Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant — Restaurant in Appleton

I had the pleasure of dining at Fratello’s, and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be! Despite being in a smaller city, this restaurant has clearly earned its spot on the map, especially with its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2025. I wasn’t expecting such an extensive wine list here, but I was truly impressed. It’s a rare find in Appleton to see a restaurant with such a broad selection of wines, and while the markup is noticeable, the quality and variety are well worth it.

The Food:
I was treated to a recommendation from Jimmy, a friendly bartender originally from southern Maine (my neck of the woods), who suggested the walleye. The fish came perfectly cooked—sweet, tender, and with a crispy panko crust that added a delightful texture. Paired with a unique twist on a Caesar salad, which was served as individually dressed bib lettuce leaves, it was a refreshing take on a classic dish.

The Service:
The service was top-notch. TJ, our bartender, had a big, welcoming presence, providing a touch of elegance that set the tone for the evening. TJ noticed within milliseconds that I needed attention, even without any sort of signal. This is a man who exudes professionalism. Both Jimmy and TJ made the experience feel personal, offering insight into the wine selection and helping make the dining experience even more enjoyable.

The Wine List:
I can’t emphasize this enough—the wine list is incredible. The wines are priced with a distinct markup, but I felt it was well worth it to explore some unique bottles I wouldn't normally encounter. It’s not every day you get to enjoy such a variety of wines in a smaller city, and Fratello’s has clearly made an effort to curate a collection that stands out.

The Atmosphere:
The restaurant’s setting is another highlight. With a stunning view of the falls and abundant wildlife in sight, the ambiance is peaceful and scenic. The crowd here is interesting, and while the menu is elegant, it draws in a mix of locals and visitors—many of whom, like myself, are likely coming for the impressive wine list.

All in all, I was thoroughly impressed with Fratello’s. Whether you're there for the unique wines, the amazing food, the incredible service, or the breathtaking view of the falls, it’s definitely worth a visit. I’ll be back for sure.

update on 27July Delivering a good experience can be a one off opportunity. So tonight, I broke all of my rules and went back to the same place two times in one week.

I can state, unequivocally, that Fratello's is a repeatably consistent place that I can...

My boyfriend and I have been to Fratellos a few times and words do not describe how insane that food is. Firstly you're right on the river so you can see it out the windows and it's gorgeous and terrifying all at the same time. The servers are always very nice and friendly and check up on you often. Now the best part of the experience is of course the meal. My boyfriend and I always get the warm bread and the short rib crostini and then one of the other appetizers to start. The short rib crostini is honestly and truly to die for. Like if they took it off the menu, we would riot because I have never had something that delicious in my entire life. This time we went with the Bam Bam Shrimp as our other app and it was indescribable. My boyfriend got a Blu Bobber ale and I got an Orange Obsession mocktail. I actually had 3 because of how good they were. We then ordered our entrées and I got the Salmon BLT which I have had before and knew what I was getting myself into. My boyfriend got the Speziata Crispy Chicken Sandwich which he loved. Both sandwiches were super messy which I expected because of the sauces that come on them and the tomato on mine. They come with truffle fries which I forgot to ask for just regular fries because I'm not a big truffle fry person but they were still amazing regardless. And then I had a glass of Semi Sweet Riesling which was divine, breathtaking, beyond words lol. And my boyfriend got a Orange Dreamsicle cocktail. We got 2 desserts to go. I always get the Cioccolato Fiorentino. If you want the sweetest, richest, most decadent chocolate cake in Wisconsin, this is what that is. And my boyfriend got a Grasshopper cheesecake. He hasn't tried it yet but when he opened the box, I knew he made a great decision. I'm not a big mint or cheesecake person but even I can admit that that cake is jaw dropping to look at let alone taste. This was my birthday dinner and our server was Jake so big ups to Jake for being a great server even though we were still ordering stuff close to closing for them and we will have to come back when it's warmer to try the river domes because they...

An enchanting dining experience awaits at Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant in Appleton, WI. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with warmth and elegance. The ambiance is simply captivating, with panoramic views of the Fox River setting the stage for a memorable evening.

Each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients and bursting with flavor. Whether indulging in their succulent steaks, fresh seafood, or innovative vegetarian options, every bite is a culinary delight.

The service is impeccable, with attentive staff catering to your every need, ensuring a seamless dining experience. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list or expertly crafted cocktails for the perfect complement to your palate.

Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant truly exceeds expectations, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking exceptional cuisine in a charming riverside setting. Five stars don't do it justice—this establishment is in a league of its own.

With that being said, I ordered the Surf & Turf. My husband ordered a gluten-free pasta from their separate gluten-free menu. I am pleasantly surprised with this menu. It was not just a few options like other restaurants.

The gluten-free pasta was perfectly done with just the right amount of heat. The Surf & Turf consists of a small lobster tail, 8 oz filet Minion. The steak was done to perfection. The cut was a bit too thick to allow for a thorough cook. I'd suggest thinking about sous vide for steak this thick. Mine, although cooked to a perfect medium rare, it was too rare in the center. The cut was just a little bit too thick. The Riverfront View is a beautiful feature that you can enjoy from anywhere...