Best Restaurants & Places in Madison

25 Best Restaurants & Places in Madison, WI | 2024 (Top Eats!)

Madison city, lodged on the drifts of three beautiful lakes, is Wisconsin’s spectacular main metropolitan town. It has excellent eating places ideal for important events, great dinner dates, a relaxed brunch with pals, a joyful experience in relishing the atmosphere while devouring yummy meals, and a lot more.

There is a myriad of choices, whether you are yearning for dainties from unfamiliar homelands, nicely baked pies, incredible seafood platters, soft steaks, vegan menus, and a lot more. Being in such a place might put you in the limbo of finding a good place to eat when there are so many options.

So to help you clear up your doubts and find some places to eat, we have stated below some of the best Madison WI restaurants that you can pay a visit.

Table of Contents

Best Madison, WI Restaurants

1. Naples 15

Why it’s a must visit?

The Naples 15 restaurant was recently opened and therefore has gained popularity for serving contemporary authentic Italian food in the best sense.

The restaurant has a unique charm to it as the name of the restaurant itself was derived from the 15 family members that it has, and the recipes are also original and are passed from generation to generation.

Suppose one ever decides to visit this place. In that case, they feel as if they have instantly transported to Italy as the Southern inspired Italian food in Madison here has a taste that goes beyond imagination.

Chef’s Choice

One must give their traditional pizza a try, which goes by the name of Pizza Marinara, created from fresh San Marzano tomatoes.

It is the special dish of the renowned American singer Tony Bennett who always likes to order this pizza.

If you want to try something more soft and creamy, then you should go for their Escaped Clams Pasta, whose test is beyond amazing.

The pasta is Spaghetti seasoned with raw Pomodoro tomatoes, original olive oil, and other magnificent ingredients.

It’s also a 5 star restaurant.

Location and contact

2. Red

Why it’s a must visit?

The RED restaurant was established in 2011 and specialized in delivering exquisite sushi options in the downtown city.

It’s considered to be one of the best restaurants when it comes to serving authentic Japanese cuisine, especially sushi in the best form.

The place is adorable as the interior is designed in an authentic Japanese fashion with modern details on its furnishing.

Chef’s Choice

Nothing could beat this place’s specialty, which goes by the name of Tropic Thunder.

The dish comprises spicy salmon, roasted pineapples, jalapeños, and avocado.

It has different flavorings of bbq tuna, cilantro, an orange miso glaze, and a lot more.

If you are not into non-veg options and would like to try something more fresh and vegetarian, then their Shiitake Mushroom Tempura could be your best choice.

It has a soft stuffing of organic shiitakes, an unagi gravy, and sweet aioli.

Location and contact

3. Swad

Why it’s a must visit?

The Swad restaurant, as the name suggests, has a unique taste of it as it features Indian cuisine in the most presentable way possible and was established in 2014.

This remarkable place features not only exquisite Indian dishes with a spicy and Balanced aroma to it but also has generous hospitality.

Other than that, the service of the place is also impeccable with an outstanding array of vegetarian options with top notch quality to feast on.

Chef’s Choice

If you want to have the best gravy of your lifetime with outstanding taste, then order their Lamb Rogan Josh.

The dish has marinated lamb to it with an absolutely fantastic taste as it’s made from the freshest ingredients in the most delicious way.

If you want to try poultry meat, go for their Chicken Chettinad, a boneless chicken dish with delicate herbs and unique ingredients.

Location and contact

4. Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro

Why it’s a must visit?

The Eno Vino Wine Bar and Bistro is a classy diner that not only focuses on providing a sophisticated atmosphere but also shares its convenient location in downtown Madison city.

The interior of this place is quite eye-catching as it features a hipster layout with a certain elegance to them.

The most remarkable thing about this place is its stunning drinks, especially its wines, which are over 150 and are incredibly delicious in taste and enhance the dining experience to another level.

Chef’s Choice

As the restaurant specializes in delivering Spanish inspired food, one should never miss out on their famous restaurants Spaghetti, which comes in several forms.

Another must eat places that you can give a try here is their Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas which is a great choice to consider.

