Are you looking for the perfect restaurant in Door County with great food and an even better atmosphere?
We certainly understand how the simple decision of where to eat can be all so difficult. My wife and I once drove around town for a whole two hours trying to decide on the perfect restaurant. We ended up eating Chinese take-out at home.
Whether its a simple lunch or even a splurge night, it’s all about that perfect combination of the right food and the best atmosphere.
Check out our guide below of the most popular restaurants in Door County, Wisconsin to help make your decision an easy one.
Top Restaurants in Door County
Wickman House
As one of the top restaurants in Door County, you can’t miss the Wickman House. They earn such accolades for being featured by the likes of The New York Times and The Wallstreet Journal.
This fancy establishment is located on the northern half of the peninsula. With a charming harbor house vibe, you certainly won’t be disappointed in the rustic-chic restaurant atmosphere.
To top it off the Wickman House proudly supports the local community and even serves dishes directly out of their own garden and greenhouse.
Reservations are highly recommended but the bar is open seating.
Learn More: Wickman House
Get Directions: Google Maps
Wild Tomato Pizza
Up next is our favorite pizza in Door County, and probably everyone else’s too! Wild Tomato Pizza is a popular stop for anyone’s journey.
This peninsula favorite has unique and delicious wood-fired pizza options. Plus, watch your crust be tossed in the air as you enjoy a cold craft beer.
Of their three great restaurants in Door County the Sister Bay location offers waterfront views. As their first storefront, the Fish Creek location provides a smaller intimate charm that we actually prefer. And lastly, in Egg Harbor, Wild Tomato offers its newest location.
Learn More: Wild Tomato Pizza
Get Directions: Google Maps (Sister Bay), (Fish Creek), (Egg Harbor)
Al Johnson’s Goat Restaurant, Door County
Yes, there is a Door County restaurant with goats on the roof and it’s called Al Johnson’s.
While the mascot may seem to be their goats, the restaurant is centered around authentic Swedish cuisine.
However, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner isn’t all that Al Johnson’s offers. Join them for Door County’s Fall Fest at their beer garden called Staboor. Or try shopping around the Butik for some Swedish gifts.
Located in Sister Bay, this Door County restaurant with goats has got to be a one in a million experience.
Learn More: Al Johnson’s
Webcam: Goat Cam
Get Directions: Google Maps
Trixies
If you were intrigued by Wickman House, the first option on our list of restaurants in Door County, then Trixies should be on the top of your restaurant list as well.
Trixies is located near Peninsula State Park in Ephraim and affords sustainable food as-well-as wine from female winemakers.
The atmosphere provides a trendy and minimalist vibe that perfectly accents the tasty eats.
Notably, the wine list is long and the dinner options are set at a more reasonable price compared to their sister establishment north in Ellison Bay.
This is certainly a nice place for dinner that won’t feel all too fancy.
Learn More: Trixies
Det Directions: Google Maps
Door County Creamery
Our next option is a Door County restaurant with goats that comes with a heartwarming story and a homegrown Wisconsin feel. Not to mention a self-proclaimed “best sandwich in all the land”, but we’ll let you decide that for yourself.
Located in Sister Bay, Door County Creamery is a unique and enjoyable lunch option. The couple that owns this local farm and creamery has created a special soup, salad, and sandwich shop to accompany their goat farm tours and fine goat cheese products. The creamery also sells wine and cheese boards.
If nothing else, the hand-made-daily gelato should draw you in on a hot summer day!
And finally, the atmosphere is nice and cozy with mismatched chairs and tables adding to its charm. However, keep in mind that seating is limited so taking your gelato to go might be the perfect way to enjoy Door County Creamery.
Learn More: Door County Creamery
Get Directions: Google Maps
Chef’s Hat
The next location on our list is Chef’s Hat. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and still provide a wide variety across all three menus.
Find this casual Door County waterfront restaurant in the village of Ephraim.
Take your time perusing the menu and enjoy a charming inside with plates hanging from the walls as decor. Otherwise, you’ll surely be treated to a view of the waterfront from the Chef’s Hat patio.
Learn More: Chef’s Hat
Get Directions: Google Maps
Donny’s Glidden Lodge
Donny’s Glidden Lodge is a great place for dinner. After a delicious surf and turf or tender prime rib dinner, their friendly staff and a comfortable feel will have you nestled up to the bar in no time.
