Location: Madison
Top Restaurants in Madison
Top Things to do in Madison
- 1. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- 2. Wisconsin State Capitol
- 3. Memorial Union Terrace
- 4. Chazen Museum of Art
- 5. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
- 6. Camp Randall Stadium University of Wisconsin
- 7. University of Wisconsin - Madison
- 8. Capitol Square
- 9. Wisconsin Veterans Museum
- 10. Henry Vilas Zoo
Madison Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Madison
The sprawling University of Wisconsin sets the tone for this college town of cafes, bookstores, brewpubs, numerous restaurants (more per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.) and a good share of cultural and historical attractions. Stunning glacial waterways make the City of Lakes one of the more picturesque state capitals in the country. More than 250 parks offer residents and tourists plenty of recreational areas to choose from. If you visit the campus, be sure to try the famous Babcock Ice Cream at Memorial Union or Babcock Hall, before or after a visit to the Elvehjem Museum of Art's collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. And to really get into the college spirit, head over to State Street's eclectic range of ethnic restaurants. Be sure to try the mouth-watering bratwurst sandwich on a homemade bun at State Street Brats, a student favorite. At the end of State Street, the white granite, Roman Renaissance-style Capitol dominates the skyline and offers an observation platform for views of the city and lakes.
Things to do in Madison
1. Naples 15
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 828 reviews
My desire is to transmit joy,and emotions to others through food, in exactly the same way you share at your home with your family and friends, and share my cuisine and my Neapolitan Culture with sincerity and passion. Thank You, Chef Salvatore Di Scala Il mio desiderio e trasmettere gioia ed emozioni agli altri attraverso il cibo, esattamente nello stesso modo in cui si condivide a casa con la famiglia e gli amici, e condividere la mia cucina e la mia cultura napoletana con sincerita e passione. Grazie, Chef Salvatore Di Scala
Reviewed By lindabNewYorkCity - new york city
We were in town to tour U of W and it was my birthday. This was a great choice. Service was great, food was delicious and it has a lovely ambiance. We ordered the grilled calamari to start, which was excellent, albeit I thought a bit pricey for what it was. There are many choices for pizza, can't speak to the entrees since we stuck to pizza. The gave me a free cannoli w/ a candle at the end, very nice touch.
2. Swad Indian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By Stephen O - Brookfield, Wisconsin
We had been for dinner before but not for their lunch buffet. The buffet is excellent and extensive. They had 2 soups, fresh salad, at least 12 different hot entrees including many chicken and vegetarian choices ,1 beef dish and grilled catfish. They had 6 dessert choices as well. All the food was delicious . The buffet is continually refreshed, no shortage of any dish. You also get warm nan with your meal.
The restaurant is very clean and nicely decorated, staff are very attentive and friendly.
This is by far the very best Indian lunch buffet I have ever had. Give it a try!
Cost is $10:95 a person with a huge selection of food choices.
3. Red
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By Mario G
Great atmosphere and delicious sushi. Very conveniently located close to the capital. Easy parking (lots of ramps around here). I️ personally like the chefs choice sashimi.
4. La Taguara. Venezuelan and Latin American Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
We offer traditional Venezuelan & Latin American cuisine. Visit us and delight your palate with the taste of delicious authentic Venezuelan SAZON. Enjoy our dining room or, for those on the go, call ahead and we'll have your order ready for you to pick up and carry out.
Reviewed By Robert S - Platteville, Wisconsin
Wanting to try something different on my trip thru Madison, so I dropped in. Had a kind of combo plate with plantains, rice, beans and 3 kinds of meat. WAY more food than I needed but it tasted so good. Highly
5. L'Etoile Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By MMouseMD - Avon, Connecticut
Private party took over the entire restaurant. Imaginative tasty appetizers, excellent bartenders. Impressive wine list. The filet was cooked to perfect temp, beet salad was cold and crisp with just enough goat cheese to keep it on taste. Panna cotta firm, but not gelatinous. Five-start service.
6. Pizza Brutta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By michael m - Fort Worth, Texas
Absolutely one of my fave pizza places ever. And what a find. They make the pies right in front of you with the most excellent of ingredients! The salad of the day, 5.00, was so fresh you could taste the dirt! Wonderful place!!
7. Angelo's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By Jeff R - Marion, Iowa
Angelo's is a small, intimate Italian restaurant - the dining room looks to seat about 50 - 60 people - and has all the usual dishes one expects in an Italian restaurant. The bar area has a distinct hometown feel to it - you can tell the patrons there know each other but are also welcoming to out-of-towners.
My wife ordered the shrimp scampi and I had lobster ravioli. We both enjoyed our meals and split a tiramisu that was excellent.
The service was top-rate; attentive but not intrusive.
A very good experience.
8. Dotty Dumpling's Dowry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 674 reviews
Dotty Dumpling's Dowry is a Madison institution favored by the locals for over 40 years. Located in the heart of downtown, Dotty's offers award winning hamburgers, Friday fish fry, homemade soups and chili, fresh salads and so much more! Cozy up in a booth or at the bar and pick from 24 Wisconsin craft beers on tap while enjoying some Blues or Motown music in the back round. Dotty's is a Madison tradition enjoyed by guests of all ages!
Reviewed By ToddP70 - Waukesha, Wisconsin
My wife and 2 sons (19 and 13) enjoyed our experience at Dotty Dumpling's last week! We had the fried cheese curds as an appetizer, then each tried a different burger. Each of us mostly enjoyed our choices. I had the Heart Throb and was...MoreThank you so much for the kind review! I love that you all had different burgers. That really maximizes the experience. Please come visit us again soon! ?
9. Tornado Steak House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 591 reviews
Reviewed By Kari K - Madison, Wisconsin
Steaks, potatoes, salad - this is the best dinner that can be had in Madison. Love the iconic hole-in-the-wall supper club atmosphere, located only a few paces from the Capitol square. Can't recommend it enough!!!
10. Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Eno Vino offers over 150 wines by the bottle and 40 by the glass as well as a full bar featuring their own Specialty Martinis and other Original Libations
Reviewed By acedaughter - Michigan
We were lucky to be seated at a window table, with a view of the state Capitol -- gorgeous! Six of us were dining and we thoroughly enjoyed all of the many dishes we tried. Favorites were the fried green beans and the center cut filet. The creme brulee was also delicious!
