Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Madison

My favorite restaurant in Tennessee did not disappoint (this was my 4th visit). Amazing food and watching it being plated before your eyes with explanation of each course by the chef elevated the experience.

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!

Mockingbird is always a charming experience. Our most recent trip was on Valentines Day. The table had a live flame tea light and rose petals on it. My only complaint was that our server was taking care of a large table of older women that kept him busy and not as attentive to us as I would’ve liked. Appetizer didn’t come before the food but I didn’t dock the rating for that for reasons already stated. Food was excellent- we got Pasta La Vista, Tatchos, and Bulgogi Hanger Steak and they were all fantastic. The ambience is perfect - dimly lit and well decorated. We will be back.

Overall enjoyable experience! Waiter was attentive and not overbearing. Food was outstanding and seasoned well, though a bit heavy with all four dishes ordered having a sauce or dip. Maybe a pallet cleanser between courses would help?! Don’t view this as a complaint, but a suggestion to improve. With tickets to a TPAC show, the staff made sure to serve without any rush and have us out the door to our show. Kudos!

My wife and I had a wonderful experience at Etch!! The service was top notch, the food was delicious and presented exquisitely! The server knew the food and drink menu so well! They were very accommodating to my wife's gluten free needs. The red wine from Greece was amazing!! We enjoyed the cauliflower appetizer, gluten free bread rolls, Etch salad. And for the main course we had the Port and Filet, with a side of brussels sprouts. The banana flavored ice cream was delicious, being very light on the banana flavor. I hope to return soon.