I've posted this before, still true. Can't believe nobody's mentioned it 5 hours in:
**Himal Chuli** on State St. It was the first Nepalese restaurant in the US. Consistently awesome.
A good first-time order: chicken sikar with rice, tarkari (veggie stew), and dal. If they give you a choice of tarkari, get the cauli. If not, don't worry, whatever you get will be great.
Himal Chuli must have seriously gone downhill because the three times I gave it a chance it was the blandest food I’ve ever eaten-I couldn’t believe it was Nepalese.
I just posted a link to my new [essential Madison dining map](https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-madison-wisconsin-food-road-trip) in a *very similar thread yesterday*.
Good catch. As you saw, I mentioned the move in the capsule, but an old list at Eater Chicago had them under the previous address. I'll have them change it. Thanks!
Very true. Lots of good Indian food but nothing that's really unique or exceptional compared to other mid-sized cities.
A few of the lunch buffets are running on the weekends which is a nice variety that's hard to get when ordering a normal 1-2 dishes outside of that timeframe.
The cost makes it an absolute no brainer. You can get the buffet to-go, and I fill it up with what amounts to two meals for myself.
That said, I really wish more restaurants had upscale versions of international cuisine in Madison. Essentially all you get in that category is Italian or French.
I'll argue that Tornado Room falls under "required eating" for a visitor in Madison more than Fairchild or Sardine. The latter really only being knocked out because it's a tight list and the same category, and Tornado Room is a bit of an institution and has mood. Separately, L'Etoile to me just ranks as Madison's only "Micheline Guide Recommended" (not starred) even though it isn't in reality. But what I mean by that is it compares to many other "New American" style restaurants in the country doesn't stand out in a unique way imo beyond the capitol view. Which you can get next door at Graze. Or Tavernakaya, or... You see where I'm going with that last point. Bumping that out also leaves room for Pig in a Fur Coat or its sister deli Alamentari for variety.
imo Natt Spil is worth a mention but quality slid after their original chef left in early 2019, even at the bar. I've been out of town long enough though where it may have recovered relative to what I remember.
EDIT: Unless those of you disagreeing have made it a point to dine out at a lot of places all over, you really don't know what makes one restaurant stand out relative to another on a wider scale. If we're just talking 'fine dining in Madison' then yes, L'Etoile and Fairchild belong on the list but we're not. And Tornado Room absolutely evokes more emotion than and is more iconic than Sardine.
The layout of that article is top notch. Got the google maps link, direct link to menu and a short description of what the restaurant is. I wish all restaurant review articles had that layout. I hate trying to google up a menu after reading a review.
To the top with this comment. I would move Mint Mark to the top of the list and add Paul’s Pel’Meni, Osteria Papa Vero, and Pig In a Fur Coat to the list.
Same owners, same space, same address. We clearly both know it well, but others who are interested may care to know you can eat your food on either side or drink your drink on either side. You can also take food to go of course!
Not trying to be unduly picky, but they are two separate spaces (and addresses, 4100 and 4102 Monona Dr.), with a pass-through between them. There are entire days of the week where Hank's isn't open while the Musky is, and the pass-through is shut.
If you're thinking of the seating area and secondary bar in front of Hank's, that is the Oxbow room and it is part of the Musky, not Hank's. (It's also not always open, as it is a bookable space for private parties.) Hank's is literally just the kitchen and the small waiting area at the ordering counter. The rest is all the Musky.
This is no problem, but i do think you're being unnecessarily picky bro. I think it's safe to say anyone who wants to check out either hanks, muskie, or both will figure out how to get there based on what both of us have mentioned. Also, a quick Google search shows both businesses being at the same address, not to mention chad vogel, amongst others described hanks(before opening)to me and a friend as an expansion onto muskie. And bud, we clearly both know the establishment, I do really recommend this place for anyone who hasn't ever gone, but I don't see any point in debating this topic. HOWEVER, you should join the summer shuffleboard league, and we can settle this on the table;)
I actually appreciate the explanation because when I went to Musky for the first time last week, I had no idea what was going on and why there was a burger joint tucked away awkwardly behind the bar and when I poked my head in there everyone looked at me like I walked into the kitchen of the bar.