The shrimp contains several ingredients like julienned chopped onions, mashed avocado, coconut Leche de Tigre, peach compote, and a lot more.

If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, then we would recommend that you finish your meal with their Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee, containing a chocolate chunk brownie and fresh raspberry dishes on the side.

Location and contact

5. Graft

Graft is considered to be among great restaurants to hang out and dine with your friends and families

Why it’s a must visit?

The Graft restaurant was renovated in the year 2015 but has shared its roots since 1915 in Churchill Building, because of which its legacy has been going on for ages.

It’s considered to be among great restaurants to hang out and dine with your friends and families, as the sophisticated air of this restaurant will make you relax.

The restaurant also features fascinating Midwestern drinks in the form of beers and various colorful cocktails that are going to rejuvenate you for a bright day ahead.

Chef’s Choice

It would be a great idea to consider trying their seafood, especially their fascinating homemade Spaghetti, comprising manilla clams, escarole, and chopped tomatoes which have an incredible taste.

Also, one should undoubtedly give their steaks a try, incredibly their Dry Aged New York Strip.

The steak contains paneer, fresh spinach, and mushrooms.

6. Mickies Dairy Bar

Why it’s a must visit?

The Mickies Dairy Bar restaurant has shared its roots since the year of 1946 and serves outstanding dishes for dinner and breakfast options.

If you’re on a trip and would like to have a light snack and breakfast, then head to this place which will give you the most welcoming experience ever, along with a great feast.

The restaurant is popular across various platforms and has been featured in several TV shows like ESPN, and is also considered to be one of the top rated restaurants in the city.

Chef’s Choice

If you are going here to have a refreshing breakfast, then make sure that you order their Scrambler.

This particular dish captions three eggs simmered to fulfill your appetite, tasty dressing, toast, creamy cheese, and your preference of meats or veggies.

In the end, you should finish your meal with their most delectable dessert, their Banana Cinnamon Nut Pancakes, which features a whole grain batter ground with pieces of walnuts.

Location and contact

7. Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry

Why it’s a must visit?

The Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry restaurant was opened in 1974 and is considered to be one of the most famous spots selling hamburgers with the most exquisite taste.

When it comes to snack options, then heading to this restaurant will be your best bet as it serves not only simple hamburgers but also features various varieties as all of them are juicy and equally delicious in taste.

The restaurant has a very light ambiance, a great selection of beers, and fascinating burger choices.

Chef’s Choice

If you are confused about choosing which burger to try, then we would suggest that you go for their Melting Pot.

The melting pot features a highlighted English garlic dressing, bbq bacon, and three distinct varieties of cheese provolone, cheddar, and Swiss.

Their spicy and exquisitely furnished heartthrob butter is also a fantastic option that you should surely give a try.

The heartthrob contains bbq bacon, a unique dressing, and Pepper Jack cheese.

Location and contact

8. The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned considered to be one of the top restaurants in the city

Why it’s a must visit?

The reason why The Old Fashioned restaurant is adored by locals and foreigners alike is not only because it serves delectable cuisine but also because the prices of the meals are not too heavy on your wallet.

It’s considered to be one of the top restaurants in the city Because of its vintage vibe that makes people nostalgic for the days that are long gone.

It’s a great place to visit if you are craving a good beer and great snack options to eat made with locally fetched ingredients as you enjoy the atmosphere.

Chef’s Choices

The place features special dinners on several days because of which we would recommend that on Sundays you go for their Scandinavian-Style Chicken Dinner.

The dinner is a special chicken meal cooked to perfection with cardamom, sprinkled cinnamon, and juniper.

Another great snack option to try here is their house favorite and most satisfying burger, which fulfills your appetite.

The burger is ⅓ pound in weight and contains a garlic dressing, Wisconsin-aged cheddar cheese, a fried egg, and buns simmered in butter.

Location and contact

9. Tornado Steak House

Why it’s a must visit?

The Tornado Steak House is located in the downtown city of Madison and was established in 1996.

The diner is known for its juicy and delicious steaks, which one can never find a better alternative in the entire town as it specializes in that area only.

