Fairchild

Fairchild

2611 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, United States

+1 608-819-6361

Fine dining restaurant, Restaurant
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About This Place

Fairchild, located at 2611 Monroe St in Madison, WI, stands as a beacon of fine dining that masterfully celebrates seasonal and ingredient-driven cuisine. This sophisticated restaurant crafts a menu that’s consistently fresh and compelling, inviting guests into an experience where every bite is a harmonious blend of bold flavors and exquisite textures.

The culinary journey at Fairchild begins with enticing starters like the Peterson Craftsman Beef Tartare, elegantly paired with potato pave and oscietra caviar, delivering a creamy yet briny richness that excites the palate. The Deviled Eggs, dusted with paprika and fresh parsley, offer a nostalgic comfort elevated to a refined level. Seafood lovers will savor the briny sweetness of Pink Moon Oysters and the delicately seared Scallops, while the tempura Maitake mushrooms add a perfectly crispy, umami-packed bite.

For pasta aficionados, Fairchild’s offerings like the delicate Agnolotti and the richly sauced Pappardelle present a luxurious mouthfeel paired with thoughtfully balanced flavors—each dish a testament to the kitchen’s care in honoring Italian-inspired techniques with a contemporary twist.

Among the mains, dishes such as the succulent Wild Sockeye Salmon and robust NY Strip steak stand out, both cooked to perfection and presented with inventive sides like Brussels sprouts or smoked trout salad that enhance every plate. The dessert options, including the silky Panna Cotta and the tangy, sweet Rhubarb Cake, offer a sweet finish that lingers beautifully.

Fairchild’s ambiance complements the cuisine with an inviting yet elegant atmosphere that is perfect for both intimate celebrations and casual fine dining nights. Reviewers frequently note the attentive and friendly service that enhances the overall experience, making every guest feel genuinely cared for—perfectly exemplified by one visitor’s story of celebratory indulgence accompanied by impeccable service.

Whether you’re sipping a meticulously crafted Pisco Sour or savoring a glass from their impressive wine selection, Fairchild clearly prioritizes quality and intentionality in every aspect of the dining experience. Patrons rave about the kitchen’s ability to blend boldness and subtlety, leaving them craving their next visit. This is a place that not only satisfies hunger but also ignites joy and thoughtful appreciation for exceptional food.

In Madison’s culinary scene, Fairchild shines brightly as a modern fine dining destination where passion, precision, and seasonality meet effortlessly. It’s more than a meal—it’s a heartfelt invitation to savor truly inspired cuisine in a warm, memorable setting.

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great cocktails Great dessert Great wine list
Popular for
Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Brunch Dinner Dessert Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • K.Malm
    3 week ago

    The food was fantastic and I really appreciate a revolving and fresh menu! We ordered starters: beef tartare, deviled eggs and a brie starter. The deviled eggs and tartare were phenomenal, the brie was good but I would not order again. For entrees we had a beautiful steak and a chicken dish. Generally we do not order chicken at restaurants however the waitress said it was exceptional so we gave it a go. We were not disappointed! We got the sticky toffee pudding g for two and substituted the apple caramel ice-cream for a hazelnut ice-cream. It was very good. Lastly, the cocktails were very well made and the wine list, although small, was decent. I would definitely recommend Fairchild and I will be back.

  • Barbara Gulten
    4 week ago

    Great new dining option for Madison. This is a 4.5 rating. Good vine selection, the bottle we had was divine. Every dish we picked met and some exceeded our expectations. Service is prompt and friendly. They do need to figure out how to accommodate people splitting some of the dishes; we had to ask for extra plates and plates that came were too tiny, so we ate off of the main serving plate. The atmosphere is ok and can be improved; the layout of the place is problematic. Bar area is great and we preferred to dine there - they serve full menu. Reasonable prices, on par with similar restaurants in the area. Parking in the street or adjacent parking lots works. Overall, can’t wait to go back and try a few more items on the menu. Enjoy!! Update: years in and still going strong on high standards in food and service. Hard to get reservation so I recommend looking in advance and grant a spot.

