Madison Restaurants

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Tasty Tuscan trattoria just a few blocks down from the State Capitol, within walking distance of the Monona Terrace Conference Center, too. Solid Italian specialities, well prepared in an unfussy but classic manner. Open for lunch and dinner - does not accept reservations!

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Elite chef Tory Miller brings world-class, Alice Waters-type cooking to central Wisconsin. The menu interesting, innovative, and original food made from locally grown, naturally harvested produce, as well as meat and fish obtained from the finest producers around the world, and served in a warm, confortable setting. From the time that it was created in 1976 (under the legendary Odessa Piper) to the present, l'Etoile has worked closely with Wisconsin farmers to help them find markets for high quality, clean and natural foods. It's a bit of a splurge, but it's well worth it.

I've eaten here a few times - most recently in December 2011. I would say that this is the best restaurant I've been to in Wisconsin, and one of the top five in my experience in the Midwest. L'Etoile is indeed a star.

Favorite Dish: Wisconsin greens (salad) served with local goat cheese; tomato soup with fresh croutons; maple cheesecake

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Outstanding brewpub/casual restaurant on Madison's Capitol Square, a sister running to the starry "L'Etoile" next door. Graze offers a full complement of outstanding home brews, as well as interesting and tasty versions of standard bar fare. Cheese is a whiz here, not surprisingly, and the cheese curds are so good that you'll think they are a gourmet speciality. The space makes the place, though - enormously high ceilings and a bright ambience that makes it hard to have a bad time here.

Their menu says "patisserie plus Desserts and wines", but we had lunch. they do have a menu online. I had vegetable quiche with bacon, and my partner had veggie quiche. $5.25 each. They came with nice small green salads with standard dressing of lemon vinaigrette. We opted for chocolate dessert, a small piece, which you can add for $2.50. They have sandwiches, with the same arrangement.
It didnt look like much from the outside, or when we first stepped in, but quickly, I was entranced with the colors and style. We later learned from the hostess that this restaurant was reviewed in the Isthmus this week, (June 2008) and in Madison magazine, I believe it was. She provided us those publications while we waited. Service was fast. The decor was thrilling to me! The booth backs and one seating wall were white & plush. Chairs were orange transparent Plexiglas. The floor looked like natural light wood but we were told it's a new wood product. The table tops were striped in brown. Just very stimulating. The bathrooms were clean and attractive! The womens had candles. The walls were white mainly with a few large orange bubbles and some brick and a small orange panel. The front wall was glass, with seating, and flower arrangements. There were 4 panels on the wall displaying "moving blobs", as my husband said. Interesting. Very modern and totally different from anything we've seen here in town, and we've been here and eating out for a few years. Quite delicious! It's right across from the Capitol on Mifflin.

Favorite Dish: the quiche

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I selected Flat Iron Tavern for dinner on my most recent visit to Madison because it is across from the State Capitol and has a shaded sidewalk dining area which I thought would be great for people watching. A sudden summer rainstorm came before my meal was delivered to my table, so I and several other diners made a mad dash into the building to complete our dinner.

Flat Iron Tavern is in an old pie-shaped downtown building which lends a lot of character. That, along with the good food and service, made it an enjoyable experience to eat there.

Favorite Dish: I had a very tasty sandwich with potato chips. I remember that it was delicious, but for the life of me I can't remember what it was.

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2 brothers from Algeria started this little restaurant. It has middle-eastern/Mediterranean ish food. hummus, tabouli, chicken roll-ups, greek-style food, .....

You order at the counter, walk to a table, and by the time you sit down, it's there. Real fast. Very inexpensive, and tastes great.

This is my favorite lunch spot. I'm here about once a week.

Favorite Dish: Zidanes Cous Cous - For $4.00 you get a plate of cous cous, with a healthy portion of steamed veggies over it--potatoes, zucchini, chickpeas.

The Tabouli & hummus in a huge roll-up pita is good too.

Very nice steaks, aparently at the top end of the market. Service was very good, however we wernt offered any of the specials. They also have Maine Lobster. Very satisfied with the food, however it's a bit pricey!

Favorite Dish: I had the New York Strip Steak (~14oz). It came with a bowl of hungarian soup which like the steak was delicous. It cost 29 dollars. I really liked this restaurant. I tried all of their draught beers at the bar after the meal. Spotted Cow was my favourite.

Hong Kong Cafe has two branches in Madison, my favorite has to be the west-side branch, located on a strip mall that houses Pier 1 Imports, just off West Towne Mall. The restaurant was never busy and service from the Malaysian waiter is very attentive and friendly. The food gets served very quickly and most of them, if not all, is delicious. HK Cafe even do deliveries.

Favorite Dish: dried pepper fried squid (not on the menu, but ask for it anyway) and sesame beef.