Best Restaurants in Madison (2025)

Odessa Piper’s farm-to-table pioneer remains Madison’s north star, now guided by James Beard winner Tory Miller. Dinner showcases pristine Wisconsin produce and refined technique, with deep ties to the Dane County Farmers’ Market. Frequently highlighted by national and local critics.

A modern love letter to the Wisconsin supper club from Shaina Robbins Papach and Joe Papach, set in the historic train depot. Celebrated for elegant hospitality, walleye and relish trays. Featured in The New York Times’ Restaurant List and praised by national outlets.

French-leaning bistro fare, oysters, and cocktails with one of the city’s rare lake views. The longtime favorite from chefs John Gadau and Phillip Hurley remains essential for brunch or dinner. Featured in Eater Chicago’s 2025 Madison guide and beloved by locals.

Tory Miller’s lively gastropub pairs Capitol views with a menu that nods to Wisconsin comfort food and his Korean heritage. Think cheese curds, bibimbap riffs, and seasonal plates. Frequently recommended by national food writers as emblematic of Madison’s farm-driven scene.

Chefs Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger earned James Beard Best Chef: Midwest honors for this refined neighborhood spot. Handmade pastas, seasonal fish, and produce-forward plates show precision without stiffness. A fixture on recent best-of lists for Madison.

Produce-forward small plates, a sharp cocktail program, and a bigger 2024 home brought fresh momentum to this East Wash favorite. Local critics praise its playful vegetarian dishes and pastas, with reservations recommended at peak hours.

Chef Dan Bonanno’s intimate Willy Street original leans Mediterranean—gnocchi, charcuterie, and rich, shareable plates—made with Wisconsin ingredients. Frequently praised by local writers and national reviewers for bold flavors and a warm, convivial dining room.

Jamie and Chuckie Brown-Soukaseume’s Lao comfort cooking—laap, noodles, fried chicken—has grown from pop-up roots into a neighborhood anchor. Recognized by Eater and local magazines, it’s also a fun stop for creative desserts and a lively late-evening vibe.

Family-run since the 1980s, this pioneer of Laotian cuisine in Madison introduced many locals to squash curry, laap, and sticky rice. Frequently recommended by local press and tourism publications as a foundational taste of the East Side.

In the Italian Workmen’s Club basement, this neighborhood institution serves beloved thin-crust pies, pastas, and strong pours. Under new local ownership, its heritage and recipes continue. Frequently praised by Madison Magazine and longtime fans.

Downtown’s sandwich benchmark: house-baked focaccia, sliced-to-order deli meats, and daily specials that sell out. Featured by Eater as essential to Madison’s daytime eating, it’s a smart stop between museums, markets, and lakeside strolls.

A love letter to Wisconsin tavern culture: beer-battered cheese curds, brandy Old Fashioneds, and supper club staples near the Capitol. Frequently spotlighted by national outlets and locals alike as a rite-of-passage Madison meal.