Madison's Complete Guide to New Year's Dining 2025-2026

Ring in 2026 at one of Madison's finest restaurants—from five-course Italian feasts to champagne toasts at midnight. Whether you're seeking an elegant prix fixe dinner, a family-friendly celebration, or the perfect New Year's Day brunch with Lake Mendota views, Madison delivers. This guide covers every dining option across the city for December 31, 2025 and January 1, 2026, with current pricing, hours, and reservation details.

The deadline is approaching fast: most upscale restaurants require deposits and are filling quickly. January 1 falls on a Thursday, meaning many establishments will operate normal weekday hours—but not all. Read on to plan your perfect celebration.

Related: New Year’s traditions from around the state of Wisconsin

Fine dining experiences with prix fixe menus

Madison's top-tier restaurants are pulling out all the stops with multi-course tasting menus perfect for a memorable New Year's Eve.

Heritage Tavern

James Beard-recognized Heritage Tavern offers a five-course supper club-style tasting menu for $125 per person, featuring Chef Dan Fox's farm-to-table excellence. The evening begins with a snack plate of foie gras cornet, dry-aged beef tartare, and caviar with brioche, followed by SarVecchio Caesar, Rush Creek risotto, and lobster-stuffed Ora King salmon. The main event: grilled ribeye with smoked pomme mousseline and hazelnut bourbon-poached plum. Late diners receive a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

• Address: 131 E. Mifflin St.

• Hours: Reservations 4:00–9:30 PM

• Price: $125/person; wine pairings available

• Reservations: Required via Resy

• Contact: (608) 283-9500 | heritagetavern.com

L'Etoile

Chef Tory Miller's legendary French-inspired destination on Capitol Square presents a five-course celebration menu at $175 per person with optional wine pairings. The restaurant's 20% service charge is included in lieu of gratuity, making this a true all-in fine dining experience with panoramic Capitol views.

• Address: 1 S. Pinckney St.

• Hours: Standard evening service (5:00–8:45 PM typical)

• Price: $175/person with optional wine pairings

• Reservations: Required via Tock

• Contact: (608) 251-0500 | letoile-restaurant.com

Cento

This upscale Italian gem serves a lavish five-course dinner for $150 per person crafted by Chef Edwin Ramirez. The menu spans tuna tartare, lobster Caesar salad, shrimp and orecchiette pasta, seared scallops, and lamb osso bucco, concluding with a trio of desserts: chocolate panna cotta, honeyed cheesecake, and tiramisu.

• Address: 122 W. Mifflin St.

• Hours: 4:00–10:00 PM

• Price: $150/person (deposit required); wine pairings $65

• Reservations: Required; 48-hour cancellation policy

• Contact: (608) 284-9378 | centomadison.com

The Harvey House

The elevated supper club hosts a Prime Rib Dinner Party at $175 per person, featuring truffled sunchoke soup, egg yolk raviolo, sole Véronique, and prime rib with hasselback potatoes and double creamed spinach. Dessert choices include madeleines, pot de crème, or croquembouche. Sparkling toast included.

• Address: 644 W. Washington Ave.

• Hours: 5:00–9:30 PM

• Price: $175/person deposit required

• Reservations: Required

• Contact: Facebook @TheHarveyHouseRestaurant

Mint Mark

Chef Kasey Cooke's produce-focused restaurant offers a five-course shared plate experience for $135 per person, featuring either foie gras or mushroom terrine, truffle pizza, and figgy bran pudding. Vegetarian options available throughout.

• Address: 1874 E. Washington Ave.

• Hours: Reservations 5:00–9:30 PM

• Price: $135/person plus tax and gratuity; $50 deposit

• Reservations: Required via Resy

Steakhouses and prime cuts

Johnny Delmonico's

Downtown's premier steakhouse presents a three-course prix fixe for $125 per person including a glass of sparkling wine. Choose from soup or salad, then entrées like miso-glazed Chilean sea bass, spice-rubbed lamb, or herb-roasted chicken. Desserts include bourbon banana pudding and chocolate tres leches.