Donny’s is located on the southern end of the peninsula, lakeside near Sturgeon Bay. Offering a traditional feel with stone facade inside and out, certainly add Donny’s Glidden Lodge to your list.
If you’re coming from the East or West Coasts, then this restaurant in Door County is a perfect way to experience that unique midwest fare.
Learn More: Donny’s Glidden Lodge
Get Directions: Google Maps
Nightingale Restaurant in Door County
Have you ever heard of a supper club? If you are not from the midwest or even Wisconsin, then its likely you haven’t.
Think golf course clubhouses without the golf clubs and centered around quality food at reasonable prices. Our next option is the prime example of a midwest supper club.
Nightingale Restaurant is a great dinner option with everything from shrimp cocktail to baby back ribs. If you’re looking for reliable restaurants in Door County that are near Sturgeon Bay, try out this old school supper club.
Learn More: Nightingale Restaurant
Get Directions: Google Maps
Parador
There’s nothing like tapas and sangria to bring a little bit of Spain to the peninsula. Parador does just that as our next option on the list of restaurants in Door County for your vacation.
While very clean and acceptable, you may not be wildly impressed with the atmosphere.
This Egg Harbor restaurant in Door County is slightly out of place but may be just what you’re looking for!
Learn More: Parador
Get Directions: Google Maps
The Fireside Restaurant in Door County
As you might suspect, the Fireside Restaurant indeed has a fireplace.
Because not all of the restaurants in Door County offer year-round service, it’s best to check before you go. However, the Fireside has the means to keep you warm in the winter with its fireplace ambiance.
For us, the big draw here is actually the welcoming bar that serves quality pub food and is great for watching the Brewers, Packers, or whatever team spirit you bring.
Learn More: The Fireside Restaurant
Get Directions: Google Maps
Whistling Swan
Next is a simple yet elegant restaurant in Door County.
The Whistling Swan offers fancy food and quality dining in Fish Creek near Peninsula State Park.
This restaurant is actually part of an inn so if you decide to make the Whistling Swan your accommodations, then stop in for a convenient dinner.
Learn More: Whistling Swan
Get Directions: Google Maps
Scaturos Baking Co & Cafe
Looking for Italian food in Sturgeon Bay?
We’re always down for a tasty place for spaghetti and meatballs and Scaturos could definitely satisfy that itch.
However, they don’t stop at alfredo and pizza. The bakery and cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner year around.
Learn More: Scaturos
Get Directions: Google Maps
Good Eggs
Good Eggs is closed May through October, so if you’ve heard of them elsewhere be warned. However, if you’re lucky enough to catch them during peak season you won’t be disappointed.
Even locals rave about the burritos at Ephraim’s breakfast joint. Seriously you can’t miss this one.
An eclectic outdoor breakfast seating area provides a welcoming walk-up experience with a waterfront view.
Learn More: Good Eggs
Get Directions: Google Maps
Chives Restaurant in Door County
Here we have Chives, another brunch, lunch, or dinner option. Now, when you see escargot on the menu you know what you’re getting yourself into.
An upscale establishment located in Baileys Harbor serving up beautifully presented food with a trendy vibe.
Learn More: Chives
Get Directions: Google Maps
Sister Bay Bowl
Yes, in case you were wondering, our next option on the list of restaurants in Door County does in fact have actual bowling. Grab some dinner and hit the lanes at Sister Bay Bowl.
The restaurant side of the establishment is one of those iconic midwest supper clubs.
Learn More: Sister Bay Bowl
Get Directions: Google Maps
Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor
Feeling a little ice cream? Maybe a classic juicy burger?
Wilson’s is your Door County waterfront restaurant with patio seating and a throwback feel.
When driving north from Peninsula State Park to Sister Bay, you’ll drive through Ephriam, and when you do it’s hard to miss Wilson’s. If the red and white awnings don’t catch your attention the large Coca-Cola signs will.
Learn More: Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor
Get Directions: Google Maps
Waterfront
It’s natural to want to be near water while on a peninsula like Door County. Waterfront restaurants are a perfect way to satisfy that itch and this one even has it in the name
Waterfront is a restaurant in Door County with great views of the bay. From the beautiful tablecloths to the exquisite dishes, this truly is a fine-dining experience.
Between the yachts and sunset views their patio should keep you entertained. Find them located just north of Sister Bay.
Learn More: Waterfront
Get Directions: Google Maps