1. Go Bananas Over Banzo’s Falafel
Banzo2105 Sherman AveMadison, WI 53704(608) 441-2002
Yelp: 4.5 Stars – 113 Reviews
I could live off of falafel, and one summer I practically did. If you haven’t eaten at Banzo’s I honestly don’t know how you’ve made it through life so far.
For those craving some meat along with their falafel, the F-Bomb is for you: two falafel balls, plus your choice of grilled chicken or beef kebabs.
Not only is the falafel award-winning and extremely affordable, it’s authentic and traditional, as the recipe the restaurant uses today is based on the falafel the owner grew up eating in Israel.
2. Beat The Bland Brunch Blues At Marigold Kitchen
Marigold Kitchen118 S Pinckney StMadison, WI 53703(608) 661-5559
Yelp:4 Stars – 227 Reviews
Alright, I love sandwiches and I love brunch. Marigold Kitchen delivers the best of both.
The Marigold Breakfast Sandwich is by far my favorite breakfast sandwich of all time and I wake up most days craving one. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, with a fried egg, cheddar-spiked boursin cheese, apple wood smoked bacon, tomato and green onion. All of these elements together on toasted ciabatta? YUM!
Plus, they’ve also got some delicious coffee and pastries.
3. Delicious Burgers, Shakes And Fries (Oh My!) At Dlux
Dlux117 Martin Luther King Jr BlvdMadison, WI 53703(608) 467-3130
Yelp:4 Stars – 121 Reviews
With monthly burger specials as adventurous as their Chinese Takeout “Burger”--a tempura battered and fried chicken topped with broccoli, red pepper, carrot and onion slaw drizzled in a sesame sauce--DLux definitely tops the charts.
Like most Americans, I put sriracha on everything. So it’s no surprise that whenever I stop in, I always get their sweet potato and sriracha mayo fries. Your taste buds won’t know what to do, but they’ll thank you.
And their shakes! With flavors like Red Velvet, Toasted Marshmallow and Salted Caramel Pecan, I challenge you to spend less than five minutes debating which one you’ll get.
4. Rejuvenate Your Tired Taste Buds With A Sandwich At The Weary Traveler
The Weary Traveler Free House1201 Williamson StMadison, WI 53703(608) 442-6207
Yelp:4 Stars – 237 Reviews
A cultural staple of Madison, The Weary Traveler is located in the bohemian-hip Willy Street Neighborhood.
Sandwiches are the criteria I go by when judging a restaurant and the West of the Andes sandwich does not disappoint. Combining avocado, pico de gallo, and chipotle mayonnaise with your choice of beef tenderloin, tuna steak,or roasted veggies, it’s a delicious blend of flavors.
Not so into meat? They also have a large amount of mouth-watering vegan options. I’ve tried to replicate their sweet corn, quinoa & black bean salad at home, but their amazing serrano orange vinaigrette cannot be copied.
5. Delicious Sweet-Potato-Barbeque-Bacon-Chocolate Cupcakes Come From Daisy Café & Cupcakery
Daisy Café & Cupcakery2827 Atwood AveMadison, WI 53704(608) 241-2200
Yelp:4 Stars – 117 Reviews
This delightful little cake known as “The Blues” was a monthly feature and since I’ll try anything where dessert is concerned, I couldn’t help but order one. It’s a sweet potato cupcake filled with a barbeque, bacon and chocolate ganache then frosted to perfection with a whiskey buttercream. It was delicious. Trust me on this one.
But if you don’t, the classics range from chocolate and red velvet to a lemon cake with blueberry buttercream frosting. Every one of them is wolf-it-down-without-realizing-it good.
The downside? The perfect presentation will make you feel like you’re committing a crime by eating something so beautiful.
6. Mosey On Over To Graze For Some Good, Local Eats
Graze1 S Pinckney StMadison, WI 53703(608) 251-2700
Yelp: 4 Stars – 308 Reviews
Serving up local, seasonal food with freshness that can’t be beat, Graze offers small plates and dishes so you can do just that: graze. Since a James Beard award winning chef concocted these dishes, it’s hard for me to chose a favorite here.
Okay, I’ll choose. Their Beet & Walnut Burger is unlike anything else I’ve ever tasted. I mean, even the Food Network had to give it a try.
Go here when you’re feeling fancy but your wallet isn’t, as this one of the most affordable farm-to-table restaurants in Madison.
7. Glide On Down To Merchant Madison For The Best Brat Sliders
Merchant Madison121 S Pinckney StMadison, WI 53703(608) 259-9799
Yelp:4 Stars – 149 Reviews
Have you ever had burrata? If not, then let me introduce you to amazingness. Burrata is a fresh mozzarella plunged into hot whey or salted water and then kneaded, stretched and stuffed with a cream that just oozes out when cut. It is utterly (ha) delicious.
And, let me tell you, I cannot get enough of Merchant Madison’s burrata.
I’m also in love with their brat sliders. Admittedly greasy, but in a good way, they’re bursting with flavor. And if you’re old enough to drink, their cocktails are worth the price. The mixologists behind the bar know what they’re doing.