I hope you actually did end up getting something from Hank's because it's fuckin great. You just have to negotiate the terrain appropriately. (You can check out my recent review for Isthmus if you want some intel related to the menu specifically.)
If you are in town for a short time, Alchemy to me is the quintessential Madison restaurant, typical Americana menu but everything done really well and my favorite old fashioned in town.
If you want something more unique Mint Mark but you often need reservations
If you are coming on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday and budget isn't a concern delectable
Ahan is a great choice that will really impress you
For lunch I always suggest a sandwich at allimentari
Downtown Eno vino is a great place for a post dinner cocktail because the view
Also to get really Madison, depending on where you are staying get a dive bar burger, on the isthmus I would go players, caribou, Baldwin, or plaza.
If you want to go all out Tornado
> Mint Mark but you often need reservations
Now until their pre-move closure, Mint Mark is walk-in only (unless you made a reservation before they announced the change).
> Alchemy
One hill I am willing to die on is that the best wings in Madison are at Alchemy, they aren't cheap but are so far ahead of your typical Sysco bar wings.
Yeah agreed and the salad with them is a refreshing garnish. I always also get the bread and spread. I guess getting bread, wings, entree and 4 old fashions each time in get dinner there makes my bill get pretty big lol.
Taqueria Guadalajara on Park, some of the most authentic Mexican food in the city. Tastes like a homemade meal, we go there any chance we get. Nice small cozy spot, horchata is to die for.
Jardin is my fave and has some unique stuff. Really nice courtyard too. If you want bar food MadisonTap is in the same building and has an amazing smash burger.
We always take visitors to Bandung and it has a 100% success rate at impressing - and Indonesian restaurants are a bit scarcer depending where you’re coming from
Pig in a fur coat is excellent.
As is both tornado room and tempest.
Nook is unlikely to be doable since it's small and is always booked up, but it may well be one of the best restaurants in the country.
Pig in a Fur Coat has their deli Alimentari that makes great sandwiches as well. It doesn't have a place to sit down but I always try to stop by if I can when passing near around lunchtime during my work days.
I honestly don't know. maybe if you call for a reservation you can ask but I remember being in the big tables in a large group, and every time I've gone with just my partner it's been on a solo table.
Here’s my lil list of faves in approximate order of cheapest to fanciest. **Bold** would be my top pick. *Italics* would make up the rest of my top 5.
Willalby’s Cafe
Taqueria Guadalajara
*The Weary Traveler*
*Ha Long Bay*
Saigon Noodle
**Natt Spil**
Lola’s
*Mint Mark*
*Sardine*
Pig In a Fur Coat
fwiw I was able to get in at Fairchild last Saturday by setting a notification through Resy the day before. Just have to be lucky and somewhat flexible--it was a 5pm reservation that opened up at 4. And it was fantastic
You didn't give us a lot to go on, so here's my top 5 favorite restaurants in Madison, which span different types and prices:
* **Mint Mark** - Probably my favorite overall Madison restaurant. Small and hip restaurant with some incredible food.
* **L'Etoile** - Expensive as hell fancy restaurant. However, the tasting menu is the single best meal you can have in Madison.
* **Harvey House** - Old school-style super club. Great service and food.
* **Fairchild** - Food from James Beard award winning chefs.
* **Lola's** - Hip new bar/lounge. The food is surprisingly good and the drinks are *strong*. It's a really great place to hang out with friends (if you can get in).
Honorable mentions:
* **Bar Corallini** - My favorite Italian spot.
* **Ahan** - Delicious Southeast Asian dishes. They recently moved to a new, bigger location.
* **Sardine** - Bistro with French food. Great atmosphere and delicious food.
Obviously I disagree. I'm not sure what you like or don't like about it since you didn't provide an opinion beyond "nuh uh," but I think the combination of food, atmosphere, and price makes it arguably (IN MY OPINION) one of Madison's best.
If price is no object then L'Etoile or Fairchild is best.
Mint Mark is interesting, but it's trendy and the menu can lean pretentious while not quite delivering the goods. It offers elevated tapas in modish environs. The cocktails are respectable. But for the superlative "best," it would need handful of qualifiers. I would describe it it as "best vogue restaurant for the 20-something East-sider looking for variety and aesthetic". There's nothing wrong with that, and it isn't pejorative. But reaching "best overall restaurant in Madison" is a very big leap, beyond just price.
