By Kevin Revolinski | Photos by Hillary Schave (pictured L-R: Fya Syde Kitchen, Osteria Novella)
FYA SYDE KITCHEN
Before opening her Monroe Street spot in 2025, co-owner Nicollette Beckford owned a food truck based in Wisconsin Dells to share her Jamaican cooking. Her bright brick-and-mortar space has a long bar with counter seating and a larger menu. The oxtail birria tacos may be a gateway dish for newbies, but fans know the curry goat and cultural-staple oxtail stew are the stars. Try either with the rum-based, tri-colored One Love cocktail. A DJ hosts R&B Sundays, featuring karaoke and sip-and-paint sessions for aspiring artists.
1925 Monroe St., Madison | fyasydekitchen.com
TORO Y PAMPA
Through Toro y Pampa, Carlos Lema and Silvana Santander take diners on a journey to Argentina. Empanadas are king here, with a layered crust and a mouthwatering filling. Start with the standard beef or try cordobesas, a mix of meat, olives and raisins, all with a side of chimichurri. Pasta and sandwiches reflect the Italian influ- ence on Argentinian culture, and grilled meats here are reasonably priced. Relaxed and friendly, this spot is sure to heat up during the World Cup this summer.
3303 Parmenter St., Middleton | toroypampa.toast.site
KANTO FIESTA
Finally, Madison has Filipino cuisine. Camille and Nik Poliarco moved their pop-up into the Global Market & Food Hall where Camille cooks alongside her mother, Carmencita Nagano, and a friend’s mother, Mina Reyes- Operario. The menu includes lumpia (tube-like eggrolls), pancit (a stir- fried noodle bowl), BBQ skewers and crispy fried chicken. Post-dinner, try a dessert, such as the leche flan or a fruity drink made with sago pearls (a cousin to tapioca). Watch Facebook on Fridays for weekend specials that venture deeper into traditional dishes.
2161 Zeier Rd., Madison | Facebook
HWY1
This counter-service Food Fight restaurant offers Baja bowls or their burrito equivalents. Favorites include grilled mahi mahi or the chile-roasted cauliflower, but most customers build their own with a rice or lettuce base, legumes, proteins, veggies and a range of sauces, salsas and extras such as guac. Check out the killer $10 lunch deal that includes a bowl, side of chips, queso (or guac or salsa) and a fountain drink.
2701 Monroe St., Madison | hwy1restaurant.com
OSTERIA NOVELLA
Bar Corallini founder Chef Giovanni Novella brings Italian to the West Side in his own restaurant. Try the mezze maniche genovese — slow-cooked pulled pork, caramelized onions and smoked Pecorino. A dessert standout is the dark chocolate budino with burned caramel, smoked sea salt and vanilla whipped cream.
2903 University Ave., Madison | osterianovella.com
ALTIM GRILL & BAKERY
Chef Natalia Khlestova expanded from catering when she opened her Azerbaijani counter-service bakery with her husband, Seymour Badalov. Khlestova, a former lawyer, makes fantastic baked goods that include the walnut-centric baklava, medovik (a creamy, layered honey cake) and the buttery gata, which is a touch less sweet. The food menu crosses cultures with affordable kebab, shawarma, borscht, blinchiki (Russian crepes), salads and even crispy wings. Hot tip: The New York-style “gyro” pizza should not be missed.
6615 University Ave., Middleton | altim-bakery-middleton-2.cloveronline.com/menu/all
ÁTICO LOUNGE
This stylish Latin restaurant on the eighth floor of the Moxy hotel offers views of East Washington, Breese Stevens Field and a sliver of Lake Mendota. Enjoy outdoor seating or snag a spot along the windows inside. Small plates include a ceviche trio, arepas and patatas bravas, while tempting entrees include scallops and Aguayón steak. With your meal, try the Strickn’, a margarita with private- barrel tequila, fresh jalapeño and Tajín. Enjoy happy hour, DJs on Thursdays or dinner (or drinks) here before a Sylvee show.
823 E. Washington Ave., Madison | aticolounge.com
SMOOTH SIPPERS
These newer spots offer coffees and cocktails.
THE GREEN ROOM PUBLIC HOUSE
This laid-back neighborhood tavern has a handsome back bar and a few old musical instruments as decorative accents on the walls. A short snack list, including peanut brittle and pizzas, goes well with a solid tap selection, classic cocktails and regular live music.
2001 Atwood Ave., Madison | greenroommadison.com
VITRUVIUS COFFEE AND TEA
Tucked behind Middleton’s City Hall, this small coffee shop has copious windows and plenty of outdoor, dog-friendly seating. Three beers are on tap and live music is hosted inside as well as on a small stage outside when it’s nice out. It’s a quaint spot for a quick morning joe and a pastry or a great place to linger.
7429 Elmwood Ave., Madison | vitruvius-middleton.com