Pro Tips: As it is a farm-to-table restaurant, Merchant’s menu changes seasonally. This place is popular and fills up fast, so forgo waiting for a table by making a reservation.
8. Pizza Brutta’s Wood-Fired Pizza Lights Up My Life
Pizza Brutta1805 Monroe StMadison, WI 53711(608) 257-2120
Yelp:4.5 Stars – 136 Reviews
I could list at least three different pizza places on this list, but I am mad about Pizza Brutta’s authentic wood-fired pizza. That smoky flavor combined with their fresh house mozzarella and locally sourced toppings is simply unbeatable.
If you’ve never had a wood-fired pizza, stop reading now and go! Since Pizza Brutta offers both pizza rosso, a tomato base, and pizza bianco, an olive oil base, I always get indecisive when it’s time to order. But don’t worry, you can add extra toppings to any pizza to get the pie just the way you like it.
9. Brew Up A Great Time At The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.357 Price PlMadison, WI 53705(608) 661-9400
Yelp:3.5 Stars – 81 Reviews
What is better than a brewery with a restaurant? A restaurant with a brewery!
Okay, okay, in all seriousness this local brewery is one of my favorite pubs. The Dane Burger is a real delectable concoction and goes great with a Scotch ale. They top a one-third pound patty with the usual lettuce, tomato and onions, but what’s the standout topping? Their famous artichoke dip.
The Great Dane’s Brat & Pretzel Burger is so outstanding it was chosen by the Food Network to represent Wisconsin.
10. Satisfy Your Pork Cravings At A Pig In A Fur Coat
A Pig In A Fur Coat940 Williamson StMadison, WI 53703(608) 316-3300
Yelp: 4.5 Stars – 108 Reviews
If you’re like I was before my first visit to A Pig In A Fur Coat, you may think that you will never be able to fill your stomach on tapas. Believe me, here’s where you’re wrong.
If you’re still doubtful, they also sell full plates. I am addicted to their Chorizo stuffed dates, duck fat fries, ravioli, and Sicilian sfingi. A bit on the pricier side, but you won’t even think of the cost after you’ve eaten your first bite. So bring some friends, share in the delicious experience, and then split the bill.
11. Eat An Apple Fritter Larger Than Your HeadAt Greenbush Bakery
Greenbush Bakery1305 Regent StMadison, WI 53715(608)257- 1151
Yelp:4.5 Stars – 84 Reviews
Sticky hands down, my favorite doughnut shop in Madison. From the apple fritter and the coconut doughnuts to any of their old fashioned varieties, I always come away with at least a dozen.
Since they’re open from 6 AM to 2 AM, resisting doughnut temptation is one of my biggest morning, afternoon and evening struggles.
12. Ha Long Has It Been Since You’ve Had Authentic Pad Thai?
Ha Long Bay Vietnamese & Thai Bistro1353 Williamson StMadison, WI 53703(608) 255-2868
Yelp: 4 Stars – 197 Reviews
There is nothing like a good Vietnamese spring roll to take me to a happy place. Ha Long Bay offers amazing authentic flavors from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos and is sure to satisfy your Asian cravings.
With such a large menu, choosing your meal can be challenging. Don’t worry, I’m here to help--the Pho, Pad Thai or the drunken noodles will not disappoint.
13. Latin Me Tell You, Nothing Beats The Peruvian Cuisine At Inka Heritage
Inka Heritage602 S Park StMadison, WI 53715(608) 310-4282
Yelp:4 Stars – 101 Reviews
Normally, I’m a little wary of raw fish (I’m lookin’ at you, sushi), but there’s something about Inka Heritage’s ceviche that just keeps me coming back for more! It’s such a great appetizer that I have trouble sharing it with friends.
You also MUST try the aji de gallina with Peruvian cream sauce--it’s indescribably delicious.
14. Tipsy Cow’s Beer Battered Goat Cheese Curds Guarantee Delighted Taste Buds
Tipsy Cow102 King StMadison, WI 53703(608) 287-1455
Yelp: 4 Stars – 104 Reviews
This pub serves up the best cheese curds in Madison, and that’s saying something when you’re dining in “The Cheese State.” The combination of Spotted Cow beer batter, seasonings and goat cheese has my mouth watering just thinking about it.
Not feeling the cheese curds? That’s okay--they have truffle fries, which are french fries tossed in white truffle oil and when put in front of me, gone immediately.
Their burgers are packed with flavor and locally sourced ingredients. Order off of their specials menu or get the classic Tipsy Burger--either way your palate is sure to be pleased.
15. Taste True Wisconsin Heritage At The Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned23 N Pinckney StMadison, WI 53703(608)310-4545
Yelp:4 Stars – 550 Reviews
Named after the drink, which--fun fact--originated in Wisconsin, The Old Fashioned pays tribute to the foods and spirits that make the state famous.
You’ve probably noticed a theme by now--I love burgers. Both the Wisconsin Burger and the Old Fashioned House Burger are more on the basic end of burgers in terms of toppings, but definitely not so in taste.
The cheese curds are definitely the local favorite, but I’m still sticking with my Tipsy Cow goat cheese curds. They also serve up the best Old Fashioned in Madison, but how could they not?
FYI: They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait just a little before being seated.
