The Case for Eating Your Way Through Madison, Wisconsin

As a person driven by my love for food, my mornings often kick off with thoughts of culinary adventures ahead. (Will today bring kimchi noodles or curry? Are we trying that new Laotian restaurant or grabbing our go-to burritos?) When I travel, this enthusiasm skyrockets from a 10 to a full-blown 10,000. (My partner happily joins, as long as I make sure we get some steps in between meals.)

This is precisely why my recent visit to Madison, Wisconsin left me thrilled. I attended a conference there last June and extended my stay to explore the local scene. I was amazed by the innovative takes on classic Wisconsin taverns, imaginative chefs, and a remarkable abundance of excellent produce. Although it’s a college town, it ranks among the most inspiring cities I've recently dined in. It’s no wonder, with a vibrant farming community led by young farmers, a significant Hmong population enriching Madison's Laotian cuisine, and even a recent season of Top Chef: Wisconsin being filmed there.

Here are some great dining spots—and tips on how to walk it off in between!

Top Dining Destinations in Wisconsin

Supper clubs, Laotian eateries, and cheese boutiques—oh my! This isn’t an all-inclusive list, but it highlights many local gems. And a quick note about beverages: You absolutely should indulge! Madison boasts an excellent beer and an emerging distillery scene—it’s too vast to cover here, but for a sampling of the city’s finest brews, don’t miss the Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewing Company or one of the high ABV options at Giant Jones Brewing Company. For spirits, consider a day trip to the J. Henry & Sons bourbon tasting room in Dane, roughly 30 minutes north of Madison. (For the stories behind these spots, tune into the Pour Another Round podcast.)

Ahan

For an authentic Lao experience, visit Ahan, a bustling eatery on Williamson Street. Executive chef and co-owner Jamie Brown-Soukaseume has deep roots in the food industry—her family runs another beloved Madison restaurant, Ha Long Bay. Her mother, originally from Laos, shared cherished recipes that inspire Jamie’s standout dishes, such as the rich, savory khao soi and the delightful papaya salad. Don’t overlook the Lao egg rolls—they're a must-try!

Fromagination

Walking into this cheese shop can be a bit overwhelming, but when traveling, we must push through. Fromagination is your go-to place for experiencing Wisconsin through cheese, whether you fancy an aged cheddar with blue veins (Dunbarton blue from Roelli Cheese Haus) or a velvety goat cheese (Linedeline from Blakesville Creamery). The knowledgeable cheesemongers are there to assist—stock up on an assortment of cheeses, along with crackers and other goodies, for a picnic. Alternatively, stroll around the corner to Square Wine Company to grab a bottle of wine for an authentic feast. Looking for something more filling? They also offer sandwiches, mac and cheese, and salads—plus “cakes of cheese” that resemble actual wedding cakes.

Fairchild

This market-driven restaurant—where the spotlight is on ingredients sourced from Wisconsin—is an absolute gem. At Fairchild, the atmosphere is both relaxed and luxurious, the cocktails are exquisite, and the ever-evolving dishes crafted by chefs Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger—like pan-fried sweetbreads with pickled sunchokes and a Door County cherry and shiso puree—are more than enough reason to make Madison your home. And if you appreciate accolades, the chefs snagged the title of best chef(s) in the Midwest at the 2023 James Beard Awards.

Harvey House

A supper club is a quintessential Wisconsin experience, featuring a cozy atmosphere, cocktails (including the brandy-based Wisconsin Old-Fashioned), and a relish tray brimming with cheese dip and a mix of pickled and fresh vegetables. Harvey House has elevated this concept, infusing it with a touch of train travel glamour. Nestled behind Madison’s historic train depot, chef Joe Papach and his wife, Shaina, have embraced the area’s rail history, even fully restoring a train car that can be reserved. It’s one of those delightful, sparkling spots where you’ll want to linger all evening. I kicked things off with a relish tray complete with deviled eggs and a smoked salmon dip, paired with an ice-cold martini—truly one of the best I’ve had in a while. Next, I enjoyed Harvey’s wedge salad and the exquisite walleye, a signature take on the classic Wisconsin fish fry.

Butterbird

For a more laid-back vibe, check out Joe and Shaina Papach’s latest venture: Butterbird, a celebration of fried chicken. Yes, you might find yourself in line, but it moves swiftly, and the wait is well worth it for mac and cheese bites, fried dill pickles, and fried or rotisserie chicken cooked to juicy perfection. It’s also an excellent spot for families: there are games, a claw machine, and a photo booth to keep the kids entertained.

Lao Laan-Xang Restaurant

This beloved establishment was Madison’s inaugural Laotian restaurant when it opened its doors in 1990, and it remains a local favorite. Christine Inthachith and her mother, Bounyong, launched Lao Laan-Xang to share the tastes of their hometown, Luang Prabang, showcased in dishes like the squash curry (featuring four varieties of squash, Thai eggplant, and basil) and moak pa, which consists of catfish steamed in banana leaves.

Mint Mark

Since its debut in 2018, Mint Mark has garnered rave reviews, and for good reason: Chef Sean Pharr—a multi-year James Beard semifinalist—creates small, imaginative plates using only seasonal ingredients. Diners rave about his heavenly buttermilk biscuits and the roasted cauliflower, which is dressed with bagna càuda and raisins plumped in white wine; both dishes have been on the menu since day one. Other offerings change with the seasons—currently, you might find duck frites, an endive salad, and a hearty meat pie filled with tender braised beef.

