Small cozy atmosphere. The staff was very attentive and kind! All of the food we tried was great and portions were good with the exception of the tartare. It was one bite each, but very very tasty! We went for our anniversary and would definitely come back read more

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Great experience - there were for of dining so we had two different past a dishes, swordfish, and pork tenderloin... as well as several sides. This was by far one of the best fine-dining experiences I've had in Madison. The attention to detail from service to taster to presentation was outstanding. I'm generally hesitant to order swordfish in the Midwest, if even at all as if it's not properly prepared or fresh it can be off-putting. This was perfectly cooked, moist and tender. The bold flavors accompanying the fish were not at all overpowering, rather very much enhancing and complimentary. My understanding is they have a rotating menu and I look forward to my next visit. read more

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- Waitress was attentive, other staff was great at supporting - Appetizer portions were sized for two people, entree portion sizes were good - Smaller interior than expected, but made it feel more intimate - Great for date nights read more

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Our daughter brought us here for dinner on a Saturday night. Server knew his stuff and his recommendations were as great as the food was outstanding. Drinks were promptly served and our water glasses never were able to get to half empty because the service was so attentive. We had three appetizers. The Deviled Eggs, which G and S loved so much, I didn't get any and P only got half of one! The seasonal Uplands Rush Creek Reserve and was very tasty. However, the Mitake tempura were a bit too crunchy but the aioli sauce was very good and was very pleasant together. G and P had the scallops, S had the pork belly pasta dish and I had the NY strip steak. All were delicious and served hot. For dessert, we split the bread pudding and that hit the spot. The atmosphere was great with nice music in the background that enhanced our conversation by being quiet while making it difficult to overhear the other diners. In other words, perfect like many aspects of our meal. Whether a date night or a quiet night with adult family, Fairchild should be at the top of your Madison fine dining establishments to try. read more

Friendly service, nice space. Not sure why the hype on the food. Between 4 of us tried 8 dishes. Deviled eggs (good, classic), fried mushrooms (great, light breading), beet salad (little pea sized beet balls in what in a weird gelatinous blob- not good), cauliflower (nice, simple), butternut squash ravioli (excellent- very rich would not get as a main dish), bolognese good - simple kinda bland. Potatoes and onions (do not order- greasy and tasteless) king mushrooms with pesto (not good). With tip, one drink each close to $300. Quality definitely does not match the price. Will not go back, read more

Gave it a shot in our last visit to Madison. Overall not bad but it feels like a been there done that. Offering contemporary American with a mix of flavors. Combinations of small plates and large plates for those seeking variety or tradition. We quite a few dishes including fried mushrooms, deviled eggs, beets, steak tartar, followed by steak and scallops. The small plates were either appropriately sized with great flavors or over priced for a high quality bite. The latter reminding me of what a Michelin starred restaurant featuring tasting menu would do. The tartar order comes with two bites, with one barely being able to appreciate the textures, flavors, richness, and balance meant to come through given the minimal size. The large plates plates were over priced for quality and quantity. I ordered the new york strip, medium. Out came a 6 to 7 oz, rare steak, cool in the center, minimally marbled and salted. Service was good with a slight skew towards us feeling rushed. The atmosphere very much reminded me of forequarter when it was around. Probably wouldn't go again. read more

Went here for a birthday and had a great experience. The service was attentive and the atmosphere was perfect for a celebration. The Snowdrift and Manhattan were both excellent. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The broccolini paired well with the salmon and the steak with potatoes and onion was full of flavor. We also tried a special appetizer that was unique and made for some great bites. Overall, a wonderful spot for a special night out. read more

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Love the ambiance of Fairchild. Lighting is perfect and this restaurant's interior nails something so many restaurants simply don't in the Madison area. It's an enjoyable, cozy atmosphere to settle into for an evening of great food. Came here for my birthday dinner last November and it was amazing. Still thinking about it! Server was incredibly knowledgeable of the menu, cooking methods, and ingredients used. Highly recommend any of the shareable items. Oysters were delicious. Salmon was perfectly cooked, as were the accompanying seasonal vegetables. I think we ordered one each of the desserts -- which were also all very good. Budino and apple pie were very good. read more

Fairchild - Salmon - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Loved the menu options around Christmas: Lobster Bisque and Fettuccine with Clams. Both were done extremely well--creamy and rich with fresh morsels of seafood. So very satisfying. Yum! read more

