Best Value · Appleton
Affordable Restaurants in Appleton, WI
Find quality restaurants that fit your budget. Compare prices, read reviews, and request free quotes — no obligation.
As of June 2026, RatingsNearMe ranks 20 restaurants in Appleton, WI by the RNM Score — a 0–100 rating built from Google ratings, review volume, sentiment, and profile completeness. The top-ranked is SAP Brunch with a 4.7-star rating from 1,871 Google reviews and an RNM Score of 83/100. Also in the top tier: Carmella's an Italian Bistro and Draft Gastropub. The average rating across all listed restaurants in Appleton is 4.6 stars from 1,097 reviews per business on average.
Restaurants in Appleton range from $ (budget, under $15/person) to $$$$ (fine dining, $60+/person).
Rankings updated June 10, 2026 · RNM Score = ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · Not paid placement.
Appleton, Wisconsin offers a diverse range of restaurants catering to various tastes and preferences. From classic Italian cuisine to contemporary American fare, the city's dining scene provides ample options for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable culinary experience.
- ✓Wide variety of restaurant types, including Italian, American, and more
- ✓Restaurants known for quality ingredients and creative menu offerings
- ✓Dining options suitable for various occasions, from casual to upscale
Best Overall
Carmella's an Italian Bistro
Carmella's an Italian Bistro stands out as the top-ranked restaurant in Appleton for its consistently excellent Italian cuisine and upscale dining experience.
Most Reviewed
Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant
A high review count indicates broad popularity and reliable service, making it a safe choice for many diners.
For a special night out, book ahead at Carmella's or Wilder's; for a more casual meal with river views, Fratellos is a popular choice. Check each restaurant's current hours and menu online before visiting.
How to Choose a Restaurant in Appleton
What to look for
- • Cleanliness and sanitation of the restaurant's interior and exterior
- • Menu variety and quality of ingredients used
- • Attentive and friendly service from staff
- • Positive online reviews and ratings from local customers
Questions to ask
- • How long has the restaurant been in business?
- • What are the restaurant's policies regarding food allergies and dietary restrictions?
- • Does the restaurant source any local or Wisconsin-based ingredients?
Red flags
- ⚠ Unsanitary or poorly maintained facilities
- ⚠ Inconsistent or negative reviews from customers
- ⚠ Unresponsive or rude staff
In Wisconsin, restaurants must obtain a valid food service license and comply with state and local health department regulations. It's important to verify that the restaurant you're considering has the necessary licenses and insurance coverage to operate legally and safely.
Local Market Snapshot
20
Businesses listed
4.6★
Avg rating
1,097
Avg reviews
Jun 10, 2026
Last updated
Top Rated Restaurants
Boasting a stellar 4.7-star rating from over 1,800 reviews, this Appleton restaurant is a local favorite.
708 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, USARated 4.7 stars from over 1,100 Google reviews, this Appleton restaurant is a local favorite.
716 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, USAEnjoy a 4.6-star rating backed by over 1,800 glowing Google reviews.
664 W Ridgeview Dr, Appleton, WI 54911, USARestaurants Rankings in Appleton, WI
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | SAP Brunch708 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, USA | 4.7★ | 1,871 |
| #2 | Carmella's an Italian Bistro716 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, USA | 4.7★ | 1,102 |
| #3 | Draft Gastropub664 W Ridgeview Dr, Appleton, WI 54911, USA | 4.6★ | 1,804 |
| #4 | Machine Shed Restaurant Appleton220 N Fox River Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, USA | 4.2★ | 2,246 |
| #5 | Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant501 W Water St, Appleton, WI 54911, USA | 4.5★ | 2,358 |
| #6 | Pullmans at Trolley Square619 S Olde Oneida St, Appleton, WI 54915, USA | 4.4★ | 1,797 |
| #7 | Antojitos Mexicanos204 E College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, USA | 4.5★ | 1,324 |
| #8 | The Melting Pot of Appleton2295 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54914, USA | 4.4★ | 1,061 |
| #9 | Rye Restaurant308 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, USA | 4.6★ | 879 |
| #10 | Wilder's Cutting Edge Bistro2639 S Oneida St, Appleton, WI 54915, USA | 4.5★ | 870 |
Ranked by verified ratings & review volume · Data from Google Business listings · Updated June 2026
All Restaurants in Appleton
A solid 4.2-star rating from over 2,200 Google reviews reflects consistent quality.
220 N Fox River Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, USA
Rated 4.5 stars from over 2,300 Google reviews, a top choice in Appleton.
501 W Water St, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
A solid 4.4-star rating from nearly 1,800 Google reviews confirms consistent quality.
619 S Olde Oneida St, Appleton, WI 54915, USA
Consistently rated 4.5 stars from over 1,300 customer reviews.
204 E College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
Known for solid 4.4 stars from over a thousand Google reviews in Appleton.
