Where to eat in Madison, Wisconsin. You might not know it, but Madison is a gem of a foodie town! With one of the largest producer only farmers’ markets and James Beard Award Winning chefs, Madison is brimming with creativity, and just down right delicious food.
This post was updated on Monday, August 9, 2021 to include some new restaurants and to show the ones that have closed unfortunately over the past two years. It’s so important to support local restaurants. They need your patronage and support in order to survive and thrive.
As my time here in Madison, Wisconsin is coming to an end, I am filled with so many emotions. I’m in the process of writing a longer, more in-depth blog post on everything. . and I cannot leave Madison without sharing and compiling a comprehensive blog post listing out my favorite places to eat and what I recommend here in town!
I am rushing to get this post up so there are not as many photos as I would like and I’m not writing as much about each place as I’d like, but the list is the most important, so here it is!
Also, I know many of you have strong opinions and I, certainly, have not eaten at every place in town, so if there’s a restaurant that you feel is great and is MISSING, please leave a comment below! Thank you!
Before I moved here from Seattle, I had no idea what to expect food-wise. And honestly, my expectations were low. The first foodie event I attended was Taste of Madison, which, even though it showcases a lot of food here in town, I wouldn’t say it’s an accurate representation of the great, creative and delightful restaurants and food we have here in Madison. We have more than just fried cheese curds and cheesecake on a stick. I quickly realized this as I started eating out and exploring.
There’s nothing wrong with fried cheese curds and cheesecake on a stick, but there’s SO much more to Madison, Wisconsin, which the rest of the country needs to know.
A Perfect Day
A perfect day of food for me in Madison, Wisconsin, would be this: starting the day with coffee and/or an iced matcha latte from Grace Coffee Co., my Brighton Beach Smoked Alaskan Salmon *absolute fave* bagel sandwich from Gotham Bagels, then skipping over to Porter to eat the veggie sandwich (you better go fast! It might be coming off the menu!) or the breakfast sandwich (Heritage farms smoked ham (two words: THE BEST), sharp cheddar, red onion, stone ground mustard and an over medium egg on a brioche roll. So freaking delicious! And I can’t leave Porter without a stroopwafel.
Update: Porter Coffee is temporarily closed and will re-open as Bandit – Tacos & Coffee. I had a taste of Bandit tacos from Gil Altschul when I was at an event in June 2021, and the tacos were fabulous. I would follow their Instagram or website to stay up-to-date on opening news.
For lunch, I’d run over to Casetta Kitchen for their Italian sandwich on focaccia, maybe the best Italian sandwich ever– whatever they have for their soup of the day and a chocolate chip cookie. Then, I’d drive over to Bloom Bakeshop for a cookie, cupcake and a doughnut and sit down for a moment because I’m starting to get full.
A Perfect Day
Later, I’d run over to Macha Tea Company for tea and sweet treats (if you know, you know). And then to Hilldale to get an açaí bowl from Blended, sushi from Muramoto, The Madison Club to eat a taco, or anything made by Chef Adam Struebing, stop in for a glass of wine at Square Wine and then to Heritage Tavern for cocktails (seriously, the best), assorted deviled eggs, tempura bacon-wrapped cheese curds (the best!), the Heritage Pork Schnitzel, or whatever whitefish Chef Dan Fox has on the menu and I’d end the evening there with dessert, probably the caramel profiterole or the chocolate & espresso opera cake. Pro tip: everything on their bar menu is excellent. The “old fashioned” ham sandwich, Heritage Burger, steak & frites, house cut fries. . I could go on and on.
On the way home, I would stop into Madison Chocolate Company for a Ghost Pepper Caramel and a Sea Salt Caramel Chewy, and then the Chocolate Shoppe for some ice cream. “Exhausted Parent” is one of my favorite flavors there (Bourbon-spiked espresso ice cream swirled with bittersweet chocolate chunks). Need I say more?
Then, I would roll home.
Where To Eat in Madison, Wisconsin
Here’s my LIST to the best of my ability. Again, if you feel like something is missing, please leave a comment down below. These are my recommendations.
These are NOT listed in any kind of order!!! Just listed them as they came to me.
(Photo above: the ravioli from Fairchild Restaurant)
Photo: Salmon Tartare with Regiis Ova Caviar from The Harvey House
Where To Eat in Madison, Wisconsin
New Restaurants in Town
Ahan Madison, see my Instagram post here for more. Ahan is the creation of Jamie Hoang and Chuckie Brown. “Their goal is to bring Asian inspired dishes using local ingredients to the Madison restaurant scene.” The food that Chef Jamie and her mother are making is incredible, flavorful and I could literally eat their food every single day and be happy. Check their website for more.
Fairchild. I can’t say enough about this gem. Thoughtful, delicious, beautifully plated, the food here is impeccable. I also love the decor and interior. Chef Itaru Nagano and Chef Andrew Kroeger are sharing what they love of “classic cuisine, with a focus on exceptional ingredients, technique and hospitality.” Fairchild is not to be missed.
The Harvey House. Exciting, new modern supper club. If you know the old train depot, you’ll be blown away when you see what they’ve done at Harvey House. Absolutely beautiful inside, impeccable service and generous, delicious food, I would 1,000 percent recommend dining here. I was taken in and actually just sat back and enjoyed my meal, my friends and the entire experience. Make your reservation now. I’m excited to see what Chef Joe, Shaina and Chef Sean accomplish here.