Fairchild - Fettuccine with clams - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I've been wanting to come here for a while, and I'm glad my sister and I finally made the trip. This restaurant certainly earns its reputation, and you'll definitely need a reservation. There is a great wine list to choose from, and although I went with wine, their cocktail list also looked fantastic. I ordered the New York strip, which was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Although it did come with a side, I also ordered the green barn broccoli, which was superb. My sister got the 7 seeds chicken, which she thought was excellent. We opted for dessert to share - the apple cake, which is served on a skillet with ice cream atop. It was amazing! I wish I hadn't been so full from the rest of the meal, because this was simply delightful and a plentiful portion. Overall, the price is on the higher side, but for the quality of food and service, it makes sense. This restaurant would make for a perfect date spot. Our server was very friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. I definitely hope to come back. read more

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Fairchild always exceeds my expectations! As soon as you step inside, the cozy lighting and modern decor set the perfect vibe for a nice night out. The menu is a showcase of creativity, beautifully presented and delicious. The Shishido peppers and beef tartare are my favorite. The drinks were great too! We loved the old fashioned. Equally noteworthy was the quality of the service. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, and made our birthday celebration wonderful. I already can't wait to go back! Highly recommend taking an out-of-town visitor to give them a taste of Madison's dining and locally sourced ingredients read more

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In Madison for a conference and was reading the Madison magazine and they suggested I check out the Fairchild. It had a couple lines to describe the place but the words James Beard award sold me quick. So at 5pm next day I headed over without a reservation. It's a cozy place and all tables were reserved for a Thursday and but I planned to sit at the bar anyways. No problem I had the counter to myself. I was just amazed that I could even do that for such an establishment here. As for selecting my dinner it was hard to choose because I could have eaten anything everything sounded very delicious so I ended up getting 2 appetizers and the broccoli so I can have space for dessert. The beef tartar was great and had a nice balance of crunch from the potatoes on the bottom. I got the pork trotter because I never heard of that before and was intrigued. A satisfying dish with crispy pork around the perimeter with diced watery sweet watermelon on top. Ended the night with the brown butter financier. Lemon poppyseed ice cream? Wow and all made in-house. Loved every part: the blueberry sauce, the cake, ice cream... and together it's fantastic. Even though I was by myself I had the lovely company of bartender-wife of chef Marlee around to talk. I wish I had something like this in my neighborhood: a nice low-key establishment that makes high quality food that's familiar (yet different) and approachable. I am still floored that I was able to walk in and eat there without a reservation. Are Madisonians so used to this level of cuisine it's not a big deal? Lol I'm starting to believe this unpretentious town is a foodie paradise. read more

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Visited on a Saturday around 6pm solo, was able to snag a seat at the bar without a reservation. The restaurant was fairly busy, most guests had a reservation and a slight wait before their table was ready, if coming as a group would recommend booking a spot but there were seats at the bar available for the majority of the evening. Drinks: sumac lemonade - really light and refreshing a great cocktail to start the meal, tart and tangy with a slight sweetness, throughly enjoyed Food: PEI mussels - delicious, creamy rich lightly spiced saffron broth with savory meaty chunks of chorizo, mussels were well clean and cooked, potatoes added a little bit of heartiness, came with a slice of grilled bread to soak up the broth wish there was more bread for this Shishito peppers with yuzu kosho mayo - a nice veggie option, pepper were lightly sauteed with a slight char, served on a bed of the mayo which added a subtle citrus spice, would have preferred to dip personally but still enjoyed this overall Serving was great, really attentive staff dispute how busy the restaurant and bar was. Friendly, warm and welcoming, water was refilled regularly and staff checked in throughout the meal. Overall a great spot for a more upscale dinner in Madison, menu is new American with some global influences, if the mussels are on the menu menu order them! read more

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My husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary in Madison, and we ended the day at Fairchild. We both agreed it was the best meal of 2024 so far. The freshness of Fairchild's offerings and the seasonal flavors were truly delightful. To start, Fairchild welcomed us with two glasses of bubbles to celebrate. They recommended a dish from each category, but we decided to freestyle our choices. Here's what we ordered, in order of our favorites: Hudson Valley Foie Gras: I am still thinking about this dish--a taste of heaven. The foie gras ice cream was chef's kiss! Seven Seeds Pork Trotter: Please give me the recipe for the nuoc cham! Excellent balance of flavors and so savory. Hamachi: Refreshing and perfectly balanced. Peterman Craftsman Steak Tartare: A fun bite, though I think I prefer the traditional serving. Strawberry Rhubarb Panna Cotta: The perfect light yet flavorful ending. Grilled Pink Moon Oysters: One word--plump. Triangoli: I was yearning for more of that bone marrow flavor, but overall, a safe dish. We left this very memorable dinner feeling comfortable and happy. I can't wait to bring my girlfriends here for our next UW Madison reunion! read more