• Address: 130 S. Pinckney St.

• Hours: 4:30–10:00 PM

• Price: $125/person; wine pairings $45 (premium $75)

• Reservations: Via Tock

• Contact: (608) 230-5800 | johnnydelmonicos.com

Tornado Steak House

Madison's beloved white-linen supper club will be open New Year's Eve but closed New Year's Day. Expect the classic experience: escargots, frog legs, oysters, and expertly prepared steaks, pork, duck, and lamb in a timeless atmosphere. No special prix fixe announced—their regular menu shines.

• Address: 116 S. Hamilton St.

• Hours: Open NYE (regular evening hours); CLOSED January 1

• Price: $$$–$$$$

• Reservations: Accepted up to 2 months in advance

• Contact: (608) 256-3570 | tornadosteakhouse.com

Rare Steakhouse

This USDA Prime destination on Capitol Square features steaks dry-aged in-house, Allen Brothers cuts, and A5 Wagyu, alongside a 750-bottle wine selection curated by a certified sommelier. Contact directly for New Year's Eve availability.

• Address: 14 W. Mifflin St.

• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 4:00–9:00 PM (closed Sunday–Monday)

• Price: $$$$

• Reservations: Via OpenTable or call

• Contact: (608) 204-9000 | rare-madison.com

Italian restaurants celebrating the New Year

Bar Corallini

Named home to Madison's Best Chef of 2023 (Giovanni Novella), this coastal Italian spot offers a five-course dinner with shared antipasti, deep-fried pizza Montanara, cheesy tortelloni in golden tomato sauce, and entrée choices including eggplant lasagna, frutti di mare, or pork osso bucco. Wine pairings available for $35.

• Address: 2004 Atwood Ave.

• Hours: 4:00–10:00 PM

• Price: $150/person deposit required via Tock

• Reservations: Required via exploretock.com/barcorallini

• Contact: (608) 709-1316 | barcorallini.com

Osteria Papavero

Chef Francesco Mangano (from Bologna, Italy) presents a more accessible five-course "Classic Italian Celebration" for $99 per person—one of the best values for authentic Italian NYE dining in Madison.

• Address: 128 E. Wilson St.

• Hours: Evening service

• Price: $99/person

• Reservations: Required; email kati.osteria.papavero@gmail.com

• Contact: (608) 255-8376 | osteriapapavero.com

Seafood and French bistro dining

Sardine

This beloved French bistro on Lake Monona offers "Oyster Happy Hour" all night on NYE: $7 house wines and $1 off East Coast oysters at the bar. The lakeside setting in historic Machinery Row makes it ideal for an intimate celebration without the prix fixe commitment.

• Address: 617 Williamson St.

• Hours: Regular evening service; bar specials all night

• New Year's Day Brunch: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

• Price: $$–$$$

• Reservations: Call directly (not on OpenTable)

• Contact: (608) 441-1600 | sardinemadison.com

Breweries and gastropubs

Great Dane Pub & Brewing (Downtown)

Madison's original brewpub celebrates with a DJ starting at 9:00 PM, champagne toast at midnight, and $10 cover charge. Expect 14+ house-brewed beers, billiards, shuffleboard, darts, and a family-friendly atmosphere earlier in the evening.

• Address: 123 E. Doty St.

• Hours: Regular hours (11:00 AM–1:00 AM Saturday)

• Price: $4–$23 for food; $10 NYE cover

• Reservations: Not accepted Friday/Saturday nights

• Contact: (608) 284-0000 | greatdanepub.com

• Other locations: Eastside (876 Jupiter Dr.) and Hilldale

Working Draft Beer Company

This community-focused brewery closes early on NYE (12:00–8:00 PM) but hosts a New Year's Day Brunch with Barrett's Bagels starting at 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Expect bagel sandwiches, cream cheese schmears, beer, and mimosas in a laid-back atmosphere with board games.

