"This is the first place I tried out purely on Yelp reviews, and it was great.
It's a small restaurant tucked away in a small strip mall on University. The service was friendly and always quick. Amongst our group we sampled the lamb, chicken, fish, and steak, and everyone loved their meal.
My girlfriend and I also had their Arabic coffee, which was potent. We considered getting an appetizer, but are happy that we didn't because the dinner portions were huge!"
Yelp Review by Chris S.
9. Himal Chuli Restaurant
It's a small restaurant tucked away in a small strip mall on University. The service was friendly and always quick. Amongst our group we sampled the lamb, chicken, fish, and steak, and everyone loved their meal.
My girlfriend and I also had their Arabic coffee, which was potent. We considered getting an appetizer, but are happy that we didn't because the dinner portions were huge!"
Yelp Review by Chris S.
9. Himal Chuli Restaurant
"Yum....I dream of this restaurant when not in Madison. I eat there every time I return. From the moment I walk through the door, I smell curries and feel transported.
In the summer, I enjoy sitting on the streest-side terrace sipping minted water and in the winter, I enjoy warming up with a hot chai tea. I like everything on the menu and have never been disappointed. The momos, momochas and takaris are favorites. I love the dahl and the naan. There are two takaris to choose from each day. Last time I shared sample platters with a friend so that we could have a bit of everything.
I will dream of momo until next time..."
Yelp Review by Leslie B.
8. Tornado Club Steak House
"This steakhouse was well worth the three block trek from my hotel through knee deep snow. The bar has a relaxed 'low lighting' retro vibe and the dining area is predominantly laquered dark wood wainscoting with a mix of tables and booths in an exposed beam construction décor that kinda feels like a cross between an older hunting lodge and a Swiss ski chalet, decorated with a mix of classic wall mountings (I recall an old woodsman's axe and a muzzle loader amongst the animal heads). Also, there are a few classic 'pearls of wisdom' written on the horizontal beams in the rafters.
Having had a steak the night before, I opted for the duck breast. I ordered it med rare and it arrived cooked exactly as requested. The port wine currant reduction was sweet and tart at the same time, perfectly off-setting the fattiness of the duck. I was also pleasantly surprised to see they periodically offered frog legs and rabbit on the menu. In addition, they had a scaled back late evening (after 10PM) menu for the night owls.
Service was fast and friendly. The only hiccup of the evening was when I asked for asparagus as a side and got a baked potato instead. When I mentioned the oversight to the waitress, she politely apologized and brought the asparagus a few minutes later, with no addition to the tab.
Considering the top notch quality of the meal and accompanying cocktail, the price was very reasonable. I overtipped 30% for the good service and still paid less than $40. This is a much better bargain than you would get in almost any other major metropolitan area in the USA. If I ever make it back out to Madison for business again, my first dinner back will be at Tornado Steak House."
8. Tornado Club Steak House
"This steakhouse was well worth the three block trek from my hotel through knee deep snow. The bar has a relaxed 'low lighting' retro vibe and the dining area is predominantly laquered dark wood wainscoting with a mix of tables and booths in an exposed beam construction décor that kinda feels like a cross between an older hunting lodge and a Swiss ski chalet, decorated with a mix of classic wall mountings (I recall an old woodsman's axe and a muzzle loader amongst the animal heads). Also, there are a few classic 'pearls of wisdom' written on the horizontal beams in the rafters.
Having had a steak the night before, I opted for the duck breast. I ordered it med rare and it arrived cooked exactly as requested. The port wine currant reduction was sweet and tart at the same time, perfectly off-setting the fattiness of the duck. I was also pleasantly surprised to see they periodically offered frog legs and rabbit on the menu. In addition, they had a scaled back late evening (after 10PM) menu for the night owls.
Service was fast and friendly. The only hiccup of the evening was when I asked for asparagus as a side and got a baked potato instead. When I mentioned the oversight to the waitress, she politely apologized and brought the asparagus a few minutes later, with no addition to the tab.
Considering the top notch quality of the meal and accompanying cocktail, the price was very reasonable. I overtipped 30% for the good service and still paid less than $40. This is a much better bargain than you would get in almost any other major metropolitan area in the USA. If I ever make it back out to Madison for business again, my first dinner back will be at Tornado Steak House."
Yelp Review by Dave H.
