Door County, Wisconsin, is famous not only for its stunning shoreline and small-town charm but also for its food. Whether you’re craving local fish, fresh pies, gourmet plates, or quick bites, the restaurants in Door County serve it all. The region blends family traditions, local ingredients, and coastal flair into unforgettable meals.
This article highlights the best Door County restaurants across styles—casual cafes, lakeside grills, fine dining spots, and comfort food stops. If you’re planning a visit, this food guide helps you find the perfect spot for every taste and budget.
Best Door County Restaurants for Every Taste
| Restaurant Name | Location | Cuisine Type | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Johnson’s Swedish | Sister Bay | Scandinavian | Goat-topped roof, Swedish pancakes |
| Wild Tomato Wood-Fired | Fish Creek | Pizza | Wood-fired artisan pizza |
| White Gull Inn | Fish Creek | American/Brunch | Traditional fish boil, cherry-stuffed French toast |
| Wickman House | Ellison Bay | Farm-to-Table Fine Dining | Seasonal menus, cocktails |
| Door County Creamery | Sister Bay | Sandwiches & Gelato | Goat cheese sandwiches, fresh gelato |
| PC Junction | Baileys Harbor | Family Diner | Train-delivered meals |
| The Fireside | Egg Harbor | Cajun/Creole Fusion | Door County southern flavors |
| Donny’s Glidden Lodge | Sturgeon Bay | Steakhouse | Lakeside steak and seafood |
| Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard | Fish Creek | Dessert | Frozen custard, sundaes |
| Wild Restaurant | Ephraim | Contemporary | Healthy, modern dishes |
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant – A Scandinavian Classic
Located in Sister Bay, Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant is one of the most iconic places in Door County. Known for its goats grazing on the roof, it offers a dining experience you won’t forget. The menu features authentic Swedish dishes like lingonberry pancakes, meatballs, and pickled herring.
Families, tourists, and locals all gather here for breakfast and lunch. With staff in traditional dress and cozy wooden interiors, this restaurant blends culture and comfort with every plate.
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Wild Tomato – Wood-Fired Pizza With a Twist
If you’re in Fish Creek or Sister Bay, Wild Tomato delivers some of the best pizza in Door County. Using local ingredients and a wood-fired oven, the pizza here comes with bold flavors and crispy crusts.
The cherry BBQ chicken pizza is a local favorite, mixing Door County cherries with savory toppings. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options make this spot welcoming for everyone. The casual vibe and friendly service create a warm setting for families and groups.
White Gull Inn – Home of the Famous Fish Boil
The White Gull Inn in Fish Creek offers classic Door County traditions. Its most famous feature is the traditional fish boil, where fresh whitefish is cooked outdoors over a fire. The meal is topped off with a slice of homemade cherry pie.
Breakfast here is another big hit. The cherry-stuffed French toast brings people back again and again. With historic charm and hearty meals, White Gull Inn connects you with the real flavor of the region.
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Wickman House – Elegant Dining in a Rustic Setting
For a more refined experience, Wickman House in Ellison Bay brings upscale dining to a peaceful countryside location. With a focus on farm-to-table cooking, the menu changes with the seasons.
Dishes feature local meats, seafood, and produce. Handcrafted cocktails and a carefully selected wine list make this the go-to for special nights out. Wickman House combines nature, design, and dining in a thoughtful and relaxed way.
Door County Creamery – Goat Cheese and Gelato Galore
Sister Bay’s Door County Creamery offers a fresh take on casual dining. This small shop makes its own goat cheese, which fills the sandwiches, salads, and sides. The creamery also crafts small-batch gelato, perfect for a sunny walk through town.
With outdoor seating and a menu that’s both fun and gourmet, it’s a favorite among food explorers and families alike.
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PC Junction – Train-Themed Fun for Families
Families with kids love PC Junction in Baileys Harbor. Meals arrive by mini train at your table, turning lunch into an adventure. The menu offers classic American diner items like burgers, chicken tenders, and fries.
More than a meal, it’s an experience. The outdoor play area and scenic location make it a must-visit for families traveling through Door County.
The Fireside – Southern Flavor in the North
Egg Harbor’s Fireside Restaurant adds spice to the local food scene. The menu blends Cajun and Southern American dishes with Wisconsin ingredients. Expect dishes like shrimp and grits, jambalaya, and creole-seasoned fish.
The comfortable space and flavor-forward menu offer something different while keeping the relaxed Door County spirit alive.
Donny’s Glidden Lodge – Fine Steak by the Water
Just outside Sturgeon Bay, Donny’s Glidden Lodge gives diners beautiful lake views and fine dining together. Known for its steak and seafood, this restaurant is perfect for date nights or celebrations.
The atmosphere stays welcoming and relaxed, making it popular with both locals and tourists. Sunset views from the dining room add to the experience.
Not Licked Yet – Frozen Custard and Family Vibes
Fish Creek’s Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard is more than just a dessert shop. With a wide range of custard flavors, sundaes, and toppings, it satisfies every sweet tooth. A creekside location with picnic benches makes it perfect for kids to run around while parents relax.
Open seasonally, this place turns dessert into a joyful Door County memory.
Wild Restaurant – Fresh, Clean, Modern
Located in Ephraim, Wild Restaurant focuses on healthy, flavorful dishes with clean ingredients. The space feels modern, and the menu offers global flavors with a local touch.
It’s ideal for those looking for vegetarian, gluten-free, or wellness-based meals without sacrificing taste. The setting is quiet, with views of the shoreline, making it a peaceful place to unwind.
FAQs
The White Gull Inn is the top choice for fish boils and cherry-based dishes that reflect the region’s food culture.
Wild Tomato in Fish Creek or Sister Bay serves high-quality wood-fired pizza with local ingredients.
PC Junction offers a train-themed restaurant where kids receive food delivered by toy trains.
Yes. Places like Wild Restaurant and Wild Tomato offer menus with healthy, plant-based, and gluten-free choices.
Not Licked Yet in Fish Creek offers frozen custard and sundaes in a family-friendly outdoor setting.
Door County restaurants offer something for everyone. Whether you’re after a full dinner with cocktails or a frozen custard in the sun, this food destination never disappoints. With family-friendly stops, fine dining, cultural experiences, and local flair, the area truly delivers food for every taste and mood.