Looking for the best restaurants in Madison Wisconsin? If yes, then you are going to love this article. We have listed the 15 best places to eat in Madison WI.
Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin, is surrounded by three charming lakes. There are many amazing attractions to visit in this vibrant Midwest city but one of the highlights is the food scene here.
From cute, charming cafes to family diners, there are countless options for dining in Madison WI. In fact, the city has become a hub for foodies with its wide selection of dishes prepared using farm-fresh ingredients.
Confused about which Madison WI restaurants to explore? Then, check out our list of the 15 best restaurants in Madison WI that you must try!
15 Best Restaurants in Madison WI You Must Try
Sardine
A hip bistro that offers stunning views of Lake Monona, Sardine is one of the best restaurants in Madison WI that you should try.
This is one of the best places for brunch in Madison WI as well as romantic dinners with your partner. It is quite popular among the locals which is why you need a reservation to eat at this restaurant.
If you are craving French food in Madison, then Sardine is perfect for you. From French-inspired appetizers to desserts, you will get it all here. A few highlights of this restaurant are seared salmon with braised French lentils, duck confit with kumquat chutney, crab cakes, and more.
For those who want to treat themselves to a fancy meal in the city, this is one of the best restaurants in Madison WI to consider.
A Pig in a Fur Coat Is A Great madison Wisconsin Restaurant
If you are looking for the best restaurant in Madison Wisconsin to take your significant other for a romantic meal, then A Pig in a Fur Coat is a perfect choice.
This is a cozy bistro that is famous for its wide selection of Mediterranean dishes with influences from Spain, France, and Italy.
Here, you can get most of the classic dishes and a few innovative ones. This includes duck-fat fries, lamb carpaccio, brown-butter ravioli, and more.
Apart from the amazing food selection, this place also offers a good selection of wines, cocktails, and craft beers. It is a great choice for dining in Madison Wisconsin with its butcher-block tables and a warm ambiance.
If you are looking for a good place for dinner, then A Pig in a Fur Coat is one of the best restaurants in Madison WI.
Cento Ristorant Is A Great Downtown Madison WI Restaurant
Are you searching for great downtown restaurants in Madison WI? Then do try Cento Ristorante.
This Italian restaurant specializes in farm-to-fork dishes and serves both traditional and modern Italian dishes.
It is one of the top downtown Madison Wisconsin restaurants where guests can see the chefs preparing delicious fares in the open-plan kitchen.
From housemade pasta to wood-fired pizza, to fresh seafood, you will find it all here. If that wasn’t enough, they also have an Italian-specialized wine list. You will find all types of wines here that pair up nicely with your food.
If you want to experience a true Mediterranean meal with your friends or family, then you can try the special 5-course meal here too.
For Italian food, Cento Ristorante is one of the best downtown restaurants in Madison WI.
Osteria Papavero
One of the top Italian restaurants in Madison WI, Osteria Papavero is a charming and relaxed restaurant that boasts the best dining experience.
It is located in East Wilson and is a great lunch/dinner place for Italian food in Madison Wisconsin. They have seasonal menus with traditional Italian dishes and feature a wide selection of Italian wines that pair up nicely with the dishes.
The best thing about this restaurant is that their giardiniera is homemade and they cure the meat in-house using traditional methods.
If you choose this dining in Madison WI, then don’t forget to try their famous Budino di Caramello pudding with whipped cream and cocoa powder.
Heritage Taver Is An Upscale Restaurant In Madison
If you are looking for an upscale fine-dining restaurant in Madison, then one of the best places to eat in Madison WI is Heritage Tavern.
Located a block from the city’s Capitol Square, this is the best Madison Wisconsin restaurant with a classy, Old-world ambiance.
One of the best things about this restaurant is that it serves global cuisine here that includes rabbit, lobster, pub-style sandwiches, and more.
It is also one of the best places to try brunch in Madison WI. Overall, Heritage Tavern is one of the most romantic restaurants in Madison WI where you can enjoy brunch or dinner with your loved one.
Lazy Janes Cafe
Located on Williamson Street, Lazy Janes Cafe is another great place for brunch in Madison Wisconsin. This is a cozy, comfortable bakery and cafe where you will feel right at home.
It is one of the best Madison WI restaurants for casual hangouts with friends or brunch with family. From the avocado sandwich to a frittata, you will get all kinds of comfort foods here.
So, if you are looking for casual restaurants in Madison WI to explore affordable yet delicious food, then Lazy Janes Cafe is a good choice.
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
Do you wish to eat in a classic diner in Madison? Then, Monty’s Blue Plate Diner is the best restaurant in Madison Wisconsin for you.
With chrome counters, bright vinyl chairs, and a classy old-school vibe, this Madison WI dining place feels like a diner from the 1950s. And guess what? You can order breakfast all day long here!
They have all the basic breakfast dishes such as girdles, eggs, scrambles, meatloaf, and more. However, what’s amazing about this restaurant is that they have many vegan and vegetarian options as well.
In fact, there is a separate section for these dishes.
So, whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or non-vegetarian, you will find something that suits your dietary needs here. This is why this is one of the top restaurants in Madison WI!
