Tess Menu (Update 2025)
Welcome to Tess, a gem of New American cuisine located in Milwaukee's eclectic Riverwest neighborhood. This cozy spot showcases a menu brimming with creativity and bold flavors, perfect for any palate. Start your culinary adventure with tantalizing first courses like Bison Tostadas or Steamed Mussels, both showcasing locally sourced ingredients. As you transition to the second course, savor fresh salads like the Red Quinoa Spinach Salad, bursting with vibrant flavors.
The third course features an array of enticing entrees, from the Blackened Tilapia to the indulgent Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin, each dish crafted to perfection. Diners rave about the Butterscotch Budino for dessert—an unforgettable finish to your meal. With attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, Tess is not just a meal; it's an experience to be cherished. Whether it's a date night or a cozy dinner with friends, Tess promises exceptional food and memories that linger long after your last bite.
First Course
Steamed Mussels
coconut milk & chipotle broth, cilantro, mint
Crab Cake
creole remoulade, red pepper coulis, idaho window pane chip
Bison Tostadas
shredded lakeview buffalo farm bison shoulder, edamame hummus, honey sriracha crema, napa cabbage slaw, sweet onion jam
Pulled Pork Spring Rolls
pickled green papaya, ginger cilantro vinaigrette
Charred Shishito Peppers & Cauliflower
picada sauce
Caramelized Onion Gruyere Tart
gruyere, usinger's's smoked ham, caramelized onion, mascarpone, pastry crust
Strawberry Rocket Salad
baby arugula, fresh strawberries, candied walnuts, maytag bleu cheese, molasses vinaigrette (available gluten free)
Spiced Pecan Goat Cheese Salad
field greens & boston bibb lettuce, spiced pecans, goat cheese, poached apples, balsamic vinaigrette, honey glaze
Tess Salad
field greens, cucumbers, cherry tomato, shredded carrot, croutons, roasted tomato vinaigrette (available gluten free)
Red Quinoa Spinach Salad
baby spinach, red quinoa, naval orange segment, feta cheese, toasted almonds, raspberry vinaigrette
Second Course
Third Course
Grilled Scottish Salmon
lemon lavender red & white quinoa, sauteed green beans, rosemary vinaigrette
Jerk Grilled Shrimp
wild caught gulf shrimp, basmati rice, pineapple salsa, sautéed farmer's market vegetables, rhubarb chimichurri sauce
Blackened Tilapia
feta potato cake, fennel, celery pickeld apple salad, preserved cara cara orange vinaigrette
Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin
usda choice, sautéed green beans, truffled sugar bee oyster mushrooms & red wine sauce, butter mashed potato
Red Sorghum Pesto
red sorghum, braised napa cabbage, yellow curry, roasted shishito peppers, spinach pesto
Roasted Frenched Chicken Breast
yukon gold & sweet potato mash, sautéed green beans, roasted leek soubise sauce
House Made Ravioli
blend of fresh & aged cheeses, herbs, lemon zest tomato sauce, italian sausage crumble, white wine
San Francisco Cioppino
seared salmon, scallops, mussels, rock shrimp garlic, white wine, chili flakes, herbs, classic marinara sauce, crostini (available gluten free)
Five Spice Baby Back Ribs
blackberry bbq sauce, sharp cheddar polenta, sweet corn, cabbage & jicama slaw
Roasted Rack of Lamb
sweet onion mint jam, sautéed green beans, purple fingerling potatoes, orange oregano vinaigrette
New England Clam Chowder
Classic Shrimp Cocktail
with wasabi cocktail sauce
Panko Breaded Lake Perch or Tempura Battered Tilapia
Homemade Friday Fish Fry
Dessert
Flourless Chocolate Cake
with housemade colectivo coffee custard
Raspberry Trifle
macerated red raspberries layered with almond pound cake & mascarpone cream
Crme Brulee of the Week
changes weekly, ask your server for current selection
Butterscotch Budino
with caramel sauce, whipped cream, pink salt