Waterfront Dining

Experience Madison's true treasures while you dine.  Located on an isthmus and flanked by glacial lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison combines this natural beauty with some of its finest dining choices.

Lake Monona is not only home to our Frank Lloyd Wright inspired convention center, Monona Terrace, but also showcases Paisan's Italian Restaurant and Sardine, two of Madison's fine upscale venues.  Located on the roof of the Monona Terrace, the Lake Vista Café offers a panoramic view of Lake Monona while delighting your tastebuds. 

Lake Mendota shares her shores with a number of lake front dining establishments including the venerable Edgewater Hotel's pier.  The Pier is located behind the Edgewater Hotel and is accessible by foot or boat.  The von Rutenberg Family has owned and operated three waterfront restaurants on Lake Mendota: Mariner's Inn, Captain Bill's and the Nau-Ti-Gal for over 40 years.  The Family also adds a new meaning to dining "on the water" by offering Betty Lou Cruises - passenger boats, named for the von Rutenberg Matriarch, that provide appetizer, dinner and themed cruises.