Dine Well in Madison

Madison has established itself as a major influence in the restaurant industry, and it has the delicious fine dining options to prove it. Between the region’s unique flavors and the local chefs’ attention to detail, your clients are sure to find something they’ll love. There are a lot of great restaurants to choose from, and this list could go on and on. But we only have room for the five top restaurants to take a client to close a deal, and they’re in no particular order. They each present a different environment, so there’s something on this list for every personality type.

Bonfyre American Grille

Bonfyre is locally owned and operated, and it offers a truly unique take on classic American cuisine. Be sure to try the lamb burger, the chicken & sausage orecchiette, the fish tacos, or the lasagna spirale. It’s got a great atmosphere for closing a deal, especially for someone who enjoys good food and a relaxing environment.

Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.

Great Dane is a brewery and restaurant with American fare. The décor is simple and inviting, and the restaurant offers a great variety of award-winning ales and lagers. Start out with an order of the famous Nakoma Nachos, then follow those up with the Great Dane Brat and Pretzel Burger or the Sustain-a-Burger. If you aren’t in the mood for a burger, go for the chicken pot pie or the Smothers and Covered Fried Chicken. You can’t go wrong at Great Dane Pub and Brewing Co.

Tornado Steakhouse

This is the ideal environment for closing a deal with your more conservative clients. It’s only open after 5 p.m., so it would have to be a power dinner, but we just couldn’t help but put it on our list. While there, go for the Filet au Poivre or the venison. Both are excellent. The Gulf Shrimp and the Walleye are both delicious seafood options. For a starter, try the Coquille Saint Jacques, the escargot, or the Oysters Rockefeller.

Harvest

Harvest features locally grown organic ingredients, and the menu is constantly changing with the season to present the freshest foods. It was named one of American’s top farm-to-table restaurants by Gourmet Magazine. Start with either the duck confit or the pan roasted sea scallops, then move on to the housemade butternut squash gnocchi, the roasted Hawaiian snapper, smoked mussel bagna cauda, or the goat cheese raviolette. All are sure to please you and your guest as you seal the deal in the warm and open atmosphere.

Lombardino’s

Open since 1954, this restaurant is a friendly and casual atmosphere for any power dinner. The warm goat cheese and roasted mushroom salad is a treat, and the Pizza Lombardino is a great pizza option. For pasta, try the seafood zuppette, the stracotto con fusilli, or the marsala mushroom with parrardelle. If you’re looking for something a little more savory, try the pan seared local trout, the wood grilled breast of duck, or the wood grilled trumpet mushrooms. All are sure to please even the harshest of food critics. All of these restaurants are locally owned and operated, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them. And don’t forget about transportation. When thinking about driving to and from the meal with your client, be sure to ride professionally with a chauffeured transportation service.