5 Restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI for Great Desserts
Updated 29 September 2026 · 6 restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide covers five restaurants around Downtown Appleton that Google lists for great dessert, useful for anyone planning a dinner that ends with something sweet. The ranking comes from Google ratings weighted by review count, so places rated well by many diners rank higher. Each entry uses only the listed category, hours, address and attributes, plus what reviewers mention about the food, service and setting.
#1
Carmella's an Italian Bistro
★ 4.7 (1,124 Google reviews)Restaurant$20–50 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Carmella's an Italian Bistro is at 716 N Casaloma Dr, open for dinner 4 to 9 pm Tuesday through Saturday. It identifies as women-owned and lists a wine list, cocktails, outdoor seating and a private dining room. Reviewers mention a roasted beet salad, chicken marsala and creme brulee, and describe attentive service at the bar even when the dining room is busy.
Best for: Date night Italian dinner
- Address
- 716 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue 4–9 pm; Wed 4–9 pm
#2
Ellinor
★ 4.8 (293 Google reviews)New American restaurant$30–70 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Ellinor is a New American restaurant at 1016 E Pacific St, serving dinner from 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday. Reviewers describe a small room with limited seating, a rotating menu, careful plate presentation and a wine list with many options by the glass or bottle. One reviewer notes a short wait even with a reservation. Small plates, vegetarian options and dessert are listed.
Best for: Special occasion tasting of small plates
- Address
- 1016 E Pacific St, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–9:30 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4–9:30 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 4–9 pm
#3
Mark's East Side
★ 4.6 (2,333 Google reviews)German restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mark's East Side is a German restaurant at 1405 E Wisconsin Ave, open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday and for dinner on Saturday. It lists a beer selection, cocktails and happy hour. Reviewers mention French onion soup with a baked cheese crust, fried cheese curds, schnitzel and daily specials, and describe supper club charm and warm hospitality at the door.
Best for: German plates and supper club feel
- Address
- 1405 E Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9:30 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4–9:30 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–8:30 pm; Tue 11 am–8:30 pm; Wed 11 am–8:30 pm
#4
Spats
★ 4.5 (657 Google reviews)American restaurant$10–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Spats is an American restaurant at 733 W College Ave with Sunday brunch from 9:30 am and dinner on several weeknights. It identifies as women-owned and lists live music, a patio and a beer and wine selection. Reviewers mention pork belly hash, Bloody Marys, Brussels sprouts, cheese curds, walleye and a gnocchi special. One found service only average on a first visit.
Best for: Sunday brunch and patio dining
- Address
- 733 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54914, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11:30 am–8:30 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4:30–8:30 pm; Sun 9:30 am–2 pm; Thu 4:30–8:30 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 4:30–8:30 pm
#5
Victoria's Italian Cuisine
★ 4.4 (1,757 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Victoria's Italian Cuisine is at 503 W College Ave and opens daily from 11 am, closing at 8:30 or 9 pm. It offers curbside pickup, delivery, cocktails and happy-hour drinks. Reviewers mention large portions that often lead to leftovers, reasonable prices, quick service and gluten-free pasta. Some describe stopping in after a local chocolate walk event.
Best for: Generous pasta portions
- Address
- 503 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9 pm; Mon 11 am–8:30 pm; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun 11 am–8:30 pm; Thu 11 am–8:30 pm; Tue 11 am–8:30 pm; Wed 11 am–8:30 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 6 restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then listed on Google as “Great dessert”, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Book ahead at Ellinor: Google lists reservations as required.
- For an early start, Spats opens at 9:30 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
Carmella's an Italian Bistro ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.7 from 1,124 reviews. Ellinor is second at 4.8 from 293 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Ellinor, at 9:30 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Carmella's an Italian Bistro $20–50; Ellinor $30–70; Mark's East Side $20–30; Spats $10–30; Victoria's Italian Cuisine $20–30.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Carmella's an Italian Bistro, Ellinor, Mark's East Side, Spats and Victoria's Italian Cuisine.
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