7. L'Etoile Restaurant
"Hands down the best restaurant in Madison! We appreciate Chef Tory's commitment to using locally grown produce. It's cool to see him Saturday mornings at the farmers market. My wife and I like to try and guess the menu he is creating based on what we see in his wagon. The food is consistently good and the menu constantly changes based on what's in season. As mentioned in other reviews, they have a wonderful cheese selection. The waiters and waitresses are true culinary professionals. Their knowledge of the menu is impressive. Excellent wine selection - a good selection of old and new world wines. I absolutely love their food!"
Yelp Review by Underhill T.
6. Cafe Soleil
"There are few places in Madison to get a great espresso - this is one of them.
There is ONE place in town to get a great croissant with that espresso and Cafe Soleil is that one place. Hands down, they have the best pastries.
I eat lunch at Soleil at least once a week. Great soups - with some awesome chilled soups in the summer (so long summer). And the trout salad, yum! Wait, did I mention the Cuban sandwich? I can't stop and am making myself hungry!"
Yelp Review by Philip C.
5. Bradbury's
"I have to begin by saying thanks to everyone involved with Bradbury's. You're an example of what this town needs if it is going to move forward as a city. If only a handful of Madison businesses operated with the quality, integrity and honesty that this embodies we'd all benefit.
A brief review, I think, would do this place the most justice in keeping with their minimalist approach.
The use of space is perfect. They've transformed an awkward triangle of an awkward building into a happy terrarium for hungry spro junkies.
Speaking of spro, their shots are the best in town. That beautiful machine, the choice of roasts, the attention to grind, and the short pours all come together to create a perfect little ristretto shot.
The crepes are a testament to well prepared, locally sourced ingredients. Simple, delicious, light and healthy. If one doesn't fill you up, order a second. Especially if they have homemade lemon curd.
All of this served by nice, young, attractive staff with no attitude! Really? Yes Please!"
Yelp Review by Michael R.
4. Marigold Kitchen
"This place is one of the best little secrets tucked away along the capital square. It's definitely geared for those working near the capital that want to get a good lunch...scratch that great lunch.
Their burger, various sandwiches, salads, Moroccan soup are all amazing. For a lunch cafe this place has definitely stepped it's game up, it's fairly traditional lunch food but prepared and presented so much better. From the same guys that operate Sardine just a few blocks away this place elevates work day lunch to the highlight of the day.
I love how fresh the food tastes. All the dishes taste so refreshing. The inside too is great with a huge window, a few outdoor tables, the place just makes you want to smile. It's just so naturally bright inside, a total reprieve from the state buildings and parking lots just outside. All the staff always seems to be in such a good mood too.
I honestly can't say enough about how much I like this place. A lunch can cost you a bit more than standard fare so I always liked to make it a special occasion, but the truest of true treats it is every time."
Yelp Review by Matt E.
3. Sophia's Bakery & Cafe
"Sophia's is manna from Heaven. Try the pancakes, they are out of this world. Part of the charm of the place is that it's a tiny hole in the wall and you get to sit wherever you find at spot, i.e. crammed into three tables with strangers. Well, they're only strangers for so long. Everyone has a wonderful. easygoing vibe there. It's rather wonderfully priced, considering how much wonderful, quality food you get. Sophia's is the stuff of dreams."
Yelp Review by Joanna F.
2. Lao Laan-Xang Restaurant
1. Memorial Union Terrace
"I wish we had more time to spend here. The place is festive, fun, energetic, and happy. Great place for people watching, eating and drinking. The possibilities are endless what you can do here.
PEETS COFFEE has a store here! I love Peet's Coffee!
LOTS of outdoor seating and eating/drinking vendors on the outside ALONG LAKE MENDOTA. Near perfect on a warm, sunny day. If you want to get away from the crowds, then you can rent a boat or canoe and chill out on the Lake!
Union Terrace is located where downtown meets the University of Wisconsin at Madison. The two worlds collide and the result is one big party. Overall, everyone who was there seemed to have a good time and didn't mind the mix of downtown and University. Its as if everyone has the same something in common. I don't know if Id call it one big happy family, but most everyone who was there seemed happy!
Make this a must go to place should you happen to visit Madison!"
6. Cafe Soleil
"There are few places in Madison to get a great espresso - this is one of them.
There is ONE place in town to get a great croissant with that espresso and Cafe Soleil is that one place. Hands down, they have the best pastries.
I eat lunch at Soleil at least once a week. Great soups - with some awesome chilled soups in the summer (so long summer). And the trout salad, yum! Wait, did I mention the Cuban sandwich? I can't stop and am making myself hungry!"
