We are making The Deliciouser our top pick for a farm-to-table date night in Madison, WI. The first reason is that they use a themed event approach, so each experience is unique with a fresh menu and atmosphere. This approach really separates these studio kitchen events from your typical restaurant date. The menu is always fresh and locally sourced, and the ingredients are always an authentic representation of whatever culinary theme Chef Patrick O’halloran and his team are spinning up that night.
In their downtown location, just a few blocks east of the capitol, The Deliciouser hosts everything from a Oaxacan brunch to a 5 course Mediterranean dinner party, and each event is equally as impressive as the last. This is a great way to enjoy truly impressive cuisine rivaling any fine dining establishment, while enjoying a more social atmosphere filled with fun, education, and great discussion. Finish up the night by purchasing a couple of their signature spices, they might even send you home with one as a souvenir, or purchase some of their other local goods available in the shop.
These events are reservation only and you’ll want to sign up ahead of time!
Sushi rarely fails as a date night option, as long as it’s well sourced fish. If not, well, we all know what that post meal might look like. You would never have to worry about that at RED, in our opinion, the best sushi in the Madison area, and rivaling any sushi in Wisconsin. The atmosphere here complements the incredibly creative and fresh food, by offering a fine dining experience and sleek modern setting. We love the vibe, and not saying anyone needs to hide behind their sushi roll, but they keep the lighting nice and intimate. So, holster your chopsticks and break out the two door coupe or the tandum bike and head on down to West Washington Avenue.
French food from local sustainable farms set on Lake Monona? Yes, please. There are no bad options at Sardine, and if you are into Oysters or believe in their potential date night contributions, this might be your number one choice in the “608”.
Everyone should visit the Monroe Street neighborhood while in living in or visiting Madison. Just on the edge of downtown, this quiet artsy gem is home to one of our favorite date night options, Fairchild. Fairchild offers up an intimate setting perfect for that third date when you are finally ready to make a little bit more direct eye contact, and level-up the conversation to, so “do you want kids”? Just kidding, but seriously, communication is key. With a menu that focuses on seasonal local ingredients, the meal will be sure to be a talking point, and in the best way.
Harvey House mimics your classic Wisconsin Supper Club, but it ups the ante with a sleek, sexy, modern vibe. It is set in a historic brick building near the Depot just off of West Washington. Transport your date night back in time and maybe even throw on an elbow patch cardigan while you chat about post-modernism and enjoy expert mixology, if you’re into that, or maybe you are more interested in just staring at the exposed brick. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy yourself here in a delicious way. The menu, which features items like black truffle mac and cheese and chicken schnitzel, focuses on seasonal ingredients sourced from farms around the city so you get the freshest of fresh in every bite.
