Here’s a bold claim: Madison, Wisconsin’s food scene isn’t just about cheese curds. Picture a town nestled in the heartland with farm-to-table possibilities galore, thanks to the nation’s largest producer-only farmers market. Add a cosmopolitan twist, with Madison ranking as one of the ten most educated cities in the U.S., plus a dash of Chicago’s nearby influence. Top it off with a good beer (and maybe some cheese curds, because – On, Wisconsin!), and you’ve got a culinary destination that’s way more than it seems.
Not convinced? Take a look at our Madison restaurant lineup, from brunch through dinner. Here are our favorite dishes – and yes, you’re going to want to try them all.
Brunch at Centro
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
This Italian spot brings old-world flavor with a modern spin, right in downtown Madison. While we’re sure their lunch and dinners are stellar, we dropped in for the Boozy Brunch special: one low price includes a pastry selection, two brunch cocktails, Bottomless Colectivo Drip Coffee or Letterbox Tea, and your choice of any brunch, lunch, or pizza entrée.
Breakfast Pizza
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Sausage, spinach, onion, egg, and hollandaise on the perfect crust. Trust us – hollandaise on pizza is a revelation.
Sardine
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Founders John Gadau and Phillip Hurley brought a taste of the California restaurant scene to Madison’s lakeside with Sardine, which they launched in 2006. This bistro is a gem with locally sourced ingredients and scenic views.
Croque Monsieur
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Local Wisconsin ham and gruyère, béchamel-soaked and topped with frites. We couldn’t resist dipping those fries for a little extra béchamel indulgence.
Michelangelo’s
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Since 1977, this coffee haven has been proudly serving fair-trade, socially conscious coffee. Friends don’t let friends drink Starbucks, and neither does founder Sam Chehade.
Fair Trade Coffee
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
We came for the coffee but will be back for the pastries. A perfect cup that could only be improved with a fresh pastry on the side – next time!
Thirsty Goat
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Just outside Madison, this brewpub was a must on our Cannonball Loop Bike Ride. With a spacious patio and generous BBQ portions, it’s the perfect refuel spot.
Wisco Burger and Curds
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
A beef burger topped with beer-cheese sauce, bacon, fried onions, jalapeños, and fresh-cut fries. The cheese curds? Battered to perfection.
Graze
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Opened by James Beard Award winner Chef Tory Miller, Graze pairs locally-sourced comfort food with Capitol views.
Bulgogi Bibimbap
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Celebrating Chef Tory’s Wisconsin-Korean heritage, this bowl blends regional farm-fresh ingredients in a beautiful, mouthwatering dish.
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
A diner that’s part retro-gas-station, part 50s-hipster hangout, located in the Atwood neighborhood. Breakfast all day and vegan comfort food options make Monty’s a local favorite.
Mushroom Burger, Ultimate Mac and Cheese, Fat Elvis Shake
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The three-cheese mac and cheese earned its superlative, while the Fat Elvis Shake (boozy option available!) had us swooning over peanut butter, banana, and chocolate goodness.
Tipsy Cow
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Located just off Capitol Square, Tipsy Cow is Madison’s go-to tavern for over a decade, with a patio view that’s hard to beat.
Local Goat Cheese Curds
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Lightly battered with New Glarus Spotted Cow beer, these goat cheese curds are a hyper-local twist on a Wisconsin staple.
The Old Fashioned
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Step into Wisconsin heritage with a dash of nostalgia at The Old Fashioned, where the décor feels like an Elks Club-meets-Happy-Days vibe.
Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup, Brat, Wisconsin Fondue
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The Sheboygan brat and all-Wisconsin fondue are solid choices, but the beer cheese soup stole our hearts.
Ian’s Pizza – Mac and Cheese Pizza
Photo Credit: Flickr.
We couldn’t resist the buzz surrounding Ian’s Pizza. Affordable, craft-quality pizza with creative toppings and local ingredients make this place a Madison staple.
Heritage Tavern
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Upscale farm-to-table dining with a global twist, Chef Daniel Fox delivers excellence here. His impressive resume includes some of Chicago’s top restaurants, and it shows.
Peppercorn Crusted Strip Loin and Braised Short Rib
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Tender, flavorful, and balanced with locally foraged mushrooms and veggies, this is a dish to savor.
Fairchild Restaurant
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Since winning Best Chef Midwest, Fairchild’s reservation list has been packed. It’s a spot worth the wait, and the flavor is as elevated as it is welcoming.
Seven Seeds Chicken
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Baked chicken and cabbage dumplings with Brussels sprouts, acorn squash puree, and walnuts – a perfect fall dish.
Merchant
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
This spot combines industrial chic with seasonal, locally-sourced dishes right in downtown Madison.
Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Jalapeno crema, napa cabbage slaw, and pickled veggies on brioche? Delicious!
Harvey House
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Behind Madison’s historic train depot, The Harvey House is a celebration of Wisconsin’s iconic supper clubs.
New York Strip Steak
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
We kept it classic with a juicy New York Strip.
Eno Vino
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Small plates and rooftop views make this the place to unwind with friends over a martini or two.
Creme Brûlée, Chocolate Martini, Espresso Martini
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
We went for dessert martinis, and the creme brûlée was the perfect sweet touch.
Madison’s Final Note
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
With the most parks per capita and platinum-rated bike trails, Madison’s second-place fitness ranking makes sense. After all, a town this delicious has to work off all those farm-to-table bites somehow!
Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel.
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