Supper Clubs, Sushi & Sausage: Meet Madison’s Food Scene
Greater Madison’s deep bench of local restaurants blends Midwestern comfort with local sourcing and global influences. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or love fresh, local fare, we have something for every palette. Home to the famous Dane County Farmers’ Market, the largest producer-only market in the U.S., Madison is the place for genuine farm-to-table dining. From iconic Wisconsin cheese curds, locally brewed craft beer, and distilled spirits to a diverse range of international cuisines, there’s something local for everyone.
Where Culinary Talent Shines
Our culinary scene shines brightly on the national stage, with local talent earning recognition at the James Beard Awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors. In 2024 alone, the city celebrated having Syovata Edari from CocoVaa and deli, Pasture and Plenty recognized as semifinalists and Sean Pharr from Mint Mark as a finalist. In 2023, Francesco Mangano from Osteria Papavero, Jamie Brown-Soukaseume (Hoang) from Ahan and Andrew Hutchison from Madison Sourdough were recognized as finalists, and Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger from Fairchild went on to win the award for Best Chef: Midwest.
Their accomplishments and many others have made Madison a culinary hotspot where diners can enjoy world-class cuisine without leaving town.
Friday Fish Fry? Never a Bad Idea.
A Midwest staple, the legendary Friday Fish Fry is something we Sconnies take pretty seriously. Gather your friends and family around the table at your favorite joint and dig in. Whether you prefer perch, walleye, or beer-battered cod, Madison’s restaurants and pubs, such as The Nitty Gritty, The Coopers Tavern and The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. offer an array of variations of this classic meal.
Of course, while the fish is always fantastic, Friday Night Fish Fry is as much about getting together with your friends and family to unwind at the end of the week when paired perfectly with craft beers and our only-in-Wisconsin Old Fashioneds.
Global Flavors and Unique Dining Experiences
Madison’s a hidden gem for food lovers with its unique global offerings that celebrate its diverse food scene. A taste of your new home could mean anything from Turkish to Thai to Taiwanese.
The region also hosts a variety of food festivals and pop-ups (Taste of Madison, Brat Fest and Sweet Corn Festival) that invite exploration of new flavors from near and far. Find a comfort-food classic or try the latest experimental dishes coming out of our kitchens.