My Madison Favorites

Restaurants

Sardine — Lively French bistro right on the water, with sweeping views of Lake Monona. Great for oysters, moules frites, and a classic cocktail at the bar.

Lombardino's — A Madison institution since 1952. Old-school, kitschy-elegant Italian on University Ave — think homemade pasta, wood-grilled steaks, and a Lampshade Martini.

Ahan — Lao and Southeast Asian–inspired plates from James Beard–semifinalist chef Jamie Brown-Soukaseume. Bold flavors, small cozy Williamson St space — book ahead, it fills fast.

Mint Mark — East side neighborhood favorite known for its biscuit and inventive, seasonal small plates. Warm, buzzy room with palm-leaf wallpaper; now has a rooftop bar (The Perch) above it.

Heritage — Approachable New American tavern-style spot, good for a casual but elevated dinner or drinks.

Bar Coralini — Cozy Italian seaside-style joint in the Atwood neighborhood. Hand-crafted pasta and Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, great Negronis, feels like a little slice of the Amalfi coast.

Osteria Papavero — Quiet, romantic downtown Italian spot from Bologna-born chef Francesco Mangano. Rustic, saucy, traditional dishes — a favorite for a low-key date night.

Toby's Supper Club — Classic Wisconsin supper club near McFarland: relish tray, brandy old fashioneds, steak and fish fry, red carpet and dark wood paneling. Time-capsule charm.

Attico — Rooftop-style Italian spot known for its views and see-and-be-seen patio scene downtown.

Delaney's Supper Club — Old-school Madison steakhouse and supper club — a classic surf-and-turf night out.

Lucille - cool ambiance

Tornado Club Steakhouse — In their words: “Famouse for Steaks”— Historic downtown steakhouse, a fixture of Madison's supper club scene since the mid-1900s — classic chophouse vibe with a super swanky bar.

Fairchild — Award-winning New American fine dining downtown; polished, seasonal tasting-menu-caliber food.

Cento — Downtown Italian blending Old World technique with modern presentation, sourcing ingredients locally and from Italy.

Sushi Red — Solid go-to for sushi and Japanese small plates.

Eno Vino - An upscale dinner with great views of the Capitol.

Lallande - On a charming block of Monroe St. this little bistro, owned by neighborhood darling Anne Marie of Bloom Bake Shop is french at it's best.

Gates and Brovi — Upscale American steak-and-seafood spot, popular for special-occasion dinners.

Ian's Pizza - late night pizza (Mac and cheese)

One Social Food Hall — Multi-vendor food hall downtown — good for groups who can't agree on one cuisine.

Tip Top Tavern — Neighborhood corner tavern feel — burgers, beer, low-key hangout.

Harvey House — Award-winning downtown restaurant known for elevated comfort food and a great bar program.

One Prime Steakhouse — Upscale, cosmopolitan steakhouse on the Capitol Square with polished service.

Johnny Delmonico's - this is one of those restaurants that just does everything right. The food is delicious and the service is top notch.

Coffee shops/provisions

Ancora — The best local coffee roaster/café with 4 locations in the area- each with a unique charm. The breakfast sandwiches are a favorite and their avocado toast is a work of art.

Madison Sourdough — Beloved neighborhood bakery for naturally leavened bread, pastries, and a simple breakfast/lunch menu.

Pasture & Plenty — Grab-and-go prepared foods, meal kits, and provisions from a well-loved local food company — great for a healthy lunch or dinner shortcut. They also host private classes/dinners.

Lola's —in their words: “Wisconsin fancy” a Midwestern spin on the HiFi bar. A HiFi love letter to the low brow, if you will. High end sound and finishes mixed with quality food and cocktails, with a no frills attitude, plenty of canned beer, and a vibe that we hope fills your soul with the warmth of home. Welcome to Lola’s. She’s a vibe… In my words- this place never disappoints, it’s a good time always- go there if you’re in a bad mood, you won’t be when you leave. The Prosciutto pizza is a favorite and their Vodka Gimlets are the best. Also- cans of ice cold Diet Coke if you’re into that. 10/10 recommend.

Casetta Kitchen — Small Italian-American deli known for porchetta sandwiches on house focaccia and a cult-favorite chocolate chip cookie. Some say this is the best sandwhich shop in Madison and it often has lines out the door.

Alimentari — Upscale Italian market/deli for specialty groceries, sandwiches, and imported goods.

Bloom Bake Shop — Neighborhood bakery known for pastries and baked goods with many gluten-free options (also the team behind Lallande).

Batch Bakhouse — Small-batch neighborhood bakery for bread and pastries. In my opinion the best bakery in Madison.

Fromagination — Cheese shop on the Capitol Square specializing in Wisconsin artisan cheeses, plus sandwiches, wine and gourmet gifts. They put together the MOST beautiful cheese boards and also host classes.

La Baguette — Classic French bakery/café for croissants, baguettes, and quiche.

Mickey's Dairy Bar — Retro diner near campus, famous for old-fashioned breakfasts and milkshakes. (please double check, they’re currently closed)

Labrioche — French-inspired bakery and café for pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.

Marigold — Charming downtown café/kitchen known for a well-loved breakfast and lunch menu.

