My Favorite Madison Restaurants

Here are my favorite places to eat in Madison. I am really spoiled by the amount of great restaurants for the size of the city.

Breakfast
Bradbury’s – awesome crepes and great espresso
Gotham Bagels – best bagels in town
Lazy Jane’s – delicious scones, good scramblers and strong coffee
Marigold Kitchen – always good fresh food
Sophia’s Bakery & Cafe – small space but awesome brunch on the weekends

Pizza
Buck’s Pizza – cheap takeout pizza
Cafe La Bellitalia – traditional mom and pop restaurant
Cafe Porta Alba – authentic Neapolitan pizza
Greenbush Bar – the best thin crust pizza in town
Natt Spil – not only my favorite bar but they have good thin crust pizzas

Italian
Lombardino’s – my favorite Italian restaurant
Osteria Papavero – my second favorite Italian restaurant

Gastropub
Brassiere V – kind of like jacs
Coopers Tavern – kind of like jacs and Brasserie V but with poutine
jacs – kind of like Brassiere V
The Weary Traveler – great atmosphere and tasty tom ka tofu soup

Mexican
La Zacatecana – Mexican grocery with cheap authentic eats in the back
Tex Tubb’s – this fills my Tex-Mex cravings

Japanese
Restaurant Muramoto – Hands down my favorite, love the food and the space

Upscale
Restaurant Magnus – My favorite fancy schmancy restaurant (also love the bar)
L’Etoile – My second favorite fancy schmancy restaurant

Ethnic Cuisines
Chautara – I like it a bit better than Himal Chuli
Himal Chuli – a classic
Lao Laan Xang – I could eat here every day
Mediterranean Cafe – cheap and excellent food
Monty’s Blue Plate – okay, not ethnic but the Sheldon is so good
Shish Cafe – for dinner, when Mediterranean Cafe is not open

Outdoor Dining
Mickey’s Tavern – I love this patio and the veggie burgers
Lake Vista Cafe – one of the best views in Madison

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