Eat With Troy

Guide · Madison, WI

New Restaurants in Madison: What I'm Eating and What's Next

The new restaurants in and around Madison worth your time right now, from Monroe Street brunch to Fitchburg sushi and Capitol Square ramen.

It's been a while since I've given y'all an update on what's new in Madison, so the wait is over. These are the new restaurants in and around Madison that I either already love or keep getting told to try.

I'm going to be straight about what I've actually eaten and what's still on my list, because a lot of these opened in the last few weeks. When I've reviewed a spot, there's a link to my full take. No particular order. Go try them, support local, and let me know what else deserves to be on this list.

  1. Waltzing Matilda's

    Waltzing Matilda's· 1923 Monroe St, Madison

    A quirky little breakfast and lunch spot on Monroe Street from the team behind Bloom Bake Shop and Lallande. It opened October 22 and has a no laptops rule, which the owner wants so the room stays noisy with actual conversation. Great vibe. I haven't been yet, but I keep getting told to order the Japanese milk bread French toast, called Every Day Could Be A Weekend, with cereal milk, brûléed banana and mascarpone whip. Sounds unreal. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with evening hours planned for December.

  2. Barrett's Bagels

    Barrett's Bagels· 3742 Speedway Rd, Madison

    The famous farmers market bagel finally has a storefront, and everyone calls these the best bagels in Madison. Lines are ridiculously long. Their first full public weekend, October 16 to 18, they reportedly sold about 4,000 bagels, which is absolutely absurd. Flavors include rosemary, everything and spicy cheese, which is the bestseller. I've never actually had these bagels, so I'm going once the lines die down. Open Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. until they sell out, so go early.

  3. Melly Mell's Soul Food

    Melly Mell's Soul Food· Madison Public Market, 202 N First St, Madison

    Carmell Jackson has been a local caterer in Madison for more than 15 years and she finally has a storefront inside the Madison Public Market. It opened in mid October and I bet that feels surreal for her, congrats, that's so sick. I haven't been yet, but I was told to order the soul bowls when I go. The menu also has fried chicken, catfish, ribs, greens, mac and cheese and candied yams. Open Wednesday through Sunday.

  4. Rokuaji

    Rokuaji· 7 W Main St, Capitol Square, Madison

    On Main Street right by the Capitol Square, with a soft opening in early October. Sushi, ramen and charcoal grilling, with a beautiful open sushi counter. I haven't been yet, but the two things I'm being told to try are the wagyu roll and the tonkatsu ramen. The menu has a Washugyu roll with shrimp tempura, spicy crab and wagyu on top, plus a Tonkotsu ramen and a Tonkatsu Curry ramen, so I'll figure out which one people mean. I've been trying to find the best ramen in the whole city, so I can't wait.

  5. Miyabi Sushi

    Miyabi Sushi· McKee Road, Fitchburg

    This one I've been to, and I can vouch for it. It's in Fitchburg off McKee Road, right next to my house, in the old Flying Hound spot. Great sushi, and the Sunset Glow roll was my favorite. My only note is they could take a little of the toppings off the top. The ramen is amazing too. If you read my review, a lot of people say the food here is awesome. It's delish.

    Read Troy's full take on Miyabi Sushi

  6. Osaka Ramen & Hibachi

    Osaka Ramen & Hibachi· 2524 Winnebago St, Ste 102, Union Corners, Madison

    Opened September 18 in Union Corners on Madison's east side with more than 20 ramen bowls, from miso and tonkotsu to beef rib and lobster, plus a hibachi grill. And hibachi just slaps every time. I haven't been yet, but the local foodie groups have been raving about it, so it's moving up my list.

  7. Honorable mention: Cervato Pizza

    Cervato Pizza· Madison Public Market, 202 N First St, Madison

    A pizza spot in the Madison Public Market. I wasn't sure if the opening got pushed back, but it's open now, since Friday, October 30. It's a build your own setup where you pick your toppings and watch the pizza come together in the open kitchen. I haven't tried it yet.

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