  • Viggy Vanchi
    1 month ago

    This was the only "fine dining" restaurant we visited in Madison, and it was super worth it. We ordered mocktails, the salmon entree, and pasta. Although the portions were somewhat small, they make up for it in flavor. The salmon was particularly delicious. I don't order seafood often, but I'm glad I did. I loved the decor of the place as well.

  • Beni Vaganov
    1 month ago

    Truly truly so incredible. I had a little celebration for my birthday last weekend and I can’t stop thinking about the food. The food was so yummy the monkfish was so tender and the rich pesto flavor was delicious. Aside from the food the servers were phenomenal. I am someone who often gets a pitcher of water just brought to them because I just drink that much water.

  • Chloe S
    2 month ago

    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 a very 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 each 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, each element 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 crafted just for you. It’s a reminder that real hospitality comes not from being flashy, but from being authentic, warm, 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!

  • Ximena Alban
    3 month ago

    Fairchild made our anniversary truly special! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here, and the service was exceptional from start to finish. The staff made us feel so welcomed, even surprising us with a drink upon arrival. The food was absolutely delicious, and every detail of our experience was perfect. We highly recommend Fairchild for a special occasion or a fantastic dining experience!

  • Heather Li
    3 month ago

    For a birthday celebration, my husband and I finally stopped by Fairchild. He's been eyeing Fairchild since the chefs received the James Beard awards. We went in with high expectations and we were both blown away. The service was spectacular. Our server, Summer, was friendly, knowledgeable, and made some great recommendations. The food was truly something special. The ingredients were so fresh and seemed like they were hand picked for their taste and appearance. Each item in a dish was clearly intentional. There weren't sauces or little embellishments just to make the plate look nice. Every part of the dish was meant to create a whole experience, and that really made each dish really fantastic. I loved how many vegetable dishes they offered. I loved each plate but the vegetable dishes really shone the brightest. The menu changes based on what ingredients are in season, but we ordered: the Alsum Farm chilled corn soup, Maikake Tempura, Seven Seeds Organics pork trotter, Alaskan Halibut, Peterson New York strip, Green Barn charred brocolli, and Savory Accents shishito peppers. Each plate was absolutely delicious. The halibut was cooked to perfection and was the best fish I've ever had. We ordered the Brown Butter Financier - and I don't have the words to describe how unbelievable it was. Everything about it was perfect. We were given Barnard Door County Cherry Ice Cream as a birthday gift. So nice! And also insanely delish. The Fairchild hype is completely earned and legit. It's hands down the best fine dining restaurant in Madison. I can't wait until my birthday to my birthday celebration at Fairchild.

  • Senyi Yang
    3 month ago

    Best restaurant in Madison hands down. The Midwest agricultural scene is brilliantly highlighted in every menu, which changes often with the seasons. In addition, it’s always nice to see a restaurant run by chef-owners, especially ones as masterful as these two. I’d strongly recommend starters like the Hiramasa/Hamachi and the Foie Gras, whjch coincidentally are menu staples (but the accompaniments with the dish change seasonally). The foie has been the only escalope—a slice off the whole lobe—that I’ve tried in the US, and it’s seared excellently and melts in your mouth with that distinct foie flavor. I’d also recommend any pasta, as they’re made in house, especially the Parisienne gnocchi or (forms of) ravioli. The gnocchi has a wonderful char & crisp to the outside, giving way to the pillowy soft inside that just soaks up the flavor from the jus. It’s one of my favorite dishes, and I’m not even the biggest fan of kale (and it’s still on the menu at the time of writing this review). There’s just the slightest hint of Italian influence in Fairchild’s pasta, sitting in the shadow of familiar but expertly curated Midwestern ingredients. Overall, I’d strongly recommend Fairchild especially if you’re new to the Midwest dining scene. Fairchild has a near genius level of not only exceptional flavors but also a unique and very intentional innovation.

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