Highest-rated dessert shops in the Milwaukee area by diners
There's no denying that Americans have a sweet tooth鈥攏early 41% say they , according to a November 2024 YouGov survey.
One of the most popular desserts to dig into is ice cream. An from May 2024 found that just about all Americans (97%) love or like ice cream. The frozen confection has held a special place in the U.S. since the turn of the 19th century with the invention of insulated ice houses. By the mid-1800s, and sold to the masses. Soon, old-fashioned soda fountains started selling sundaes, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas, becoming a gathering place for young people. Today, more than 150 years later, those dessert options not only remain perennial top choices but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and community.
Over the years, Americans' dessert tastes have led to some other tasty trends, from of the early 2000s thanks to bakeries like Magnolia, Sprinkles, and Crumbs, to the self-serve that followed in the early 2010s via Pinkberry, 16 Handles, and Red Mango. Most recently, the 2020s have seen cookies sweep the nation, with chains like Insomnia and Crumbl stoking childhood memories, , and growing exponentially.
Today's desserts also go far beyond ice cream, cupcakes, and cookies. Many modern dessert shops are redefining the experience by fusing timeless recipes with multicultural flavors, offering creative twists such as matcha-infused cupcakes, horchata ice cream, and Basque cheesecakes that celebrate both tradition and innovation.
To keep up with the ever-evolving dessert trends, compiled a list of the highest-rated dessert shops in the Milwaukee area based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants tagged as "desserts" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of Milwaukee were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may primarily serve other food items.
Whether indulging in a time-honored pie or exploring a fusion delight, the world of desserts remains as vibrant and diverse as the communities that enjoy them. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list or to find your next sweet treat!
#30. The Cheesecake Factory
- Rating: 3.1/5 (259 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5799 North Bayshore Drive Ste L100 Bayshore Mall Glendale, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts, American
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#29. Corner Bakery Cafe
- Rating: 3.4/5 (102 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11500 West Burleigh St. Ste 102 Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts, Bakeries, Cafes
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#28. Samurai Restaurant
- Rating: 3.4/5 (132 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6969 North Port Washington Road Ste B140 Glendale, Wisconsin
- Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars, Desserts
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#27. Breadsmith
- Rating: 3.6/5 (21 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 420 East Silver Spring Drive Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
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#26. Daddy Yo's Frozen Yogurt
- Rating: 4.3/5 (46 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4874 South 74th St. Greenfield, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
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#25. Indian Village Restaurant
- Rating: 4.4/5 (183 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7640 West Forest Home Ave. Greenfield, Wisconsin
- Categories: Indian, Desserts, Seafood
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#24. West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe
- Rating: 4.6/5 (352 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6832 West Becher St. West Allis, Wisconsin
- Categories: Cheese Shops, Breakfast & Brunch, Desserts
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#23. Curry & Momo Himalayan Restaurant
- Rating: 4.8/5 (74 reviews)
- Address: 6969 North Port Washington Road Ste B120 Glendale, Wisconsin
- Categories: Himalayan/Nepalese, Indian, Desserts
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#22. Awi Sushi
- Rating: 4.8/5 (20 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 755 North Water St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Sushi Bars, Desserts, Salad
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#21. La Cocina Del Sur
- Rating: 4.8/5 (24 reviews)
- Address: 701 East Keefe Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Empanadas, Desserts
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#20. Insomnia Cookies
- Rating: 3.0/5 (30 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2217 South Kinnickinnic Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts, Food Delivery Services
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#19. Metro Market
- Rating: 3.2/5 (158 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1123 North Van Buren St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Grocery, Bakeries, Desserts
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#18. Crumbl - North Shore
- Rating: 3.4/5 (24 reviews)
- Address: 5600 North Bayshore Drive Glendale, Wisconsin
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
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#17. Treats by Bernadette
- Rating: 3.5/5 (21 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7934 West Burleigh St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts
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#16. It'z My Party Cakery
- Rating: 3.8/5 (24 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5300 West Bluemound Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts, Cupcakes, Custom Cakes
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#15. Gigi's Cupcakes of Wauwatosa
- Rating: 3.8/5 (86 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2751 North Mayfair Road Ste G Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Cupcakes
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#14. Hotel Madrid
- Rating: 4.0/5 (90 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 600 South 6th St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Cocktail Bars, Desserts
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#13. Ted's Ice Cream & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.1/5 (79 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6204 West North Ave. Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
- Categories: American, Desserts
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#12. The Bridgewater Modern Grill
- Rating: 4.3/5 (165 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 2011 South 1st St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts, Wine Bars, Salad
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#11. Yo Factory
- Rating: 4.3/5 (126 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2203 North Farwell Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts, Juice Bars & Smoothies
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#10. Elsie Mae's Canning & Pies
- Rating: 4.4/5 (58 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1101 East Brady St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts, Food Trucks
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#9. Three Brothers Restaurant
- Rating: 4.4/5 (241 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2414 South St. Clair St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts, Vegan, Gluten-Free
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#8. Better Together Cafe
- Rating: 4.5/5 (30 reviews)
- Address: 1301 North Chicago Ave. South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts, Coffee & Tea
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#7. San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana
- Rating: 4.5/5 (317 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 838 North Old World 3rd St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Pizza, Desserts, Salad
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#6. The Cake Lady
- Rating: 4.6/5 (40 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 3561 South Kinnickinnic Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts, Custom Cakes, Cupcakes
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#5. Sugar & Flour Bakery Cafe
- Rating: 4.6/5 (24 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5721 Broad St. Greendale, Wisconsin
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Cupcakes
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#4. Niemann's Candies
- Rating: 4.7/5 (23 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7475 Harwood Av Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts
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#3. Black Twig Bakery
- Rating: 4.7/5 (41 reviews)
- Address: 1455 Underwood Ave. Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Macarons
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#2. Gordo's Bubble Waffles - Bay View
- Rating: 4.7/5 (80 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2301 South Howell Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Desserts, Waffles, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
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#1. Blooming Lotus Bakery
- Rating: 4.7/5 (82 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2215 East North Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Cupcakes
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 241 metros.