Highest-rated brunch restaurants in Madison

Written by:
October 1, 2025
Ksenija Toyechkina // Shutterstock

Highest-rated brunch restaurants in Madison

The word brunch first appeared in a 1895 issue of "Hunter's Weekly," according to the Smithsonian Magazine. In the article, which was titled "Brunch: A Plea," author Guy Beringer suggested swapping out heavy, post-church meals for lighter spreads served later in the morning.

"Brunch… is cheerful, sociable, and inciting," Beringer wrote. "It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper; it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings. It sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week." As a post-script to the piece, he writes that at brunch, "Beer and whiskey are admitted as substitutes for tea and coffee."

Fast forward 130 years, and brunch is now one of the most popular meals in the U.S. According to a 2025 industry report from Bar & Restaurant News, brunch is the #1 meal for both Gen Zers and parents: 39% of the former go out to eat during that time, and 47% of the latter.

Many brunch locations offer the same type of spread Beringer promoted in his article—pastries and marmalade, coffee and tea (or beer and whiskey), and main courses that include fish or other meats. However, a host of other trends like internationally inspired cuisines, pizza, and mimosa flights have come along to add a little variety.

Whether your preference is for a classic brunch or something with a little more spice, Stacker compiled a ranking of the highest-rated brunch restaurants in Madison using data from Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor ranks places using a combination of metrics, including overall rating, reviews, and number of page views. As a result, a restaurant with a 5 out of 5 overall rating might rank lower than one with a 4 out of 5. Most chain restaurants were excluded from the ranking. Data is as of Sept. 16, 2025.

Read on to find out if your favorite local spot made our list!

#28. Stalzy's Deli

- Rating: 4.4/5 (60 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#27. The Great Dane Pub and Brewing Co.

- Rating: 4/5 (112 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#26. Everly

- Rating: 4/5 (97 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#25. La Brioche presents True Food

- Rating: 4.1/5 (146 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#24. Waypoint Public House

- Rating: 4/5 (104 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#23. Crema Cafe

- Rating: 4.4/5 (69 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#22. Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery

- Rating: 4.1/5 (142 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#21. Tex Tubb's Taco Palace

- Rating: 4.1/5 (156 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#20. Madison Sourdough

- Rating: 4.4/5 (90 reviews)
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#19. Café Hollander Hilldale

- Rating: 3.8/5 (275 reviews)
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#18. Lazy Jane's Cafe & Bakery

- Rating: 4.4/5 (188 reviews)
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#17. The Jet Room

- Rating: 4.4/5 (126 reviews)
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#16. The Green Owl Cafe

- Rating: 4.4/5 (131 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#15. Original Pancake House

- Rating: 4.5/5 (86 reviews)
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#14. Michelangelo's Coffee House

- Rating: 4.5/5 (102 reviews)
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#13. Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.1/5 (310 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#12. Vintage Brewing Co.

- Rating: 4.2/5 (259 reviews)
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#11. Merchant

- Rating: 4.2/5 (290 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#10. The Coopers Tavern

- Rating: 4.1/5 (438 reviews)
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#9. Cento

- Rating: 4.2/5 (330 reviews)
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#8. Bassett Street Brunch Club

- Rating: 4.3/5 (357 reviews)
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#7. Monty's Blue Plate Diner

- Rating: 4.3/5 (432 reviews)
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#6. Mickies Dairy Bar

- Rating: 4.5/5 (311 reviews)
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#5. The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.

- Rating: 4.2/5 (1213 reviews)
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#4. Graze Restaurant

- Rating: 4.3/5 (947 reviews)
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#3. La Taguara - Venezuelan & Latin American Cuisine

- Rating: 4.6/5 (225 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#2. The Old Fashioned

- Rating: 4.3/5 (2339 reviews)
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#1. Marigold Kitchen

- Rating: 4.4/5 (435 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor

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