Intimate settings

Intimate settings Elevate your dining experience in a private dining space

By MELISSA MCGRAW	August 2006


It’s the ultimate in restaurant pampering — swank surroundings, sumptuous cuisine and plenty of privacy. Personal dining spaces, once only an option for VIPs, are now available at establishments around Milwaukee. You can impress co-workers and friends at your next dinner party with a reservation at one of these luxurious private dining rooms. We’ve done the research; so leave all the practical details to the restaurant staff, enjoy savory entrées and reap the benefits of a job well done without all the work. Here’s a look at four of our favorites. Nanakusa 408 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee (414) 223-3200 · www.foodspot.com/nanakusa The room: The Tatami room is a semi-traditional Japanese space with a central raised platform, low tables and a requirement to dine without shoes. It features wood floors, beige and green tea colored walls, high ceilings and a wall of shoji screen doors that open to the main dining room. Seating available for up to 16. The cuisine: Diners will enjoy traditional Japanese fare and can select from an extensive sushi list. Try the Nanakusa dento for a taste of everything. This compartmented box showcases five of the restaurant’s top dishes. Policy/prices: Reservations can be made for parties of six to 16 with no additional cost. Available daily. What you should know: Located at the corner of the restaurant, the Tatami room is great for corporate meetings, family gatherings or romantic dinners. A typical Japanese meal consists of multiple orders of small portions. Plan to spend several hours eating, chatting and drinking. Bjonda 7754 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa (414) 431-1444 · www.bjonda.com The room: Particularly intimate, this room seats eight in an elegant, Regency-inspired setting. A silk ceiling gathers above leather-look wallpaper; sea shell-encrusted chandeliers and sconces provide mood lighting and a checkerboard fabric gives the chairs a modern feel in the white linen atmosphere. The cuisine: Let the chef prepare a four- or eight-course meal of contemporary cuisine ranging the menu. Orders can also be made á la carte. Policy/prices: Reservations are required for the chef’s table but there is no additional fee. What you should know: Though this space is private, the Skylight Room lies just beyond the blonde velvet curtains. A table for two can also be set here, making it the romantic location of many proposals. Yanni’s 540 E. Mason St., Milwaukee (414) 847-9264 · www.yannismilwaukee.com The room: Private doorways and curtains enclose the chef’s table, though the open curtains allow diners to look into the exposed kitchen. One wall is covered in a mural done by a local artist, and the remainder of the room features warm woods and green, silver and gold tones. Seats six to 10. The cuisine: Though Yanni’s is known primarily as a steakhouse, the seafood is also noteworthy. Look for daily specials prepared by the sous chef. Policy/prices: No extra charge is required for this table, but it is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. What you should know: The service and entrées define fine dining, but the restaurant atmosphere is warm and comfortable for any event. Bacchus 925 E. Wells St., Milwaukee · (414) 765-1166 · www.bacchusmke.com The room: The Boardroom was remodeled in fall 2005, and now has warm cream and taupe walls decorated with the restaurant’s awards, reviews and VIP photos. Empty wine cases throughout the room are reminiscent of the restaurant’s wine theme. Comfortably seats 12. The cuisine: Chef Adam Segel prepares contemporary American dishes for the restaurant, but will also do custom meals for private parties. A suggested dish is the flavorful and juicy bone and filet mignon. Policy/prices: Available for lunch and dinner seven days a week, but is used most frequently Tuesday through Thursday. There is a $200 facility fee. What you should know: Bacchus is located in Cudahy Towers, home to many celebrated restaurants in Milwaukee’s history. Here you will enjoy a high-quality atmosphere with a four-star meal.