Our evolving menu takes advantage of the great variety of local and organic ingredients raised by this region's farmers. Named by
Organic Style magazine as one of the top 20 restaurants in America, and most recently named one of America's top Farm-to-Table restaurants by
Gourmet Magazine. Harvest takes seriously its obligation to our customers of providing the best each season has to offer.
Located on the Capitol Square in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, Harvest is operated by Tami Lax and her incredible staff, are passionately devoted to bringing Madison a unique dining experience, and a menu enhanced by seasonal locally-grown, and organic ingredients.
Staying true to the vision that’s garnered Harvest local and national renown since the day it opened, we are committed to creating an evolving menu that focuses on the seasonality and locality of the products, rather than any one specific cuisine. Cooking dishes with many simple, straightforward flavors and a lack of heavy sauces, our close relationships with local producers are paramount as inferior products are easily unmasked. We also have a deep appreciation for the dedication and passion required to work with the land, and relishes the challenges of putting together a first-class seasonal menu during the harsh winter months in Wisconsin.
Tami Lax left her position as operations director for a Wisconsin-owned retail chain to pursue cooking. She worked as L'Etoile's chef de cuisine and forager. Lax also founded the Madison chapter of
Slow Food, and has served as the co-chair of the
U.S. Slow Food APC Committee. Harvest was conceived in the summer of 1999, and is located at 21 North Pinckney Street (former location of Simpson's women's clothing store). Enhancements to the building commenced by gutting the interior, and adding a 30-foot extension to the back. In the Fall of 2005, Tami joined friends and fellow restaurateurs Robert Miller and Marcia Castro to open The Old Fashioned Tavern and Restaurant right next door to Harvest at 23 N. Pinckney. The construction of this new restaurant also allowed for expansion of Harvest and doubling it's dining capacity from 60 to 120.
Harvest starts serving dinner Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m., and at 5:00 on Friday and Saturday with
themed dinners served one Sunday per month. We accept cash, checks, MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover Card. Reservations are not required, but appreciated. We do not accept reservations via e-mail. To make a reservation, call 608-255-6075.
Harvest features seasonal outdoor dining, and has two rooms available for private parties. For more information on how to book your holiday party, wedding or other event, call 608-255-6075.