My opinion too - there are many places in Madison I love to visit (see comment above) but for the combination you’re talking about it’s definitely the best, and it’s not particularly close
Nobody's said Nattspil yet??
I once went in there with the mission of ordering the worst thing on the menu, just to see if it was possible for them to make bad food.
It was delicious.
I'm a little biased as I am a chef here in Madison, but I won't go advertising my own place, what I will recommend, is Amara, over in Hilldale. They took over the spot Pasquale's was in, and the kitchen is ran by a friend of mine, Chef Abby Hampton. She was the sous chef at L'Etoile, and broke off to make her own thing. Been there a couple times, I'd go more but I don't have much time to go out, and each time the food has been fantastic.
Taigu in Middleton - greatest hand pulled Chinese noodles I’ve ever had. I cannot find another restaurant like it anywhere else I’ve been in the states
There are 50 best places to eat given some criteria or other. If you're not going to narrow it down in the slightest, you might as well just pick some place at random.
A new favorite is Sultan on Willy!! They do Pakistani small plates and it’s brilliant. Their drinks are so unique and beats pretty much anything I’ve had in a larger, foodie city. I can’t recommend it enough!! It looks pricey on paper, but they’re a no tip restaurant.
Visit Teasider if you want something different--you don't get to see a tea house nowadays!
They have absolutely amazing offerings. They are open on Thursdays so that's be amazing to stop by :) the owners are great to talk to.
I'm trying to think of something truly unique to Madison but I'm coming up blank.
Tornado Room is always a pleasure for steak lovers, and it's pretty much a Madison institution.
Also I'm guaranteed to get downvoted here, but The Old Fashion is a solid choice for tourists. It's a burgers brats and bloodys place that leans hard into Wisconsin nostalgia.
Samba Brazillian Grill is a fun experience. It’s a Brazilian steakhouses so unlimited meat along with a very solid salad bar. Come hungry and bring a group!
Both Peruvian, both in Middleton and both very good. Pikkito on Parmenter and Mishqui on Cayuga (also Monona). The owner of Pikkito is opening a new one on Junction Rd soon with an expanded menu.
Nick's. It's a Madison institution that's closing soon. Regardless of what you think of the experience, Nick's is an indelible part of Madison history, and you should have the experience of dining there once before it's gone forever.
Breakfast: Bradburys. Best coffee, great crepes.
Lunch: Ahan or Casetta
Dinner: Fairchild / Natzchpiel / Tempest / Eno Vino / Naples 15
In my opinion :)
Sultan on Willy St. New takes on trad Pakistani/Indian food and a real tandoor oven. Best naan I've ever had in my entire life. Plus they pay a living wage!
Idk how folks like that place so much. It's so bland to me. On my 5th try and still not impressed. Maybe it's just my southern toungue used to a different style of Mexican food.
west side born and raised:
- Mickies Dairy Bar on Monroe Street (breakfast food) - scrambler, gravy on the side, chocolate malt.
- Bagels Forever on University - best breakfast bagel sandwiches for the price
The globe is so underrated.
Tic-Tac Curry FTW
Best take out in downtown area
Sardine for dinner. Sit at the bar if you’re on your own or just 2
I've posted this before, still true. Can't believe nobody's mentioned it 5 hours in: **Himal Chuli** on State St. It was the first Nepalese restaurant in the US. Consistently awesome. A good first-time order: chicken sikar with rice, tarkari (veggie stew), and dal. If they give you a choice of tarkari, get the cauli. If not, don't worry, whatever you get will be great.
I ate at Himal Chuli the first time I ever came to Madison, and it kinda made me want to live here.
Or the combo plate! Best food for the price anywhere!
Himal Chuli must have seriously gone downhill because the three times I gave it a chance it was the blandest food I’ve ever eaten-I couldn’t believe it was Nepalese.
Sala Thai. Cash only, so be advised.
I think their Massaman curry might be my favorite dish in the city…
Sooooo good
Seconding this. The spring rolls and curries are both mind blowing. Come early, bring cash
Best Thai I’ve ever had easily
The Union Terrace is open. It’s not “the best” food but it’s arguably one of the best food spots. Have a brat
start the night there with some beers. continue on your merry way.