The steakhouse has quite a unique vibe to it, with an upscale dining experience and the most favored dishes in town.

Chef’s Choice

When it comes to great steak choices, you won’t go wrong with their juicy Filet au Poivre.

It is a 10oz soft steak with a flavorsome Cognac mushroom cream dressing.

Whereas for the appetizers, we would recommend that you go for their fulfilling the Coquille Saint Jacques.

The appetizer features fresh sea scallops drenched in the cream of elegant white wine.

Location and contact

10. Oakcrest Tavern

Why it’s a must visit?

The Oakcrest Tavern restaurant serves the most exquisite dishes inspired by western cuisine and is also a great place to dine if you want to explore some grilled food near me options.

The diner has excellent snack options, especially with its burgers and sandwiches, whose taste is beyond amazing, and also features various forms of colorful drinks like cocktails and beers.

Not only are its fast-food options quite fascinating, but its appetizers are also something that surely deserves mention in the list.

Chef’s Choice

We would undoubtedly recommend that you pair the Wisconsin classic with their particular Brat.

The brat is a roasted bratwurst sandwich adorned with a brat bun.

If you’re not a big fan of sandwiches and would like to have a more fulfilling burger, then you should unquestionably try their Hungry Hamburger.

The hungry hamburger is a ¾-pound hamburger with a raw grilled fritter made from steak fringes.

Location and contact

11. Marie’s Soul Food

Why it’s a must visit?

The Marie’s Soul Food restaurant was recently opened in 2019 and focused around delivering Southern inspired dishes with the most impeccable taste to relish your tastebuds.

The location of this place is also quite convenient and has beautiful scenic views from its barriers that give people a relaxing dining experience.

Along with that, all their dishes are handmade, and the ingredients are sourced locally.

It also has several takeout options to simplify the transaction set.

Chef’s Choice

Open would not be disappointed by ordering the house favorite Fried Chicken Meal, which tastes heavenly.

The chicken dish is a succulent, ready to order meal that contains a corn muffin and dual sides.

If you’re in a group, then make sure you get their incredible Mega Meal that will suffice everyone.

The meal feeds around eight people, captioning 16 complementary dishes, eight corn muffins, and a selection of eight portions of meat, which are either fried chicken, roasted chicken thighs, or pork ribs.

Location and contact

Also See – Restaurants open for Thanksgiving dinner in Madison, WI

12. Greenbush Bakery

Why it’s a must visit?

The Greenbush Bakery is a parlor you must visit if you have a sweet tooth and would like to taste delectable desserts, especially donuts made with the most high-quality ingredients.

The bakery is remarkable if you are craving some sweet options for breakfast and is a great place to visit with your friends as it has a very aesthetic ambiance.

The hospitality is also outstanding, with a courteous staff who is available to solve your every query.

Chef’s Choice

If you’re in the limbo of having a hard time deciding between various donut options, then we would recommend that you go for their amazing and house favorite Sour Cream Old Fashioned donuts.

This special donut is an adorned staple, captioning a unique sour cream batter.

If you still feel that you have satisfied your sweet tooth in the most fulfilling sense, then grab their Rabbi’s Delights.

The dessert is a glazed buttermilk cruller obtainable in four unique flavors, double chocolate, plain strawberry, chocolate caramel, and delicious chocolate raspberry.

Location and contact

13. Graze

Graze features American cuisine in the most impeccable form

Why it’s a must visit?

The Gaze restaurant features American cuisine in the most impeccable form, and the interior of this diner is laid out in a very Gastro pub fashion giving it a hipster vibe.

It also shares its proximity to farmland because of which all of its ingredients are sourced locally and are therefore organic.

The place has a very aesthetic seating experience with modern and stylish furniture along with polished service and presentable dishes to captivate people with its beauty.

Chef’s Choice

One of the healthiest snacks we would recommend that you try here is their Roasted Honey Nut Squash.

The squash contains an apple and chicory salad adorned with some apple cider reduction, chopped onions, and handmade stracciatella.

If you want to go for something tasty and non-veg, especially in the category of red meat, then we would recommend that you try their seven seeds pork belly for a delicious feast.

