Milwaukee Spotlight: Il Cervo

Il Cervo (Italian for “The Deer” and pronounced “il CHAIR-vo”) is a modern Italian restaurant located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.¹

Unique Aspects and Location

What makes Il Cervo unique is its location and concept:

• Rooftop Dining with Views: It is perched atop The Trade Hotel in the Deer District, offering spectacular rooftop views of the Milwaukee skyline, the Fiserv Forum, and the Milwaukee River.²

   

• Blending Traditions: The restaurant blends Italian tradition with “Milwaukee craftsmanship,” connecting the city’s history of makers and immigrants with modern Italian dining.³

   

• The “Deer” Connection: The name “Il Cervo” is a nod to the restaurant’s location in the Deer District.⁴

   

History and Heritage

• Location: Il Cervo is the full-service restaurant and bar for The Trade Hotel.⁵

   

• Ownership: It is owned and operated by the Wisconsin-based Food Fight Restaurant Group and NCG Hospitality.⁶

   

• Inspiration: The restaurant’s craft is shaped by the culinary heritage of Italy and the industrious spirit of Milwaukee.⁷ Its concept draws from Milwaukee’s Italian roots, which run deep since Sicilian and Southern Italian immigrants settled in the Third Ward in the late 1800s, bringing their traditions of food and community.⁸ Il Cervo aims to carry that story forward with its handmade, crafted dishes.

   

Highlight Menu Items

The menu is rooted in modern Italian cuisine with an emphasis on handmade and house-made items, often sourcing from local Milwaukee makers and farms.⁹ Highlights include:

• Mozzarella a Mano: Offerings featuring house-made ricotta and mozzarella, such as the Calabrian Chili Crisp Mozzarella and Polenta Tempura Mozzarella.¹⁰

   

• Pasta: Hand-rolled pasta like the Ricotta Cavatelli, Squid Ink Gnocchi (with butter-poached lobster), and house-made sauces such as a dry-aged beef bolognese.¹¹

   

• Sourdough Pizza: Made with expertly fermented sourdough dough, with options like the Charred Ezzo’s Spicy Pepperoni and Spinach Bianca.¹²

   

• Piatti (Entrees): Significant items include dry-aged steak served Florentine-style, Grilled Octopus, Striped Bass Piccata, and Chicken ‘Parmesan’.¹³

   

• Drinks: The beer and wine lists balance local favorites with bottles from Italy and beyond, while the cocktails are described as innovative yet rooted in the classics.¹⁴

   

Customer Feedback

General feedback highlights the following:

• Atmosphere and View: Customers experience world-class hospitality and frequently praise the breathtaking rooftop patio and view of the Milwaukee skyline.¹⁵

   

• Food Quality: The house-made mozzarella and fresh, house-made pasta are often highly recommended.¹⁶

   

• Recommendations: Some reviews specifically suggest focusing on the pasta offerings over the pizza.¹⁷

   

Significant Events

Il Cervo hosts various events, and its space is available for private events.¹⁸ Notable mentions include:

• Anniversary Celebration: The restaurant celebrated its first anniversary with a special Silverware-Free Beefsteak Dinner.
• Holidays and Occasions: The restaurant offers special dining events for holidays like Valentine’s Day, New Year’s, and other major occasions.
• Venue for Large Parties: It is available for large-party rentals and full restaurant buyouts, with designated event spaces like the Four Seasons Room and the main Dining Room.¹⁹

   

Contact Information and Links