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perfect dinner date night spot :) i made a reservation for 2 several weeks in advance and it is so worth it. super cute & cozy ambiance with soft warm yellow lighting, it's a small restaurant so it feels very intimate. our server did an excellent job offering recommendations, going into detail with each dish. I love that they change up the menu constantly and according to the seasons! they also source their ingredients fresh from the farmers market each week deviled eggs: creamy and light, this is a staple on the menu lobster bisque: such a unique twist on the dish! it's less creamy compared to a new england lobster bisque and had more earthy, curry flavor, with lots of spices tagliatelle: super clean light pasta, had a very lemony sauce. gave off spring tbh! great portion size too, I didn't feel overly stuffed. the sourdough was grilled and was from a place down the street seven seeds chicken: super unique dish full of juice and flavor. they sorta mash up different parts of the chicken together so you get light and dark pieces, the skin was wonderfully crisp. the apple was soft and carmelized and was a great addition japanese purin: essentially like a flan with cherries and a light touch of maple syrup drizzled over on top. super light and airy dessert, perfect ending to dinner read more

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Food: 5 Service: 5 Uniqueness: 5 ---------------------------------------------- My wife took me here for my birthday and it lives up to the Madison hype. The food is unique and upscale but not pretentious. You can tell they put their heart into every dish. The wine pairings were really stellar as well. We'll definitely be back. read more

I had been meaning to try this place out. I was open to being impressed, but like most of Madison's "fancier" restaurants, it felt overrated. No veggie mains, which is frustrating as a vegetarian who appreciates good food. The butternut squash sage side was great, but it's also a hard dish to screw up. The cheese on the salad tasted a bit old--I know the brand, it's a great local brand, but you know when it's fresh. I was also the only person in the restaurant for the first ~45min, and the chef came out a few times to talk with staff and never said hi, which is pretty poor etiquette IMO. The ambiance is great though--5/5 for cozy atmosphere. And the bartender was friendly. But for the price tag and hype, it is disappointing. read more

I finally made it to Fairchild. After the chefs won Best Chef Midwest region for James Beard awards in June 2023, it was tough to get a table. I ordered the Hamachi and Beef Tartare from the Snacks section, and the Bone Marrow and Pork Trotter from the Appetizers secrion. Every dish was beautifully plated. The Hamachi was a refreshing dish with nice flavors and texture. The Beef Tartare was served on top of potato pave, which was soft and thick making the dish a bit one dimensional. I also didn't get much flavor from the tartare, which should have been the star. Maybe too much shaved cheddar? Anyway the Beef Tartare makes this a 4.5 star review, even though that isn't an option. The Bone Marrow was fantastic! Topped with braised beef shortrib, goat cheese, chanterelles and a bit of blueberry. The star of the dinner was the Pork Trotter! Crispy pork belly, sunny side up egg, thai vinaigrette, and cilantro make up the ingredients, but the flavors and textures make it seem like there is much more to the dish, not to mention the stunning plating! This wasn't just the best dish I had here, it was one of the best dishes I've ever had anywhere! I ordered the Via Ferrate cocktail made with Whistlepig 6 yr rye, and it was refreshing and delicious. The other highlight was my server, Sophie. She was a total rockstar! I hope to get back here soon! read more

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An absolute must visit when you're in Madison! Made a rezzie for 1 on a Sunday evening sat at the bar. Definitely a place good for solo dining! I learned from the lovely bartender that the Chefs & Owners Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger opened this spot in 2020 - just before lockdown!! Wild. I'm so glad to see their success including the chefs here winning James Beard 2023 Best Chef: Midwest. The menu was phenomenal and I couldn't pick so I ordered way too much but everything was so worth it: *Maitake Tempura (lemon aioli): Just perfect -- no soggy bits because the tempura was PERFECTION. *Corn Panna Cotta (summer truffle, sungold tomato): Ugh just incredible and luscious and the perfect textures with the popcorn, tomato, corn and touch of truffle. *Pork Trotter (watermelon, dreamfarm goat cheese, jalapeno): the whole process for this incredible and a labor of love! It's a shank that get braised & get it gets rolled & glazed and then something....and voilà! *Butter Mochi: I really wanted the cobbler but it said it was for two and I was already stuffed. I didn't get any cocktails but the cocktail menu looks fantastic. I'll definitely be back to Madison for some great eats! read more

