For a town of its size, Madison is a foodie heaven. The locally-owned restaurant scene is alive, well and flourishing. In addition to the usual supper clubs and hot spots, there are few types of ethnic food NOT to be found here. We offer everything from the usual Chinese and Italian to Nepali, Indonesian, Incan, Ethiopian and more. So if you come to Madison, bring your appetite. And an ashtray of your own. Since passing a smoking ban in July 2005, dining within the city is smoke free, unless you're in one of the many outdoor seating areas. However, the smoking ban does not affect suburbs like Monona, Fitchburg or Middleton, so if you absolutely have to light up between courses, head to the outskirts.
For a fast way to find great food, use " The Isthmus", the local free weekly paper listing all the goings on around town. In fact, once you hit town, find one. They are everywhere and will tell you what to plan for AFTER dinner. Their online dining guide is a fast way to find any type of food, in any part of town - or all of Dane County for that matter. However, if you want some peer-reviewed choices, check out the list of " Madison Favorites", voted on each year by their readers There is also a similar list of the " Best of Madison" from Madison Magazine. And a personal favorite, supporting only locally owned businesses, is the listing (and coupons!) at Madison Originals. Speaking of coupons, if you want to line your pockets with gift certificates at up to 60% off before you come to town, visit Madison Dining Discounts.
For starts, the downtown area is a bonanza, both for cheap eats and if you want to empty your wallet. Most of the budget places on the student alley connecting the state capitol building and the University, a pedestrian drag known as State Street. There you can get anything from a slice of pizza (Ian's) to the perfect Wisconsin brat & beer (State Street Brats) without breaking the bank. A lot of great ethnic eateries line this strip too from Baruka (Ethiopian), the Kabul or Husnus (Mediterranean), Himul Chuli or Chataura (Nepali), Casa de Lara or Fridas (Mexican) or grab a bite at King of Falafel or Parthenon Gyros. If you want a more upscale place to take a date, try the dark and cosy Portabellas (Italian) or the upstairs dining, overlooking State Street, at Nadia's (French), and if you plan to check out something at the fantastic new Overture Center for the Arts, there are some places to stay in the area.
As you move down to the beautiful capitol square and to the East, you get more into grown-up territory. Wine bars, bistros, tiny dark date spots and some pricey, but fantastic, options abound. For the taste of the Silk Road, and a chance to sit in the lower level King Tut's Tomb and nibble on your sweetie's ear, try The Casbah. There, in the summer, you can even order up a hookah and hubble-bubble with the best of them out on the sidewalk. On this side of the square you'll also find great steaks at the Tornado Room or Johnny Delmonicos. Try Cafe Continental or Restaurant Magnus, for a more European touch. If you want locally grown seasonal foods, exquisitely prepared by the city's top chefs, and have the pocketbook to pay for it, try L'etoile or Harvest, both right on the square. For great Italian, hit Tutto Pasta. There is also one on State Street, but the ambience here is clearly better. And if you just want a freshly brewed microbeer, and the best artichoke dip you'll ever have, there is no better place than the Great Dane. Great food, great beer, good price.
Another corridor of cuisine is Southwest of downtown along Monroe Street, which sports The Dardanelles (mediterranean), Bluephies (a great modern take on an upscale diner), Papa Phils (Italian) and one of the cities many Pasquals (Southwestern). If you head a little further West, you'll find the city's top Mexican place Laredos right next to another brew pub, JT Whitneys. A block or two past there, towards the mall, gives you two excellent Indian buffet options at India Durbar and Maharajas.
Going East of downtown you can trot down Williamson, affectionately known as Willy Street. From the El Dorado Grill (mexican) to Jolly Bob's and Jamerica (jerk places), Lazy Janes (great for breakfast and lunch) all the way up to Monty's Blue Plate Diner, a local institution, and the Weary Traveller. Trust me, you won't go hungry.
And one place that deserves special mention is Smoky's Club, on University Avenue heading West towards Middleton. A true supper club in the Wisconsin fashion, it serves some of the best steaks in the Midwest. If you are a carnivore, its not to be missed!
If you want to head out to the suburbs, a little farther West near Middleton is George's Chop House Restaurant (steaks), Vin Santos (Italian), Hubbard Avenue Diner , Louisianne's (upscale creole), Roman Candle Pizza, another Tutto Pasta and the best burger in Wisconsin at Culver's.
