Where to eat in Madison

17 independent restaurants, bakeries and food spots in Madison. Chains are left out.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Eat
Glass Nickel Pizza
On the corner of Whitney Way and University Ave. A large menu to choose from including: pizza, salads, pasta, and numerous appetizers. The fetalicious is a Madison favorite.
Eat
Greenbush Bakery
Excellent doughnuts, which just happen to be kosher. Must try the cream filled doughnuts, and the apple fritters are literally big enough to feed the whole family.
Eat
Greenbush Bar
In a town of many great pizza places, this is one of the best thin-crispy-crust pizzas you'll find. It's in the basement of the Italian Workman's Club building in what was Greenbush, Madison's long-gone Italian district.
Eat
Harvest Restaurant
M-Th 5:30PM-close, F Sa 5PM-close. Next door to L'Etoile, it is nearly as good and more likely to offer a reservation on the same day.
Eat
Harvey House
Dinner and cocktails in this remodeled train depot and train car surely will not disappoint. The menu is comprised of modern takes on Wisconsin supper clubs with a 1920s-1940s aesthetic throughout the restaurant. It is highly recommended to get reservations more than a couple weeks in advance as reservations fill up quickly.
Tue-Thu 5-9PM, Fri Sat 4:30-9:30PM
Eat
Himal Chuli
Excellent Nepalese food, cozy atmosphere. Some of the most delicious food in Madison and you always feel good after you have eaten here because it is healthy as well. Try the momochas or anything else.
Eat
Ian's Pizza
And 115 State St. Campus favorite with a gourmet twist. Excellent New York-sized pizza by the slice, featuring old standards like pepperoni and new variations like mac and cheese (don't knock it until you've tried it — it's the top seller!), Black Bean Feta Avocado and Steak 'n' Fries. Daily and monthly specials served by the most charming staff in town.
Eat
L'Etoile
Open M-Th at 6PM, F at 5:30PM, Sa at 5PM. Nationally-acclaimed restaurant focusing on locally grown ingredients, often found at the Farmer's Market. While pricey, it is worth it. Make reservations in advance.
Eat
Madison Sourdough Bread Company
Breakfast and lunch are served until 2:30PM daily. Excellent, fresh sourdough bread can be found here. Try their baguette - artisanal bread at its best. It can be found at some local grocery stores, including Willy Street Co-op.
Mon-Sat 6:30AM-5PM, Sun 8AM-5PM
Eat
Mediterranean Cafe
This narrow room is a Madison gem and a favorite with the university crowd. Great Middle Eastern food, such as shawerma (similar to gyros) and felafel (fried chickpeas). Almost always busy, but it moves fast.
Eat
Mickies Dairy Bar
A classic diner close to the University, and right across from the football stadium. It has among the best shakes in town. If you think you can eat a lot, try the scrambler. It is cash only and is always packed full of people on game day.
Eat
Nam's Noodles
Excellent Chinese food close to the university. Their "Nam's Fried Rice" is outstanding. Sit-down or take-out, no delivery.
Eat
Samba Brazilian Grill
Just off of State Street, Samba delivers table-side meat service, in the churrascaria fashion, and a massive gourmet salad bar. Rather pricey for Madison, but it is all-you-can eat. Pace yourself and practice self-control!
$40
Eat
The Green Owl Cafe
Vegetarian cuisine created by chef/proprietor Jennie Capellaro.
Mon-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri Sat 11AM-10PM, Sun 11AM-3PM$5-12
Eat
Tornado Club Steak House
American-style steak house that also serves excellent cocktails. Not cheap, but offers late-night dining.
Eat
Umami Ramen & Dumpling Bar
Umami
Authentic Japanese ramen and Chinese dumplings, including pork buns and other Asian comfort foods. Vegetarian friendly.
Mon-Thu 5PM-10PM, Fri Sat 5PM-11PM, Sun 5-9PM$7-15
Eat Not mapped
Paul's Pel'meni
Delicious traditional Russian dumplings just off of State Street, within walking distance of UW-Madison campus and the Capitol. Filled with beef, or potato, or get a mix. Try it with "The Works" (curry powder, chili sauce, butter, sour cream, cilantro) for a fun twist.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Madison (CC BY-SA 4.0).