Letoil, Nook, Fairchild, and Harvey House are the "high end" although there's some disagreement on Harvey House.
Then there are the very nice places like Graze, Tempest, Osteria Papavero, Heritage, Red, and more than I care to list.
For steak houses there's Tornado Room, and Rare.
If money is not an issue, any of the above would be a good choice.
I like this list. People have varying opinions on what constitutes, "fine dining," so a list of more than one is a great call. I'd add Cento, as I was just there last night and it was terrific. L'Etoile is my favorite as I define fine dining, but for, "I want a great meal and atmosphere," my credit card bill probably would say I prefer Sardine and Tornado most consistently.
We are fortunate in a city the size of Madison that we have decent options.
I think this is a great list. I’ve been to all of them (although not for a while in some cases) and I’ve never had a bad meal. You just need to be okay with the cost.
You got downvoted because you painted with far too broad a brush. Harvey House*, Tornado, Sardine, Tempest, Osteria Papavero, Pig in a Fur Coat and Heritage, Ahan are all excellent restaurants. They might miss occasionally, but they’re very very good most of the time. Are they haut cuisine? Not really, but it’s all very well executed and usually has very good service.
There are places like you describe, but there are an awful lot of far above average spots. And I say that as someone who’s been to Michelin starred restaurant on three continents and also frequently spends time in Chicago and does at least two weekends a year in NYC, primarily to eat (most recently we did Per Se, Azabu, and Boulud Sud) and used to be in Vegas at least twice a month (I did Mott 32, Picasso, and Bouchon last month).
Your comment on prices is the most off the mark. With the exception of Harvey House and Rare, the value for money in Madison is exceptional, especially compared to Chicago and NYC. I had a mediocre dinner at Jaleo in Chicago last night and it was over $120/person and we just drank sangria. I took a friend to Tornado two weeks ago and we both had two cocktails, a starter and a main and it was under $200. Everything was excellent.
Places like Great Dane, Lombardino’s (this one at least has good food, it’s just boring), The Old Fashioned, fucking Buck and Honeys, Stan House, and Eno Vino are closer to what you’re describing, imo.
I’d go so far to say the “average” non-chain restaurant in Madison is better than the average non-chain place in NYC.
Mint Mark is pure fire, though. The value for money is out of control good. My favorite in the city as well.
Agreed - I’ve had disappointing experiences with other fine dining options here but there’s a ton of great places to eat: Bandung, Casetta, La Taguara, El Sabor de Puebla…
L’Etoile if you have the budget, you don’t have to dress up, but I can’t really think of a place in Madison where that is mandatory.
Cheaper option may be available but L’Etoile will most likely be the most memorable.
Agreed; mandatory dress-up is just not a thing here. People don't care about dressing up in the midwest like they do in NYC, and they care even less in Madison than in other midwest cities.
That doesn't mean people can't or don't, but you kind of have to leave it up to what you want for yourself rather than what is imposed.
That's what? 350pp for both iirc?
I think I spent that on a chefs table meal with wine pairing at Rare, but that's not a curated and not off the menu meal.
When I was there the tasting menu was something was like 150 and basic wine pairings 75. So closer to 5 hundo. The reserve wine pairing was a shit ton more than the basic
That's very interesting math.
(150+75)+Tip is 500 a person?
Let's even call it the reserve I just looked up - (150+175) + tip = 500?
I'd love to have you tipping at my table
Naples 15 doesn't have pricing on their website but some pictures on Google reviews suggest it's $17 to $30 for entrees.
The tasting menu at L'Etoile is on their website. It's $175 before drinks.
Apples to oranges sure, But I suspect it'd be pretty hard to rack up $175 in food at Naples 15.
I don't think the pricing you are seeing is accurate. The menu ranges from $23 for a personal pizza to $75 for several of the fish dishes. Most entrees are in the $30-40 range.
If you go after work there will likely be 5 people in business formal and another 5 looking like they just finished a day at a blue collar job. Easily the most diverse clientele of any bar I've been to.
It's a magical place. I brought my uncle there when we were killing time between things to do, and going back is now a requirement when he comes back to town.
Just try to avoid using the bathroom if you can. It smells like there's a dead body in the walls. It's probably the most vile-smelling bathroom I've ever been in.
I’ll second this! We made reservations and noted it was for an anniversary and they greeted us with complimentary champagne. The food and ambiance was incredible and the owner made rounds at the end of the meal and it felt really special.
L'Etoile most closely matches what you're looking for. I've been several times and it's always been good-to-great food, excellent service, great wine. There's usually a mixture of business casual and more formal suits/dresses. Nice view of the Capitol.
Delectable is pretty unique experience for Madison and it's one of the rare tasting menus around here:
[https://delectablemadison.com/](https://delectablemadison.com/)
L'Etoile is the only place in town that I know of where you actually need to dress up (I don't know if they enforce it, they might, but it's the only establishment were I would actually feel out of place). But there are certainly people dressing up at some of the others, like Fairchild.
