Fairchild

If there’s one place in Madison where you can always count on a dining experience that leaves you deeply satisfied, it’s Fairchild. This unpretentious spot continues to redefine what it means to eat with intention and takes care to honor ingredients that shine in their simplicity and quality. For us, Fairchild always feels like a love letter to seasonal cooking, boldly confirming the importance of the relationship between a chef and their community, and a very intentional commitment to doing things right because it matters. Once inside, there’s a palpable warmth—sun shines through the windows and the busy neighborhood wanders by outside. The staff greets you like old friends and there’s no pretense, just a welcoming that confirms you’ve arrived somewhere special. And I guess you probably want to know about the food—oh, the food. Each season, with every new dish, we feel deeply that what’s in front of us has been constructed with care and purpose. The owners—both phenomenal chefs in their own right—clearly pour their hearts into this place, making sure every ingredient is picked with reverence and prepared intentionally. We visited tonight to try the spring menu and each dish was a tribute to the season. Ramps, asparagus, strawberries, and rhubarb stole the show. At the end of the day, it’s really not just the flavors that make Fairchild stand out. The beauty is in the details—the way each dish is plated thoughtfully, each element chosen to show off its best qualities. I think what always stands out most to us is that Fairchild doesn’t feel like it’s trying to be anything it’s not. It’s not stuffy, pretentious, or sterile. It’s a spot where you’re always met with a level of service that feels personal and kind—a unique experience crafted just for you. It’s a reminder that real hospitality comes not from being flashy, but from being authentic, warm, and attentive. Fairchild isn’t a place that shows off—they show up. They spend the right energy in the right places and hold a care for their community at the heart of everything they do. You feel it with every dish in front of you. In this world of trend chasing, Fairchild feels like a place grounded in the philosophy that good food, made with care, speaks louder than anything else— and in a city full of many dining spots, Fairchild is one that never misses. It’s the place you can count on to deliver something exceptional every time. Thank you as always for having us!

Best restaurant in Madison hands down. The Midwest agricultural scene is brilliantly highlighted in every menu, which changes often with the seasons. In addition, it’s always nice to see a restaurant run by chef-owners, especially ones as masterful as these two. I’d strongly recommend starters like the Hiramasa/Hamachi and the Foie Gras, whjch coincidentally are menu staples (but the accompaniments with the dish change seasonally). The foie has been the only escalope—a slice off the whole lobe—that I’ve tried in the US, and it’s seared excellently and melts in your mouth with that distinct foie flavor. I’d also recommend any pasta, as they’re made in house, especially the Parisienne gnocchi or (forms of) ravioli. The gnocchi has a wonderful char & crisp to the outside, giving way to the pillowy soft inside that just soaks up the flavor from the jus. It’s one of my favorite dishes, and I’m not even the biggest fan of kale (and it’s still on the menu at the time of writing this review). There’s just the slightest hint of Italian influence in Fairchild’s pasta, sitting in the shadow of familiar but expertly curated Midwestern ingredients. Overall, I’d strongly recommend Fairchild especially if you’re new to the Midwest dining scene. Fairchild has a near genius level of not only exceptional flavors but also a unique and very intentional innovation.

Fairchild made our anniversary truly special! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here, and the service was exceptional from start to finish. The staff made us feel so welcomed, even surprising us with a drink upon arrival. The food was absolutely delicious, and every detail of our experience was perfect. We highly recommend Fairchild for a special occasion or a fantastic dining experience!

Great new dining option for Madison. This is a 4.5 rating. Good vine selection, the bottle we had was divine. Every dish we picked met and some exceeded our expectations. Service is prompt and friendly. They do need to figure out how to accommodate people splitting some of the dishes; we had to ask for extra plates and plates that came were too tiny, so we ate off of the main serving plate. The atmosphere is ok and can be improved; the layout of the place is problematic. Bar area is great and we preferred to dine there - they serve full menu. Reasonable prices, on par with similar restaurants in the area. Parking in the street or adjacent parking lots works. Overall, can’t wait to go back and try a few more items on the menu. Enjoy!! Update: years in and still going strong on high standards in food and service. Hard to get reservation so I recommend looking in advance and grant a spot.

I was finally able to get a reservation at Fairchild July 2024 after missing out in July 2023 when we were in Madison for our annual weeks stay there. All the hype, and maybe one criticism, was deserved! The service, as soon as my wife and I walked in, was warm and accommodating. We detoured to the bar for a cocktail before heading over to our table. The food…amazing for the most part. Deviled eggs, simple and tasty. Maitake tempura, maybe our most talked about dish of the meal. Was it the lightest tempura batter? No, but the flavor and the concept worked. We kept reaching for more even as other dishes arrived. The aioli was hard to reach at the bottom of the bowl when the bowl itself was filled to the brim with the maitake, but we made do. Beef tartare, maybe the lone underachiever. There was so much shaved cheese that we couldn’t taste the beef. Oysters, I’m partial to briny oysters and those were tasty. Hamachi crudo with kohlrabi and blueberries. I looked at it when it first arrived at the table and thought this looks like a dish meant more for show conceptually, but all the elements worked. Surprisingly, I really liked the textural pop and slight tartness of the frozen blueberries. Pork Trotter, absolutely delicious. Our favorite dish of the night. Not as much skin as I expected, but I can understand why. The texture can throw off some people. Tagliatelle with shrimp and the gnocchi was very tasty. The plating on the carrots sorta stuck out in contrast to the other dishes, but they tasted fine. We didn’t order any mains this time because we’ve had a pretty good run of meals this trip, and we had another blowout meal scheduled the next night in Milwaukee. The service was exemplary. Marlee, our bartender and Nancy, our server, made the meal so much better with their friendly but correct service.