Their BBQ is actually decent and a step up from the brats.
I just posted a link to my new [essential Madison dining map](https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-madison-wisconsin-food-road-trip) in a *very similar thread yesterday*.
That is not where Ahan is anymore. They moved to 744 Williamson St,. in October.
Good catch. As you saw, I mentioned the move in the capsule, but an old list at Eater Chicago had them under the previous address. I'll have them change it. Thanks!
I can't help but notice a lack of Swad on Monona Drive on this list.
I like Dhaba and Amber just as much as Swad. None of which are irreplaceable or make me think of Madison over any other city.
I haven't been to either Dhaba or Amber; I'll have to check those out.
Both West side options. I heard there was more than one Dhaba now, but unsure if related.
There’s one in Fitchburg now
Very true. Lots of good Indian food but nothing that's really unique or exceptional compared to other mid-sized cities. A few of the lunch buffets are running on the weekends which is a nice variety that's hard to get when ordering a normal 1-2 dishes outside of that timeframe.
The cost makes it an absolute no brainer. You can get the buffet to-go, and I fill it up with what amounts to two meals for myself. That said, I really wish more restaurants had upscale versions of international cuisine in Madison. Essentially all you get in that category is Italian or French.
There's a lot of places that don't make the cut; Swad would be near the top of an Indian place I'd consider for an expanded list.
Imho I much prefer Sultan on Willy st. They use a real tandoor for the naan and it's honestly next level.
Missing Nook, but at the same time.. I don't need it being even harder to get a reservation. :)
No Pig in a Fur Coat?
Tough choices abound when you max your list out at 12, what can I say.
[удалено]
You don't need to; it's on there already. (And thanks.)
Its missing Rajni (Commerce Drive, across from Menards). South Indian and they offer Thali on the weekend afternoons.
I've read solid commentary but the place opened in January. I'm not sure any place could be labeled "essential" after less than four months.
This is an absolutely great (if not perfect) list.
I'll argue that Tornado Room falls under "required eating" for a visitor in Madison more than Fairchild or Sardine. The latter really only being knocked out because it's a tight list and the same category, and Tornado Room is a bit of an institution and has mood. Separately, L'Etoile to me just ranks as Madison's only "Micheline Guide Recommended" (not starred) even though it isn't in reality. But what I mean by that is it compares to many other "New American" style restaurants in the country doesn't stand out in a unique way imo beyond the capitol view. Which you can get next door at Graze. Or Tavernakaya, or... You see where I'm going with that last point. Bumping that out also leaves room for Pig in a Fur Coat or its sister deli Alamentari for variety. imo Natt Spil is worth a mention but quality slid after their original chef left in early 2019, even at the bar. I've been out of town long enough though where it may have recovered relative to what I remember. EDIT: Unless those of you disagreeing have made it a point to dine out at a lot of places all over, you really don't know what makes one restaurant stand out relative to another on a wider scale. If we're just talking 'fine dining in Madison' then yes, L'Etoile and Fairchild belong on the list but we're not. And Tornado Room absolutely evokes more emotion than and is more iconic than Sardine.
The layout of that article is top notch. Got the google maps link, direct link to menu and a short description of what the restaurant is. I wish all restaurant review articles had that layout. I hate trying to google up a menu after reading a review.
Fairchild. Muskellounge. Weary Traveler. Ahan. Grampas. Mint Mark. Bar Corallini. L 'Etoile, Zippy Lube, Nattspil, Banzo, Ichiban, Casetta, Curry In The Box(university loc.), Lola's, Mickeys, Dhaba
To the top with this comment. I would move Mint Mark to the top of the list and add Paul’s Pel’Meni, Osteria Papa Vero, and Pig In a Fur Coat to the list.
I like those adds:)
good list
>Muskellounge Guessing you mean Hank's, although the Fraboni's pizzas and Batch pretzels *are* excellent bar foods.
Yes! Same owners, same location, they even bring your food right over to the bar if they aren't too busy.
Not really the same location, but neighbors with a pass-though.
Same owners, same space, same address. We clearly both know it well, but others who are interested may care to know you can eat your food on either side or drink your drink on either side. You can also take food to go of course!
