Recommendations
of an Amateur Foodie
“To be a good cook you have to have a love of the good, a love of hard work, and a love of creating.”
Field to Fork
Sheboygan | GF / DF / Vegan Friendly
Known as one of Wisconsin’s top farm to table lunch locations, this breakfast and lunch spot is a warm invitation to come in and sit down for a bowl of soup, wood-oven-fired bread and entrees bright with fresh herbs and attention to detail. If you are in a bit of a hurry, take a seat at the bar and order one of the house soups (the chicken dumpling is better than my Grandmother’s and that is a feat) or daily quiche and salad. After drop by the bakery counter for one of their pastries to go for an afternoon snack; I would recommend the vegan chocolate chip cookie (trust me–you won’t even notice that it’s vegan as you will be too busy wiping the chocolate off your chin). Sign up for their newsletter as they often host an occasional themed Friday night dinner.
The Greenhouse
Kohler
Step away from the day into a magical stained glass solarium filled with dancing light and color. Decadent French pastries and coffee will get your day off to a good start or fill your cup in the afternoon to finish the day strong. Another added benefit of visiting will be the walk through the historic American Club and gardens designed by the Olmsted Brothers.
Trattoria Stefano
Sheboygan | GF / DF / Vegan Friendly
This place has a special place on my list. Pasta and entrees are made from scratch and you can taste the difference in every single bite. The staff and chefs are well educated and traveled; they put their heart into every dish. The Dolla Nana will not disappoint your expectations on any day.
Ella’s
Sheboygan
Remember the soup lady on Seinfeld? So maybe this place isn’t quite like that but it does make me giggle when I visit for a quick lunch. The staff is kind but you better have your order ready when its your turn to order because this place is a popular quick lunch spot. Their chalkboard menu has an array of sandwiches–hot or cold–for any appetite. This isn’t Subway; this is the sandwich your mother would make you along with a variety of homemade cookies. I recommend the peanut butter chocolate chip for your 3pm snack back at the office. Set back from the street this tiny little deli shop is a hidden gem.
Awakening & The Atrium
Kohler | GF / DF / Vegan Friendly
Need something refreshing and crisp for lunch? Drop in to Awakening and the Atrium located in Woodlake Market. You will find bright cold pressed juices and drinks at Awakening along with a robust assortment of breakfast and lunch options at the Atrium. After you’re done take a stroll through the market for a curated assortment of Wisconsin’s finest purveyors as well as a few European favorites.
Pho VN
Sheboygan | GF / DF Friendly
If you are up for an adventure, this hole in the wall a Vietnamese restaurant is a great spot once you step over the cardboard in the entryway. This place is my go-to for a bowl of rice noodles with fresh chopped veggies and cilantro topped with charred shrimp and pork. Each table has the typical Asian condiments to perfect your meal.
The Steerage
Port Washington
This is the best kept secret in Port Washington. An unassuming door in the quaint downtown will take you down stairs to a hidden treasure of comfort food. Tasteful entrees completed with a scrumptious selection of desserts will delight both locals and travelers passing through.
Blackwolf Run
Kohler | DF Friendly
Lunch with a view—this spot has it all: the warm, inviting ambiance of a rustic lodge with large windows overlooking the golf course. You don’t need to golf to appreciate the beautiful view of the river and woods. Their menu matches the views in flavor. With many great options to choose from, you won’t leave hungry. Their signature soup, Corn Sausage Chowder, would win over and warm the heart of any skeptic. It’s a must have for those new in town as it is legendary around the resort campus. In the winter, I enjoy sitting near the wood fire place to warm up on a cold day. And in any season, I would recommend the walleye sandwich. Not normally a fish sandwich person, this is unlike any fish sandwich I have had elsewhere. Made with a dill bread, pan-fried walleye and a caper mayo, this light sandwich is anything but ordinary and has quite the following.
Whispering
Orchards
Sheboygan | DF / GF Friendly
Tucked away on a country road that runs perpendicular to Whistling Straits, this homestead features all the comforts of homemade—well, everything. For instance, if you order the berry French toast, you’ll be getting the berry homemade bread then made into French toast. Highly recommend any of the specials as they are seasonal. They are posted near the front door so take a photo with your phone upon entry for easy reference. I am not much of a jam person, but I pop by their orchard store to bring home their apple cider jam as it’s the best on lightly toasted homemade bread. Their hot apple cider will warm you up in no time on a cold fall day.
Just in the back of the Cedar Valley Cheese Store, is a delightful cafe. Hearty, homemade soups and sandwiches made with their very own cheese and local Wisconsin favorites. The taste brings you back to your Grandma’s kitchen table amidst a busy days. My personal favorite is the Grownup Grilled Cheese. Also you will find a small assortment from Wisconsin favorites such as Nueske's and Miesfeld’s located in further north areas of the state.
Tip: Locals also know the Store has the best cheese string you will find in Wisconsin. This is not the same packaged string cheese you grew up on.
Cedar Valley Cafe
Belgium
This is not your average pizzeria—Il Ritrovo is pure poetry. Neapolitan pizzas and bread alongside their house-made pastas and paninis will leave you planning your next visit. A blend of imported Italian and locally sourced ingredients made into humble pies and sauces echo of the Italian countryside. Simply divine.
Il Ritrovo
Sheboygan
The Lakeshore’s version of Eataly. All your favorite imported Italian ingredients combined with locally sourced purveyors. In addition, they serve up their best Neapolitan certified wood oven baked breads, rolls, and speciality sourdoughs with their specialty prepared meats. A foodie’s paradise, thoughtfully curated and worth the stop for a deli lunch and for the very best ingredients for your next epicurean dinner.
Slo Foods
Sheboygan
The door on the left of an unassuming gas station will bring you to one of the best Indian spots in town. Made in a remodeled Subway, this small kitchen serves up a wide array of American to-go classics but the Indian specialties makes it a treasure. Take it to-go or stay to enjoy—each dish is thoughtfully prepared and worth the time.
Jay’s
Sheboygan
Coming soon.
Bread & Bean
Sheboygan Falls
Coming soon.
Luxembourg Cafe
Belgium
Coming soon.
Shuff’s
Sheboygan
Coming soon.
Judi’s Place
Oostburg
Coming soon.
Oostburg Bakery
Oostburg
“People who love to eat are always the best people.”