This place came highly recommended from a friend. It didn’t disappoint. The deviled eggs… who knew they could taste so good. The Lobster Bisque, I don’t even have words. Unexpected and absolutely amazing. Had the Duck as an entree and it was, to say the least, untraditionally spectacular. You get what you pay for, and while you’ll spend some money at Fairchild, you won’t be disappointed. Maybe the best food in Madison.

What a beautiful evening we shared at Fairchild. The service was astounding. Our water glasses were never empty and our wine was perfectly chilled. The beet gazpacho was one of the best things I have had in quite some time and I hesitated in ordering it but so glad I did. The chicken and morel dish was legendary!! We had rhubarb bread pudding and a chocolate badino for dessert…. Both were outstanding!! I wish I lived closer but I would drive 5 hours to eat here again.

This was a really great experience, fine dining quality food in a more casual atmosphere. Our server was very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the food. Out of all of the things we ordered, I would say that the stand-outs were the beef tartare, the sweet potato side, the monkfish, and the drink called 'shiso'. Those were all pretty special and definitely worth trying. The deviled eggs and the desserts were just fine, by no means bad, but I wouldn't order them again. This was a good place to celebrate a special occasion and I'd definitely come again!

I've been wanting to come here for a while, and I'm glad my sister and I finally made the trip. This restaurant certainly earns its reputation, and you'll definitely need a reservation. There is a great wine list to choose from, and although I went with wine, their cocktail list also looked fantastic. I ordered the New York strip, which was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Although it did come with a side, I also ordered the green barn broccoli, which was superb. My sister got the 7 seeds chicken, which she thought was excellent. We opted for dessert to share - the apple cake, which is served on a skillet with ice cream atop. It was amazing! I wish I hadn't been so full from the rest of the meal, because this was simply delightful and a plentiful portion. Overall, the price is on the higher side, but for the quality of food and service, it makes sense. This restaurant would make for a perfect date spot. Our server was very friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. I definitely hope to come back.

perfect dinner date night spot :) i made a reservation for 2 several weeks in advance and it is so worth it. super cute & cozy ambiance with soft warm yellow lighting, it's a small restaurant so it feels very intimate. our server did an excellent job offering recommendations, going into detail with each dish. I love that they change up the menu constantly and according to the seasons! they also source their ingredients fresh from the farmers market each week deviled eggs: creamy and light, this is a staple on the menu lobster bisque: such a unique twist on the dish! it's less creamy compared to a new england lobster bisque and had more earthy, curry flavor, with lots of spices tagliatelle: super clean light pasta, had a very lemony sauce. gave off spring tbh! great portion size too, I didn't feel overly stuffed. the sourdough was grilled and was from a place down the street seven seeds chicken: super unique dish full of juice and flavor. they sorta mash up different parts of the chicken together so you get light and dark pieces, the skin was wonderfully crisp. the apple was soft and carmelized and was a great addition japanese purin: essentially like a flan with cherries and a light touch of maple syrup drizzled over on top. super light and airy dessert, perfect ending to dinner

I've been putting off this review for a while in hopes to give this spot a second chance, but I haven't had the chance to return yet. Perhaps our expectations were set a bit high, but Fairchild was definitely overhyped and I was disappointed by this restaurant. After hearing so many great things we were really looking forward to giving this restaurant a try. I ordered the seven seeds chicken which was very small and a bit bland. We also tried the pappardelle which looked delicious. Upon trying it we were underwhelmed due to the lack of flavor. The inside was quaint and very charming. However, our waitress was a bit overbearing and just seemed off. We're convinced we came on an off day based off of the many raving reviews and will be returning to give Fairchild a second go.

Loved the menu options around Christmas: Lobster Bisque and Fettuccine with Clams. Both were done extremely well--creamy and rich with fresh morsels of seafood. So very satisfying. Yum!

Fairchild always exceeds my expectations! As soon as you step inside, the cozy lighting and modern decor set the perfect vibe for a nice night out. The menu is a showcase of creativity, beautifully presented and delicious. The Shishido peppers and beef tartare are my favorite. The drinks were great too! We loved the old fashioned. Equally noteworthy was the quality of the service. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, and made our birthday celebration wonderful. I already can't wait to go back! Highly recommend taking an out-of-town visitor to give them a taste of Madison's dining and locally sourced ingredients