The pork belly dish contains cauliflower and seared broccoli salads, pine nuts, blond raisins, and a lot more.

Location and contact

14. Harmony Bar & Grill

Why it’s a must visit?

The Harmony Bar and Grill restaurant has gained its prominence because of its popularity among local and foreign people alike, as it has maintained its reputation for winning a streak of awards in the field of exciting cuisine and refined hospitality.

The place has one of the most vibrant ambiances of any other diner as it features live music performances and colorful drinks, especially beers that are sure to lift your spirits in the most joyful way.

Other than that, the cuisine here, especially the snacks, adds to the actual significant effect and therefore it’s also one of the cool places to eat in the city.

Chef’s Choice

If you want to start with something light and healthy, especially as an appetizer, then we would recommend that you grab their Sesame Noodle Salad.

The salad has fresh ingredients like linguine noodles, fresh scallions, spicy red peppers, slashed carrots, seared sesame seeds, black olives, and a sesame vinaigrette.

If you are visiting this place during weekends, especially on Sundays and Saturdays, then you must order their special Brunch Burger.

The burger is a juicy ham delivered with soft American cheese, simmered onion jam, an upward egg, and pulpy bacon.

Location and contact

15. Nitty Gritty – Madison

Why it’s a must visit?

The Nitty Gritty–Madison is considered to be one of the fanciest and most romantic places to visit in the city as it features not only exquisite cuisine but also attractive snack options.

The price range and unique variety of food options make it a great place to celebrate several special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, dinner dates, and a lot of other things.

The restaurant also has intimate cubicles where you can prioritize privacy over socializing.

Chef’s Choice

If you ever visit this place, then you should never miss out on their delicious and favorite sandwiches, especially the Pesto Chicken Flatbread Sandwich.

The sandwich comprises grilled chicken pieces, handmade pesto, soft parmesan cheese, cedar valley mozzarella cheese, and a lot more.

Whereas, for kids, even though the options here are several, the best one among all of them is their AJ’s Chicken Strips.

The AJ’s Chicken Strips is a tasty dish that contains a side dish of applesauce, crispy fries, a chocolate sundae, some carrot sticks, an option of steamed veggies or mandarin oranges, and several mixtures of tasty features.

Location and contact

16. A Pig In A Fur Coat

What is the must visit?

As fancy as the name suggests, this unusual restaurant has won the hearts of a lot of people because of its excellent take on Mediterranean dishes, which provides people with an exotic dining experience.

If you want to have a comfortable and relaxed eating experience while enjoying the taste of flavorful dishes, then you should visit this place and try out every single one of the dishes on the menu.

Other than that, the cozy setting and the courteous staff are sure to make your day bright.

Chef’s Choice

Gnawa Favourites here to order are their endive and focaccia, which have a heavenly taste and melt in your mouth like but as soon as you take a bite.

Their brown butter, yolk-filled ravioli, or the arctic char give you pleasure in every single bite you take and burst in your mouth with flavors with its aromatic touch.

Whereas for the dessert, as a treat, you should not miss out on their delicate chiffon cake, which is going to take you straight to Paradise.

Location and contact

17. Sardine

Why it’s a must visit?

The Sardine is a restaurant which has made people go crazy for it as it has the most delectable dishes in town with a vibrant taste to them.

The location of this restaurant has a very significant effect on it as it is located near a historical building because of which the entire place gives off a retro vibe.

The nostalgia of this place, paired with its flavourful dishes, is sure to captivate you with its excellence.

Chef’s Choice

As the place is remarkable for having brunch, you should order their enjoyed baked creamed eggs for a good start.

Whereas, if you’re in a group and want to have something more fulfilling and satisfying, then don’t miss out on their bunch of petit plates.

The platters here or fantastic, as they come in huge portion sizes, which can suffice at least three people at once.

Location and contact

18. Mint Mark

Why it’s a must visit?

The restaurant Mint Mark is adored by the local people and foreigners alike as it not only has the most flavorsome dishes but also shares this location near the public river, which makes it great for people to explore the city as they taste their snacks.