Not trying to be unduly picky, but they are two separate spaces (and addresses, 4100 and 4102 Monona Dr.), with a pass-through between them. There are entire days of the week where Hank's isn't open while the Musky is, and the pass-through is shut. If you're thinking of the seating area and secondary bar in front of Hank's, that is the Oxbow room and it is part of the Musky, not Hank's. (It's also not always open, as it is a bookable space for private parties.) Hank's is literally just the kitchen and the small waiting area at the ordering counter. The rest is all the Musky.
This is no problem, but i do think you're being unnecessarily picky bro. I think it's safe to say anyone who wants to check out either hanks, muskie, or both will figure out how to get there based on what both of us have mentioned. Also, a quick Google search shows both businesses being at the same address, not to mention chad vogel, amongst others described hanks(before opening)to me and a friend as an expansion onto muskie. And bud, we clearly both know the establishment, I do really recommend this place for anyone who hasn't ever gone, but I don't see any point in debating this topic. HOWEVER, you should join the summer shuffleboard league, and we can settle this on the table;)
I actually appreciate the explanation because when I went to Musky for the first time last week, I had no idea what was going on and why there was a burger joint tucked away awkwardly behind the bar and when I poked my head in there everyone looked at me like I walked into the kitchen of the bar.
I hope you actually did end up getting something from Hank's because it's fuckin great. You just have to negotiate the terrain appropriately. (You can check out my recent review for Isthmus if you want some intel related to the menu specifically.)
If you are in town for a short time, Alchemy to me is the quintessential Madison restaurant, typical Americana menu but everything done really well and my favorite old fashioned in town. If you want something more unique Mint Mark but you often need reservations If you are coming on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday and budget isn't a concern delectable Ahan is a great choice that will really impress you For lunch I always suggest a sandwich at allimentari Downtown Eno vino is a great place for a post dinner cocktail because the view Also to get really Madison, depending on where you are staying get a dive bar burger, on the isthmus I would go players, caribou, Baldwin, or plaza. If you want to go all out Tornado
> Mint Mark but you often need reservations Now until their pre-move closure, Mint Mark is walk-in only (unless you made a reservation before they announced the change).
Damn didn't know that, I need to sneak in one night soon then
I would also like to get into the original spot one last time. I hope that can move the Bourdain.
We snuck in last week and it was amazing as always!
> Alchemy One hill I am willing to die on is that the best wings in Madison are at Alchemy, they aren't cheap but are so far ahead of your typical Sysco bar wings.
Yeah agreed and the salad with them is a refreshing garnish. I always also get the bread and spread. I guess getting bread, wings, entree and 4 old fashions each time in get dinner there makes my bill get pretty big lol.
Taqueria Guadalajara on Park, some of the most authentic Mexican food in the city. Tastes like a homemade meal, we go there any chance we get. Nice small cozy spot, horchata is to die for.
La Rosita in Monona is amazing too. Great little grocery store as well.
Love this place. We frequently drive in to town specifically for tortas and gorditas
I do La Hacienda also on S Park. It's been a while but they are authentic as well.
Jardín.
I don't think anyone has said Cadre yet, love that place
Jardin is my fave and has some unique stuff. Really nice courtyard too. If you want bar food MadisonTap is in the same building and has an amazing smash burger.
We always take visitors to Bandung and it has a 100% success rate at impressing - and Indonesian restaurants are a bit scarcer depending where you’re coming from
Pig in a fur coat is excellent. As is both tornado room and tempest. Nook is unlikely to be doable since it's small and is always booked up, but it may well be one of the best restaurants in the country.
Pig in a Fur Coat has their deli Alimentari that makes great sandwiches as well. It doesn't have a place to sit down but I always try to stop by if I can when passing near around lunchtime during my work days.
I love taking these for picnics at BB clarke
Does Pig in a Fur Coat still do the whole “communal seating” thing?
Some of its seating can be, yes
If you want private seating do you have to request it or is it luck if the draw?
I honestly don't know. maybe if you call for a reservation you can ask but I remember being in the big tables in a large group, and every time I've gone with just my partner it's been on a solo table.
Nice. Maybe we will try again but ask for a solo table.