Stellar food experience ! Such a cozy interior, dimly lit but enough that I could walk around (did have a tad difficulty reading the menu though)-- perfect for a date night I'd say. Service was great, my server was very direct and to the point, which I liked, and checked in frequently to make sure we were enjoying our food. I went to the bathroom briefly once between appetizers and entrées, and my napkin was replaced by the time I got back :0 Now, on to the food which was simply phenomenal: Maitake tempura (9.5/10): I barely have anything to critique here-- mushrooms were so crispy, yet the batter was light, so well seasoned I didn't even need the aioli sauce (actually thought the sauce took away from the mushrooms a bit, but I just ignored the sauce and ate as is lol) Goat Cheese Tart (9/10): delicious, delicious, delicious, my only complaint is I wish there was more!! The slice we got was a bit skinny, but the tart crust was insanely crispy and layered, the acidic tomato (both in the tart and raw on the side) was the perfect balance to the rich, creamy goat cheese. Monkfish (9/10): again, so scrumptious-- my monkfish was perfectly cooked, soft but still had a bite to it. It was in a curry sauce with butternut squash, frisee, and apple (I think?) on the side. I would absolutely not think of putting those things all together, but it worked so well, I loved the freshness of the veggie sides with the creaminess of the curry sauce. Pork Loin en Croute (8/10): this was probably the worst thing for me, but worst amongst amazing dishes is still pretty good-- the mustard on top took the cake for me, but the pastry dough was a bit undercooked and chewy for my liking, they were served with the smoothest mashed potatoes I ever had - delicious, but a bit boring compared to other dishes (although this is just my opinion, my partner loved it!) Raspberry Cake for 2 (8/10): flavors of the cake with the lemon poppy seed ice cream on top paired so nicely-- bright acidic, and sweet flavors; my main complaint is that the cake was quite dense and a bit dry, but still tasted scrumptious when eaten with the ice cream (but the ice cream was necessary for it to be good) Overall, would 1000% go here again, probably my favorite place I've been to in Madison thus far. A bit pricey for my income level, so might go here sparingly, but believe me, if I was raking in the dough I'd go here every week.

Great ambience. Waitress wonderful - didn't get her name. Food delicious a bit homemade vibe. But get a lot so you can combine the flavors

Visited on a Saturday around 6pm solo, was able to snag a seat at the bar without a reservation. The restaurant was fairly busy, most guests had a reservation and a slight wait before their table was ready, if coming as a group would recommend booking a spot but there were seats at the bar available for the majority of the evening. Drinks: sumac lemonade - really light and refreshing a great cocktail to start the meal, tart and tangy with a slight sweetness, throughly enjoyed Food: PEI mussels - delicious, creamy rich lightly spiced saffron broth with savory meaty chunks of chorizo, mussels were well clean and cooked, potatoes added a little bit of heartiness, came with a slice of grilled bread to soak up the broth wish there was more bread for this Shishito peppers with yuzu kosho mayo - a nice veggie option, pepper were lightly sauteed with a slight char, served on a bed of the mayo which added a subtle citrus spice, would have preferred to dip personally but still enjoyed this overall Serving was great, really attentive staff dispute how busy the restaurant and bar was. Friendly, warm and welcoming, water was refilled regularly and staff checked in throughout the meal. Overall a great spot for a more upscale dinner in Madison, menu is new American with some global influences, if the mussels are on the menu menu order them!

My husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary in Madison, and we ended the day at Fairchild. We both agreed it was the best meal of 2024 so far. The freshness of Fairchild's offerings and the seasonal flavors were truly delightful. To start, Fairchild welcomed us with two glasses of bubbles to celebrate. They recommended a dish from each category, but we decided to freestyle our choices. Here's what we ordered, in order of our favorites: Hudson Valley Foie Gras: I am still thinking about this dish--a taste of heaven. The foie gras ice cream was chef's kiss! Seven Seeds Pork Trotter: Please give me the recipe for the nuoc cham! Excellent balance of flavors and so savory. Hamachi: Refreshing and perfectly balanced. Peterman Craftsman Steak Tartare: A fun bite, though I think I prefer the traditional serving. Strawberry Rhubarb Panna Cotta: The perfect light yet flavorful ending. Grilled Pink Moon Oysters: One word--plump. Triangoli: I was yearning for more of that bone marrow flavor, but overall, a safe dish. We left this very memorable dinner feeling comfortable and happy. I can't wait to bring my girlfriends here for our next UW Madison reunion!

I finally made it to Fairchild. After the chefs won Best Chef Midwest region for James Beard awards in June 2023, it was tough to get a table. I ordered the Hamachi and Beef Tartare from the Snacks section, and the Bone Marrow and Pork Trotter from the Appetizers secrion. Every dish was beautifully plated. The Hamachi was a refreshing dish with nice flavors and texture. The Beef Tartare was served on top of potato pave, which was soft and thick making the dish a bit one dimensional. I also didn't get much flavor from the tartare, which should have been the star. Maybe too much shaved cheddar? Anyway the Beef Tartare makes this a 4.5 star review, even though that isn't an option. The Bone Marrow was fantastic! Topped with braised beef shortrib, goat cheese, chanterelles and a bit of blueberry. The star of the dinner was the Pork Trotter! Crispy pork belly, sunny side up egg, thai vinaigrette, and cilantro make up the ingredients, but the flavors and textures make it seem like there is much more to the dish, not to mention the stunning plating! This wasn't just the best dish I had here, it was one of the best dishes I've ever had anywhere! I ordered the Via Ferrate cocktail made with Whistlepig 6 yr rye, and it was refreshing and delicious. The other highlight was my server, Sophie. She was a total rockstar! I hope to get back here soon!

One of the best meals I've had in Madison and overall. Many people told me to come here and I'm glad I listened! Each dish we ordered had unique flavors and worked so well together. We started with the gochujang cured hamachi - it was an interested combination of cured fish and a very pigmented black ponzu sauce. It was delicious but the sauce was a bit extra. For our entree, we got the NY strip, crab cake risotto, and a side of brussel sprouts. I like to order brussel sprouts at almost every restaurant I go to, and these were some of the better ones I've had. The kimchi aioli went really well with the Brussels and gave it a great flavor. The strip was my favorite dish out of all: it had chestnuts, pomegranate, and a bordelaise sauce on the dish. I was a little apprehensive of each ingredient but they went SO WELL with each other, we scraped the dish clean at the end. The crab cake risotto was great as well, just wish it was a little more seasoned. We ended the night with a sticky toffee pudding, it was tasty and nice ending to an amazing meal. Great for a date night or celebration. Will be back soon! Excited to try new additions to the menu as they are updated very often.