Yelp Review by Philip C.
5. Bradbury's
"I have to begin by saying thanks to everyone involved with Bradbury's. You're an example of what this town needs if it is going to move forward as a city. If only a handful of Madison businesses operated with the quality, integrity and honesty that this embodies we'd all benefit.
A brief review, I think, would do this place the most justice in keeping with their minimalist approach.
The use of space is perfect. They've transformed an awkward triangle of an awkward building into a happy terrarium for hungry spro junkies.
Speaking of spro, their shots are the best in town. That beautiful machine, the choice of roasts, the attention to grind, and the short pours all come together to create a perfect little ristretto shot.
The crepes are a testament to well prepared, locally sourced ingredients. Simple, delicious, light and healthy. If one doesn't fill you up, order a second. Especially if they have homemade lemon curd.
All of this served by nice, young, attractive staff with no attitude! Really? Yes Please!"
Yelp Review by Michael R.
4. Marigold Kitchen
"This place is one of the best little secrets tucked away along the capital square. It's definitely geared for those working near the capital that want to get a good lunch...scratch that great lunch.
Their burger, various sandwiches, salads, Moroccan soup are all amazing. For a lunch cafe this place has definitely stepped it's game up, it's fairly traditional lunch food but prepared and presented so much better. From the same guys that operate Sardine just a few blocks away this place elevates work day lunch to the highlight of the day.
I love how fresh the food tastes. All the dishes taste so refreshing. The inside too is great with a huge window, a few outdoor tables, the place just makes you want to smile. It's just so naturally bright inside, a total reprieve from the state buildings and parking lots just outside. All the staff always seems to be in such a good mood too.
I honestly can't say enough about how much I like this place. A lunch can cost you a bit more than standard fare so I always liked to make it a special occasion, but the truest of true treats it is every time."
Yelp Review by Matt E.
3. Sophia's Bakery & Cafe
"Sophia's is manna from Heaven. Try the pancakes, they are out of this world. Part of the charm of the place is that it's a tiny hole in the wall and you get to sit wherever you find at spot, i.e. crammed into three tables with strangers. Well, they're only strangers for so long. Everyone has a wonderful. easygoing vibe there. It's rather wonderfully priced, considering how much wonderful, quality food you get. Sophia's is the stuff of dreams."
Yelp Review by Joanna F.
2. Lao Laan-Xang Restaurant
"Authentic family-style Laotian food for Thai-jaded palates.
We flew into Madison without filing a flight plan. Trusty yelp algorithms saved our bacon by pushing this unpronounceable gem to the top.
Wife and I both ordered the Saturday special, a seafood curry. Portions were generous, particularly for the reasonable $12.95 price. Kids both liked their entrees, #23 a seafood dish, and #14, noodles with vegetables. I ordered mine with the 3-star hotness rating, labelled "adventurous." But I felt I could have handled the 4-star, "Lao native." So maybe go a star up from what you think you can handle.
Crab Rangoon came six to the order and were non-greasy. I liked the pork egg roll better than the veg one.
$70ish out the door with tip, pretty darn reasonable for a family dinner for four.
The restaurant is cozy and intimate. The owners were there with their cute kids. It's easy to find on Willy street, amongst a strip of tattoo parlors, coffee shops, and veterinarians.
Service was ace. The waitress refilled our rice without charge and hipped us to a nearby free music festival. She also directed us to Madison's best custard place, Michael's. Not that we had any room for dessert.
Loved this place. We'll be back next time we're in town."
Yelp Review by Barry J.
1. Memorial Union Terrace
"I wish we had more time to spend here. The place is festive, fun, energetic, and happy. Great place for people watching, eating and drinking. The possibilities are endless what you can do here.
PEETS COFFEE has a store here! I love Peet's Coffee!
LOTS of outdoor seating and eating/drinking vendors on the outside ALONG LAKE MENDOTA. Near perfect on a warm, sunny day. If you want to get away from the crowds, then you can rent a boat or canoe and chill out on the Lake!
Union Terrace is located where downtown meets the University of Wisconsin at Madison. The two worlds collide and the result is one big party. Overall, everyone who was there seemed to have a good time and didn't mind the mix of downtown and University. Its as if everyone has the same something in common. I don't know if Id call it one big happy family, but most everyone who was there seemed happy!
Make this a must go to place should you happen to visit Madison!"
Yelp Review by Mike P.
To read more reviews on Madison's restaurants, shops, and nightlife visit www.yelp.com/madison-wi.
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