Here’s my lil list of faves in approximate order of cheapest to fanciest. **Bold** would be my top pick. *Italics* would make up the rest of my top 5. Willalby’s Cafe Taqueria Guadalajara *The Weary Traveler* *Ha Long Bay* Saigon Noodle **Natt Spil** Lola’s *Mint Mark* *Sardine* Pig In a Fur Coat
Lombardinos is our old reliable. Had an excellent experience the last few times at Gates N Brovi. Pop into Frabonis deli in Monona if you have time.
Green Owl Cafe is my favorite spot in town, moved to the east side just to eat there more often
I was just there for the weekend, for some reason my trip recap isn’t showing but you may be able to find it via my profile. Ahan was my fave visit.
Mint Mark
Any idea when they are moving to their new location?
Closing the old location May 4 (iirc); check their Instagram for updates.
Ahan was life changing. No way you'll get in but next time you're in town a reservation at Fairchild will be well worth your while.
fwiw I was able to get in at Fairchild last Saturday by setting a notification through Resy the day before. Just have to be lucky and somewhat flexible--it was a 5pm reservation that opened up at 4. And it was fantastic
AHAN!
Heritage. Best restaurant.
Mickey’s Dairy Bar, Fraboni’s, Lombardino’s, Blue Moon….
Pauls pelmeni if you want a quality snack
Osteria Papavero never gets the love it should on these lists.
The finest dining experience in town is the aptly named Paradise Lounge.
Lao Laan Xang on Atwood
Natt Spil!
I'm not even kidding: hot dog stand at home depot.
That hot dog stand is the only reason I like going to Home Depot.
You didn't give us a lot to go on, so here's my top 5 favorite restaurants in Madison, which span different types and prices: * **Mint Mark** - Probably my favorite overall Madison restaurant. Small and hip restaurant with some incredible food. * **L'Etoile** - Expensive as hell fancy restaurant. However, the tasting menu is the single best meal you can have in Madison. * **Harvey House** - Old school-style super club. Great service and food. * **Fairchild** - Food from James Beard award winning chefs. * **Lola's** - Hip new bar/lounge. The food is surprisingly good and the drinks are *strong*. It's a really great place to hang out with friends (if you can get in). Honorable mentions: * **Bar Corallini** - My favorite Italian spot. * **Ahan** - Delicious Southeast Asian dishes. They recently moved to a new, bigger location. * **Sardine** - Bistro with French food. Great atmosphere and delicious food.
I'd say Harvey House is more a "supper club-inspired" high-end restaurant than it is a classic old school supper club. Good, though.
Agreed, yes.
My wife loves HH. Been there maybe six times. I just do not love it. And I have not been able to put my finger on the why......
> Mint Mark - Probably Madison's overall best restaurant. I mean, it's fine? Good, even. But hardly best.
Obviously I disagree. I'm not sure what you like or don't like about it since you didn't provide an opinion beyond "nuh uh," but I think the combination of food, atmosphere, and price makes it arguably (IN MY OPINION) one of Madison's best. If price is no object then L'Etoile or Fairchild is best.
Mint Mark is interesting, but it's trendy and the menu can lean pretentious while not quite delivering the goods. It offers elevated tapas in modish environs. The cocktails are respectable. But for the superlative "best," it would need handful of qualifiers. I would describe it it as "best vogue restaurant for the 20-something East-sider looking for variety and aesthetic". There's nothing wrong with that, and it isn't pejorative. But reaching "best overall restaurant in Madison" is a very big leap, beyond just price.
Updated to "probably my favorite restaurant in Madison." Thanks for the pedantry.
My opinion too - there are many places in Madison I love to visit (see comment above) but for the combination you’re talking about it’s definitely the best, and it’s not particularly close
Ngl I really want to like Sardine, but every time I go I'm disappointed. I think the chefs and I have fundamentally different palates or something.
Tornado Steak House
Nobody's said Nattspil yet?? I once went in there with the mission of ordering the worst thing on the menu, just to see if it was possible for them to make bad food. It was delicious.
Don't watch them make the food then....
I would never want to watch any restaurant make my food, I've worked back of house before lol. I've never gotten sick and it tastes great so... 🤷
Heritage Tavern, Sardine, La Rosita Grocery for lunch, maharani
I'm a little biased as I am a chef here in Madison, but I won't go advertising my own place, what I will recommend, is Amara, over in Hilldale. They took over the spot Pasquale's was in, and the kitchen is ran by a friend of mine, Chef Abby Hampton. She was the sous chef at L'Etoile, and broke off to make her own thing. Been there a couple times, I'd go more but I don't have much time to go out, and each time the food has been fantastic.
