Bonjour!

Wagon and buggies on East Water Street (now North Water Street), north of East Detroit Street (now East St. Paul Street). Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Multi-year James Beard Foundation Award-nominated chef Kyle and Meghan Knall, alums of the lauded Union Square Hospitality Group, are the duo behind nationally lauded Birch. This fall, they are expanding their footprint in their hometown of Milwaukee and their goal of bringing world-class dining experiences into the heart of the Midwest with CASSIS, named one of Bon Appetit’s “Must-Visit Restaurants” of 2025.

Inspired by the south of France, CASSIS will celebrate the timeless charm of the French bistro, where good food, fine wine, and great company embody the art of living well. The all-day restaurant, located at 333 North Water Street in Milwaukee’s bustling cultural hub, the Third Ward, will feature a menu of bistro classics highlighting fresh, chilled seafood and vibrant, seasonal produce — familiar fare, reimagined with Midwestern ingredients. CASSIS’s wine list will spotlight primarily French producers, including bottles from the region of the restaurant’s namesake.

The 5,175 square foot space with nearly 200 seats features authentic design elements imported from Europe to create a space that captures the charm and vibrant energy of a bustling bistro that transports guests to the heart of France. Thoughtfully curated details such as vintage chandeliers, intricate mosaic tile work, and leather banquettes, designed in collaboration with Chicago’s Kuchar Studio and Dan Beyer Architects, further enhance the ambiance, blending timeless elegance with a sense of place.

Meghan and Kyle’s flagship restaurant, Birch, has been named one of the Best Restaurants in America by The New York Times for its “worldly Midwestern cuisine free of clichés.” Kyle has been twice named a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards, for Best Chef: Midwest and Outstanding Chef.