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The 7 Best Madison Restaurants You Must Try (includes map)

Last Updated: September 24, 2024

Madison, Wisconsin is a picturesque city located between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. The city is popular for its outdoor activities such as bike riding, boating, and fishing and is home of The University of Wisconsin. It is no secret that Madison, Wisconsin is known as a “foodie paradise”. There are Madison restaurants from cheese curds to farm-to-table fine dining, Madison’s cuisine options are unique and diverse. Boasting award winning chefs and fresh hand picked ingredients, these seven delicious restaurants are a must-stop during your visit. 

Retirement is a great time to travel and explore interesting places, try new foods and make memories. We hope this guide to some wonderful restaurants makes your stay in Madison, Wisconsin even better.

Best Madison Restaurants Map

HOW TO SAVE THIS MAP:

Each icon has embedded information in the map, so click to review. To the right of the title of the map, click the ⭐️ STAR to save to your Google Map Account. To view it on your computer or phone, open Google Maps, click the three lines on the upper left, select “Saved,” select “Maps,” and this map will be listed below.

A Pig in a Fur Coat

A Pig in a Fur Coat is a hip and cozy restaurant serving up flavorful dishes with Mediterranean inspiration. They are known for their unique food presentations and their flavors make you return over and over again. The beets and octopus are delicious starters along with a large selection of cocktails, wine, and beer. Enjoy local favorites such as the yolk filled ravioli and pork belly. At the end of the night, don’t forget to try the cheesecake with brown butter crumble or carrot cake with cream cheese frosting on the dessert menu.

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940 Williamson St, Madison, WI

Mickie’s Dairy Bar

A staple in downtown Madison restaurants, Mickie’s Dairy Bar, is a favorite among locals and visitors. Serving customers since the 1950’s, this old-fashioned diner style restaurant is full of hungry guests from open to close, especially on the weekends. Enjoy American classics like burgers, patty melts, shakes, malts, and root beer floats.

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Address:
Monroe St, Madison, WI

Ian’s Pizza

Ian’s Pizza is a must stop during your visit to Madison. They are known for their innovative pizzas by the slice. Their signature pizza is the Mac n Cheese pie, but be sure to try their drunken ravioli, penne alfredo, and nacho pizzas also. They also have delicious salads, breadsticks, puppy chow and ice cream.

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Address:
100 State Street, Madison, WI

The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned, is a retro-styled tavern serving up some of the best Madison, Wisconsin cuisine.  They are known for their delicious cheese platters, beer battered cheese curds, brats and cheese soup. Sip and enjoy one of 150-Wisconsin beers or stick to their name and order their famous, old fashioned cocktail. This will be a dining experience that will keep you coming back to Wisconsin.

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Address:
23 N Pinckney St #1, Madison, WI

Mint Mark

Mint Mark is a hip and beautiful bistro and bar in Madison’s East side. They offer a small-plate menu that changes week-by-week. When available, try their homemade pasta, garlic honey biscuit, and the cauliflower with bagna cauda and golden raisins. For dessert, enjoy the cookie with a homemade bourbon ice cream made and served in a hot skillet. If you are looking for a night out with friends or celebration, Mint Mark has the perfect party atmosphere to make your night memorable.

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Address:
1929 Winnebago St, Madison, WI

The Harvey House

If you are looking for incredible service, delicious food, and a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, The Harvey House should be at the top of your list of restaurants to visit. It’s known as the best fine dining spot in Madison, which makes for the perfect date night out or gathering with friends and family. Ask for your cocktail “a la mode” and enjoy signature dishes such as the relish tray, French onion soup, chicken and walleye, and end the evening with a strawberry pavlova.

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644 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI

Graze

With sweeping views of the state capital and dishes made from local farm-raised ingredients, Graze, opened its door in 2010 by James Beard Award winner, Chef Tory Miller. The menu features dishes influenced by the chefs’ Wisconsin and Korean heritage. Enjoy a refreshing grapefruit spritz cocktail and a Korean fried chicken biscuit at Brunch or the cheese curds and Korean bibimbap at dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends.

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1 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI

Best Time to Visit Madison, Wisconsin

We have linked a great website to this button showing the weather for this location by the month. Clicking the below will take you to Weather-and-Climate.com.

Click here!

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