Muskellounge and Sporting Club

If you want to experience the vibe of chef Sean Pharr, swing by his Muskellounge and Sporting Club, affectionately known as the Musky. He describes it as akin to a 1970s Wisconsin parents' basement or a fishing club. The ambiance fits the bill, featuring plenty of wood paneling and fish artwork against dark green walls. This is the perfect spot to enjoy shuffleboard or darts while sipping on a neat whiskey or one of the numerous local beers on tap. Right next door is Hank’s, a convenient burger and fish fry spot that Pharr opened in 2023, so Musky patrons can snag a shrimp po’boy and cheese curds to enhance their good time.

Pig in a Fur Coat

Indeed, Pig in a Fur Coat stands out as a beacon of Wisconsin's diverse and delightful seasonal cuisine. Here, chef Dan Bonanno infuses his Italian heritage, though I wouldn't pigeonhole it as purely “Italian”—you'll encounter dishes like Parisian gnocchi with short ribs and mushrooms, alongside jerk rabbit served with spinach and parsnips. Don’t forget to return during daylight hours for a sandwich (meatball? pastrami? mortadella??) at Alimentari by Pig in a Fur Coat, Bonanno's Italian deli just around the corner, inspired by the one his father worked at for many years.

L’Etoile

This 48-year-old restaurant has been dubbed the Midwest’s Chez Panisse: L’Etoile is the city’s pioneering farm-to-table establishment, and numerous local chefs have honed their skills here before launching their own ventures. Founded by Odessa Piper, it is now led by chef Tory Miller, a highly regarded figure in the city’s culinary scene. The best option is to indulge in the ever-evolving tasting menu—currently featuring chèvre agnolotti with spring nettles and New York–style strip steak accompanied by celery root and black trumpet mushrooms. Alternatively, you can order à la carte or enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere at Graze, a restaurant that beautifully blends Miller’s Wisconsin and Korean culinary backgrounds.

Short Stack Eatery

When you're on the road, finding a great breakfast spot is essential, and Short Stack, a bustling eatery near the capitol, is a place I would gladly revisit again and again. True to its name, pancakes take center stage here—try the sweet potato oatmeal variety or the classic blueberry stack. There are also plenty of savory choices, like pulled pork paired with cheesy grits or a hearty corned beef hash. For the adventurous, don’t miss the Blind, a surprise dish that changes frequently and offers a discount if you don't inquire about its contents (the only question allowed is whether it’s sweet or savory). I also appreciate their robust selection of gluten-free and vegan options, including a vegan hash and gluten-free buttermilk pancakes.

Leopold’s

A bookstore that caters to travelers and serves drinks late into the night? Yes, please! I was so captivated by Leopold’s that I found myself there twice—once on my bike for a midday coffee and a leisurely browse (with shelves organized by country) and again in the evening for a Black Walnut Manhattan, soaking in the vibrant conversations all around me.

Where to work up an appetite in Madison

For outdoor enthusiasts, Madison is a paradise, brimming with opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the lakes—while also working up a hearty appetite.

Dane County Farmers’ Market

Wisconsin is home to a vibrant farming community, ensuring that fresh produce is always within reach. The 52-year-old Dane County Farmers’ Market is where the culinary magic happens in Madison on Saturday mornings. As the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the U.S. (allowing only vendors who grow their own produce), it encircles the Wisconsin State Capitol from mid-April to early November. It's the perfect place to wander on a Saturday morning—though be prepared for crowds after 9 a.m.—and sample the best of Wisconsin’s harvest, from Door County cherries to cheese curds.

Madison Adventure Tours

Recognized as a platinum-certified cycling city, Madison offers over 60 miles of bike paths within the city and more than 200 miles in the surrounding areas. A fantastic way to explore all this beauty is on two wheels. The city features an excellent bike-sharing program called BCycle, but I highly suggest kicking off your trip with an e-bike tour from Madison Adventure Tours, preferably on your first or second day. During the two-hour city tour, you'll not only get familiar with the layout but also uncover fascinating facts about the capital city (such as its unique position on an isthmus between two lakes—one of only two major U.S. cities with this feature). Thanks to the e-bikes, riders of all ages can join in the fun and enjoy the ride.

Kosa Spa

Sometimes, a little escape is all you need. After a hectic week, I found refuge at Kosa Spa, an Ayurvedic wellness haven located in the Garver Feed Mill (also a fantastic spot for dining and drinks). Ayurveda, a seasonal system of traditional Indian medicine, is the foundation of this spa, led by owner Shilpa Sankaran. You could easily spend an entire day here, indulging in consultations, relaxing in the sauna and steam room, or enjoying an Abhyanga massage with personalized oils. Plus, the food is delightful: hot golden milk (a turmeric oat drink), decaf chai, and khichdi, a rice and lentil dish based on a family recipe from Sankaran’s heritage.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Just a stone's throw from the Garver Feed Mill lies the 16-acre Olbrich Botanical Gardens, an ideal (and free) retreat to unwind between meals. Explore the classic English-style Sunken Garden complete with a reflecting pool, a serene birch walk, and a conservatory that spans 10,000 square feet ($6 admission). Be sure to check out the magnificent Royal Thai pavilion, a stunning gift from the Thai government and the only one of its kind in the United States.

Kayaking—and log-rolling

Madison boasts five lakes—part of the Chain of Lakes linked by the Yahara River—and in the summer, you won't want to miss the chance to explore at least one of them. Lake Mendota and Lake Monona are the largest (the city sits on the isthmus between them), making it easy to spend a weekend kayaking and relaxing on the beaches. You can rent a kayak from Madison Boats, which has three locations on the lakes. For a true Wisconsin experience, unleash your inner lumberjack by joining a log-rolling class on Lake Winga.

This narrative is part of our Meet Me in the Middle series, which highlights the unique towns, cities, and outdoor destinations waiting for travelers in the heart of America, nestled between the more popular coasts. Discover more about Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, and the Midwest.