2295 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54914, USA
Praised by hundreds of customers, this Appleton restaurant holds a strong 4.6-star rating.
308 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
Boasting 4.5 stars from 870 reviews, this Appleton restaurant is a local favorite.
2639 S Oneida St, Appleton, WI 54915, USA
Boasting a stellar 4.8-star rating from nearly 750 reviews, this Appleton restaurant is a local favorite.
1103 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54914, USA
Appleton diner with a 4.7-star rating from over 700 reviews.
207 N Appleton St, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
A local favorite with 4.5 stars from over 500 Google reviews.
800 E Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
Known for exceptional service, this Appleton restaurant holds a 4.9-star rating from nearly 500 reviews.
125 E College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
A popular Appleton restaurant with a strong 4.7-star rating from 376 Google reviews.
N1788 Lily of the Valley Dr Suite B, Greenville, WI 54942, USA
279 Google reviews give this Appleton restaurant a solid 4.3-star rating.
1222 S Oneida St, Appleton, WI 54915, USA
59 Google reviews give this Appleton restaurant an exceptional 4.9-star rating.
126 E Pacific St, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
Popular Appleton restaurant maintains a solid 4.3-star rating from over 2,500 reviews.
110 N Richmond St, Appleton, WI 54912, USA
4.5 stars from over 600 reviews make this Appleton restaurant a popular choice.
733 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54914, USA
Exceptional 4.8-star rating from over 260 Google reviews in Appleton.
1016 E Pacific St, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
Get Free Quotes
We'll connect you with the top restaurants in Appleton, WI.
Restaurants in Appleton, WI — Compared
| # | Business | RNM Score | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SAP Brunch | 83/100 | 4.7 ★ | 1,871 |
| 2 | Carmella's an Italian Bistro | 83/100 | 4.7 ★ | 1,102 |
| 3 | Draft Gastropub | 82/100 | 4.6 ★ | 1,804 |
| 4 | Machine Shed Restaurant Appleton | 75/100 | 4.2 ★ | 2,246 |
| 5 | Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant | 80/100 | 4.5 ★ | 2,358 |
| 6 | Pullmans at Trolley Square | 78/100 | 4.4 ★ | 1,797 |
| 7 | Antojitos Mexicanos | 80/100 | 4.5 ★ | 1,324 |
| 8 | The Melting Pot of Appleton | 78/100 | 4.4 ★ | 1,061 |
| 9 | Rye Restaurant | 82/100 | 4.6 ★ | 879 |
| 10 | Wilder's Cutting Edge Bistro | 80/100 | 4.5 ★ | 870 |
Ranked by RatingsNearMe Score · ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · June 2026
Get your business on AI — ChatGPT, Perplexity & Google AI
AI assistants increasingly recommend local restaurants straight from RatingsNearMe. Claim your spot in Appleton to get featured in AI answers, comparison tables, and “best near me” results — where customers are actually searching now.
Frequently Asked Questions — Restaurants in Appleton
How do I find the best restaurants in Appleton?
Look for businesses with 4.5+ stars, 50+ verified reviews, proper licensing and insurance, and transparent pricing. The top-ranked restaurants in Appleton on this page are scored by our algorithm that weighs ratings, review count, and profile completeness.
Are restaurants in Appleton licensed and insured?
Licensing requirements vary by trade and state. For most home service contractors, WI requires both a state license and liability insurance. Always ask any contractor for proof of current insurance and a copy of their license number before work begins — you can verify most licenses on your state licensing board's website.
How much do restaurants charge in Appleton, WI?
Prices vary by scope, materials, and contractor experience. Use the free quote form on this page to request estimates from multiple local pros simultaneously. Getting 3+ quotes is the single most effective way to avoid overpaying.
What should I look for when hiring a restaurants in Appleton?
Verify licensing and insurance, read recent reviews on multiple platforms, ask for a written estimate before work starts, confirm they pull permits when required, and check references from recent local projects. Featured businesses on this page are ranked by verified ratings and review quality.
How are the restaurants on this page ranked?
Rankings use a transparent algorithm: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Featured Partner listings have paid for enhanced visibility but must still earn their position through real customer reviews — sponsored listings are clearly labeled.
Restaurants in Nearby Cities
Compare top-rated restaurants in cities near you.
How Rankings Work on This Page
Every restaurants on RatingsNearMe is scored transparently: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Businesses labeled exclusive or premium are Featured Partners — they have paid for enhanced visibility but must still rank through real customer reviews. We cap sponsored boosts so bad businesses can never buy the top spot.
Editorial notice: Ratings are based on publicly available data from Google Business listings. Consumers should independently verify licensing, insurance, and credentials before hiring any service provider. Last updated: June 10, 2026.
More Home Services in Appleton
Related Searches
More ways to find restaurants in Appleton