• Address: 1129 E. Wilson St.

• Hours: NYE 12:00–8:00 PM; NYD Brunch 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

• Price: $2–$11

• Family-Friendly: Yes; games, weekly Lego night

• Contact: (608) 709-5600 | workingdraftbeer.com

Vintage Brewing Company

Per their policy, Vintage holds normal hours for every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day—meaning they're open both NYE and NYD. Enjoy "elevated Americana" cuisine, award-winning craft beers, and retro ambiance.

• Address (West): 674 S. Whitney Way

• Hours: Regular hours (Saturday 10:00 AM–midnight; Sunday 10:00 AM–9:00 PM)

• Price: $5–$14

• Other locations: Capitol East (803 E. Washington Ave.), Sauk Prairie

• Contact: (608) 204-2739 | vintagebrewingcompany.com

Karben4 Brewing

Known for Fantasy Factory IPA and now brewing legacy Ale Asylum beers (Hopalicious), this warehouse taproom offers sandwiches, salads, and an art-focused vibe. Contact for confirmed holiday hours.

• Address: 3698 Kinsman Blvd.

• Hours: Contact for NYE/NYD confirmation

• Price: $$

• Contact: (608) 241-4812 | karben4.com

Cooper's Tavern

This European-style gastropub on Capitol Square features 28 draft beers, 130+ whiskeys, and elevated pub fare including the famous bone marrow BLT, Belgian frites, and poutine. Weekend brunch runs Saturday–Sunday 10:00 AM–2:30 PM.

• Address: 20 W. Mifflin St.

• Hours: Contact for NYE hours; brunch likely available NYD

• Price: $5–$20

• Contact: (608) 256-1600 | thecooperstavern.com

Casual and family-friendly dining

Tipsy Cow

Wisconsin comfort food featuring Clasen's rolls, Nueske's bacon, and Knoche's meat. Famous cheese curds and burgers in a cow-themed setting. Open weekdays—January 1 (Thursday) should be normal hours.

• Address (Downtown): 102 King St.

• Hours: Monday–Saturday (closed Sundays)

• Price: $4–$16

• Reservations: Available

• Contact: (608) 287-1455 | tipsycowmadison.com

Monty's Blue Plate Diner

This '50s-style diner in a former gas station serves all-day breakfast seven days a week. Excellent vegan and vegetarian options including tofu scramble and vegetarian hash.

• Address: Atwood neighborhood

• Price: $$

• Reservations: Walk-in

• Contact: foodfightinc.com

Orchard (Verona)

Just outside Madison, this farm-to-table gastropub offers a relaxed three-course prix fixe for $50 per person—significantly more affordable than downtown options. Choose from lemon-poached shrimp, lamb kofta, or Wisconsin charcuterie; then aged hanger steak, Lake Superior walleye, Korean short rib, or the Orchard burger; finishing with cider farm apple fritters or warm apple cobbler.

• Address: 81 W. Verona Ave., Verona

• Hours: Reservations 4:30–8:30 PM

• Price: $50/person

• Reservations: Required

Ethnic cuisine options

Chinese restaurants

World Buffet explicitly confirms they're open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, AND New Year's Day—a reliable option for families seeking variety. Locations in Madison, Monona, and Monroe feature an expansive Asian buffet with sushi.

Taigu Noodles (5372 Old Middleton Rd.) will stay open later than usual on NYE, featuring nearly 100 dishes of Shanxi and Canton regional cuisine including beloved Dan Dan noodles.

Ichiban Sichuan (South Park Street) offers Sichuan Chinese and hot pot—contact for holiday hours.

Thai restaurants

Sa Bai Thong Thai Cuisine has been voted Best of Madison since 1997, with extensive vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options across East and West Madison locations.

Thai Basil Madison offers authentic curries, Pad Thai, and noodle dishes. Reservations required for parties of 6+ (maximum 8 guests).