Great service. Tight dining room space. Boundary pushing flavors and techniques excellent perfectly. Amazing wine cellar.

This is a small expensive restaurant. I took out dinner from here on a Saturday evening. This place is not supposed to be a take out place. People generally dress up and come in to have a relaxed meal. So I was the exception. I went for a Cappelletti. It was a flavorful pasta. But the quantity was super small. May be it was enough as a snack.

Incredible value, creative and delicious food, lovely experience. Champagne for 2 - 5/5. Lovely way to start the meal. Delicious champagne. Hamachi - 5/5. Perfect dish. Right amount of Jalapeno, coldness from blueberry, crunch from kohlrabi. Grilled Pink Moon Oyster - 4.5/5. Really fun combination to have gin and oysters. Chilled Carrot Soup - 4.5/5. Incredible soup, rich curry flavor. Great little bread. Risotto - 4.5/5. Homey. Could eat this over and over. Halibut - 4/5. Flakey perfect cook.

Returned here recently after a while away. Food and service were top notch. Creative fresh flavorful dishes.

Went for anniversary dinner with my wife. Went to Fairchild tonight for our anniversary dinner. Didn't want to post prior to eliminate influence on what I thought looked good. 8.5/10 would be my rating. Food was absolutely delicious. That said, there are A LOT of places that have delicious food around Madison. But, and I preface this by saying I'm a huge Top Chef, Masterchef, Hell's Kitchen fan, I've never had food that was plated so beautifully. It changed the way I ate the dish. We both left feeling satisfied, but not "full" and feeling like we can't eat anymore. We probably would have opted for an appetizer instead of the two "snacks" next time....but I can see why the menu is built the way it is and how a couple could spend $300 EASY there. Also should note while making the reservation, they ask if there is an occasion being celebrated; birthday, anniversary, etc. of which I stated it was. We never got even a "Happy Anniversary" from the server, which was also the bus boy. Little disappointing in that sense. If you're going to have customers inform you it's a special day for them, at least verbalize a congratulations or something. Our selections: "Por Que No" and "pink matter" cocktails, oysters, beef tartare, Halibut, Sea Scallops

An absolute must visit when you're in Madison! Made a rezzie for 1 on a Sunday evening sat at the bar. Definitely a place good for solo dining! I learned from the lovely bartender that the Chefs & Owners Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger opened this spot in 2020 - just before lockdown!! Wild. I'm so glad to see their success including the chefs here winning James Beard 2023 Best Chef: Midwest. The menu was phenomenal and I couldn't pick so I ordered way too much but everything was so worth it: *Maitake Tempura (lemon aioli): Just perfect -- no soggy bits because the tempura was PERFECTION. *Corn Panna Cotta (summer truffle, sungold tomato): Ugh just incredible and luscious and the perfect textures with the popcorn, tomato, corn and touch of truffle. *Pork Trotter (watermelon, dreamfarm goat cheese, jalapeno): the whole process for this incredible and a labor of love! It's a shank that get braised & get it gets rolled & glazed and then something....and voilà! *Butter Mochi: I really wanted the cobbler but it said it was for two and I was already stuffed. I didn't get any cocktails but the cocktail menu looks fantastic. I'll definitely be back to Madison for some great eats!

Food 5/5 Service 4/5 Ambiance 5/5 This was my third time at Fairchild. Every time, the food has been a 10/10. Prior to my last visit, I would have given a full 5 stars easily. Here's what keeping me from rating 5 stars: In the past I've always had a reservation, and always arrived on time. This time was no different. We arrived for our 7pm reservation exactly at 7pm, and they sat us at the bar saying our table wasn't ready quite ready yet. We didn't get properly seated until 7:20. This usually wouldn't be a big deal if we didn't have a reservation, or if we were late, but given that we reserved a month in advance, and we're about to spend a decent amount for dinner, I thought we would at least have our reservation honored on time. Aside from our initial service when we walked in, everything else was fine. Nothing spectacular. Our server was nice. Here's everything that went well: Food was spectacular as always. We get the steak tartar and pork trotter every time. The pork trotter is prepared differently every season (I think it's every season?) and this time it was Vietnamese inspired. The Vietnamese flavors came through very well and the pork was crispy and tender as always. We got the maitake tempura for the first time and I have to make sure we get it next time as well. The lemon aioli it comes with was my favorite. The lemon flavor was fresh and strong but not overpowering. The maitake was crispy but not greasy which is my biggest critique when it comes to fried food. We shared the NY strip and the cappelletti. The steak was perfectly medium rare, and the sides it comes with accompanied it perfectly as well. Anytime we see oxtail on a menu, we have to get it. The oxtail in the cappelletti was delicious. Usually the oxtail dishes we order are super rich, but the oxtail pasta was surprisingly light and easy to eat. I cannot say enough good things about the food. The atmosphere was same as always. It's a smaller dining area so it's nice and intimate. I wish we got a chance to try the dessert; we were so full by the end of the night. Overall, I was rubbed the wrong way at the beginning over having to wait for a table that we reserved so far in advance, but all my sour feelings went away by the time we started eating. It's a great place to dine for special occasions or a date night. Easily some of the best food in Madison. Here's our total order and cost: Beef tartar Maitake tempura Trotter NY Strip Cappelletti Por Que No (watermelon agua fresca tequila cocktail) $162.46

