Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, Pier 290 offers more than just stunning views; it boasts a culinary experience that draws locals and visitors alike. The Pier 290 Lake Geneva menu is a vibrant showcase of fresh, local ingredients combined with innovative flavors, designed to appeal to a wide range of palates.
Whether you’re craving succulent seafood, hearty steaks, or flavorful vegetarian dishes, the menu promises a satisfying dining adventure. As the seasons change, so does the inspiration behind the offerings, ensuring every visit feels unique and memorable.
Dining at Pier 290 is more than a meal—it’s an invitation to indulge in the essence of Lake Geneva’s rich culinary heritage. The menu balances classic favorites with contemporary twists, reflecting the dynamic spirit of the region.
Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the best of what local farms and waters provide, underscoring the restaurant’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Beyond the food, the menu’s design emphasizes accessibility and variety, catering to both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or planning a celebratory feast, Pier 290’s menu offers something for every occasion and taste preference.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Start
The appetizers at Pier 290 set the tone for a remarkable dining experience, offering a diverse selection that is both inviting and satisfying. These starters are designed to awaken the palate and provide a preview of the meal to come.
Freshness is key in this section, with many options featuring locally sourced produce and fresh seafood. From crisp salads to rich, creamy dips, the appetizers blend texture and flavor to create memorable beginnings.
Among the popular choices are the crispy calamari, served with a zesty aioli, and the artisan cheese platter, featuring selections from Wisconsin’s finest creameries. Vegetarian options are also thoughtfully included, ensuring inclusivity without sacrificing taste.
Signature Starters
- Lake Geneva Calamari – Lightly breaded and fried, paired with house-made spicy aioli
- Wisconsin Cheese Board – A curated selection of local cheeses, nuts, and fruit preserves
- Roasted Beet Salad – Mixed greens with goat cheese, candied pecans, and balsamic glaze
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip – Creamy, warm dip served with toasted baguette slices
“Our appetizers are crafted to capture the essence of Lake Geneva’s local flavors, providing a perfect introduction to the meal.”
Seafood Selections: Fresh from the Lake and Beyond
Seafood lovers find a haven in Pier 290’s menu, where fresh catches meet expert preparation. The seafood section emphasizes sustainable sourcing and innovative recipes that celebrate the lake’s bounty.
From delicate white fish to robust shellfish, the variety caters to diverse tastes. Dishes range from lightly grilled to richly sauced, ensuring each option delivers both texture and depth of flavor.
Seasonal specials often highlight unique regional catches, giving guests a chance to explore new tastes with confidence. The chefs’ focus on simplicity allows the natural flavors to shine through, enhanced by subtle herbs and spices.
Popular Seafood Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
| Pan-Seared Lake Trout | Fresh trout with lemon butter sauce and seasonal vegetables | $28 |
| Grilled Shrimp Skewers | Marinated shrimp served with garlic aioli and rice pilaf | $24 |
| Seafood Pasta | Mixed shellfish in a light tomato cream sauce over linguine | $32 |
| Crab Cakes | Hand-formed cakes with remoulade and fresh slaw | $26 |
“Our commitment to sustainable seafood ensures every bite supports the health of Lake Geneva’s ecosystem.”
Steak and Grill: Hearty and Satisfying
For those seeking robust flavors and satisfying portions, the steak and grill section offers an array of expertly prepared meats. Each cut is selected for quality and cooked to perfection, promising a memorable dining experience.
The menu features classic cuts like ribeye and filet mignon, alongside creative grilled dishes that incorporate bold spices and marinades. These options cater to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
Complementary sides and sauces enhance the dishes without overpowering the natural flavors. The emphasis on balance and presentation elevates these hearty plates to fine dining standards.
Grilled Favorites
- Ribeye Steak – 14 oz. hand-cut, served with herb butter and rosemary potatoes
- Filet Mignon – Tender and juicy, paired with a red wine reduction
- BBQ Pork Ribs – Slow-cooked ribs glazed with house-made barbecue sauce
- Grilled Portobello Mushroom – Marinated mushroom cap with garlic aioli, a vegetarian grill option
| Steak Cut | Weight | Recommended Sauce |
| Ribeye | 14 oz. | Herb Butter |
| Filet Mignon | 8 oz. | Red Wine Reduction |
| New York Strip | 12 oz. | Black Peppercorn Sauce |
“Our grill selections bring out the best in every cut, offering a rich, satisfying experience for meat lovers.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Thoughtfully Crafted
Recognizing the importance of diverse dietary preferences, Pier 290 offers an impressive range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options are crafted with the same care and creativity as the rest of the menu.
From vibrant salads to hearty entrees, the plant-based selections highlight fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes. The use of herbs and spices ensures bold flavor without relying on animal products.
Guests will find that these dishes are not simply alternatives but highlights in their own right, appealing to dedicated vegetarians and omnivores alike.
