Here's a bold claim: The food scene in Madison, Wisconsin isn't just about cheese curds. Imagine a city located in the heart of the region with abundant farm-to-table potential, thanks to the largest produce-only farmers market in the country. Add a cosmopolitan touch, with Madison ranked as one of the ten most educated cities in the US, plus a touch of nearby Chicago influence. Add to that a good beer (and maybe some cheese curds, because — it's Wisconsin!) and you've got a culinary destination that's a lot more than it sounds.
Not convinced? Take a look at our selection of Madison restaurants, from lunch to dinner. Here are our favorite dishes – and yes, you'll want to try them all.
Lunch at Centro
This Italian spot brings old-world flavor with a modern twist, located right in downtown Madison. While we're sure their lunches and dinners are excellent, we went for the Boozy Brunch special: one low price that includes a selection of pastries, two brunch cocktails, a Bottomless Colectivo Drip Coffee or Letterbox Tea, and your choice of any brunch or Lunch or pizza entree.
Breakfast pizza
Sausage, spinach, onions, eggs and hollandaise on the perfect crust. Trust us – hollandaise sauce on pizza is an amazing find.
sardine
Founders John Gaddau and Philip Hurley brought a taste of the California restaurant scene to the shores of Madison Lake with Sardines, which they launched in 2006. This bistro is a gem with locally sourced ingredients and stunning views.
Croque monsieur
Local Wisconsin pork and Gruyère, marinated in béchamel and topped with french fries. We couldn't resist dipping those fries in for a little extra béchamel.
Michelangelo
Since 1977, this coffee haven has proudly served fair trade and socially conscious coffee. Friends don't let their friends drink Starbucks, and neither does founder Sam Shehadeh.
Fair trade coffee
We came for the coffee but will come back for the pastries. A perfect cup that can only be improved with fresh pastries on the side – next time!
Thirsty goats
Just outside of Madison, this brewpub was a must while riding the Cannonball Loop. With a spacious patio and generous BBQ portions, it's the perfect place to refuel.
Whisco burger and curds
Beef burger topped with beer cheese sauce, bacon, fried onions, jalapenos, and fresh fries. Cheese curds? Beaten to perfection.
grazing
Opened by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tori Miller, Graze restaurant offers locally sourced comfort food with views of the Capitol.
Bulgogi bibimbap
Celebrating Chef Tori's Wisconsin Korean heritage, this bowl blends fresh, regional farm ingredients into a beautiful, hearty dish.
Monte Blue Plate Diner
A restaurant that's part old gas station, part 1950s-style hangout, located in the Atwood neighborhood. All-day breakfast and vegetarian comfort food options make Monty's a local favorite.
Mushroom Burger, Ultimate Mac & Cheese, Fat Elvis Shake
The three-cheese mac and cheese earned super status, while the Fat Elvis Shake (there's a drunken option!) had us swooning over the delicious peanut butter, banana and chocolate spread.
Drunk cow
Located just off Capitol Square, the Tipsy Cow is the bar Madison has been going to for more than a decade, with a view of the courtyard that's hard to beat.
Local goat cheese
Lightly whipped with New Glarus Spotted Cow beer, these goat cheese curds are a hyper-local twist on a Wisconsin staple.
Old fashioned
Step into Wisconsin heritage with a touch of nostalgia at The Old Fashioned, where the decor feels like an Elks Club meets happy days atmosphere.
Wisconsin beer cheese soup, brat, and Wisconsin fondue
The Sheboygan brat and Wisconsin fondue are all solid choices, but the beer cheese soup stole our hearts.
IPizza – Mac and Cheese Pizza
We couldn't resist the hype surrounding Ian's pizza. Reasonably priced, high-quality pizza with creative toppings and local ingredients make this place a Madison staple.
Heritage Pub
Chef Daniel Fox brings excellence here to upscale farm-to-table dining with an international flair. His impressive resume includes some of the best restaurants in Chicago, and it shows.
Pepper-crusted sirloin and braised short rib
This dish is tender and flavorful, balanced with locally foraged mushrooms and vegetables.
Fairchild Restaurant
Since winning Best Chef in the Midwest, Fairchild's reservations list has been full. It's a place worth waiting for, and the flavor is as elevated as it is welcoming.
Seven seed chicken
Baked chicken and cabbage patties with Brussels sprouts, acorn squash puree, and acorns—a perfect fall dish.
merchant
This place combines industrial chic with seasonal, locally sourced dishes right in downtown Madison.
Crispy fried chicken sandwich
Crema jalapeno, Napa cabbage slaw, and pickled vegetables on brioche? Delicious!
Harvey House
Behind Madison's historic train depot lies The Harvey House, a celebration of Wisconsin's famous supper clubs.
New York Strip Steak
We kept it classic with a juicy New York strip.
Eno wine
Small plates and rooftop views make this the place to relax with friends and have a martini or two.
Creme brulee, chocolate martini, espresso martini
We went for dessert martinis, and the crème brûlée was the perfect sweet touch.
Madison's final note
With the most parks per capita and platinum-rated bike trails, Madison's #2 ranking for fitness makes sense. After all, the delicious city has to beat all those farm-to-table snacks somehow!
Hello! We are Jane and Ed Coleman also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative and experiential activity-based travel.
