5 Underrated Restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI Worth Trying
Updated 11 October 2026 · 8 restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list features Downtown Appleton, Wisconsin, restaurants that hold a Google rating of 4.4 or higher but have fewer than 400 reviews, which can make them easy to miss in a search. Eight qualifying businesses were considered, and entries are ordered by rating. Each one shows hours, address and listed price range where available, along with what reviewers say about the food and service. Ratings and review counts change over time, so check each listing before you plan a visit.
#1
VIA Pizza Napoletana
★ 4.9 (83 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
VIA Pizza Napoletana is at 716 N Casaloma Dr, rated 4.9 from 83 Google reviews with a listed price range of $20 to $30. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, with lunch from 11 am to 2 pm and dinner from 4 to 9 pm, and closed Sundays and Mondays. Reservations are accepted, and the menu includes wine, small plates and dessert. Reviewers mention a gluten free crust they called excellent, a Napoletana style pizza, and pistachio gelato. One reviewer felt the pizza was good but not great.
Best for: Gluten free crust and Neapolitan style pizza
- Address
- 716 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–2 pm, 4–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–2 pm, 4–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–2 pm, 4–9 pm; Tue 11 am–2 pm, 4–9 pm; Wed 11 am–2 pm, 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, rated 4.8 from 293 Google reviews with a listed price range of $30 to $70. It is open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner and closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Attributes include a great wine list, cocktails, dessert, small plates and vegetarian options. Reviewers mention a rotating menu, a wine selection by the glass or bottle, and a small room of about 33 seats. One reviewer praised the presentation of each plate.
Best for: Date night and rotating menu
- 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
Tomaso's
★ 4.8 (236 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Tomaso's sits at 115 E Washington St in Appleton and holds a 4.8 rating from 236 Google reviews. It opens at 11 am on its open days, closes on Sundays and Mondays, and serves until 8 or 9 pm. Reviewers call out a pan style deep dish with a firm, bready base, a sauce with balanced sweetness, and a welcoming atmosphere. The building has accessible parking, seating and restroom access. No price range is listed.
Best for: Deep dish and pan style pizza
- Address
- 115 E Washington St Ste 106, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–8 pm; Tue 11 am–8 pm; Wed 11 am–8 pm
#4
Pizza King
★ 4.7 (294 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
On E Calumet St in Appleton, Pizza King is rated 4.7 from 294 Google reviews. It opens daily at 10:30 am and closes at 9 pm, which fits a midday or early evening plan. One reviewer described the subs as the best they had eaten, and a counter worker stayed helpful on a busy New Year's Eve. The dining room is listed as quiet, with Wi-Fi and card payments accepted.
Best for: Subs and quick takeout pizza
- Address
- 1717 E Calumet St, Appleton, WI 54915, United States
- Hours
- daily 10:30 am–9 pm
#5
Pierri Pizza
★ 4.7 (272 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Pierri Pizza at 815 W College Ave is rated 4.7 from 272 Google reviews. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 to 9 pm and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Takeout and dine-in are offered, along with catering and beer. Reviewers describe the pepperoni as very flavorful, the sauce as well balanced, and the crust as toasted and lightly crisp. One reviewer advised arriving early because the kitchen gets very busy.
Best for: Local crust fans and takeout
- Address
- 815 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54914, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4–9 pm; Sun 4–9 pm; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 4–9 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 8 restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. 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 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Book ahead at Ellinor: Google lists reservations as required.
- 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?
VIA Pizza Napoletana ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 83 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: VIA Pizza Napoletana $20–30; Ellinor $30–70; Pizza King $10–20; Pierri Pizza $10–20. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for VIA Pizza Napoletana, Ellinor, Pizza King and Pierri Pizza.
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