The Milwaukee Guests of “Top Chef: Wisconsin” 

“Top Chef: Wisconsin” showcased some of the finest culinary nuggets our city has to offer. From the cityscape views as the cheftestants toasted the journey ahead to the decisive episode at Harbor House, determining who would make the finals, the city shined brightly on the American culinary show. But it had a little help. Throughout the season, many Milwaukee chefs, restauranteurs and legends lent their perspectives and taste buds as guest judges, each adding a little local flavor to “Top Chef: Wisconsin.”  

Explore More Dining Delights: Featured Chefs and Restauranteurs 

The Bartolotta Restaurants were well-represented throughout the series. The Harbor House was the setting for the final Wisconsin episode of the season, and Paul Bartolotta himself made not just one, but two appearances. Joining him were Maria Bartolotta, owner and co-founder of The Bartolotta Restaurants, Juan Urbieta, chef and general manager of Ristorante Bartolotta and The Bartolotta Restaurants’ Corporate Executive Sous Chef Aaron Bickham. 

The series also featured several James Beard-recognized chefs, many of whom appeared as guest judges at American Family Field. While each judge sampled dishes from some of the hottest culinary minds in the game today, each has a sterling reputation all their own, with 3 James Beard Award-Winners and 8 Semifinalist bids. Among them are 2022 Best Chef: Midwest Award-winner Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat, 2008 Best Chef: Midwest Award-winner Adam Siegel, of Lupi & Iris and 2002 winner of America’s Classics, Milunka Radicevic of Three Brothers Restaurant in Bay View. The season also featured downtown Portuguese-Brazilian fusion Chef Gregory Leon of Amilinda, along with two chefs dedicated to farm-to-table eats in their own unique way, Karen Bell of Bavette La Boucherie in the Historic Third Ward and Kyle Knall of Birch. 

The show also featured chefs of hotspots like Barkha Limbu, formerly of The Cheel in Thiensville, and co-owner of both Zócalo Food Park and Mazorca Tacos, Jesus Gonzalez. 

Explore More Milwaukee Lore: Local Legends 

Alongside the finest culinary minds in the Greater Milwaukee area, you may have noticed a few familiar faces throughout the season, with appearances from local icons popping up to share their thoughts on the day’s dishes.  

Ope! There’s Charlie Berens. He couldn’t squeeze right past ya on the TV screen, where the local comedian added a little extra ‘Sconnie flavor to the mix.  

Stepping up to the plate, 2011 N.L. MVP and career-long Milwaukee Brewers OF Ryan Braun joined the broadcast. Sitting on 352 career homers, the long-time slugger powered the Crew to their first N.L. Championship Series appearance. Joining the Brewers great is someone who knows how to serve up some serious flavor, American Family Field Executive Chef Loren Rue.  

And finally, the series turned to someone steeped in local flavor. A locavore who has explored the very best of the state’s dining scene loved it so much he decided to make a TV series about it and has kept that passion for delectable eats for over 15 years, the creator of “Wisconsin Foodie,” Luke Zahm. 

Want to follow in the footsteps of the cheftestants? Find your new favorite spot as you travel this “Top Chef” trail across the city and follow all the Season 21's Milwaukee stops.