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Very tasty, well executed and thoughtful dishes. We had 3 cocktails, 2 apps, 2 entrees, 1 desert, and the bill was $200. Very much a splurge for us, but a lovely atmosphere and a very friendly waitstaff. I messed up the reservation time because I booked while in a different time zone, and they still accommodated us. As a fun bonus the menu changes up frequently. read more

This is a small expensive restaurant. I took out dinner from here on a Saturday evening. This place is not supposed to be a take out place. People generally dress up and come in to have a relaxed meal. So I was the exception. I went for a Cappelletti. It was a flavorful pasta. But the quantity was super small. May be it was enough as a snack. read more

Fairchild - Inside Cappelletti - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Stellar food experience ! Such a cozy interior, dimly lit but enough that I could walk around (did have a tad difficulty reading the menu though)-- perfect for a date night I'd say. Service was great, my server was very direct and to the point, which I liked, and checked in frequently to make sure we were enjoying our food. I went to the bathroom briefly once between appetizers and entrées, and my napkin was replaced by the time I got back :0 Now, on to the food which was simply phenomenal: Maitake tempura (9.5/10): I barely have anything to critique here-- mushrooms were so crispy, yet the batter was light, so well seasoned I didn't even need the aioli sauce (actually thought the sauce took away from the mushrooms a bit, but I just ignored the sauce and ate as is lol) Goat Cheese Tart (9/10): delicious, delicious, delicious, my only complaint is I wish there was more!! The slice we got was a bit skinny, but the tart crust was insanely crispy and layered, the acidic tomato (both in the tart and raw on the side) was the perfect balance to the rich, creamy goat cheese. Monkfish (9/10): again, so scrumptious-- my monkfish was perfectly cooked, soft but still had a bite to it. It was in a curry sauce with butternut squash, frisee, and apple (I think?) on the side. I would absolutely not think of putting those things all together, but it worked so well, I loved the freshness of the veggie sides with the creaminess of the curry sauce. Pork Loin en Croute (8/10): this was probably the worst thing for me, but worst amongst amazing dishes is still pretty good-- the mustard on top took the cake for me, but the pastry dough was a bit undercooked and chewy for my liking, they were served with the smoothest mashed potatoes I ever had - delicious, but a bit boring compared to other dishes (although this is just my opinion, my partner loved it!) Raspberry Cake for 2 (8/10): flavors of the cake with the lemon poppy seed ice cream on top paired so nicely-- bright acidic, and sweet flavors; my main complaint is that the cake was quite dense and a bit dry, but still tasted scrumptious when eaten with the ice cream (but the ice cream was necessary for it to be good) Overall, would 1000% go here again, probably my favorite place I've been to in Madison thus far. A bit pricey for my income level, so might go here sparingly, but believe me, if I was raking in the dough I'd go here every week. read more

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If there's one place in Madison where you can always count on a dining experience that leaves you deeply satisfied, it's Fairchild. This unpretentious spot continues to redefine what it means to eat with intention and takes care to honor ingredients that shine in their simplicity and quality. For us, Fairchild always feels like a love letter to seasonal cooking, boldly confirming the importance of the relationship between a chef and their community, and an intentional commitment to doing things right because it matters. Once inside, there's a palpable warmth--sun shines through the windows and the busy neighborhood wanders by outside. The staff greets you like old friends and there's no pretense, just a welcoming that confirms you've arrived somewhere special. And I guess you probably want to know about the food--oh, the food. Each season, with every new dish, we feel deeply that what's in front of us has been constructed with care and purpose. The owners--both phenomenal chefs in their own right--clearly pour their hearts into this place, making sure every ingredient is picked with reverence and prepared intentionally. We visited tonight to try the spring menu and every single dish was a tribute to the season--ramps, asparagus, strawberries, and rhubarb stole the show. At the end of the day, it's really not just the flavors that make Fairchild stand out. The beauty is in the details--the way each dish is plated thoughtfully and each element is chosen to show off its best qualities. I think what always stands out most to us is that Fairchild doesn't feel like it's trying to be anything it's not. It's not stuffy, pretentious, or sterile. It's a spot where you're always met with a level of service that feels personal and kind--a unique experience being crafted just for you. It's a reminder that true hospitality comes not from being flashy, but from being warm, authentic and attentive. Fairchild isn't a place that shows off--they show up. They spend the right energy in the right places and hold a care for their community at the heart of everything they do. You feel it with every dish in front of you. In this world of trend chasing, Fairchild feels like a place grounded in the philosophy that good food, made with care, speaks louder than anything else. And in a city full of many dining spots, Fairchild is one that never misses. It's the place you can count on to deliver something exceptional every time. Thank you as always for having us! read more

