About
Il Cervo — Italian for “The Deer” and pronounced “il CHAIR-vo” — brings modern Italian food and drink to the heart of Milwaukee’s Deer District. From handmade pasta to wood-fired pizza, our kitchen blends Italy’s timeless traditions with the craftsmanship that defines Milwaukee.
With spectacular rooftop views, world-class hospitality, and a spirit rooted in the city’s Italian heritage, Il Cervo welcomes hotel guests, Fiserv fans, and the Milwaukee community alike.
View MenusOur Trade
(Heritage-Inspired)
At Il Cervo, our craft is shaped by two traditions — the culinary heritage of Italy and the industrious spirit of Milwaukee. Milwaukee’s Italian roots run deep: beginning in the late 1800s, Sicilian and Southern Italian immigrants settled in the Third Ward, bringing their love of food, family, and community.
They rolled pasta by hand, cured meats, and built businesses that became a lasting part of the city’s culture. We carry that story forward today — stretching fresh mozzarella, fermenting dough for our pizzas, and pairing house-made pastas with wines that honor both Italy and Milwaukee’s tradition of craftsmanship.
The Players
l Cervo isn’t just a restaurant on top of The Trade Hotel — it’s a continuation of Milwaukee’s story. The Third Ward once bustled with Italian immigrants who wove food, family, and hospitality into the fabric of the city.
Today, from our rooftop in the Deer District, we connect that history to the present: a modern Italian kitchen inspired by craft, community, and celebration. In partnership with Food Fight Restaurant Group and NCG Hospitality, Il Cervo reflects Milwaukee’s past while shaping its future as a dining destination.
ERIK HANSEN
Executive Chef
Executive Chef Erik Hansen began his career in Milwaukee kitchens and later honed his craft in Italy, where he apprenticed in Florence and worked in kitchens across Europe.
His cooking bridges those worlds: inspired by Italy’s regional traditions and rooted in Milwaukee’s own immigrant story. Just as Milwaukee’s Sicilian and Southern Italian families once gathered in the Third Ward to share meals, Erik brings that same spirit of community and craftsmanship to every dish at Il Cervo.