Lake Monona provides plenty of beauty and you can enjoy it right from the perfect table at your favorite restaurant. There are several dining options found on Lake Monona. If you prefer waterfront dining, try one of these top choices.

Sardine

Known as a fine French bistro-style restaurant, Sardine offers lake views and plenty more. They serve dinner all week and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays with a bar and a great wine list. Sardine also holds regular events you can enjoy.

Sardine opens at 4pm, Monday through Friday and starts serving dinner at 5pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the bar will be open all day and dinner will be served starting at 5pm. The restaurant closes at 9pm on Sunday and Monday, at 10pm, Tuesday through Thursday and at 11pm on Friday and Saturday. They also open from brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 2:30pm.

Paisan's Restaurant

Since 1950, Paisan's Restaurant has been serving excellent pizza and pasta to the Madison area. They offer one of the best lakeside dining options in the area with a patio overlooking Lake Monona. This relaxing outdoor choice offers a great option if you love dining waterfront.

Paisan's is open from 11am to 10pm, Sunday through Thursday and from 11am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday.

Breakwater

Breakwater is found on the Yahara River very close to Lake Monona. It offers direct boat access and provides a massive banquet facility with a two-level outdoor patio. They also offer a rooftop bar and plenty of great food and drink to enjoy.

Breakwater is open from 11am to 12am, Monday through Sunday and offers happy hour from 3pm to 6pm, Monday through Friday.

Lake Edge Seafood Company

A very popular place to enjoy seafood, Lake Edge Seafood Company is very new. They opened in 2017 and offer some of the best and freshest seafood in the area. Found right on the waters of Lake Monona, this is a top place to go for waterfront dining.

The Lake Edge Seafood Company is open from 11am to 8pm, Monday through Saturday and from 10am to 2pm on Sunday.

If you want to dine on the waters of Lake Monona, these four restaurants offer great options.