Where to Eat in Madison Right Now

Cutting edge eats cloaked in college town charm.

A cultural and geographical nexus between Milwaukee, Chicago, and the Twin Cities, Madison may be a midsize metropolis, but the culinary scene is all Big City. Diners recognize areas like State Street, the tether between the Capitol Building and the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, for its diverse, affordable eateries. Those seeking a finer dining experience hew closer to the Capitol area, which hosts a slew of steakhouses and a handful of James Beard Award-recognized restaurants. But there’s so much more to be found—not to mention something to suit every taste—across the city. From a train depot turned modern supper club to a hidden gem taco counter, here are the absolute best places to eat in Madison right now.

Alimentari
Alimentari

Marquette
An offshoot of nearby A Pig in a Fur Coat, Alimentari is equal parts Italian market and deli—think Eataly, but scaled for Madison’s ~260,000-person population. But the Williamson Street-adjacent shop offers all of the appeal of its lauded urban relative. Browse wines, fresh pastas, or niche sundries, and don’t leave before ordering a sandwich. Offerings come layered with slabs of mozzarella or piled high with thinly sliced deli meats like mortadella, prosciutto, or capicola. To call Alimentari’s portions “generous” would be an understatement—a single sandwich will easily feed you for two meals—but you’ll definitely want to eat the whole thing in one go.
How to book: Stop by for counter service or order take-out via EatStreet.

Taiwan Little Eats
Taiwan Little Eats

State-Langdon
Among State Street’s many culinary outposts, Taiwan Little Eats is a can’t-miss. Opened in 2017 as an homage to Taiwanese night market fare, the counter-service joint is rife with homey ambience and a bill of savory enticements. The menu ranges from “shareables” to “big eats,” but dishes in the “little eats” section, such as the melt-in-your-mouth braised pork over rice noodles, are enough to satisfy even the hungriest of diners. Round up a crew and order a few items from each category—we’re partial to the BBQ pork sausages, fish cakes, and the crispy-but-not-oily fried chicken thigh over rice. 
How to book: Stop by for counter service or order take-out online.

The Harvey House
The Harvey House

Bassett
Debuting in July 2021 after years of prep, planning, and buildout, the newest entrant to Madison’s dining scene is helmed by spouses Shaina Robbins Papach and Joe Papach, who returned to Wisconsin after stints at world-renowned institutions the French Laundry, Chez Panisse, and Gramercy Tavern. And the team’s star-studded resume is evident in everything from the meticulous service to each plate’s elegant preparation. Dishes, such as the old fashioned-inspired duck breast with fennel, cherries, orange, and cognac jus, excel at updating traditional Wisconsin flavors with a fine-dining twist. That’s to say nothing of the space. The former train depot showcases old-world glamor while nodding to its industrial origins—think New York’s Grand Central Oyster Bar with a bounty of Midwestern charm. 
How to book: Reserve via Resy.

Enrique’s Market

Mendota Hills
Enrique’s Market is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it diamond on Madison’s up-and-coming north side. Housed next to a laundromat and a bait-and-tackle shop, the small Mexican market, owned and operated by the eponymous Enrique Hernandez and his son, Edgar, is a fuss-free zone. Tables are sparse, it’s counter service only, but it also turns out some of the best tacos, tortas, and tamales in the city. Corn tortillas arrive loaded with fillings—the lengua and carnitas are local favorites—and dressed with little more than cilantro and onion. While you might choose to add queso or avocado, there’s no need—the meats are seasoned and braised to perfection, and shine more than adequately on their own. 
How to book: Stop by for counter service.

Ahan
Ahan

Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara
Born from a series of pop-ups, Ahan (Lao for “food”) opened this brick-and-mortar location in January 2020 inside music and events venue the Bur Oak. You can stop by the Winnebago Street spot for some tunes, sure, but the real draw is the fare from chef-owner Jamie Hoang. An alum of local powerhouses L’Etoile and Forequarter, Hoang blends Asian flavors and preparations with local ingredients to create truly delectable dishes. The vegetable egg rolls, red-tinged thanks to the addition of beets, are a meal in their own right. But don’t stop there—order the spicy kua khing phed, which tops stir-fried tofu or pork and vegetables with a crispy fried egg, or dive into the nam khao salad, stacked with crispy rice and curry-spiced sausage.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via Toast.

Settle Down Tavern
Settle Down Tavern

First Settlement
Settle Down Tavern magnifies the best aspects of Wisconsin taverns of yore: comfortable service, free-flowing booze, and a truly superior burger. This Capitol-area eatery has two exceptional versions, a beef smash burger and a plant-based counterpart, both perfectly crisped at the edges. The menu is relatively small—a series of snacks, a grain bowl, a chicken sandwich, nightly specials—but who needs more when everything tastes so good? That quality extends to the drinks program, which highlights local and women-owned wineries alongside quirky house cocktails courtesy of co-owner Brian Bartels, who cut his chops at New York notables like Fedora and literally wrote the book on U.S. cocktails
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via Toast.

