Madison Food Guide: The best overall restaurants of 2025

Whoever says you have to drive to Chicago for amazing food doesn’t get it. The restaurants right here in Madison have plenty to offer if you know where to go. Whether you’re a Wisconsinite born and bred, a transplant, or a visitor in search of the perfect place to dine, these restaurants are sure to hit the spot.

For the second year in a row, our Madison Food Guide poll was a big hit with readers. Over 500 local foodies chimed in to vote for the best eateries in town. We asked. You answered. (Thank you!) This year, the top three spots on Madison’s dining leaderboard offer a savory mix of classic Wisconsin charm, lakeside elegance, and perfectly cooked meat.

READ MORE: The 3 best new restaurants in Madison

So grab a fork (and maybe some stretchy pants) — here are Madison’s 3 Best Restaurants for 2025, as chosen by you.

3. Tornado Club Steak House

116 S Hamilton St, Madison, WI

Tornado Club Steak House was our readers’ number one pick in 2024. Though it slipped to third place this year, Tornado is still steakhouse royalty. It is THE place to go when you want to feel fancy. The dark wood, leather booths, the old-school cash register, and low lighting add touches of romance and swagger. 

This club has a unique look that oozes noir vibes and pure class. But the food and service go above and beyond high-quality. The linens are perfectly pressed. The martinis are perfectly chilled, and the steaks sizzling hot. But also, you can order a side of hash browns at 11 p.m. (Actually, that’s encouraged.)

Aside from the amazing hash browns, there are signature dishes that you have to try at Tornado. One obvious choice is the Filet au Poivre. The centerpiece of many a celebratory dinner. It’s thick, juicy, and topped with an unforgettable cognac mushroom cream. 

Or you can get cracking on some Alaskan king crab legs. It’s a huge portion but simple and sinfully good with drawn butter. But if you want seafood without a beast-sized feast, the walleye and the gulf shrimp are also exceptional. 

I know I mentioned the hash browns before, but they’re worth mentioning again. These golden beauties come in their own pan and should be required by law with every steak. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside — they’re a secret favorite of Tornado loyalists.

Unlike Toby’s brandy-forward style, Tornado goes for the bolder bourbon version of an Old Fashioned. It’s broody and classic — much like the dining room itself. But this is also the best spot in town for a martini. Don’t sleep on the stuffed olives. 

Stepping into Tornado feels like stepping into a time machine — one where everyone’s dressed a little better, the background music is just right, and the servers know when to talk and when to let you sip your Manhattan in peace. It’s the go-to special-occasion spot for Madisonites for date nights, anniversaries, “I finally finished my dissertation” dinners, retirement parties, and more. And it’s open late, so your 10 p.m. steak craving won’t go unanswered.

Tornado is one of the rare fine-dining establishments in Madison that’s open past 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays — perfect for UW professors, insomniacs, and steak-seeking night owls alike.

MORE BEEF: The best burgers in Madison

2. Sardine

617 Williamson St, Madison, WI

Set in a gorgeous converted warehouse right on Lake Monona, Sardine is part bistro, part art gallery, and part amazing views. This French-inspired eatery uses locally-sourced foodstuffs to make refined plates in a romantic-ish, hip (but not trying too hard) atmosphere. 

Sardine s the perfect backdrop for a friend’s night out or a memorable date — exposed brick, high ceilings, string lights, and panoramic water views. But it’s not just pretty. Sardine backs it up with consistently exceptional food, locally sourced ingredients, and a wine list that knows what it’s doing.

So what should a first-timer eat at Sardine? If you love meat, go with the steak frites. This bistro classic elevates the simple steak dinner into something epic. It’s perfectly seared, tender, and paired with golden fries that make you forget all other fries exist. Plus, the shallot butter is nothing short of superb.

If you’re feeling adventurous (and maybe wearing stripes), go for the mussels. They’re steamed in a white wine and garlic broth that you can sop up with bread, fries, or just shameless slurping.

Or you can get really fancy and dig into the duck confit. It’s rich, indulgent, and fall-off-the-bone fabulous. Served over lentils or sometimes a potato purée.

And if you don’t finish your meal by cracking through the top of a silky creme brûlée, did you even go to Sardine?

Sardine is also one of the city’s favorite brunch spots. Get there early on weekends for a lakeside mimosa and their famed baked eggs with tomato ragout.

This is the kind of restaurant where you linger over wine, have deep conversations, and maybe propose marriage (hint-hint). The service is polished but warm, and the menu changes with the seasons — just as it should.

TAKE IN THE AMBIANCE: Sardine offers some of the most breathtaking views of any Madison restaurant

1. Toby’s Supper Club

3717 S Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, WI

Toby’s Supper Club jumped from last year’s second-place finish to claim the number one spot for best restaurant in Madison for 2025. And why not? Who doesn’t love a classic Wisconsin supper clip with a cozy vibe?

Toby’s has been a cornerstone of the local supper club scene since the 1940s. It’s got wood-paneled walls. You can get your annual fish fry right here. And they serve up some of the best Brandy Old Fashioneds around. 

If you’re new to Toby’s, there are a few things you may want to know: you must order at the bar before you sit down, and it’s best to make reservations before heading to Toby’s, but be warned that they do not take reservations on Fridays and Saturdays. For the love of their staff and sanity, Toby’s is closed on Sundays. So if you’re willing to experience dinner a little differently than your average sit-down joint, then the Toby’s experience, complete with complimentary cinnamon rolls, is for you!

Wondering what to order at Toby’s? Here are a few can’t-miss suggestions from locals.

First, start with the relish tray. If you love pickles, then you’ll love this vintage Wisconsin classic. Each plate comes with briny pickles, olives, carrot sticks, and celery with a side of horseradish dip. It’s weirdly wonderful.

What’s the best supper at Toby’s? If you missed this year’s fish fry, then I highly recommend checking it out next year. The Friday fish is flaky, golden perfection, beer-battered and deep-fried to a crisp. Each plate comes with coleslaw, fries, and marble rye bread.

No fish? No problem. You can still feast on some of the best prime rib you’ve ever tried. They start roasting it early in the afternoon because they know it takes time to make magic. Thick-cut, juicy, and served with hot, homemade au jus.

And don’t forget the Old Fashioned (Brandy, obviously). Ask literally anyone’s grandpa in the area, and he’ll tell you that it’s the best. Toby’s version is textbook: sweet, muddled, and served with a cherry and an orange slice. If you order whiskey, someone’s going to raise an eyebrow.

You don’t go to Toby’s — you belong to Toby’s. Regulars often know the bartenders’ kids’ names. The décor hasn’t changed since before Eisenhower, and we love the retro vibe. Grab an Old Fashioned and a plateful of soul-quenching calories, bring the kids and your parents, and enjoy Madison’s favorite restaurant!

SAY CHEESE: Toby’s wins best cheese curds in Madison