Amazing. We held an annual two person "food event" going all out to explore, experiment, and experience a fine gastronomy.. Before continuing, I just wanted to say that Fairchild is an incredible value for the money compared to big city chefs. It's in a beautiful neighborhood and the city is worth at least a one night visit. As for the name Fairchild, it may refer to the Chimeric woman living with two distinct DNA. Some research might dispel or validate thought on their apt name. On to the service. Amazing. Nancy was delightfully uncouth at times, always professional and helpful. Most importantly, she became our teacher and trusted guide through the meal. After exploring the starters, we let her choose our mains. We like to deconstruct or reverse engineer recipes and failed with great fanfare several times. I'd be curious if anyone else pegged the halibut sauce to sherry.... Stars of the show: Oysters.... It was a completely new flavor / texture experience. Worth the trip alone. Cucumber Lemonade mocktail and wine by the glass parings were absolutely perfect. Finally, expect local farmers... Shout out to neighbor Kristen at Blue Moon for helping the chefs nourish us. Definitely will return. 8000 enthusiastic stars.

We had a great experience here. Excellent service, good food and nice drinks. We had an assortment of dishes- octopus, risotto, soup special, beef tartare, potatoes and pasta. Everything was very good. Very difficult reservation to get. We had 6 people and I would definitely recommend ordering for 1-2 people per item as they have very small dishes. The entrees are larger and I would recommending ordering 1 each and splitting with one other person as it is a place where tasting comes to life.

My wife and I had one of the most enjoyable meals that either of us had ever had. The food was phenomenal! We shared the salmon entree and also got the tagliatelle. Both were perfectly prepared and delicious. The bacon and kimchi Brussel sprouts were shockingly good - not because we didn't expect it to be good, but we didn't expect it to be THAT good as a side! We joked that we could have order 4 servings of it as a meal. We both had craft beers and a dessert to finish off the evening, and I heartily recommend the toffee pudding and coffee ice cream. Pair this culinary experience with very kind and capable staff in a relaxed, welcoming setting, and it doesn't get any better! This will not be our last visit if we have any choice in the matter!

Another amazing meal here. Like, you assume that it's never going to match your first meal because you lose the novelty of it all. But Fairchild delivered again. Had: Fried Maitake Hamachi App Roasted Carrots NY Strip Pork and Chicken Ragú Two desserts There wasn't a weak dish in the bunch. The roasted carrot was SPECTACULAR. The walnut and cabbage added the most delicious crunch, and as you can see from the pic, the presentation was unreal. The pic doesn't do it justice. Please. If you go to Madison and love good food, GO.

This was my first visit to Fairchild, and I was definitely impressed. The cocktail selections were fun and the service was excellent. More importantly, the food was exceptional. The four of tried as much of the menu we could--the standouts were the beef tartare, the deviled eggs, the Chile crisp cucumbers, and the bolognese. That said, the one menu item that truly blew us all away was the corn panna cotta. We all agreed it was incredibly tasty, unique, and incredibly well-prepared. Honestly, I've never tasted anything like it, and I could have simply eaten a huge bowl of the panna cotta and gone home a happy camper. Would I go back? Absolutely, particularly as long as the corn panna cotta stays on the menu.

Wow! So excited to be here! Looking forward to the Risotto this evening! Easy to find. Street parking right out front. Friendly staff who immediately made me feel welcome.

For a Friday night typical dinner time, I think I had to make reservations about a month in advance. Cute storefront on Monroe. I was able to park in the knickerbocker parking lot. I loved the aesthetics in here - lots of sunshine, loved the plants, minimal on the decor. Our waitress was superb. I ordered the strawberry letter 24. Sweet but not gut wrenching, tasted boozy without the boozy taste? Apps: Cured hamachi - refreshing and light. I loved the dill. Oysters - maybe my least favorite but that's not saying much. A little bit of a kick. Pork trotter - mmmmhmmm okay this was my favorite. So flavorful. I loved the different textures - the spice of the pork, the coldness of the sorbet. I ordered the pork/octopus and my boyfriend got the monkfish/shrimp. In hindsight, I saw someone order the carrots and I wish we had ordered a side. I loved both dishes but I think it depends on the mood. The monkfish and shrimp is the perfect summer dish if you're looking for a meal on the lighter side but I can never resist a flavorful dish like the pork and octopus. As for dessert, I wasn't really in the mood to wait 20 minutes for their cherry cobbler so we went with the servers recommendation - the panna cotta with the rhubarb topped with popcorn and ice cream. I think it was a bit strange, but as I kept eating more, I think this would've sold me without the rhubarb. There were a lot of textures going on but I loved the butteriness of the popcorn with the panna cotta and ice cream. Would love to come back!

10/10 would absolutely recommend checking out Fairchild. The low lighting and the snug size of the restaurant makes the ambiance quite intimate. The service was wonderful as the servers were welcoming and helpful on selecting the best wine for our preferred tastes. Our waiter was so kind and attentive to our needs during this culinary experience. In addition, my compliments must go to the chef for creating a meal that kept us full for almost 24 hours! Next time I'm in Madison I will absolutely be coming back!

