grab the food since no one answered the phone when I called for curbside pickup, but I didn't mind much. Other times in the past that I have called to ask about reservations/availability I have always gotten an answer so this was just a one off for me. The garlic sauce on their pizza is so good, and their crust is the ideal texture in my opinion. Can't wait to come back and hopefully dine in next time, I just wish they had longer hours!

I visited Santino's Little Italy earlier this month with a girlfriend to catch up over dinner and drinks. I called the day before and was thankful that they were able to get my a reservation at the bar which ended up being the perfect spot for us - tucked away in the corner so we could chat! We love to share dishes so my friend let me take the lead in ordering. I started us off with the Melanzana Fritti (fried eggplant) and the Mediterranean Salad which were both delicious. Salad and something fried is the perfect balance to me :) For our entree's I ordered the Pasta Carbonara and the Capricciosa Pizza. We LOVED the Carbonara - the pasta was incredible and the sauce was so rich and savory. While the Carbonara was our favorite of the night, I do feel like I have found my new favorite pizza spot in Milwaukee. The Capricciosa pizza had all my favorite toppings and it the crust was perfectly light and fluffy. I will definitely be back soon to try more pizza (and everything else im sure lol). Our bartender/server was extremely attentive while still allowing us time to chat to catch up and never made us feel rushed! He ended our evening with a finale of limoncello which was much appreciated and a nice treat. We both really enjoyed our visit - I can't believe I've been sleeping on this place for so long! Definitely will be back :)

Such a cute place! The staff was friendly and I loved the ambiance. Ordered a bottle of wine, bruschetta, pasta, and pizza. All great! If you come you should definitely get there Neapolitan pizza! I was very happy with my experience here and cannot wait to come back and try their other pizzas. Reminder that if you do want to eat here it is reservations only!

Can't beat a wood fired oven taste! Definitely not out of the box frozen pizza. Get two!!!!!