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Incredible value, creative and delicious food, lovely experience. Champagne for 2 - 5/5. Lovely way to start the meal. Delicious champagne. Hamachi - 5/5. Perfect dish. Right amount of Jalapeno, coldness from blueberry, crunch from kohlrabi. Grilled Pink Moon Oyster - 4.5/5. Really fun combination to have gin and oysters. Chilled Carrot Soup - 4.5/5. Incredible soup, rich curry flavor. Great little bread. Risotto - 4.5/5. Homey. Could eat this over and over. Halibut - 4/5. Flakey perfect cook. read more

Returned here recently after a while away. Food and service were top notch. Creative fresh flavorful dishes. read more

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Amazing! We had a great host Morgan, we enjoyed this so much! I loved the seven seed chicken! The duck pasta dish was great, just wish more quantity. Great place for a special occasion! read more

Went for anniversary dinner with my wife. Went to Fairchild tonight for our anniversary dinner. Didn't want to post prior to eliminate influence on what I thought looked good. 8.5/10 would be my rating. Food was absolutely delicious. That said, there are A LOT of places that have delicious food around Madison. But, and I preface this by saying I'm a huge Top Chef, Masterchef, Hell's Kitchen fan, I've never had food that was plated so beautifully. It changed the way I ate the dish. We both left feeling satisfied, but not "full" and feeling like we can't eat anymore. We probably would have opted for an appetizer instead of the two "snacks" next time....but I can see why the menu is built the way it is and how a couple could spend $300 EASY there. Also should note while making the reservation, they ask if there is an occasion being celebrated; birthday, anniversary, etc. of which I stated it was. We never got even a "Happy Anniversary" from the server, which was also the bus boy. Little disappointing in that sense. If you're going to have customers inform you it's a special day for them, at least verbalize a congratulations or something. Our selections: "Por Que No" and "pink matter" cocktails, oysters, beef tartare, Halibut, Sea Scallops read more

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This was my first visit to Fairchild, and I was definitely impressed. The cocktail selections were fun and the service was excellent. More importantly, the food was exceptional. The four of tried as much of the menu we could--the standouts were the beef tartare, the deviled eggs, the Chile crisp cucumbers, and the bolognese. That said, the one menu item that truly blew us all away was the corn panna cotta. We all agreed it was incredibly tasty, unique, and incredibly well-prepared. Honestly, I've never tasted anything like it, and I could have simply eaten a huge bowl of the panna cotta and gone home a happy camper. Would I go back? Absolutely, particularly as long as the corn panna cotta stays on the menu. read more

Fairchild - Flyte Farm Cucumber with Chile crisp... dang! - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Amazing. We held an annual two person "food event" going all out to explore, experiment, and experience a fine gastronomy.. Before continuing, I just wanted to say that Fairchild is an incredible value for the money compared to big city chefs. It's in a beautiful neighborhood and the city is worth at least a one night visit. As for the name Fairchild, it may refer to the Chimeric woman living with two distinct DNA. Some research might dispel or validate thought on their apt name. On to the service. Amazing. Nancy was delightfully uncouth at times, always professional and helpful. Most importantly, she became our teacher and trusted guide through the meal. After exploring the starters, we let her choose our mains. We like to deconstruct or reverse engineer recipes and failed with great fanfare several times. I'd be curious if anyone else pegged the halibut sauce to sherry.... Stars of the show: Oysters.... It was a completely new flavor / texture experience. Worth the trip alone. Cucumber Lemonade mocktail and wine by the glass parings were absolutely perfect. Finally, expect local farmers... Shout out to neighbor Kristen at Blue Moon for helping the chefs nourish us. Definitely will return. 8000 enthusiastic stars. read more