New Restaurants in Town
Plain Spoke Cocktail Co. on King Street
(Photo above: the Blue Valley Gardens Duck from Fairchild Restaurant)
Coffee Shops
If you follow me, you know I love a good oat milk vanilla latte. And I am a fan of latte art. So, check these places out and enjoy!
Porter; see update above
Ancora Coffee Cafes (two locations)
Bradbury’s Coffee (have coffee and a crêpe!)
Grace Coffee Co (say hi to Pablo)
Cafe Domestique
Breakfast
Gotham Bagels As I stated above, the Brighton Beach is my forever fave. SMOKED ALASKAN SALMON, CAPER CREAM CHEESE, TOMATO, ARUGULA, CAPERS, RED ONION on an everything bagel. Do it. I also recommend the O.M.F.G. and the Heritage Ham, smoked gouda and egg bagel sandwich.
Bloom Bakeshop (the Homegrown Biscuit sandwich is my fave)
Bradbury’s Coffee (The crepes are so good!)
Short Stack Eatery (there will be a wait.)
Brunch
Some restaurants may not be open for brunch anymore. Call the restaurant, or check online.
Lunch
Muramoto (2 locations)
Casual/Quick Service Lunch
Casetta Kitchen and Counter (Italian sandwich on focaccia + a cookie = winning!)
Forage Kitchen (love all the salads and grain bowls)
Ian’s Pizza (Everything is good; I love the mac and cheese pizza)
Alimentari (Sandwiches! Order the Mortadella!)
Cocktails
Plain Spoke Cocktail Co. on King Street
Natt Spil (eat: Three Cup Chicken)
Where to eat Dinner in Madison
Heritage Tavern: Check out the specials on the wall or ask your server! If you couldn’t tell, Heritage Tavern is one of my favorite restaurants in Madison. Not only for the food, but also the service and atmosphere. I always take my kids here as well, so I’ll say it’s somewhat kid friendly. If you go, please tell them I sent you!
Ahan Madison, see my Instagram post here for more. Ahan is the creation of Jamie Hoang and Chuckie Brown. “Their goal is to bring Asian inspired dishes using local ingredients to the Madison restaurant scene.” The food that Chef Jamie and her mother are making is incredible, flavorful and I could literally eat their food every single day and be happy. Check their website for more.
Fairchild: I can’t say enough about this gem. Thoughtful, delicious, beautifully plated, the food here is impeccable. I also love the decor and interior. Chef Itaru Nagano and Chef Andrew Kroeger are sharing what they love of “classic cuisine, with a focus on exceptional ingredients, technique and hospitality.” Fairchild is not to be missed.
Where to eat Dinner in Madison
Bar Corallini Great food, lovely atmosphere and great service! I really respect and love what Chef Giovanni Novella and team are doing here. Make a reservation ASAP!
Where to eat Dinner in Madison
Salvatore’s Tomato Pies, two locations (I love the The Tomato Pie, The Classic! If you want something more substantial, order the Fat Uncle Tony, or the Fig & Bacon!)
Tornado Steakhouse I recommend Tornado for the rustic Wisconsin Supper Club vibe and experience. Order a brandy Old Fashioned while you enjoy your relish tray and a steak! Here’s a good read: The Story behind Wisconsin’s Iconic Supper Clubs
Lombardino’s Family friendly, good food, friendly, comfortable atmosphere!
Grampa’s Pizzeria Order the pork confit, the BRASSACRE! pizza and the sticky ginger cake
Rare Steakhouse I love the steaks here!
Eno Vino in the AC Hotel (views!!)
The Statehouse at The Edgewater Hotel; great food, lovely atmosphere and great views!
Asian Food
Imperial Garden (Chinese)
Lao Laan-Xang (Laotian cuisine)
Sol’s on The Square (Korean)
5 Star BBQ (Korean)
BBQ
Pizza
Naples 15 (I only ate there once and it wasn’t that great but people seem to love it)
Burgers
DLUX (kid friendly plus milk shakes)
Tacos
Bartaco (Hilldale)
Bandit Tacos: coming soon
Taco Local (where Underground Butcher used to be) on Willy Street or Williamson Street
Dessert/Sweet Treats
Macha Tea Company (this place is a gem on E. Johnson Street. You MUST visit Macha Tea Company! They sell looseleaf teas and tea accessories and serve brewed teas and small batch baked goods at the tea bar. They also serve brunch occasionally. Follow them on Instagram to find out when. Go enjoy and turn off your phone. Also, if ordering food, bring your own glass container and/or to-go container.)
The Chocolate Shoppe (ice cream)
Babcock Hall dairy store (ice cream)
Special Occasion
The Madison Club (I love The Madison Club! You do have to be a member to dine there)
Specialty
Fromagination Artisan Cheese Shop: If you are a cheese lover like me, you must stop in!
Blended (formerly Bowl of Heaven) at Hilldale Mall for açaí bowls
Bambu Bubble Tea (Hilldale)
Macha Tea Company (see above)
Great Articles
Why Madison WI is a top foodie paradise
Where to Eat and Drink In Madison from Food & Wine (2018)
10 Hottest New Restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin from Eater (2018)
Other posts I’ve written on Madison restaurants
I may come back and add some more but I think this is a great start! Enjoy!
Graft has the best cocktails in Madison!! Also, state line distillery is a must for cocktails as well.
For asian – Fugu, Dumpling Haus, and Chen’s dumpling house are great too!!
Thank you, Allie! I’m trying to get out to Graft one last time! and yes!! I’ll add Graft under cocktails, thank you!!!
I`ll be there next week. Thank you for recommendation.
Hooray! Please let me know if you go to any of these places! Hope you enjoy!