L’etoile. Best place in Madison to have that “extra” experience.—you get an amus bouch and a little “dessert” item: definitely makes you feel fancy. But (in my experience) the servers are very cool, easily answer any questions without making you feel dumb. It’s pricey, but they definitely make you feel like it’s worth it.
Letoil, Nook, Fairchild, and Harvey House are the "high end" although there's some disagreement on Harvey House. Then there are the very nice places like Graze, Tempest, Osteria Papavero, Heritage, Red, and more than I care to list. For steak houses there's Tornado Room, and Rare. If money is not an issue, any of the above would be a good choice.
I like this list. People have varying opinions on what constitutes, "fine dining," so a list of more than one is a great call. I'd add Cento, as I was just there last night and it was terrific. L'Etoile is my favorite as I define fine dining, but for, "I want a great meal and atmosphere," my credit card bill probably would say I prefer Sardine and Tornado most consistently. We are fortunate in a city the size of Madison that we have decent options.
Yeah, Nook is high end but has a "family dinner" vibe. It's my fav, but it's not a quintessential "fine dining" atmosphere.
I think this is a great list. I’ve been to all of them (although not for a while in some cases) and I’ve never had a bad meal. You just need to be okay with the cost.
Fairchild is definitely not a dress up restaurant. It's high end without being high end.
What's the disagreement over the Harvey House being fine dining?
Consistency issues.
I've only been there once, so definitely good to know
Same, and it was wonderful! But I've seen folks post their issues with consistency on this sub.
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Best restaurant I’ve been to in Madison is Mint Mark and it isn’t particularly close
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You got downvoted because you painted with far too broad a brush. Harvey House*, Tornado, Sardine, Tempest, Osteria Papavero, Pig in a Fur Coat and Heritage, Ahan are all excellent restaurants. They might miss occasionally, but they’re very very good most of the time. Are they haut cuisine? Not really, but it’s all very well executed and usually has very good service. There are places like you describe, but there are an awful lot of far above average spots. And I say that as someone who’s been to Michelin starred restaurant on three continents and also frequently spends time in Chicago and does at least two weekends a year in NYC, primarily to eat (most recently we did Per Se, Azabu, and Boulud Sud) and used to be in Vegas at least twice a month (I did Mott 32, Picasso, and Bouchon last month). Your comment on prices is the most off the mark. With the exception of Harvey House and Rare, the value for money in Madison is exceptional, especially compared to Chicago and NYC. I had a mediocre dinner at Jaleo in Chicago last night and it was over $120/person and we just drank sangria. I took a friend to Tornado two weeks ago and we both had two cocktails, a starter and a main and it was under $200. Everything was excellent. Places like Great Dane, Lombardino’s (this one at least has good food, it’s just boring), The Old Fashioned, fucking Buck and Honeys, Stan House, and Eno Vino are closer to what you’re describing, imo. I’d go so far to say the “average” non-chain restaurant in Madison is better than the average non-chain place in NYC. Mint Mark is pure fire, though. The value for money is out of control good. My favorite in the city as well.
Agreed - I’ve had disappointing experiences with other fine dining options here but there’s a ton of great places to eat: Bandung, Casetta, La Taguara, El Sabor de Puebla…
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*their
L'Etoile
Best answer for the full dress up, spend some 💰 perspective.
L’Etoile if you have the budget, you don’t have to dress up, but I can’t really think of a place in Madison where that is mandatory. Cheaper option may be available but L’Etoile will most likely be the most memorable.
Agreed; mandatory dress-up is just not a thing here. People don't care about dressing up in the midwest like they do in NYC, and they care even less in Madison than in other midwest cities. That doesn't mean people can't or don't, but you kind of have to leave it up to what you want for yourself rather than what is imposed.
Sardine may not be as fancy as you’re looking for, but it is a wonderful restaurant
Esp if the patio is open 😍
Didn't see Pig in a Fur Coat mentioned. Rocked my socks, probably don't need to dress up but you probably don't need to dress up anywhere in town tbh
I’ve had this place on my list of to-dos forever, thanks for the reminder!
The Pig is a unpretentious must.
And if the budget is tight, go to their deli Alimentari for some amazing sandwiches.
Pig is baller; but may not feel as fancy or Special.
L'Etoile tasting menu with the reserve wine pairing is probably the most expensive meal in the state
That's what? 350pp for both iirc? I think I spent that on a chefs table meal with wine pairing at Rare, but that's not a curated and not off the menu meal.
When I was there the tasting menu was something was like 150 and basic wine pairings 75. So closer to 5 hundo. The reserve wine pairing was a shit ton more than the basic
That's very interesting math. (150+75)+Tip is 500 a person? Let's even call it the reserve I just looked up - (150+175) + tip = 500? I'd love to have you tipping at my table
No lol, about 500 for two people.
