The charming city is buzzing with fresh, innovative dining spots that promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Thanks to a month-long poll by UpNorthNews, we’ve got the inside scoop on the top new eateries. They have the locals talking and food fans flocking from all corners. Let’s dive into the flavors and stories that make these two spots the crème de la crème of Madison’s culinary landscape!

Butterbird Takes the Crown by a Feather!

Stepping into Butterbird, you immediately understand why this gem has fluttered to the top of Madison’s food scene. It’s more than a restaurant. It’s a culinary haven where each dish tells a story. The story is woven from local produce and new cooking techniques. Warmth envelops the air. It invites you to settle in and savor the moment. This is true whether you’re tucked into a cozy corner or laughing with friends at a communal table.

At Butterbird, the menu is a celebration of the familiar, reimagined with a twist that is both delightful and unexpected. The star of the show is their fried chicken, a dish that exemplifies the magic of simplicity when paired with mastery and passion. The chicken achieves a balance of juiciness, flavor, and crunch that is nothing short of a culinary ballet. The entrées come with sides that sing of the seasons. They feature the freshest local produce that dances on the palate. It lifts humble things to the extraordinary.

What sets Butterbird apart is the palpable sense of camaraderie and shared joy that fills the air. It’s a place where the community gathers not just to eat, but to connect, share stories, and revel in the universal language of great food. The staff greets you with genuine smiles, making you feel part of the Butterbird family from the moment you arrive.

Butterbird’s commitment to excellence goes beyond the plate. It’s in the creation of an atmosphere that feels both close and welcoming. This casual spot doesn’t just serve food. It crafts experiences that linger long after the last bite. That’s why Butterbird is the best new restaurant in Madison. Here, each meal shows the beauty of simple ingredients. Chefs prepare them with care and creativity. The meals invite diners to a world where each dish is a celebration.

Honorable Mention: Fabiola’s Spaghetti House and Deli

Missing out on the top spot for Madison’s best new restaurant by a single vote is Fabiola’s Spaghetti House and Deli. Step into Fabiola’s and experience the rich, comforting smells that only true Italian-American cooking can create. This charming eatery has quickly captured the hearts and palates of Madison’s food enthusiasts. It serves as a culinary bridge between Italian and Jewish cuisines. It has a charming ambiance. You’re not just stepping into a restaurant. You’re being whisked away to a family’s dining room. Here, every meal is a celebration of life and love.

Fabiola’s is the result of generations of culinary tradition. Here, recipes evolve but never lose their sense of legacy. It’s a place where simplicity shines, and the quality of ingredients speaks for itself. The menu is a carefully curated symphony of flavors. It ranges from the robust, tangy allure of their signature marinara to the delicate, creamy bliss of their clam sauce. Each dish is a masterpiece, with pasta that’s always al dente, and sauces that simmer for hours, melding flavors to perfection.

The ambiance at Fabiola’s is as inviting as its menu. Warm, rustic decor invites you to relax and savor your meal, whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner with friends or a romantic evening for two. The staff treats you like family. 

Each new restaurant that joins the ranks affirms Madison’s place as a culinary destination, full of feasts as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. Let’s raise our glasses (and forks) to the delicious adventures that await us in Madison. Every meal here is a chance to make new memories and enjoy great food.

BONUS: New restaurant brings taste of Ukraine to Madison