Vietnamese and Laotian restaurants

Ha Long Bay (1353 Williamson St.) recently reopened after renovation, serving what many consider Madison's best pho alongside nem khao tod and fresh spring rolls. New bar with cocktails. Contact: (608) 255-2868.

Lao Laan-Xang (2098 Atwood Ave.) has served authentic Laotian cuisine since 1989—Madison's first. Try the Moak Pa (catfish in banana leaves), larp, or the famous squash curry. Hours: Monday–Saturday evenings.

Indian restaurants

Taj Indian (Park Street) is a new restaurant taking reservations for Christmas Day and holidays—a reliable choice for New Year's. Full cocktail bar.

Taste of India (Monroe St.) features North Indian favorites including Royal Dinner Special for 2, Tandoori Mixed Grill, and Lamb Madras.

Mexican restaurants

Taqueria Guadalajara remains one of Madison's most authentic Mexican options. Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant (117 S. Butler St.) offers online ordering and catering—contact for holiday hours.

Brazilian steakhouse

Samba Brazilian Grill (240 W. Gilman St., 2nd Floor) serves full rodizio-style dining: unlimited grilled meats carved tableside plus a 40-item salad bar. Perfect for a celebratory splurge. Open Wednesday–Saturday 5:00–10:00 PM.

• Price: $$$$

• Reservations: Recommended via OpenTable

• Contact: (608) 257-1111 | sambabraziliangrill.com

Mediterranean options

Banzo has been voted Madison's Favorite Mediterranean since 2011. Modified holiday hours December 27 (11:00 AM–8:00 PM)—contact for NYE/NYD.

The Mediterranean Joint serves Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine Sunday–Saturday (closed Tuesday), including chicken shawarma, lamb kebabs, and fresh hummus.

Hotels with complete NYE packages

Madison Concourse Hotel

The city's most comprehensive New Year's experience offers overnight packages from $399–$769 including:

• Four-course prix fixe dinner

• Live jazz (Charlie Painter Trio)

• Comedy show featuring Eric O'Shea

• DJ dance party

• Disco with VO5

• Classic country with Frank Martin Busch & The Names

• Champagne toast at midnight

• New Year's Day ballroom brunch for overnight guests

A locals-only option (no room) is also available.

• Address: 1 W. Dayton St.

• Entertainment: 3:00 PM–1:00 AM

• Contact: (608) 257-6000 | concoursehotel.com/new-years-eve

The Edgewater Hotel

This AAA Four Diamond lakefront property hosts "Destination New Year's Eve" with an iconic ball drop, ice skating, and special menus at The Statehouse restaurant. The New Year's Day Jazz Brunch features crab and caviar benedict with Lake Mendota views.

• Address: 1001 Wisconsin Place

• Contact: (608) 535-8200 | theedgewater.com

Live entertainment and parties with dining

Ático Lounge at Moxy Hotel

The "Disco Masquerade" features dinner seatings at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM ($60 deposit applied to bill) with a four-course Latin fusion meal, welcome cocktail, and midnight bubbles. DJ disco party starts at 9:00 PM. Party-only tickets: $30.

• Address: 823 E. Washington Ave.

• Dress code: Evening wear and festive masks encouraged

• Contact: aticolounge.com

The Deliciouser

This global spice shop and restaurant presents "New Year's Eve Around the World"—a seven-course dinner of small plates inspired by global traditions for luck and longevity at $150 per person.

• Address: 931 E. Main St.

• Hours: 7:15–9:15 PM

• Reservations: Required

Lola's Hi/Lo Lounge

The creative "Wisco Disco" features early dinner (4:00–8:00 PM) with full menu and champagne toast, followed by decade-themed DJ music progressing from 1920s–1940s through 1970s–1980s. Dance floor transformation at 9:00 PM.

• Address: 617 N. Sherman Ave.

• Price: $$–$$$

• Contact: lolasmadison.com

Additional entertainment venues

• The Sylvee: "Now That's What I Call 2025" dance party, $20–$50, complimentary champagne for early arrivals

• Majestic Theatre: Granny Shot ('90s/'00s covers), $22.85, doors 8:00 PM

• Ivory Room Piano Bar: Dueling pianos, free champagne toast at midnight, 116 W. Mifflin St.

