Best Cozy Restaurants in Madison

Wonderful family run business. Owners were friendly, passionate and went out of their way to be sure everyone was having great time.

The restaurant is small and cozy, but not in any way stuffy. Music was upbeat and fun and our server was very friendly and helpful with picking menu items. Now the food, the star of the night.. So good! Every bite from start to finish was delightful. We tried 4 of the 5 shareable plates and all were great. Highly recommend the corn ribs and the sweet potato dish!! We shared the pork chop entree and both my husband and I agree it’s one of the best pork chops we’ve ever eaten! We also had the red velvet Oreo cheesecake and it was also amazing! If I could give this restaurant 6 stars, I would. Can’t wait to go back!

Four of us attended Geist on Valentine’s Day for dinner. We were seated in the outside area which has a beautiful ambience but the evening was quite cold so we wore our winter coats throughout the dinner. The outside area has two fireplaces and one standup propane heater but it was still cold. Perhaps they could procure one or two more heaters? The service was fantastic and the fixed menu excellent. Three of us ordered the scallops starter and the filet mignon main. Excellent! One of us ordered the salmon which he said was very good. The dessert menu was limited to two items which were good. Maybe next year they could add a chocolate dessert option? Geist is excellent and we would definitely go back. Considering how very busy the restaurant was, the service and kitchen staff delivered! Great job!

We have tried to get back into City House many times, but we could never get a reservation. So I made a reservation two months in advance and got in! It was EVERY BIT as good as we remembered. The service and the food are absolutely outstanding. We ordered bottle of wine, so it was an expensive night. But it wouldn't have to be too costly if you weren't drinking. We ordered both the cabbage salad and the mozzarella salad. I don't know how they can be that good. The cabbage salad is unbelievably flavorful, and we actually asked for the recipe for the dressing - and they gave it to us! My husband and I each got pizza's and they were outstanding. I got the mushroom and fennel pizza. It was fantastic. We ended the night splitting the panna cotta, which was also excellent. Our server was friendly and very attentive and helpful, without being overbearing. He really made it a delightful evening. We decided we're just going to start making reservations a couple months in advance so we can get back to City House several times a year. It's just too good not to go back soon!

10/10 experience. They have thought of every detail to curate a perfect vibe. The small, intimate 14 seat room makes it feel like you are connected to the chefs preparing each selection. The drink choices were unique and so delicious. It was hard to pick a favorite course because they were all so so good! Can’t wait to go back!! Def. worth staying up until midnight to snag that reservation!!