Industrial tavern offering a sushi bar, ramen bowls & Japanese tapas along with local & Asian beers.
At a glance
#14 of 25 Bars in Madison #6 of 18 Chinese restaurants in MadisonLocalGuideWorld score: 4.20
Rating breakdown
-
5 ★55%
-
4 ★25%
-
3 ★10%
-
2 ★5%
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1 ★5%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of Tavernakaya?
- Tavernakaya is rated 4.2 out of 5 based on 1,007 reviews.
- How does Tavernakaya rank in Madison?
- Tavernakaya is #14 of 25 Bars in Madison by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
- Where is Tavernakaya located?
- 27 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703 — 0.1 km from the center of Madison.
- How can I contact Tavernakaya?
- Phone: (608) 286-1548 · Website: tavernakaya.com
My Pork Buns were tasty. Nice presentation too. Sadly, my birthday coupon expired on 10-31 and it's 11-2. I was not in Madison for a while since I live in Mount Horeb WI. Oh well. Today was a nice day. Great service and the hostess was super nice.
I ordered the spicy salmon poke. It was served promptly and is probably one of the best bowls ive had. However, the serving size was a bit small and was not super cheap.
Our food, waitress and atmosphere was very good. The total cost of the evening was pricey.
Tavernakaya is as fresh and authentic Japanese one can get in Madison. The best seats are up front with views of the Capitol Square. The location is stellar as well as seating options with high and low top tables. The service and staff here are friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu items.
Appetizers, bowls, rolls and soups are well thought and organized for easy ordering. We came in at open and had the best service. Our order took less than ten minutes and was well presented.
The cuts of fish were tasty and delightful. Must try the Salmon poke bowl with added spice. The Pork buns and Unagi sashimi were the table favorites with plenty of bites to share. The spicy tuna roll, popcorn chicken and Yellowtail tuna sashimi made a run for our top spot.
This is a great lunch, date or dinner spot with great sound and kitchen prep. times. Tavernakaya gets a Bonus star for having New Glarus Spotted Cow on draft. Definitely a place to eat and take in the square. We'll return soon to Tavernakaya for Happy Hour.
Appetizers, bowls, rolls and soups are well thought and organized for easy ordering. We came in at open and had the best service. Our order took less than ten minutes and was well presented.
The cuts of fish were tasty and delightful. Must try the Salmon poke bowl with added spice. The Pork buns and Unagi sashimi were the table favorites with plenty of bites to share. The spicy tuna roll, popcorn chicken and Yellowtail tuna sashimi made a run for our top spot.
This is a great lunch, date or dinner spot with great sound and kitchen prep. times. Tavernakaya gets a Bonus star for having New Glarus Spotted Cow on draft. Definitely a place to eat and take in the square. We'll return soon to Tavernakaya for Happy Hour.
I've been here a few times. It's a tad bit pricey but what isn't these days. Today I ordered the salmon poke for lunch and it was very good. Drinks are usually good and they also make buns. Overall it's a pretty good restaurant, give it a try.
Update 7/26/23
Tried the General Tso chicken for lunch. It was kind of funky tasting. There were no pineapples but they did have orange peel in it. The orange peel was charred and I feel like that may have given the dish some bitterness. Definitely wouldn't get it again.
Update 7/26/23
Tried the General Tso chicken for lunch. It was kind of funky tasting. There were no pineapples but they did have orange peel in it. The orange peel was charred and I feel like that may have given the dish some bitterness. Definitely wouldn't get it again.
Tavernaka in downtown Madison has good lunch and dinner options. Plus, DJs on the weekends! This is the miso salmon bento box. They also have delicious tempura cheese curds!
Restaurant Week at Tavernakaya. Three cup chicken, pork belly bun and tempura cheesecurds! Yum! 😋
Restaurant Week at Tavernakaya. Three cup chicken, pork belly bun and tempura cheesecurds! Yum! 😋
First time going with my partner and we loved the food and atmosphere. We swear they knew what we were ordering because the appetizers, drinks and food came out so fast and fresh. The staff were fast and attentive as well. Great date night and we want to go back for the live music.
Taverna/Umami was a great restaurant experience! Wonderful food, nice atmosphere, good service.
I had the tonkotsu ramen with pork belly, marinated bamboo shoots, braised pork, nori, and an extra tea egg. The broth was to die for, the pork melted in my mouth, the egg was an umami explosion, and THE NOODLES! Oh the noodles…outstanding, tender but with “tooth” …tender but not mushy…a perfect noodle!
Salmon Poké bowl was out of this world too! I added the jalapeño heat up…just the right heat to enhance the great flavors and fresh lovely salmon! A home run for sure!
Others in my group had sushi, house salad, and pork buns…All delicious delicious delicious!
For dessert we tried the tempura cheese cake…sounds odd…but “Omg delicious “ for sure.
I also had the junmai ginjo Bride of the Fox sake. I’ve never had a sake as lovely and smooth as this. So delicious!
It was a great night and we’ll be back for sure!
I wish they took reservations instead of FCFS, but everything was worth the wait!
I had the tonkotsu ramen with pork belly, marinated bamboo shoots, braised pork, nori, and an extra tea egg. The broth was to die for, the pork melted in my mouth, the egg was an umami explosion, and THE NOODLES! Oh the noodles…outstanding, tender but with “tooth” …tender but not mushy…a perfect noodle!
Salmon Poké bowl was out of this world too! I added the jalapeño heat up…just the right heat to enhance the great flavors and fresh lovely salmon! A home run for sure!
Others in my group had sushi, house salad, and pork buns…All delicious delicious delicious!
For dessert we tried the tempura cheese cake…sounds odd…but “Omg delicious “ for sure.
I also had the junmai ginjo Bride of the Fox sake. I’ve never had a sake as lovely and smooth as this. So delicious!
It was a great night and we’ll be back for sure!
I wish they took reservations instead of FCFS, but everything was worth the wait!
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