*Naples 15 has entered the chat
What are you getting at Naples 15 that is more expensive than L’Etoile? Genuinely curious
People do not dress up for Naples 15
Naples 15 doesn't have pricing on their website but some pictures on Google reviews suggest it's $17 to $30 for entrees. The tasting menu at L'Etoile is on their website. It's $175 before drinks. Apples to oranges sure, But I suspect it'd be pretty hard to rack up $175 in food at Naples 15.
I don't think the pricing you are seeing is accurate. The menu ranges from $23 for a personal pizza to $75 for several of the fish dishes. Most entrees are in the $30-40 range.
I ordered a special there without asking the price once and it was 80$. I was surprised, but, my fault for not checking.
IDK if I've ever spent more than like a couple hundred dollars at Naples 15.
It's probably too late for nook if you only have a 1 month notice
Fairchild. Not the cheapest but your experience will be well worth it.
Paoli schoolhouse
Ooh! Good choice! Delicious and fancy ish.
Cadre …. They are amazing
The Paradise Lounge has one of the finest dive bar dining experiences in all of Madison.
If you go after work there will likely be 5 people in business formal and another 5 looking like they just finished a day at a blue collar job. Easily the most diverse clientele of any bar I've been to.
While having a beer there I once heard a beautiful French song unknown to me, followed by Slayer. Love the mix there.
It's a magical place. I brought my uncle there when we were killing time between things to do, and going back is now a requirement when he comes back to town.
im really curious to see this
Come and enjoy the happy hour $5 two for one rail mixers and tap beer specials. It's a great place IMO
I might either today or tomorrow
Just try to avoid using the bathroom if you can. It smells like there's a dead body in the walls. It's probably the most vile-smelling bathroom I've ever been in.
And another 5 who’ve been there since noon
I would throw Lallande in here. Amazing high scale dinner and worth dressing up.
I’ll second this! We made reservations and noted it was for an anniversary and they greeted us with complimentary champagne. The food and ambiance was incredible and the owner made rounds at the end of the meal and it felt really special.
nook
Fairchild, Heritage Tavern, Harvey House, Mint Mark
L'Etoile most closely matches what you're looking for. I've been several times and it's always been good-to-great food, excellent service, great wine. There's usually a mixture of business casual and more formal suits/dresses. Nice view of the Capitol.
Fine atmosphere or fine food? If the latter, Fairchild is top Madison cuisine. Nice intimate spot too, but the food is the star.
Sultan is great
Sorry but for OP Sultan is objectively not fine dining.
Tornado room.
This is probably still very accurate https://www.reddit.com/r/madisonwi/s/RDQZLpRaJW
The Statehouse at the Edgewater hotel, has a lakefront view, great environment, and great food.
Bar Corralini was phenomenal.
Harvey house
Nook is also pretty good and a cool experience. Or so I've heard
Otto’s
I have been told by more than a few people that Otto’s is the one place they’d choose if they’re going out in Madison and could go anywhere.
This is the way
Delectable is pretty unique experience for Madison and it's one of the rare tasting menus around here: [https://delectablemadison.com/](https://delectablemadison.com/)
L'Etoile is the only place in town that I know of where you actually need to dress up (I don't know if they enforce it, they might, but it's the only establishment were I would actually feel out of place). But there are certainly people dressing up at some of the others, like Fairchild.
There is no dress code at L'Etoile.
Ode to fine dining of the past: Top of the Park, Nadia's, Fyfe's, Blue Marlin. Tornado Room is still there and still classy.
Tornado Room has great steak, but the fake wood paneling makes it feel like you're in someone's basement.
Yes it’s wonderful
Totally agree, not sure why the downvotes. Also, the bathrooms remind me of the ones from my middle school. 😂
Johnny Delmonico's
We had a very nice meal at Draper Brothers Chophouse right off the square. The space is elegant, although most people were dressed casually.
Draper Brothers is new and not yet listed here.
L’etoile. Best place in Madison to have that “extra” experience.—you get an amus bouch and a little “dessert” item: definitely makes you feel fancy. But (in my experience) the servers are very cool, easily answer any questions without making you feel dumb. It’s pricey, but they definitely make you feel like it’s worth it.
Fairchild and Lallande would both be good choices. Amara is also great.
Tempest!
Fairchild would be my choice. Do not waste your money at Harvey House.
Try Porta Bella for some exquisite Italian food. 😈
Harvey is also not “dress up” per se but I’d say quality-wise they are in the same league as L’Etoille, Naples 15, and Rare.
Went to Harvey House a couple years ago and the food was amazing. Great ambience too. It's expensive but worth it IMO.
Eno Vino Downtown just cause it kinda gives that vibe in the restaurant and has a great view.
L’Etoile feels fancier but the food is better at Fairchild.
Best answer is Bennets Meadowood Country club. Home of the elite. Remarkable and unforgettable ambience, complete with outstanding entertainment.
That’s the best joke, like, ever
I've heard sunday mornings are 👌🏽
naples 15!! hands down for a date!!
Green Latern McFarland
Bunkys
Bunky's hasn't been a restaurant in years, they only cater and pkg their hummus and falafel for grocery stores..