Great ambience. Waitress wonderful - didn't get her name. Food delicious a bit homemade vibe. But get a lot so you can combine the flavors read more

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For a Friday night typical dinner time, I think I had to make reservations about a month in advance. Cute storefront on Monroe. I was able to park in the knickerbocker parking lot. I loved the aesthetics in here - lots of sunshine, loved the plants, minimal on the decor. Our waitress was superb. I ordered the strawberry letter 24. Sweet but not gut wrenching, tasted boozy without the boozy taste? Apps: Cured hamachi - refreshing and light. I loved the dill. Oysters - maybe my least favorite but that's not saying much. A little bit of a kick. Pork trotter - mmmmhmmm okay this was my favorite. So flavorful. I loved the different textures - the spice of the pork, the coldness of the sorbet. I ordered the pork/octopus and my boyfriend got the monkfish/shrimp. In hindsight, I saw someone order the carrots and I wish we had ordered a side. I loved both dishes but I think it depends on the mood. The monkfish and shrimp is the perfect summer dish if you're looking for a meal on the lighter side but I can never resist a flavorful dish like the pork and octopus. As for dessert, I wasn't really in the mood to wait 20 minutes for their cherry cobbler so we went with the servers recommendation - the panna cotta with the rhubarb topped with popcorn and ice cream. I think it was a bit strange, but as I kept eating more, I think this would've sold me without the rhubarb. There were a lot of textures going on but I loved the butteriness of the popcorn with the panna cotta and ice cream. Would love to come back! read more

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Food 5/5 Service 4/5 Ambiance 5/5 This was my third time at Fairchild. Every time, the food has been a 10/10. Prior to my last visit, I would have given a full 5 stars easily. Here's what keeping me from rating 5 stars: In the past I've always had a reservation, and always arrived on time. This time was no different. We arrived for our 7pm reservation exactly at 7pm, and they sat us at the bar saying our table wasn't ready quite ready yet. We didn't get properly seated until 7:20. This usually wouldn't be a big deal if we didn't have a reservation, or if we were late, but given that we reserved a month in advance, and we're about to spend a decent amount for dinner, I thought we would at least have our reservation honored on time. Aside from our initial service when we walked in, everything else was fine. Nothing spectacular. Our server was nice. Here's everything that went well: Food was spectacular as always. We get the steak tartar and pork trotter every time. The pork trotter is prepared differently every season (I think it's every season?) and this time it was Vietnamese inspired. The Vietnamese flavors came through very well and the pork was crispy and tender as always. We got the maitake tempura for the first time and I have to make sure we get it next time as well. The lemon aioli it comes with was my favorite. The lemon flavor was fresh and strong but not overpowering. The maitake was crispy but not greasy which is my biggest critique when it comes to fried food. We shared the NY strip and the cappelletti. The steak was perfectly medium rare, and the sides it comes with accompanied it perfectly as well. Anytime we see oxtail on a menu, we have to get it. The oxtail in the cappelletti was delicious. Usually the oxtail dishes we order are super rich, but the oxtail pasta was surprisingly light and easy to eat. I cannot say enough good things about the food. The atmosphere was same as always. It's a smaller dining area so it's nice and intimate. I wish we got a chance to try the dessert; we were so full by the end of the night. Overall, I was rubbed the wrong way at the beginning over having to wait for a table that we reserved so far in advance, but all my sour feelings went away by the time we started eating. It's a great place to dine for special occasions or a date night. Easily some of the best food in Madison. Here's our total order and cost: Beef tartar Maitake tempura Trotter NY Strip Cappelletti Por Que No (watermelon agua fresca tequila cocktail) $162.46 read more

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Wow, so I've been here twice and the first time was good. Very solid, culinary experience. But let me tell you, the second time, SLAPPED. Since they change their menu often I think it depends on the season and your own pallet but let me tell you, it was incredible. My friend and I sat at the bar and it was super cute and cozy, the bartender was attentive and even made her own version of a vesper for me. But lemme share the delicious food offerings Deviled Eggs- incredible, whipped amazing ness with a mustard hint and overall fantastic flavor Hamachi crudo- ok, I'm not a huge cucumber fan but I like how they put chartusse in it Brussels and squid ink gnocchi- the story of the sides that STOLE THE SHOW. These sides were fantastic. Garlic and citrus then super savory squid in and the perfectly cooked/made gnocchi. CHEFS KISSES Lamb - solid but not my fav. The beans were just alright and the flavor of of the sauce on the broccolini was just okay Now, the finale. The chocolate bundito. PHENOMENAL. Light, infused airy passion fruit chocolate with crunchy chocolate wafer, whipped cream and a malted ice cream. CHEFS KISSES 2. I loved it and will happily be back for this alone Anyways, date night, girls night, delicious night. Here's your place. Then stop by laurel for another drink. Happy eating!! read more