It’s also a rejuvenating visit for anyone who wants to take a rest as they roam the city.

Other than that, not only is the food here excellent, but the beverage options also deserve a try.

Chef’s Choice

When it comes to choosing the best options from the menu, we suggest that you get the following dishes – pierogi, raviolo al uovo, and olive fig spread.

If you want to heighten your feasting experience to a lot more level, then make sure that you pair the platters with their great colorful drinks, especially their koala tail and golden hour cocktails.

Almost every option here is lovely and therefore deserves a try.

Location and contact

19. Ahan

Why it’s a must visit?

The Ahan restaurant is considered to be one of the most welcoming diners in the entire city, as it not only features incredible food options but also caters to people with every diet restriction and delivers food to their liking.

It has separate menus for people with gluten sensitivity and lactose intolerant people and also keeps in mind the food concerns of vegans too by providing alternatives that are suited to their needs.

Other than that, the location of the restaurant is stunning, and also its live music performances are spectacular, which adds to its entire vibe of a vibrant setting.

Chef’s Choices

When it comes to deciding on the best dishes, we would suggest that you go with the public opinion, especially their favorites like red curry udon, the papaya salad, and the pho tail.

As the restaurants near me serve Southeast Asian cuisine, one should not miss out on their most beloved and refreshing drink, which is their Thai iced tea.

Every other option that is offered here surely deserves a lot of appreciation as they are equally delicious and marvelous in taste.

Location and contact

20. Paul’s Pel’meni

Why it’s a must visit?

When it comes to exploring innovative food options, especially with exotic combinations and unique pairs, then this Paul’s Pel’meni restaurant indeed lives up to its hype as it excels in that area.

The place also shares its proximity to the Madison children’s museum, which is located near the lake and therefore is a great place to stroll as a feast on their dishes.

It would be a great decision to come here during the autumn and winter season as the restaurant also has a fireplace to enhance one’s dinner nights.

Chef’s Choice

As we mentioned above, coming to this place during the winter season is the best bet, and therefore if you do end up coming here during winters, then their Russian dumpling is an absolute delight.

Whereas, if you are not in the mood for having light snacks, then you can try their unique combination of potato or beef to have a fulfilling feast.

At last, you must know that every dish here is impressive and surely deserves a try because of its impeccable raving reviews.

Location and contact

21. Heritage Tavern

Why it’s a must visit?

The most glamorous thing about the Heritage Tavern restaurant is its unique farm to table dining in options which give people a healthy and novel adventure.

The restaurant is a great place to visit with your friends and is also pretty decent for having dinner dates as its use of local ingredients and calm ambiance gives it its charm.

And the most striking thing about this diner that has won the hearts of the people is its use of sustainable ingredients that make it environmentally conscious about how the food is created.

Chef’s Choice

If you are here for breakfast and would like to try something extra delicious, then order their unique deviled pickled eggs.

The Heritage burger here also deserves huge applause as it’s stuffed with a generous amount of ingredients and has a very creamy texture to it.

Other than the specialties, their spaetzle and red cabbage are also an all-time favorite here because of their exquisite Flavours.

Location and contact

22. L’Etoile Restaurant

Why it’s a must visit?

The L’Etoile Restaurant restaurant is one of the rarest diners in the city as it features a farm collaboration because of which all of its dishes are made in the most organic form possible and are a healthy choice to feast on.

The restaurant has tons of sustainable food options that or not only healthy but also are incredibly delicious to devour.

Also, the non-veg options here are fantastic and come in a lot of ranges which gives people an abundant choice to choose from various options.

Chef’s Choice

Some of the beautiful dishes here that should indeed be given consideration are – halibut dish, lamb ribeye, and their unique panna cotta.

One can also enhance the entire dining experience with their fascinating wine options, which are made from organic old-age ingredients, especially rum, to give it an exquisite taste.

Other than that, their sweets and treats are absolutely heavenly and taste and melt in your mouth like cotton candy. Some of our favorites are – The gnudi, snapper, and lemon cream tarts.

Location and contact

23. Monty’s Blue Plate Diner

Why it’s a must visit?