Leopold's — Neighborhood coffee/wine bar with a cozy, low-key vibe.

Ice Cream Social — Playful ice cream shop with rotating, inventive flavors and a little outdoor area for meet-ups.

Chocolate Shop Ice Cream — Longtime local ice cream and chocolate shop, a Madison classic treat stop. Their motto is “If you want nutrition, eat carrots.”

Shops

Lake City Books — Independent bookstore for browsing and picking up a good read.

Good Day Shop — Local boutique for thoughtfully curated home goods and gifts.

Hilldale — Open-air shopping center with Twigs, Faherty, Evereve, Madewell, Anthropologie, and Lululemon — a solid one-stop shopping afternoon.

Atomic Antiques — Fun spot for vintage finds and antiques.

Orange Tree Imports — Beloved gift and home shop on Monroe St., known for its huge, whimsical selection — kitchen goods, cards, toys, jewelry.

Bars

La Tigre — Stylish lounge for a well-made cocktail.

Lola's — Doubles as a relaxed evening cocktail spot.

The Ivory Room (Piano Bar) — Elegant piano bar for a classy, dress-up night out.

Ohio Tavern — Laid-back neighborhood dive-y tavern.

Muskellounge — East side strip-mall gem with taxidermy on the walls, ping-pong and shuffleboard, and excellent brandy old fashioneds — locals call it "The Musky."

Paul's Club — Old-school Madison bar with a big personality (and a giant fish tank).

Public Parking — Trendy cocktail bar, playful name, well-crafted drinks.

Olbrich Biergarten (seasonal) — Outdoor beer garden next to Olbrich Botanical Gardens — great for a warm-weather beer overlooking the lagoon.

Robin Room — Intimate, speakeasy-style cocktail bar with vintage decor and one of the best whiskey/cocktail menus in the city.

The Perch — above Mint Mark — Rooftop bar on the 6th floor with cocktails and some of the best skyline views in Madison.

Parks/hikes

Olbrich Botanic Gardens — Beautiful public gardens on Lake Monona, plus the Bolz Conservatory (a tropical greenhouse) — free and gorgeous year-round.

Brittingham Boats - SUP or kayak

B-cycle / bike paths — Madison's bike-share system plugged into a huge network of lakefront and city bike paths.

Picnic Point — Iconic UW Arboretum-adjacent peninsula walk on Lake Mendota, a classic sunset spot.

Rutabaga Kayak Rentals (Yahara) — Well-known local outfitter for kayak/canoe rentals on the Yahara River chain of lakes.

UW Arboretum — 1,200 acres of restored prairie, forest, and wetland trails right in the city.

Raymer's Cove — Quiet little lakeside park and swimming spot.

Ice Age Trail — Segment of the long-distance National Scenic Trail that winds through the Madison area.

Wellness

Saunaday — Communal outdoor sauna experience, popular for lakeside sweat-and-plunge sessions.

Perennial Yoga — Garver Feed Mill — Yoga studio in the reclaimed historic Garver Feed Mill space.

Edgewater Spa — Full-service spa inside The Edgewater hotel with lake views.

Face Foundrie — Facial and skincare studio.

Fieldhouse — Boutique fitness studio.

Kosa Day Spa — Full-service day spa for massage, facials, and treatments.

With kids

Madison Children's Museum — Hands-on downtown museum with a rooftop garden and play spaces for all ages.

Vilas Zoo — Free zoo (Henry Vilas Zoo) — a Madison favorite for families, right next to a park and beach.

Madison Mallards — Minor league summer collegiate baseball team; games at Warner Park are a fun, affordable family night out.

Lake life

The Edgewater — Iconic lakefront hotel with a rooftop and lakeside patio — great for a sunset drink on Lake Mendota.

Memorial Union Terrace — The quintessential Madison hangout: lakeside chairs, live music, a beer, and a sunset over Lake Mendota.

Christy's Landing — Lakeside restaurant/bar for boat-in dining and drinks.

Greater Madison area

Dune Gift and Home (Stoughton) — Charming home and gift shop in nearby Stoughton.

The Little Marketplace (Mt. Horeb) — Boutique shop in Mt. Horeb's "Trollway" main street.

Paoli — Tiny, scenic riverside village south of Madison, good for an afternoon drive with shops and a mill pond.

School House and Seven Acre Dairy - Paoli — Local shop and creamery/cheese spot in Paoli.

Supper Clubs: Hilltop, Del Bar, Daylenes, Hi Point, Ishnala — Classic Wisconsin supper clubs scattered around the greater Madison/Wisconsin Dells area — old-fashioneds, relish trays, and prime rib in a nostalgic setting (Ishnala is especially known for its dramatic Mirror Lake, Wisconsin Dells location).

Taliesin — Frank Lloyd Wright's home and school near Spring Green — tours of the architecture and grounds.

Summer Outdoors

Concerts on the Square — Free Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra concerts on the Capitol lawn each summer — bring a blanket and a picnic.

Farmers' Market — The Dane County Farmers' Market circles the Capitol Square every Saturday morning, one of the largest producer-only markets in the country.

American Players Theatre — Outdoor classical theater in the woods near Spring Green, a beloved summer tradition.