Madison Downtown Restaurant Rec

KarrieandBJ

We are having a meeting at Monona Terrace in November and need a place for a nicer dinner.  Not formal, but not Applebee's either.  Any suggestions for a place to eat that is near there? 

I was told to check out the Tornado Room and Chop House (?) in the Hilton.  Anyone been to either?

Thanks!

mrsjohn

I have not been to either.  Beautiful area though!

MaestraMama

Restaurant Magnus is just down the street, it's a little more on the "formal" side, but great food.  Maybe you could just do tapas or something there.  Also, the Great Dane is close, too. 

aglauner

I was going to say Tony ROmas but it's not downtown.

welcel

Both of the restaurants listed are very good, but fairly formal and pricey.  I have been to both.  I love the Capitol Chop House for lunch, they have the BEST seafood mac and cheese!  Dinner is good, but again, pricey.  Tornado room is wonderful, but again, pricey and fairly formal.  If you are looking at these types of restaurants, the Ocean Grill (seafood:) and Johnny Delmonicos (steaks) are also great choices.  One of my favorites is the El Dorado Grill, which is a little less pricey but slightly east of downtown.  Another tapas type place is Nat Spill, which is pretty good.  And I've heard great things about Morimotos(my spelling could be off), which is upscale Asian Fusion/sushi.  There is also a place right next door owned by the same people that is a little less pricey, I guess.

 God, I'm really hungry and probably didn't help you at all!  Good luck, and enjoy!

tosababy

Restaurant Magnus would be good.  Or the Old Fashioned on the Square.  Or Blue Marlin.

mrsburke

If you're looking at something more along the lines of the Great Dane (not too fancy, but I would put it above Applebees), Brocach is an Irish Pub right on the square.  They have a beautiful place and the food is good. 

msngrl2008

I would also recommend the Old Fashioned, Great Dane or Brochach.  Good luck & have fun!!!

akbrown64

I also agree with the recommendations of The Great Dane, Brocah's, or the Old Fashioned.  These 3 places are all on the Capitol Square  The Old Fashioned is my favorite.  You could also go to the Essen House, which isn't on the square, but is still close to the Monona Terrece.

Brooklyn2WI

My favorite more casual places downtown are the Old Fashioned and the Great Dane. For somewhat fancier restaurants, check out Harvest, L'Etoile and Morimoto.

UWKim&Matt

Wanted to throw in my recommendation for Paisans - half a block from the Monona Terrace.

mellytexas

Both mentioned are great. I love Tornado.

 I second El Dorado. That place is fabulous. I also recommend Cafe Continental.