Zuzu Cafe - Madison

This place has a great neighborhood vibe. I only had a beer while I was there, but the location is fantastic—really charming and comfortable. The staff were very helpful, making it a perfect spot on a summer day.

Too bad this place doesn't get better overall reviews because we had such a great experience!! What a wonderful kid friendly little cafe!! We went yesterday after a fun day at the playground across the street. My veggie pita sandwich was yummy and my son's bowl of soup was delicious. I was impressed by how quickly they got our order out! They had a lovely selection of cakes and cookies at the counter but we were pretty stuffed, so looking forward to next time. The really great thing however is that they had a sandbox and toys in their front patio so if you have kids, you can actually have a conversation with someone while enjoying your coffee or lunch while your kids play!!

Moreover, there seems to be no ventilation over the grill, leading to an overwhelming amount of smoke inside, making it difficult to stay comfortably. On the positive side, they play some great music, and I hear it’s a popular spot for families! However, the overall atmosphere was disappointing, and while the food was decent, it was completely overshadowed by the lack of care taken with the environment. Restaurants must prioritize cleanliness. It’s essential.

Whoa. I'm in Madison for work staying downtown and decided to walk to the zoo on a beautiful fall Sunday. Without realizing, I left without my water bottle or eating lunch. So when I see this little restaurant on the corner of the intersection where the zoo is I decided to pop in. I ordered the Chicken Bastilla and the Raspberry iced tea. The chicken Bastilla absolutely smacked me in the mouth with FLAVOR. I was not expecting that! The white yogurt sauce is incredible. I don't write reviews often, and this one was absolutely well deserved.

Zuzu Cafe is one of my favorite spots! It's a hidden treasure in Madison, offering consistently delicious and fresh food. The Athenian breakfast is fantastic, and their paninis are equally delightful. My partner and I like to grab a coffee and take a stroll around Vilas Park to Lake Wingra while we chat. Plus, they have a live band every Thursday night, which is always a lot of fun!