CIMER’s Restaurant Recommendations

Hawks $

With an equal focus on food and drink, Hawk’s goes from casual family dining to late-night date night easily. Daily specials, such as golden grilled cheese with homemade tomato bisque soup, round out the standards, including an array of salads and sandwiches.

Dotty's Dumpling Dowry $

Longtime local institution offering specialty burgers, cheese curds & tap beers in quirky digs.

The Old Fashioned $$

Supper club fare, some cooked on a wood-burning grill. Try the grilled trout, cheese plate appetizers, or bratwurst.

Graze $$

Freshly made bakery, signature sandwiches, burgers, moules frites, local beers and wines service in a casual, gastropub setting with a spectacular view of the Capitol.

Tavernakaya $$

Where American tavern meets Japanese izakaya. Located on the Capitol Square, this place has a rustic yet modern decor with an urban vibe. The menu is composed of the owner’s favorite comfort foods from his heritage and travels to Japan, and across Asia.

Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company $$

Madison’s original brew pub, with award-winning beers crafted on site plus a diverse menu of salads, burgers, sandwiches, and put favorites.

Graft $$

Midwestern small plates, wine & local beer in a casually refined restaurant with booth seating.

Himal Chuli $$

Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine. Don’t miss the momocha (veggie dumplings) and the ddal (bean soup). Great for vegetarians.

Maharani Indian Restaurant $$

Casual eatery serving traditional Indian cuisine with many vegetarian options & a lunch buffet.

Heritage Tavern $$$

An upscale tavern featuring pork dishes from heritage breed pigs the chef raises himself. Also beef, seafood, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. Strong emphasis on craft cocktails.

Cento $$$

Italian restaurants creating dishes with a modern twist on Old World Italian traditions. Serves an assortment of antipasti and small plates along with handmade pastas and pizzas.

Harvest $$$

Modern interpretation of French, Italian, and American cuisines with strong emphasis on locally-grown produce.

Red Sushi $$$

Sleek eatery serving creative sushi rolls & grilled Japanese fare in modern environment.

Fresco $$$

Modern New American spot on the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art rooftop offering Downtown views.

The Icon Restaurant & Tapas Bar $$$

Spanish tapas in a modern setting. All food is homemade, including desserts.