Thirty years ago, on March 23, 1993, acclaimed chef and restaurateur Paul Bartolotta and his late brother, Joe, opened their first restaurant together in the village of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, near their childhood home. They called it Ristorante Bartolotta, an homage to their Italian heritage, and it was the start of what is known today as The Bartolotta Restaurants.

Now, after three decades of growth and success in helping to shape the culinary landscape of Greater Milwaukee and beyond, The Bartolotta Restaurants will mark the milestone anniversary with a yearlong celebration at its award-winning restaurants.

“Thinking about how far we have come in 30 years, the restaurants that we’ve opened, the incredible talent that we’ve nurtured and made part of our family, I’m both incredibly proud and humbled,” says Chef Bartolotta. “The Bartolotta Restaurants was a vision that I shared with my brother, Joe, to recreate the same family moments and hospitality that we experienced growing up, a concept we call ‘The Bartolotta Table,’ where all are welcome.

“We have spent 30 years celebrating our guests’ milestones and life moments with them, and we have watched as our collective family of dedicated team members has grown beyond our first restaurant in Wauwatosa to the incredible group of people we have working with us today. This anniversary is a testament to the talent and efforts of our team, and the support of this amazing community.”

Since the debut of Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, The Bartolotta Restaurants has seen its reputation and portfolio grow beyond its Milwaukee roots. Joe and Paul Bartolotta were selected as semi-finalists for the James Beard Foundation award for Outstanding Restaurateur three years in a row, and in 2020 Paul Bartolotta was nominated as a finalist in the same category. He is also a two-time James Beard award winner for Best Chefs in America. The Bartolotta Restaurants has also amassed multiple accolades throughout the years including Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence (for Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, Harbor House, and Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse – in Brookfield and Mequon), Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (for Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro and Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant) and Distinguished Restaurants of North America honors (for Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro), among others.

The importance of giving back to the community that has embraced and supported The Bartolotta Restaurants was a top priority as the company grew. Through the Care-a-lotta program, The Bartolotta Restaurants has supported hundreds of local organizations through donations, special events, and galas, as well as supporting community events with culinary talent and resources.

Following Joe’s passing in 2019, Paul became the sole proprietor of The Bartolotta Restaurants, navigating the company through the pandemic, and he has continued to expand the business with new venues, including The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant opening in 2023.

“When we opened Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, our goals were simple. We wanted to bring good food to Milwaukee, and treat people with genuine hospitality, as if they were joining us in our home. These goals remain the same, and Milwaukee has, in turn, repaid us with loyal support, trust, and love for three decades. We owe any success we have to the people of this great city, and to those who travel here to experience everything we have to offer,” says Chef Bartolotta.

To mark the anniversary of Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993’s opening, the restaurant will launch Un Viaggio Nel Pasato “I Classici del Ristorante” menu on March 24, featuring favorite dishes from throughout the years such as Pappardelle al sugo d’anitra, Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci al Burro e Salvia, Branzino in Acqua Pazza, and the signature Tiramisu’ del Ristorante since 1993. Guests can reserve a table at Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 or any other Bartolotta Restaurant at bartolottas.com. Additional events celebrating this milestone anniversary will be announced throughout the year.