Fairchild Restaurant
Fairchild Restaurant

Dudgeon-Monroe
Fine-dining flair meets casual comfort at this near-west-side spot. Chefs Itaru Nagano and Andy Kroeger, each of acclaimed restaurants like L’Etoile, Craft, and Bouchon Bistro, focus on transforming simple, seasonal ingredients with elevated techniques. But be warned: Dishes change often -- check their site before going! -- though you’re unlikely to be disappointed with anything on offer here. If it’s available, try the octopus (green curry, wild spinach, and Thai basil), which arrives impossibly tender on the inside and crisped on the outside. Pair with a glass of Austrian wine, and be enveloped by the cozy, wood-lined interiors, which let the quality of the dishes shine.
How to book: Reserve via Resy or order take-out via Toast.

McFarland
Few states take Friday fish fry as seriously as Wisconsin, and Toby’s Supper Club, located in the nearby town of McFarland, transforms the Midwestern tradition into a full-on sport. Here, patrons must pre-order dinner at the bustling bar—a practice that requires an early arrival and dogged determination. But if you’re game, it’s well worth the effort. Get comfortable with a brandy old fashioned sweet (for the purists), order the hash brown to share, and rejoice in the moment when you’re escorted to your table. Within minutes, you’ll find yourself presented with a piping-hot stack of flaky, perfectly battered lake fish or cod. Of course, Toby’s has other offerings—the menu is massive—but those in the know go every Friday, get there early, and opt for the fish fry.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or call 608-222-6913 for take-out.

Madison Sourdough
Madison Sourdough

Marquette
Madison Sourdough is as much a gathering spot as it is a dining destination, and it’s often the site of long lines on the weekends. Folks stop by with kids, family, and friends for a lunchtime menu that includes soups, quiches, and sandwiches, but the real focus, of course, is on the bakery’s beautifully crusty sourdough. Made from Wisconsin-grown wheat, the original batard loaf is a standby, but the chewy pepitas polenta version, studded with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh sage, is a must-have. The menu is rounded out with pies, cakes, and decadent French Viennoiserie—we recommend grabbing a flaky peach-and-cheese danish or two (one for now, one for later). 
How to book: Stop by for counter service or order take-out via Upserve.

Osteria Papavero
Osteria Papavero

First Settlement
Osteria Papavero chef Francesco Mangano brings the flavors and techniques of the Tuscan Coast to Madison in this quaint Capitol-area joint. The focus here is on technique and tradition, evidenced by everything from the sculptural furnishings crafted by local artisan Aaron Laux to the shareable-heavy menu. Those looking to try a little bit of everything should start with an antipasto tray, which offers a rotating selection of plant-based or seafood nibbles. Tuck in to a plate of expertly prepared pasta, which has the recognizable bounce and bite of a well-made dough and comes complemented by spicy homemade ‘nduja sausage or a richly braised wild boar ragout. A word to the wise: Don’t pass up dessert, especially the butterscotch budino or, when available, the pine nut tart.
How to book: Reserve via Resy or order take-out via Toast.

Mint Mark
Mint Mark

Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara
Dining at Mint Mark is as much about the beautifully outfitted interiors as it is about James Beard-nominated chef Sean Pharr’s ultra-seasonal menu. Grab a seat, order the fan-favorite cauliflower (bagna cauda, herbs, golden raisins, Sarvecchio cheese), and let yourself be enveloped by the stylish space complete with exposed wood ceilings and palm-print wallpaper. The retro-inspired bar serves as the restaurant’s focal point, as well as a backdrop for owner Chad Vogel’s spirits savvy (he also counts nearby Robin Room and Muskellounge and Sporting Club among his boozy fleet), showcased in concoctions like the When Doves Cry (Tequila, Makrut lime syrup, grapefruit cordial, lime juice, orange blossom water) or a classic Pendennis Club (Old Tom gin, apricot brandy, lime, Peychaud’s bitters).
How to book: Reserve via Resy.

Sardine
Sardine

Marquette
Sardine is the rare Madison spot that boasts beautiful views inside and out: The sleek interior, complete with gleaming brass fixtures, subway tile, and exposed wood accents, offers stunning views of the open raw bar and nearby Lake Monona. The dining room is open and airy, but we recommend posting up at the bar. It’s the perfect vantage point for enjoying the excellent oyster happy hour (a dollar off East Coast oysters and $5 glasses of house red, white, or rose) and a tin of sardines. Polish off the evening with moules frites (white wine, Pernod, cream, fennel, tomato, aromatics) and a glass of crisp Muscadet.
How to book: Reserve via Tock.

Salvatore's Tomato Pies-Sun Prairie
Salvatore's Tomato Pies-Sun Prairie

Tenney-Lapham
There’s no shortage of pizza to be found in this college town, but Salvatore’s Tomato Pies easily takes gold. Owner Patrick DePula embellishes his crisp-yet-chewy crusts with quality ingredients—take, for example, the Forza, featuring pepperoni, calabrese chili peppers, smoked Gouda, roasted garlic, ricotta, and roasted tomatoes. Local love for Sal’s has fueled considerable expansion in recent years: In addition to the Sun Prairie outpost and the tiny (currently closed for renovations) East Johnson location, DePula has set up shop in a massive storefront on Madison’s bustling East Washington corridor and also opened an addition in nearby Monona.  
How to book: Reserve via Resy or order take-out and delivery online.

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Sarah Probst is a contributor for Thrillist.