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One of the best meals I've had in Madison and overall. Many people told me to come here and I'm glad I listened! Each dish we ordered had unique flavors and worked so well together. We started with the gochujang cured hamachi - it was an interested combination of cured fish and a very pigmented black ponzu sauce. It was delicious but the sauce was a bit extra. For our entree, we got the NY strip, crab cake risotto, and a side of brussel sprouts. I like to order brussel sprouts at almost every restaurant I go to, and these were some of the better ones I've had. The kimchi aioli went really well with the Brussels and gave it a great flavor. The strip was my favorite dish out of all: it had chestnuts, pomegranate, and a bordelaise sauce on the dish. I was a little apprehensive of each ingredient but they went SO WELL with each other, we scraped the dish clean at the end. The crab cake risotto was great as well, just wish it was a little more seasoned. We ended the night with a sticky toffee pudding, it was tasty and nice ending to an amazing meal. Great for a date night or celebration. Will be back soon! Excited to try new additions to the menu as they are updated very often. read more

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I've been putting off this review for a while in hopes to give this spot a second chance, but I haven't had the chance to return yet. Perhaps our expectations were set a bit high, but Fairchild was definitely overhyped and I was disappointed by this restaurant. After hearing so many great things we were really looking forward to giving this restaurant a try. I ordered the seven seeds chicken which was very small and a bit bland. We also tried the pappardelle which looked delicious. Upon trying it we were underwhelmed due to the lack of flavor. The inside was quaint and very charming. However, our waitress was a bit overbearing and just seemed off. We're convinced we came on an off day based off of the many raving reviews and will be returning to give Fairchild a second go. read more

I ordered maitake tempura, striped bass, and Japanese purin (custard) for dessert. Everything was amazing! The maitake mushrooms (also known as hen of the woods) were incredibly aromatic. A quick check on iNaturalist told me they could grow in the woods next to the restaurant. Talk about hyper-local food. The harissa paste under the striped bass was delicate and flavorful. Verdeca white wine was also very good. And the strawberries on top of the purin smelled like real strawberries, not the kind you buy at the grocery store. My waiter told me that the chef found a farmer who still had a patch and delivered strawberries in November! Overall, a memorable dining experience at a James Beard Award winning restaurant. read more

Fairchild - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Really great experience at this low-key but upscale spot in downtown Madison. Super friendly service and really outstanding dishes. Had the monkfish, which was excellent, as well as the grilled brussels sprouts. Maitake tempura was truly off the charts. Also, my guest had the cheese ravioli dish, which was very good. Super glad we found a reservation here. read more

Fairchild - Monkfish and shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

We loved first-time experience. What a wonderfully charming little eatery. Nice decor and atmosphere. Great for date-night. Our visit was Easter dinner. All the staff was very friendly. The service was 5-star (I went to answer a phone call and upon my return they had replaced my napkin with a fresh one and set my chair.) This is one of those restaurants where whatever you order, no matter how you may not understand how it may taste, will taste amazing. Trust the chef. All of our entrees were amazing. The seafood dishes were light and creamy, perfect for spring. The other pasta dishes were full of meaty, hearty flavor. The steak was a perfectly prepared medium. We had no room or time for dessert, but next time we will definitely check out the sweeter side of Fairchild. read more

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Another amazing meal here. Like, you assume that it's never going to match your first meal because you lose the novelty of it all. But Fairchild delivered again. Had: Fried Maitake Hamachi App Roasted Carrots NY Strip Pork and Chicken Ragú Two desserts There wasn't a weak dish in the bunch. The roasted carrot was SPECTACULAR. The walnut and cabbage added the most delicious crunch, and as you can see from the pic, the presentation was unreal. The pic doesn't do it justice. Please. If you go to Madison and love good food, GO. read more

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Great service. Tight dining room space. Boundary pushing flavors and techniques excellent perfectly. Amazing wine cellar. read more

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