I should have looked more into Fairchild before we went. I was way overdressed for a Friday evening dinner. This is a casual eatery or maybe that's just Madison. The service was prompt and courteous but I could not hear what the food runners said as they laid plates. They spoke quickly and quietly then skedaddled, barely any eye contact. The food was great. We enjoyed the peas, oysters, trotter and especially the foie gras...so much we had it a second time for dessert. My only complaints: A cocktail on the menu was not available. This happens but we were an early res on a Friday evening. It was a watermelon based drink... there's no shortage of watermelon now. Perhaps they ran out of a liqueur but I doubt. At least come up with a backup drink. The Money Runner really lacked bourbon flavor it seemed the choice was to try and push the peach notes forward but this wasn't all that successful. As for food, the ribeye was very well cooked but there were several bites that had connective tissue that was a huge distraction from what was otherwise a well executed dish. At $50+ and a small serving size we should expect easy eating meat. For Madison it's tough to get a better meal but can't quite give the 5 stars. I'm not sure that's what they're shooting for. After tip we were in at about $400. I've had better meals for less and worse meals for more. So there you go.

Our recent dinning experience at Fairchild was unparalled. From the classically cozy winter decor to the friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff (...here's looking at you Morgan!) and exquisitely crafted cusine we could not recommend Fairchild more! Thank you for creating such a memorable evening for our anniversary.

My photos won't upload unfortunately, but Fairchild was outstanding. Our food was next level, with so many unique flavors. Service was good, not outstanding, but acceptable. I love the vibes of this cozy spot on Monroe. Parking can be a bit of a pain, especially in the winter, but worth it for this award-winning meal.

Wow, so I've been here twice and the first time was good. Very solid, culinary experience. But let me tell you, the second time, SLAPPED. Since they change their menu often I think it depends on the season and your own pallet but let me tell you, it was incredible. My friend and I sat at the bar and it was super cute and cozy, the bartender was attentive and even made her own version of a vesper for me. But lemme share the delicious food offerings Deviled Eggs- incredible, whipped amazing ness with a mustard hint and overall fantastic flavor Hamachi crudo- ok, I'm not a huge cucumber fan but I like how they put chartusse in it Brussels and squid ink gnocchi- the story of the sides that STOLE THE SHOW. These sides were fantastic. Garlic and citrus then super savory squid in and the perfectly cooked/made gnocchi. CHEFS KISSES Lamb - solid but not my fav. The beans were just alright and the flavor of of the sauce on the broccolini was just okay Now, the finale. The chocolate bundito. PHENOMENAL. Light, infused airy passion fruit chocolate with crunchy chocolate wafer, whipped cream and a malted ice cream. CHEFS KISSES 2. I loved it and will happily be back for this alone Anyways, date night, girls night, delicious night. Here's your place. Then stop by laurel for another drink. Happy eating!!

Really great experience at this low-key but upscale spot in downtown Madison. Super friendly service and really outstanding dishes. Had the monkfish, which was excellent, as well as the grilled brussels sprouts. Maitake tempura was truly off the charts. Also, my guest had the cheese ravioli dish, which was very good. Super glad we found a reservation here.

We loved first-time experience. What a wonderfully charming little eatery. Nice decor and atmosphere. Great for date-night. Our visit was Easter dinner. All the staff was very friendly. The service was 5-star (I went to answer a phone call and upon my return they had replaced my napkin with a fresh one and set my chair.) This is one of those restaurants where whatever you order, no matter how you may not understand how it may taste, will taste amazing. Trust the chef. All of our entrees were amazing. The seafood dishes were light and creamy, perfect for spring. The other pasta dishes were full of meaty, hearty flavor. The steak was a perfectly prepared medium. We had no room or time for dessert, but next time we will definitely check out the sweeter side of Fairchild.

Rarely post but man that was extremely good. From snacks, to starters to main and dessert. Just overall extremely well done. Also, I didn't catch her name but may have been the best waitress I think I have ever had. Can't go wrong here.

This chef won a James beaded award and after trying this restaurant I can see why. The food seems to be inspired by different cultures with a modern touch. I imagine that one of the inspirations comes from Japanese gastronomy since the menu contains items like habachi, ponzu marinate, and pork belly. I happened to try those dishes in particular and they were amazing. I personally recommend the habachi, the soft shell crab, the capelleti, and for dessert the Greek yoghurt panna cotta. Service was excellent. The server provider very good recommendations and timely service. The ice cream next door is awesome as well! Definitely worth trying if you have a chance.

Was it good? Yes it was. But when you enter the $200+ realm for dinner, the bar is set much higher and unfortunately they fell short in almost all areas. We ordered a couple cocktails, an old fashioned and the via ferrata. Both were really skimpy, only taking a few sips to finish. With that, we decided to move on to wine, but by the time our waiter noticed we needed a drink, and the time it took for the wine to arrive, our glasses were empty for a good 20 minutes. Service all night was slow and casual, falling well short of what you'd expect from a restaurant of this caliber. The oysters had good flavor, but were some of the smallest I've ever had, and they were served warm which we found odd. The salmon was served cool which was another surprise. The ravioli was just okay. We really liked the pork trotter, probably the best dish of the night. The mushroom tempura was also good. We probably would've ordered dessert and an after dinner drink, but after an unimpressive experience, and then another 10 minute wait for our waiter to come check on us, we decided to cut our losses and call it a night.

