Pasta Tree   

Consistently rated as one of Milwaukee's most romantic restaurants, this Italian eatery has been a favorite with locals since it opened in 1982. Tucked away on the south end of Farwell Avenue, the first thing to hit you when you walk through the door are the warm and inviting scents that waft down the narrow dining room from the kitchen. The atmosphere and decor are reminiscent of classic Italian cafes, decorated with an eclectic assortment of richly upholstered chairs and sofas. As the name might suggest, the specialty here is pasta. Unlike many other local Italian eateries, each pasta and sauce on the menu is made entirely from scratch. The varied, regional Italian menu features dishes like chicken walnut pasta, smoked salmon alfredo with mushrooms, cheese ravioli with veal scallopini in a roasted garlic cream, and shrimp pesto linguini. Finish dinner off with highly recommended tiramisu, or head to the wine bar for an after dinner drink. -- Rachael Liska