Visit Ahan for Asian Food In Madison Wisconsin
For amazing Madison WI food, especially if you are interested in Laos and Southeast Asian dishes, plan a visit to Ahan. This trendy restaurant is located inside the popular Bur Oak music venue and is a unique eatery to try in the city.
It is the best Madison WI restaurant that combines the local produce of Madison with Laotian cooking techniques to prepare a delicious Asian menu. One of the top dishes to try here is the Sichuan Five Spice Wings.
Another good thing about this restaurant is that it offers a good selection of vegan and vegetarian fares as well. In fact, they have dishes to cater to your food allergy as well.
Trust me, if you are craving Southeast Asian food in Madison WI, then do check out Ahan.
Swad Is One Of The Best Restaurants In Madison WI For Indian Food
Are you craving Indian food in Madison WI? Well, not to worry, because Swad is one of the top Indian restaurants in Madison WI to satisfy your needs.
Opened in 2014, this Madison Wisconsin dining option features a casual ambiance with amazing hospitality and a good selection of dishes. More importantly, you will get a huge variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes to try here.
For non-vegetarians, Lamb Rogan Josh and Chicken Chettinad are a must-try here. If you are vegan, then you can try the samosas, chana masala, or the flavorsome daal here.
Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro
Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro is one of the upscale places to eat in Madison Wisconsin which was established in 2018.
This place serves Spanish-inspired small plates of tapas and other Spanish cuisines along with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages and over 150 varieties of wines.
This restaurant features a cozy ambiance with dark wood accents and is available for dinners only.
If you are visiting this amazing restaurant with your friends, then you should try their Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas. For dessert, don’t forget to order the delicious Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee.
This is one of the best restaurants in Madison WI to share plates of tapas while sipping on delicious wines with friends or close ones.
RED
One of the top downtown restaurants in Madison Wisconsin, RED is an amazing place that serves the best sushi and Japanese cuisine in the city.
This downtown Madison WI restaurant has stylish and modern vibes with bold, sculpted interiors and modern decor. It is located near Capitol and has an amazing menu selection made up of salads, appetizers, entrees, and more.
A few things to try here are Amigo, Negi-Toros, crunchy tuna roll, firecracker roll, and more. Another amazing thing about this restaurant is that they have a good selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes as well.
Basically, if you are craving sushi, then RED is one of the top restaurants in Madison WI to visit.
Tornado Steak House
Another great downtown restaurant in Madison WI, Tornado Steak House is a traditional Wisconsin steak house that was opened in 1996.
It is one of the best restaurants in Madison WI for steaks and has a rustic vibe with a selection of award-winning dishes.
You will find the old-school decor at this steak house complete with round booths, warm red lighting, and a cozy ambiance.
One of the best downtown Madison WI restaurants, Tornado Steak House has everything that you desire. But a must-try dish here is Filet au Poivre, a steak with Cognac mushroom cream sauce.
For appetizers, don’t forget to try the Coquille Saint Jacques which is an amazing sea scallops dish.
Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry
Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry is the best restaurant in Madison WI for hamburgers. It was started in 1974 and is well-known for its juicy and delectable selection of hamburgers.
With a cozy ambiance, a vibrant bar, and a great selection of tap beers, this is a great place for a casual hangout with your friends.
This is one of the top restaurants in Madison WI for meeting up with your friends and family members for a few drinks.
Make sure that you try their signature best-seller dish, the Melting Pot. It is made using three types of cheese, smoked bacon, and English garlic sauce, and is simply too good to be true.
For something spicier, you can never go wrong with the Heart Throb, smoked bacon with Pepper Jack cheese.
Graze Restaurant
Located opposite the Dane County Farmer’s Market, Graze Restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy outdoor dining in Madison Wisconsin.
This downtown restaurant in Madison Wisconsin was established in 2010 and is a great place to hang out with your friends and family.
This is a classic American gastropub where you get farm-to-table dishes. Both both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
At this downtown Madison Wisconsin restaurant, you will find many vegetarian dishes as well including cheese curds.
If you want something healthy, then go for Roasted Honey Nut Squash. For those who are craving red meat, Seven Seeds Pork Belly is a must-try at this restaurant.
This is undoubtedly one of the best gastropubs and restaurants in Madison WI that you cannot miss!
Graft
Situated on North Carroll Street, Graft is a popular fine dining restaurant.
It serves delicious Madison Wisconsin food that is Midwest-inspired along with a great selection of wine from the top wine-producing regions.
It is one of the best Madison Wisconsin restaurants to try with your friends, romantic partner, or a loved one. Here, you can get top-quality dishes while sitting in the booths and sipping on the delectable local beer.
Their menu is filled with gems such as flank steak with coffee butter, diced smoked trout, fried chevre, and more.
If you want to try a seafood dish, then check out their House-Made Spaghetti. It consists of escarole, manilla clamps, and tomatoes.
Honestly, Graft is one of the best restaurants in Madison WI for a fine-dining experience.
Here are 15 drool-worthy restaurants in Madison Wisconsin that should have something to please everyone while you are out exploring Wisconsin.
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