I have been waiting to check out this place ever since I heard it won James Beard award. Finally, I was able to dine in here. I would say I was expecting more. For appetizers, I got pink moon oysters, octopus carpaccio + sweetbread. The oysters were heated up but the freshness was still there. The cooking process didn't ruin the integrity of oysters. I quietly liked them. The octopus carpaccio + sweetbread was surprisingly amazing. My boyfriend typically doesn't like sweetbread because of the texture issue. However, Fairchild did a great job of not making it slimy. They were fried perfectly. I also go tomato and cauliflower bisque. Interesting soup. It was quite delicate but the focaccia pieces in the bisque were not evenly salted. A few of them had too much salt. For entrees, the boyfriend got the steak and I got the Ora king salmon. The king salmon was cooked rare. It was very tender. However, because it was cooked rare, it did smell a bit fishy. The steak dish also had some pieces of short ribs there. We did think the steak and short ribs were nice but puzzled why the short ribs pieces needed in the dish. We also questioned about the addition of pomegranate there too. It didn't add anything to do dish and quite difficult to consume. We also shared rainbow carrots as a side dish. The puree stuff underneath all the carrots were weird. Still didn't know what it was for. It was a miss for us. Overall, I would say they are good. Nonetheless, I felt like a few of their dishes, they added a lot of components but some of them did not work well with each other. Also, the portion size was very small for each dish.

Excellent service and perfect ambience!! Fairchild is one of the best restaurants in Madison. Visited the restaurant for the first time and I can't wait to go back there again. One of my new local faves. The food is outstanding. We had the deviled eggs, vitruvian mixed greens, halibut, seven seed chicken, and farfalle. I was blown away by the presentation of the dishes. Each dish was better than the next . Loved everything we ordered, it is impossible to pick a favorite. Chef Itaru Nagano and Chef Andrew Kroger sure know how to make wining dishes that are pleasing to the eye and palate. The staff is really friendly and made great recommendations. Overall a wonderful dining experience, would highly recommend this place.

This is an absolute gem in the Monroe area of Madison. Small and quaint, excellent service, food that is as good as any top restaurant in big cities. Many awards earned by this team yet they've stayed authentic and humble. Reservations are tough because the food is so great. But keep trying as it is well worth the effort.

I went there with my wife for dinner. Even making a reservation was so hard for this place. So we expected a lot. Overall, the food was good, and the service was great. However, considering the price it is just fair and blend. It is just normal to serve good food at that expensive price. Also, the food is not really special except it has a little hint of Japanese cuisine. Typically, many restaurants serving Japanese or Korean food in America try to charge ridiculous prices for their food. What I really appreciate is those restaurants serving good food at good price.

I had very high expectations for this restaurant upon making the reservation weeks in advance. We arrived and the staff were very friendly and kind enough to seat us in the window of the restaurant. The restaurant had a great atmosphere and the cocktails were the best I've had in Madison so far (we had two round of drinks because they were so delicious.) To start we ordered the oysters, deviled eggs, and maitake mushrooms for the table. All three items were fantastic and I have to say I've never had a warm, raw oyster before but it was full of flavor. The reason I was disappointed in this meal was because of the small portion sizes and cold entrees. I've had monkfish at many fine dining restaurants and am willing to pay more money for this fish, but I was saddened to see my plate had three small pieces and not even a whole peice of shrimp. The flavors were lovely and the plating was beautiful but when you're paying a high price for food I would expect it to come out on a warmed plate and not cold. Unfortunately all of our entrees were cold except for the pasta dish. I would maybe considering trying this restaurant again but next time just for drinks and snacks.

Sometimes you go to a restaurant where everything -- the food, the service, the place -- is simply very good. You aren't shocked or bombarded with pizzaz or a multitude of obnoxious flavors. Everything is fairly simple but done very well. I think this describes Fairchild. It's not a life changing experience but the food is really nearly perfect for what it is, and everything is very breezy, casual and understated. I had the maitake tempura -- light and delicious. Then the charcoal grilled miso trout was sweet and succulent and wonderfully charred. The Jerusalem artichokes side was pretty good but not really cohesive -- they were sort of just thrown together with some cream sauce. Finally the flourless chocolate torte was lighter and slightly less sweet than expected, and it came with a great ice cream and cherries. All very welcome. Ultimately this place is pretty expensive but it does deliver, everything is nearly perfect and the service was extremely attentive and kind. Would love to go back!

My fiancé and I were floored by the meal we had at Fairchild. We've been wanting to come here since moving to Madison almost two years ago. Finally decided to visit for a special occasion and WOW. It's worth the price tag and the flavors are something you will remember. We started with hibiscus limeades which were refreshing and delicious. A really great N/A option if you still want a fun drink with dinner. For appetizers we had the beef tartare and the sunchoke & chestnut soup. While the portions of the beef tartare are pretty tiny (2 little pieces) they were bursting with flavor and really impressed. This was the first thing that arrived and we knew the rest of the meal would be excellent. The sunchoke soup was unlike anything either of us have ever had. It was very creamy but also felt light with a really smooth texture for the broth. The pomegranates were an excellent touch. This is the kind of restaurant where each item that arrives affirms that the chefs really know what they're doing! For entrees I had the burrata ravioli with lobster and carrot sauce. The combination was fabulous. I was really impressed by the portion, especially how much lobster was in the dish. My fiancé had the salmon which was also fantastic. I only had a bite but it had a light and citrus-y flavor. He really enjoyed it! All in all, this place is pricey so won't become a regular, but certainly a meal to remember and I'll be so glad when I have an opportunity to go back!

One of the best restaurants I've tried in Madison! Can't beat the calm, relaxed ambiance mixed with upscale cocktails and food. I had the pappardelle and it was delicious! Well cooked with great flavor. The server was knowledgeable and helped me pick a cocktail that I absolutely loved. Everything I ate was fresh and well prepared. Perfect spot for date night or celebration. Would highly recommend and can't wait to go back!