Plant-Based Highlights
- Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl – A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables with a lemon-tahini dressing
- Vegan Mushroom Risotto – Creamy risotto made with vegetable broth and sautéed wild mushrooms
- Grilled Vegetable Wrap – Filled with marinated zucchini, peppers, and hummus in a whole wheat tortilla
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos – Topped with avocado and cilantro-lime sauce
“Our vegetarian and vegan dishes celebrate the richness of plant-based cuisine with authentic, exciting flavors.”
Kids’ Menu: Delicious and Nutritious
The kids’ menu at Pier 290 is designed to delight younger diners with familiar flavors presented in a wholesome way. Parents appreciate the balance of taste and nutrition in these carefully curated selections.
Portion sizes are appropriate for children, and the dishes avoid overly processed ingredients. This approach encourages healthy eating habits without compromising on flavor or fun.
Options accommodate common preferences while introducing children to new tastes and textures, helping to cultivate adventurous eaters in a comfortable setting.
Popular Children’s Dishes
- Chicken Tenders – Crispy and golden, served with carrot sticks and ranch dressing
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy pasta made with real Wisconsin cheddar
- Mini Burgers – Two slider-sized beef patties with cheese and pickles
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Classic sandwich on toasted sourdough bread
| Dish | Portion Size | Price |
| Chicken Tenders | 4 pieces | $8 |
| Macaroni and Cheese | 1 cup | $7 |
| Mini Burgers | 2 sliders | $9 |
| Grilled Cheese | 1 sandwich | $6 |
“Our kids’ menu strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and fun, making mealtime enjoyable for the whole family.”
Desserts: Sweet Finales
The dessert offerings at Pier 290 provide a delightful conclusion to the dining experience. Each dessert is crafted to highlight rich flavors and satisfying textures, creating indulgent moments to remember.
From classic favorites to inventive new creations, the dessert menu caters to all types of sweet cravings. Seasonal ingredients often inspire limited-time treats, adding an element of surprise and excitement.
Pairing suggestions with coffee or dessert wines are also provided to enhance the final course and round out the meal perfectly.
Signature Desserts
- Chocolate Lava Cake – Warm, gooey cake with vanilla bean ice cream
- Lemon Panna Cotta – Silky, tangy custard topped with fresh berries
- Apple Crisp – Served warm with cinnamon and caramel sauce
- Seasonal Sorbet – Light and refreshing, made in-house
| Dessert | Flavor Profile | Price |
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Rich and chocolatey with creamy ice cream | $9 |
| Lemon Panna Cotta | Light, tangy, and refreshing | $8 |
| Apple Crisp | Warm, sweet, with cinnamon and caramel | $7 |
| Seasonal Sorbet | Fresh and fruity | $6 |
“Our desserts are designed to offer a perfect balance of indulgence and sophistication, rounding out your meal with a memorable sweet note.”
Beverages: Complementing Every Meal
Pier 290 offers an extensive beverage menu crafted to complement its diverse food offerings. From handcrafted cocktails to carefully selected wines, the drink list enhances the overall dining experience.
The cocktail menu features both classics and inventive creations that incorporate fresh herbs, local spirits, and seasonal fruits. The wine list emphasizes regional and international varieties, with options to suit every taste and budget.
Non-alcoholic options are equally thoughtful, featuring house-made sodas, fresh juices, and specialty coffees and teas to satisfy all guests.
Beverage Highlights
- Signature Cocktails – Including the Lake Geneva Mule and the Pier 290 Old Fashioned
- Local Craft Beers – A rotating selection from Wisconsin breweries
- Extensive Wine List – Whites, reds, and sparkling options from around the globe
- Non-Alcoholic – Freshly brewed coffee, herbal teas, and artisanal sodas
| Beverage | Description | Price |
| Lake Geneva Mule | Vodka, ginger beer, lime, and fresh mint | $11 |
| Pier 290 Old Fashioned | Bourbon, bitters, sugar, and orange twist | $12 |
| Local IPA | Crisp, hoppy, and refreshing | $7 |
| Chardonnay | Rich and buttery with notes of oak and citrus | $9/glass |
“Our beverage program is designed to elevate your meal, offering the perfect pairing for every dish.”
Conclusion
The Pier 290 Lake Geneva menu exemplifies a harmonious blend of local tradition and culinary innovation. Each section of the menu reflects a dedication to quality, sustainability, and guest satisfaction, making it a standout choice for any dining occasion.
Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood, enjoying expertly grilled steaks, or exploring plant-based creations, the menu caters to a wide spectrum of tastes with elegance and care.
What truly sets Pier 290 apart is its commitment to seasonal variety and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, ensuring that every dish bursts with authentic flavor. The well-curated beverage list and indulgent desserts further enhance the dining experience, creating memorable moments that invite repeat visits.
From families enjoying the kids’ menu to food enthusiasts seeking sophisticated fare, Pier 290 offers an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Ultimately, the menu at Pier 290 is more than a list of dishes—it’s an invitation to explore the rich culinary landscape of Lake Geneva, one delicious bite at a time. Whether visiting for a casual meal or a special celebration, guests can expect exceptional food, attentive service, and the warm ambiance of one of Lake Geneva’s premier dining destinations.
