One of Madison’s top claims to fame is its many, many restaurants. With already hundreds dotting the city, new restaurants in Madison abound, and the vibrant culinary scene is always thriving. From global fare to gourmet meals whipped up by none other than James Beard-honored chefs to farm-to-table eats, you’re always sure to find something delicious to savor among Madison’s best restaurants.

Whether you’re a culture-bound traveler, a visitor who loves a packed itinerary or a local who wants to experience new culinary adventures, ahead you’ll uncover the hottest new dining spots in town with our curated list of the latest for 2026.

BAKED WINGS & THINGS

Located in the heart of State Street, you’ll discover a deliciously different way to revel in your favorite chicken dishes—baked, not fried. As one of the area’s family-friendly restaurants, Baked Wings & Things serves up its signature sous vide tenders, baked chicken wings and gourmet smash-style burgers. But if you’re a vegetarian or gluten-free, you’ll find bites here, too. Additionally, they also frequently contribute to local causes.

Pro Tip: It’s within walking distance of the Kohl Center (with quickly-served eats that can be enjoyed before the big game). Or if you’re jonesing for a snack after enjoying a show at The Orpheum Theater or Majestic Theatre, late-night chicken awaits you right down the street.

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED TO TRY: Jumbo chicken tenders with parmesan truffle fries on the side

Explore the baked, not fried, menu here.

BERNELL’S

The Madison culinary scene is always covering new territory, and Bernell’s, located near Monona, is no exception. It’s the city’s first women-centered sports bar, which opened last fall. Owned by Rita Adair, who named the sports bar to honor her late wife, it has a warm feel with soft lighting and wood-clad walls. Specializing in soul food, Bernell’s spotlights sports, of course, along with blues music every Thursday, and karaoke.

Pro Tip: Breakfast and brunch are always big draws in Madison, but Bernell’s has a musical take on brunch, with a Sunday brunch that serves up breakfast favorites along with live R&B tunes.

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED TO TRY: Taco Tuesday complete with margarita specials and Southern faves like collard greens

Discover a menu with soul here.

CANTER INN

A hop, skip and a jump from Madison lies New Glarus’ newest eating establishment, Canter Inn. With a focus on fine dining, the ambiance is made complete with surroundings in a Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1902. Among Madison menus, the Canter Inn’s menu has certainly been getting a lot of buzz, with offerings that celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to dine at the Canter Inn, make a weekend out of it. Stay at the nearby Chalet Landhaus Inn, or book Belleville’s Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn or Paoli’s Seven Acre Dairy Company, which features new accommodations. Also, don’t miss local attractions like New Glarus Brewing Company, Bailey’s Run Vineyard, and the Sugar River Trail, and take in all the various seasonal events.

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED TO TRY: Wagyu steaks and coconut squash bisque

Find artisanal dishes on the menu here.

ELOURA

On the Capitol Square, you’ll find Eloura, an alluring Mediterranean café helmed by the same owners as Zafferano Ristorante in Fitchburg, one of the area’s most popular dining spots. Enveloped in stylish visuals, like moody black hues and crystal chandeliers, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite with pals on a Saturday afternoon. 

Pro Tip: With its central location, you can visit the Wisconsin State Capitol, watch a show at the Overture Center, meander down State Street and take in the UW–Madison campus.

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED TO TRY: Shareables like authentic Sarma, leaves packed with herbed rice and spices

See Mediterranean menu selections here.

ELLIPSE COFFEE & CREPES

Joining the ranks of State Street’s idyllic coffee shops is Ellipse Coffee & Crepes. Filled with sweet treats and unexpected flavor combinations (like the Strawberry Matcha and Fruity Pebbles crepe), this café is Instagram-worthy and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth with its drink and crepe offerings. It’s also located near downtown’s many points of interest.

Pro Tip: Ellipse Coffee & Crepes certainly shines a spotlight on its saccharine selections, but if you’re in the mood for something savory, they have you covered with lunch-worthy crepes and sandwiches.

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED TO TRY: The Strawberry Cheesecake Waffle (it’s breakfast and dessert in one!)

View the menu full of cravings here.

GM BANH MI

Residing close to the Overture Center and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, there’s GM Banh Mi on West Johnson Street. Specializing in delicious Vietnamese cuisine, this is where you’ll find real-deal Southeast Asian fare, but luckily, it’s grab-and-go style, perfect for relishing a speedy meal that’s still big on taste.

Pro Tip: After hitting up the Capitol for a tour, head lakeside to James Madison Park for a picturesque grab-and-go picnic.

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED TO TRY: Any of their famous Banh Mi sandwiches, of course! From chicken to pork to tofu

Order a sandwich and more from the menu here.

JINX COFFEE

Want to venture to Madison’s ‘burbs for even more to do, and taste? Then head to Sun Prairie’s Jinx Coffee. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, then this café will be your version of heaven, outfitted with the best-quality espresso along with breakfast options and sandwiches that’ll keep you full until sundown. You also won’t be able to resist the café’s kitty-cat mascot, Jinx, as a logo that graces each cup of coffee.

Pro Tip: Be sure to check out Sun Prairie’s other gems while you’re there, including plenty of shopping and places where you can continue your culinary quest, like Salvatore’s Tomato Pies, Full Mile Beer Co. & Kitchen and Nitty Gritty.

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED TO TRY: The Jinx Latte, with espresso, milk and a cream blend

Find your java fix on the menu here.

PINK FLAMINGO BRUNCH CAFÉ

Found next to State Street’s vintage-inspired Graduate Madison hotel, there’s the equally throwback Pink Flamingo Brunch Café. As State Street’s only dedicated brunch and breakfast spot, you’ll feel as if you’re eating a meal right on the set of The Golden Girls with the café’s pink accents and palm-leaf mural. For an extra dose of nostalgia, this LGBTQ+ and Latino- owned eatery is a reprise of The Flamingo Bar, a popular State Street watering hole that was open from 1982 to 1998.

Pro Tip: After brunch, amble from this conveniently-located café to attractions like the UW–Madison campus, the Memorial Union Terrace and the rest of State Street.

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED TO TRY: The Pink Pony: pancakes crafted with strawberry-infused batter and topped with fresh berries

Delight in the menu here.

TAJ INDIAN CUISINE & BAR

Indian cuisine throughout Madison is a sure bet for delicious food, and Park Street’s Taj Indian Cuisine & Bar is no exception. Centering on traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients (we’re looking at you, Chicken Tikka Masala), the restaurant serves a lunch buffet and dinner and can also host special occasions.

Pro Tip: After enjoying those curry creations, go wild at the nearby Henry Vilas Zoo, rent a kayak at Brittingham Boats and take a nature walk through the UW–Madison Arboretum.

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED TO TRY: Any of the paneer dishes, from Mattar Paneer to Shahi Paneer

Spice things up with the menu here.

UNION CORNERS TAVERN

On the east side on Winnebago Street, there’s Union Corners Tavern, a pub with a decidedly neighborhood feel (you’ll feel just like a local!). There’s seasonal fare and craft cocktails, but for those who are all about fun and games? There’s Skee-Ball for the kids at heart.

Pro Tip: The tavern is in close proximity to some Madison must-sees, like Olbrich Botanical Gardens, The Bur Oak event venue and Madison Public Market.

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED TO TRY: All-you-can-eat ribs

Browse menu offerings here.