Run. Don't walk. Out of this world food, fresh local ingredients, outstanding service. My first trip here which seems wild since it's in the neighborhood. Had a girls night and couldn't wait to try. Menu changes often which is great as it will feature what's in season. The restaurant seats 50 which makes it cozy - lots of greenery. Seasonal outdoor patio seating too. Our server Rachel was amazing and very knowledgeable about the menu and offered recommendations. Ordered the Boa Sorte cocktail which had huckleberry and gin - tart and refreshing. Menu had a variety of N/A drinks and plenty of wine. As a vegetarian, very pleased with the veg forward options. All of the pastas had meat, but Rachel checked with the kitchen and they were able to modify a pasta to make it vegetarian. Started with the deviled eggs which were so creamy and dreamy with the perfect amount of paprika. Next I had the asparagus vichyssoise (cold soup) which tasted like spring and summer in a bowl. The server poured the soup over asparagus and croutons table side. Beautiful presentation. Rachel recommended a wine for me to pair with dinner. Had the beet salad as my main. Plenty of chèvre, cottage cheese, fennel and the unexpected surprise- tarragon oil! The plate was stunning. My friends enjoyed the miatake tempura, seven seeds pork trotter, rainbow trout, and capellini with shrimp. There were no leftovers. Finished with dessert: popcorn ice cream layered with pickled rhubarb, salty popcorn and coconut cream. Sounds like an odd combo but a perfect bite of all components was amazing unlike anything I've tasted. Menu changes often based on what is in season which means every experience here will be different. Can't wait to go back!

The quick and dirty review: This is the epitome of fine dining. The chefs have clearly mastered cooking their cuisines (Japanese and Americana with a southern flare). The dishes are thoughtful in flavor profile and presentation. This is the kind of restaurant you take a long drive to go to. Quick disclaimer: I am not rating the waiting staff of this establishment and it did not impact my score at all. I also don't care about "vibe" either. So while, I will give my subjective opinion of both, the rating itself is only focused on the food - its presentation, preparation, and flavor. With that, the wait staff is great. they were clearly short handed but that was cool because I got to meet Chef Andrew. To me this felt like a typical midwestern restaurant in the best way. Like a neighborhood pub with a touch of elegance. The food here is so good, I went to this restaurant three times over five days. Everything that I have eaten at this place is worth it. I cannot sing the praises of these chefs enough. Given the amount of things I have tried, I will focus on my favorite three. The scallop on the menu is so cleverly crafted. Each bite is deliciously different. On the first bite you get the scallop and fava bean purée, the second bite adds the microgreens and pickled shallots, and the third bite adds the crunchiness of the actual fava bean under the scallop. I'm a very proud New Jerseyan and I've lived on the east coast for most of my life. I went to college in the Midwest and I spent those five years without seafood because the Midwest doesn't do seafood well. And now, I've found the exception. This also includes the oysters, which strike a perfect balance of acid and heat. Also, the clams are very great (not pictured). The ramp sausage complements that briney clams taste. The next dish that you must try is the polenta. What makes this dish unique is the added blue cheese which melts as it sits, so each bite is different because the amount of blue cheese you're getting shifts. The final dish that I want to call attention to is the flourless chocolate cake. this is what flourless cake should be. it had a perfect rise making it both dense and fluffy. the strawberries are in a sauce that adds just the right amount of sweetness. This slice of cake will completely shift how you view flourless cake. The drinks I've ordered were wonderful. I tried the Night Whistler, the flavors balanced each other so well. The Old Fashioned was perfect. A classic drink made with top notch ingredients. I cannot wait to get back to Madison to eat here again.

Found a sitter and went to the Fairchild recently. It is worth the hype!!!! The cocktails were so well balanced and delicious. I had one with several ingredients I never heard of and oh boy was it a good decision. Yum! I ordered the salmon and it was phenomenal. The watermelon appetizer with mint and saffron yogurt was superb. My partner got the pork loin and loved it. Go now! Trust me. It's pricey but worth it.

Visited Fairchild with my girlfriend one evening for a birthday dinner. The venue was very aesthetic and nice. The hosts and guests were all very nice and the atmosphere was chatty but not overly loud. We got a couple of cocktails which were priced reasonably at $12 a piece. They were delicious tasting and were refreshing. We ended up getting small plates to share which were around $7 each. For entrees we got the bass and rigatoni which were very tasty and full of flavor. The waitress was super nice and even gave us complimentary champagne. Overall, had a great experience, will return.

I'm still scratching my head about the discrepancy between the reviews here and my own experience. The food just wasn't interesting. The ingredients were high quality but the meal just didn't add up, and the prices were a bit excessive. A very expensive and unsatisfying meal. I won't be back.

One of my favorite restaurants in Madison. Perhaps the best one? Some stand out dishes: Lobster bisque - delicious with real bites of claws. Stood out from other lobster bisques I've had because it had Japanese curry flavoring. Foie gras - the BEST I've ever had. Not mousse or pate, but whole. Lightly seared. And incredibly soft and buttery. No irony taste. With the coconut and mango sorbet, the dish was a fantastic combo of sweet, savory, cold, hot. Rabbit risotto - the risotto was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The rabbit was fried and my partner really liked it. Short rib - the flavor was awesome. Took some as leftover home and tasted even better the next day. One thing though is that it wasn't as tender as I was expecting. We ordered 2 snack dishes as well, but next time we'll forgo the snacks and order more appetizers. Service was wonderful. Our waitress was very engaging and knew everything about the menu items. Chefs Itaru Nagano and Andy Kroeger have done an amazing job here.