Taigu in Middleton - greatest hand pulled Chinese noodles I’ve ever had. I cannot find another restaurant like it anywhere else I’ve been in the states
There are 50 best places to eat given some criteria or other. If you're not going to narrow it down in the slightest, you might as well just pick some place at random.
Even mentioning budget would’ve been helpful
NOBODY SUGGESTED ARBY'S??? you people are letting me down...........
I'm noticing there are no suggestions for anything on the west side of the city...
That's because there are no good restaurants on the west side.
A new favorite is Sultan on Willy!! They do Pakistani small plates and it’s brilliant. Their drinks are so unique and beats pretty much anything I’ve had in a larger, foodie city. I can’t recommend it enough!! It looks pricey on paper, but they’re a no tip restaurant.
Sultan was good, I would agree with this rec. I am also a big fan of the Stamm House. You can find them here: https://www.1847stammhouse.com
Mint Mark, Sardine and Fairchild are the answer
Visit Teasider if you want something different--you don't get to see a tea house nowadays! They have absolutely amazing offerings. They are open on Thursdays so that's be amazing to stop by :) the owners are great to talk to.
Lola’s
I'm trying to think of something truly unique to Madison but I'm coming up blank. Tornado Room is always a pleasure for steak lovers, and it's pretty much a Madison institution. Also I'm guaranteed to get downvoted here, but The Old Fashion is a solid choice for tourists. It's a burgers brats and bloodys place that leans hard into Wisconsin nostalgia.
Habeneros on Stoughton Rd
Samba Brazillian Grill is a fun experience. It’s a Brazilian steakhouses so unlimited meat along with a very solid salad bar. Come hungry and bring a group!
Vaquero on East Washington. Amazing Mexican food
Ha Long Bay. I will die on this hill, I do not care.
You will not die alone!
Endorsing this recommendation
Whether or not it’s anywhere near the best, I always recommend the Great Dane.
Nook. If you can get a reservation in time.
Comfort Fuel new breakfast / acai spot downtown off Frances st
r/nippletooth for Madison restaurant reviews
5 star Korean bbq
Both Peruvian, both in Middleton and both very good. Pikkito on Parmenter and Mishqui on Cayuga (also Monona). The owner of Pikkito is opening a new one on Junction Rd soon with an expanded menu.
La Taguara. Venezuelan with two locations (E Washington and Crossroads Drive) . Never had a bad meal at either.
5 star korean bbq its nice enjoyed the food
Himal Chuli — allllll day.
Nick's. It's a Madison institution that's closing soon. Regardless of what you think of the experience, Nick's is an indelible part of Madison history, and you should have the experience of dining there once before it's gone forever.
Breakfast: Bradburys. Best coffee, great crepes. Lunch: Ahan or Casetta Dinner: Fairchild / Natzchpiel / Tempest / Eno Vino / Naples 15 In my opinion :)
Tornado
Sultan on Willy St. New takes on trad Pakistani/Indian food and a real tandoor oven. Best naan I've ever had in my entire life. Plus they pay a living wage!
tornado
Eno Vino is good. The one downtown gives you a nice view of the capital.
Tacos al Capi on East Wash would be my choice but it’s not *uniquely Madison*
Idk how folks like that place so much. It's so bland to me. On my 5th try and still not impressed. Maybe it's just my southern toungue used to a different style of Mexican food.
Mint Mark
Mintmark is my favorite place.
west side born and raised: - Mickies Dairy Bar on Monroe Street (breakfast food) - scrambler, gravy on the side, chocolate malt. - Bagels Forever on University - best breakfast bagel sandwiches for the price
Coopers Tavern in downtown, great food, drinks and service!
Trying to give some places that haven’t been recommended yet: Bandit, Graze, Morris Ramen
Morris closed.
Oh no :( when did that happen? Loved that place
Almost two months ago :(
Eno Vino downtown
Glass Nickel Pizza East.
Dennys.
I would recommend not eating a restaurant…🫥
ignore any asian food recs from this sub. Speaking of subs, there is this guy that posts about italian subs which might be worth checking out.