There is really no other street in the world like State Street in Madison. The only vehicles allowed along there are buses. It’s basically a blocks-long pedestrian mall that leads you from the state Capitol Building all the way to Union Terrace.
There’s everything from large retail names to small, eclectic and funky shops as well as a literal smorgasbord of dining options. You can eat your way around the world within just a few short blocks in Madison. Sure, you can easily get a burger or a burrito from a chain or pub along this stretch, but we’re not even talking about those places. These are the amazing and unique spots that offer you some of the very best food you’ve probably never heard of. Most of these places are Madison institutions at this point. They’ve served more than a few generations of hungry college students.
This isn’t even a fully comprehensive list, because there are just too many awesome spots to mention. And this is really just counting State Street and the spots right around the corner. The streets that intersect with State will lead you to even more amazing spots if you’re willing to go explore. State Street in Madison has every type of restaurant you can imagine:
- Kabul Madison
Facebook/KabulMadison
Facebook/KabulMadison This small spot offers awesome people-watching through their large front window. They serve Afghan-Mediterranean cuisine that’s rich and delicious. Located at 540 State Street, 2nd Floor, Madison, WI 53703.
- Rising Sons Deli
TripAdvisor/Wilkins K
TripAdvisor/RM This cash-only spot serves up Thai and Laotian food and has been for more than a dozen years. The drunken noodles are a favorite. The chef/owner is almost always behind the counter and you should let him talk you into some of his native Laotian food. Located at 617 State St, Madison, WI 53703.
- Wasabi
Google/Yoichi Murase
Facebook/WasabiMadison Wasabit is what many consider the original Madison sushi spot. For more than 20 years, this iconic location on the corner in Madison on State Street has been serving up delicious Japanese food. Located at 449 State St, Madison, WI 53703.
- Tutto Pasta
Facebook/TuttoPasta
TripAdvisor/impjk Did you even date at UW if you didn’t go on a date at Tutto Pasta? This long-standing spot is a requisite romantic dinner stop as well as serving some of the best, most flavorful pasta in the city. Located at 305 State St, Madison, WI 53703
- Paul’s Pel’Meni
Facebook/PaulsPelmeni
Facebook/Paul’sPelMeni I’m cheating just the tiniest bit because this spot is just around the corner off State Street, but is so good you have to know about it. I’ve been telling folks about these little pillowy Russian dumplings for years. They’re a wonderful meal whenever, but the line is usually out the door late at night. Located at 414 W Gilman St, Madison, WI 53703.
- Himal Chuli
Facebook/HimalChuli
Facebook/HimalChuli This Nepalese spot is almost synonymous with State Street. This small but wonderful restaurant is one of Madison’s hidden gems. Located at 318 State St, Madison, WI 53703
- Forage Kitchen
Facebook/ForageMadison
Facebook/ForageMadison A newer spot for vegetarians and clean eaters, Forage offers whole-food dishes that are accessible, delicious and focused on seasonally available ingredients. Located at 665 State St, Madison, WI 53703.
- The Icon
Facebook/TheIconMadison
Facebook/TheIconMadison Stop in here for amazing Spanish food. The tapas are wonderful for sharing, as is that delicious paella. Located at 206 State St, Madison, WI 53703.
- Ian’s Pizza
Facebook/IansPizzaMadison
Facebook/IansPizzaMadison Ian’s might be a bit out of place among all these bigger, sit-down restaurants, but to prove that State Street literally has anything you could want, we have to talk about this small joint that’s now grown to stores across the state. The single slices are the size of your head. The toppings are weird and unusual and still somehow amazing. It’s somewhat cliche Madison, but it’s also terrific, so you just deal with it. It’s perfect walking food or a stop for a quick, filling bite. Located at 100 State St, Madison, WI 53703.
What are your favorite spots along State Street? Let us know in the comments!
Facebook/KabulMadison
This small spot offers awesome people-watching through their large front window. They serve Afghan-Mediterranean cuisine that’s rich and delicious. Located at 540 State Street, 2nd Floor, Madison, WI 53703.
TripAdvisor/Wilkins K
TripAdvisor/RM
This cash-only spot serves up Thai and Laotian food and has been for more than a dozen years. The drunken noodles are a favorite. The chef/owner is almost always behind the counter and you should let him talk you into some of his native Laotian food. Located at 617 State St, Madison, WI 53703.
Google/Yoichi Murase
Facebook/WasabiMadison
Wasabit is what many consider the original Madison sushi spot. For more than 20 years, this iconic location on the corner in Madison on State Street has been serving up delicious Japanese food. Located at 449 State St, Madison, WI 53703.
Facebook/TuttoPasta
TripAdvisor/impjk
Did you even date at UW if you didn’t go on a date at Tutto Pasta? This long-standing spot is a requisite romantic dinner stop as well as serving some of the best, most flavorful pasta in the city. Located at 305 State St, Madison, WI 53703
Facebook/PaulsPelmeni
Facebook/Paul’sPelMeni
I’m cheating just the tiniest bit because this spot is just around the corner off State Street, but is so good you have to know about it. I’ve been telling folks about these little pillowy Russian dumplings for years. They’re a wonderful meal whenever, but the line is usually out the door late at night. Located at 414 W Gilman St, Madison, WI 53703.
Facebook/HimalChuli
This Nepalese spot is almost synonymous with State Street. This small but wonderful restaurant is one of Madison’s hidden gems. Located at 318 State St, Madison, WI 53703
Facebook/ForageMadison
A newer spot for vegetarians and clean eaters, Forage offers whole-food dishes that are accessible, delicious and focused on seasonally available ingredients. Located at 665 State St, Madison, WI 53703.
Facebook/TheIconMadison
Stop in here for amazing Spanish food. The tapas are wonderful for sharing, as is that delicious paella. Located at 206 State St, Madison, WI 53703.
Facebook/IansPizzaMadison
Ian’s might be a bit out of place among all these bigger, sit-down restaurants, but to prove that State Street literally has anything you could want, we have to talk about this small joint that’s now grown to stores across the state. The single slices are the size of your head. The toppings are weird and unusual and still somehow amazing. It’s somewhat cliche Madison, but it’s also terrific, so you just deal with it. It’s perfect walking food or a stop for a quick, filling bite. Located at 100 State St, Madison, WI 53703.
Looking for more amazing Wisconsin ethnic restaurants? Check out 24 Restaurants In Wisconsin To Get Ethnic Food That’ll Culture Your Taste Buds.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
