Fall into culinary inspiration

Madison is where food scientists, producers, brewers, distillers, makers, and chefs intersect to create culinary stories incredible, inclusive, ownable and sustainable. There’s the chef who started a side hustle raising pigs prized for their flavor. A farm family who worked with UW-Madison to repropagate an heirloom corn variety in their quest to create a one-of-a-kind bourbon. A group of people from Ukraine starting a restaurant to start a new life. 

No matter how many times you've tried Madison food, there's always something new, with rotating menus and specials highlighting the best flavors of the season. It's time to find your new favorite restaurant in Madison.

Cheers to our world-class craft beverage scene

Becoming one of the 5 Best Drinking Cities in the World doesn't happen overnight. Our craft beverage scene began with breweries but has expanded to include wineries, cideries and distilleries that create some of the best grain- or grape-to-glass drinks you've ever had. Beyond the makers, you'll find bars throughout the city that take handcrafted approaches to making innovative cocktails you can't find anywhere else.

Don't drink alcohol? This scene is still for you. There's no shortage of mocktail and NA beverages in Madison, helping make us #1 in 100 Best U.S. Cities for Living Sober.

Don't forget the cheese

We share our deep love for cheese with the rest of the state. But what makes us different? The cheese in Madison is elevated, crafted by mongers and charcuterie mavens who curate complimentary flavors that honor the classics and challenge the norms. Madison is a great tapestry of cheese curds ranging from squeaky to beer battered. They're everyone's favorite start to a meal and souvenir to take home.