The Monty’s Blue Plate Diner is a beautiful place to visit if you want to have great vegetarian options in the form of snacks and also relish the outside view of the botanical gardens near it.

The restaurant is not only great for having lunch and breakfast options, but it also has fantastic dining options to choose from, giving you a lot of variety to taste.

Other than that, the place is great to visit if you want to stroll the botanical Gardens, which are located near this restaurant, and also hang out with your friends to rejuvenate.

Chef’s Choice

The reason why this place has gained a lot of approval worldwide is that its service is one of the most creative blends of dishes that are entirely vegetarian and act as great appetizer options.

So for some great vegan options, we recommend the following meals – breakfast sandwich, the copped cobb salad, and the GBLT as fine choices.

Their unique and house favorite Mac and Cheese deserve a notable mention in the list as their taste exceeds bounds.

Location and contact

24. Hạ Long Bay

Hạ Long Bay serving exotic cuisine in the most beautiful sense.

Why it’s a must visit?

This Hạ Long Bay is a Vietnamese and Laotian diner that excels in serving exotic cuisine in the most beautiful sense.

This Vietnamese restaurant is situated straight in the proximity of the capital city route, rendering it an extraordinary place to rest and feast after a day of exploring the city.

It’s a beautiful place to visit for a date, a party hangout, or a simple family dinner or reunions.

Chef’s Choice

For delightful starters and a massive main course, we suggest you try their following meals – vegetable curry puffs, raw spring rolls, and asparagus crab stew for an elegant dinner.

As for your ending meal as a dessert, we recommend their Vietnamese crepes, pho, pad lad nar, and banh mi for a joyful finish.

In a nutshell, every option here is impeccable in taste and presentation details and is the reason why it enjoys such popularity among people.

Location and contact

25. Tornado Club Steak House

Why it’s a must visit?

The Tornado Club Steak House should be on the top of your list of places to visit in Madison if you are searching for the nicest juicy steak in town.

The restaurant has a joyful, classy, and country vibe to it adding to its wonderful countryside setting.

This steakhouse also has a good location situated in the proximity of the capital tower and the famous Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, which you can visit after having a feast here.

Chef’s Choice

The most highlighted dishes here are non-veg ones like venison, a rack of lamb, farm rabbit, duck breast, and fresh salmon.

If you want to accentuate your eating experience a lot more, then make sure you pair your dishes with their cozy delights like asparagus, green beans, and roasted potato.

Almost every appetizer or starter option here is fantastic and surely deserves the hype it gets for its flavorsome taste.

Location and contact

Famous Food to Try in Madison WI

Burgers – Surprisingly, the burgers here have a unique taste to them as they are made with the freshest juicy ingredients and are given in huge portions along with an enticing aroma to make you drool heavily for hours. The burgers, especially the ham ones, are an absolute delight and deserve a massive shout out.

Salmon – Almost every seafood dish here is incredible, but the salmon somehow manages to make a name for itself. The salmon here is succulent, pulpy, and freshly sourced from the city’s local farms to add to its unique delectable flavor. This city is a haven for any seafood lover, as the taste and texture here are beyond anyone’s imagination.

Salads – Apparently, the veggies here are great too due to the many farmlands spread out in the city. The freshness of the newly farmed vegetables, along with their zero to no use of preservatives, makes their veggies healthy and organic by keeping sustainability in mind. The dressings and the seasonings used on the salads are also free of any preservatives, which adds to the reason why they are so healthy and yummy.

Red Meat Options – As the place prides itself on serving the most organic dishes because of its use of farm sourced ingredients, Madison City’s red meat, especially beef, and lambs, are heavenly in texture and taste because of their bursting flavors. Another great reason why you should not miss on this is because they are tended by farmers who don’t use chemicals and therefore are a fresh and a healthy choice for you to try.

Final Thoughts

We hope that the above catalog of various Madison WI restaurants has given you a great insight into which place to explore and where to eat in a metropolis full of vibrant restaurants.

In searching for some good place to eat in town, we took all the parameters of what makes a good restaurant and therefore provided you with a list of some of the best Madison Wisconsin restaurants. So keep exploring and bon appetite.

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