• Garver Feed Mill: "Gimme Gimme Disco" ABBA-inspired party, all ages, $30–$40

New Year's Day brunch destinations

Marigold Kitchen

Steps from Capitol Square, this Madison Magazine Gold Medal winner serves creative breakfasts including blueberry pancakes with orange almond butter ($14.75), lemon ricotta buckwheat pancakes (gluten-free, $15), and huevos rancheros ($15.75). Outstanding vegetarian and vegan options.

• Address: 118 S. Pinckney St.

• Hours: Weekdays 7:00 AM–3:00 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM–2:00 PM (call to confirm NYD)

• Price: $12–$17 entrées

• Reservations: Walk-in or call ahead; expect waits

• Contact: (608) 283-9758 | marigoldkitchen.com

Bassett Street Brunch Club

All-day breakfast until closing with homemade donuts, playful comfort food, and morning happy hour ($3 mimosas 8:00–10:00 AM). Friday fish fry features New Glarus "Spotted Cow" beer-battered cod.

• Address: 444 W. Johnson St.

• Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–9:00 PM; weekends until midnight

• Price: $10–$16 entrées

• Reservations: Via Tock starting at 4:00 PM; walk-in for breakfast

• Contact: (608) 467-5051 | brunchclubmadison.com

Everly

This Food Fight restaurant hosts "Brunch + Bubbles" all day on January 1 from 10:00 AM–7:00 PM with bubbly cocktails, sparkling wine, and mimosa kits.

• Website: everlymadison.com/new-years-events

Graze

Chef Tory Miller's gastropub offers Saturday brunch 10:00 AM–2:00 PM and Sunday brunch—check for January 1 hours. Capitol Square views and James Beard-recognized cuisine.

• Address: 1 S. Pinckney St.

• Reservations: Via Tock

• Contact: (608) 251-2700 | grazemadison.com

Family events beyond restaurants

Madison Children's Museum (100 N. Hamilton St.) hosts kid-friendly celebrations:

• Baby New Year Party (ages 0–3): 9:00–10:30 AM with toddler dance party and countdowns

• NYE Dance Party: 1:30–3:00 PM with DJ GammaFam, T-Rex Ball Drop, hot cocoa, and party favors

• Admission: $13 advance/$14 at door

KEVA Sports Center (Middleton) presents "My Family New Year's Eve" from 2:00–8:00 PM with music, jugglers, balloon artists, giant inflatables, and dancing. Tickets: $21 advance/$24 day-of.

Important closures to note

The Old Fashioned is CLOSED December 24–26 AND January 1–7—skip this Capitol Square favorite for New Year's entirely.

Tornado Steak House is CLOSED New Year's Day (open NYE).

Permanently closed: Buck & Badger, HopCat Madison, Ale Asylum Taproom (beers now at Karben4).

Practical planning advice

Reservations are essential for all prix fixe dinners—most require prepaid deposits ($50–$175 per person) and enforce strict 48-hour cancellation policies.

Price tiers at a glance:

• Budget-friendly: Orchard ($50), Osteria Papavero ($99), Great Dane ($10 cover)

• Mid-range: Johnny Delmonico's ($125), Heritage Tavern ($125), Mint Mark ($135)

• Splurge: Cento ($150), Bar Corallini ($150), Harvey House ($175), L'Etoile ($175)

January 1 falls on Thursday—most restaurants with regular weekday hours will be open, but always call ahead. Chinese and Indian restaurants traditionally remain open on holidays and make excellent backup options.

Transportation: Arrange rideshare in advance for NYE—wait times surge after midnight.

Madison's dining scene offers something for every celebration style, from intimate five-course experiences overlooking Capitol Square to lively disco parties with Latin fusion. Book now, confirm hours closer to the date, and prepare for a delicious start to 2026.