A lot can happen to a local restaurant scene over the course of a year. In Dane County, 2025 brought 39 new restaurant and food business concepts and 15 closures.
Before we can look ahead to the 14+ new spots anticipated for the Madison area in 2026, we’re taking stock of how the restaurant landscape has changed in the past 12 months.
SHIFTS
Three concepts expanded with a new location, including Hop Garden (6889 Canal St, Belleville), Cafe Domestique (11 N. Allen St.) and Los Atlantes Restaurant & Bakery (2304 S. Park St.).
Ha Long Bay (1353 Williamson St.) reopened after a long renovation with a new feel, The Victory (710 Atwood Ave.) returned following a devastating electrical fire and Taj Indian Cuisine & Bar (444 S. Park St.) reopening was on no Madisonians’ bingo cards this year. The first location of the restaurant closed six years ago…