Cavas — Restaurant in Milwaukee

My wife and I went to Cavas for our anniversary to enjoy the small plate dining. Many 4-star and higher reviews online so we felt we were in for a treat. Their menu item descriptions conclude with an exclamatory description, which I believe is their way of trying to convince you their food is good. Our experience was underwhelming.

Based on the recommendation of our waitress, we selected three small-plates/appetizers and two small entrees. First out was the Choclo Nachos. The dip was OK - sweet from the corn with little discernable other flavors. The big disappointment was the stale hard-shell, right-from-the box taco shells they served as the “chips”. Ugh! The second plate was 2 small beef Empanadas with chimichurri dipping sauce. The highlight was the chimichurri as the empanadas didn't have any standout flavor. The last plate was the Hongos A La Pepa (mushrooms). The menu stated 3 types of mushrooms, but we found it difficult to discern any difference. They were bland and not very interesting and were served with what could have been a store-bought bakery hoagie roll - NOT an artesian baguette.

My wife had the Cazuela (seafood casserole) - 4 nice sized shrimp and 4 mussels that without the broth would have had no flavor. Returning was the odd hoagie roll as the vehicle to sop up the broth, which appeared to have from-the-jar minced garlic.

I had the Fricassee Chicken. It was: meh. Fairly standard fare. Not a lot of flavor and, even though the menu specifically called out how non-traditional the mash potatoes were, I found them to be quite traditional. Nothing special.

We each started with a cocktail which again, were bland and what flavor they did have was odd. The Nostalgia was available as a to-go option (must be popular, right?), but tasted like watered down bitters with rosemary. The wines we chose were different from what we’ve tried before and our waitress was kind enough to bring tastes of a few options for us.

Our waitress was the bright spot of our experience. Friendly and attentive. She spaced the timing of our plates well and offered good wine suggestions.

As the website states, seating is very limited (5-6 closely set tables plus a handful of stools at the bar). Reservations are strongly encouraged, and they charge a $25 per-person...

We are at Cavas yesterday for the first time and couldn’t be happier with our experience. I have never experienced a head chef show such exceptional hospitality in my entire life. On top of that, the imaginative presentation and hearty paella dishes, the intimate setting, and extremely attentive staff are second to none. Chef Ana personally called me back on a Wednesday night after I attempted to call even though I didn’t leave a message. We invited close friends in a group of 7, and Chef Ana went out of her way to introduce us to her sous chef from Italy to greet our Italian friends. The dining experience was intimate and elegant: everything from the perfect mojitos, incredible charcuterie board of cheeses, Jamón Serrano, white anchovies marmalade enjoyed over warm conversations with friends, Chef Ana and her staff, the succulent paella served in cast iron skillets, and wine pairings and imaginative desserts, we couldn’t be happier that we chose Cavas. We also really appreciated the tasteful decoration, hours of preparation that went into the homemade paella, and exquisite Sangria blend. We truly felt at home and look forward to coming back and continuing to support this truly exceptional...

We cannot say enough great things about this amazing hidden gem of a restaurant. The food is outstanding- incredibly presented, prepared and served. Every taste of every plate we have had (and we have had many as well as many repeats) is as if fireworks of amazing flavor explode in your mouth. From the time you walk through the front door Owner/ChefAnna (who is a cooking genius in her own right) greets you with a big smile and an “Hola” and makes everyone feel like she has invited you into her own home and kitchen and connects with you throughout your dining visit. She is a gracious host and she pays attention to every little detail so that you have the very best dining experience possible. She loves what she does and she’s a marvel. We have been to Cavas many times and each experience we feel like we are treated as if we are the only table in the restaurant. Chef Anna and staff are superb! We have taken guests from many cities and states when they come to visit and they cannot wait until their next visit to go back. Definitely 5 stars and more). Please don’t walk, please run to this outstanding dining gem in Milwaukee. You will be so happy you...