I Ate Grape Leaf-Wrapped Fish at This Madison Restaurant! 🍇

Tucked away in Madison, Otto's Restaurant & Bar is a sophisticated yet underrated Mediterranean gem that more people should know about! 💎 Don’t be intimidated by its “fine dining” label on Google — you can easily enjoy a main course here for just $20–40, which includes a complimentary soup or salad 🥗🍲. It’s surprisingly affordable for the quality! The star of the show is undoubtedly their Grape Leaf-Wrapped Salmon with Pine Nuts — a dish so unique I’d never seen or even heard of it anywhere else! ✨ The grape leaves are roasted until crispy on the outside like nori, yet remain tender and aromatic closer to the fish. Their delicate fragrance pairs perfectly with the rich, flaky salmon 🐟. I usually don’t love baked salmon, but this was an exception — the grape leaves cut through the richness beautifully, making each bite flavorful yet light. The pine nuts added a lovely crunch and depth 🌰. We also tried the Duck Leg & Breast — juicy, tender meat with crispy skin, glazed with a raisin-based sauce that balanced savory and sweet perfectly 🦆🍇. For your complimentary side, go for the Tomato Soup — it’s packed with flavor and feels like a vitamin C boost! The salad, in comparison, is a bit plain. Skip the appetizers though — the mezze platter and crab cake ($12) were underwhelming and dry. Stick to the mains and desserts — you won’t regret it! The ambiance is elegant yet cozy — set in a two-story villa with a lovely patio 🌿🌙. I highly recommend requesting a terrace table when you reserve — perfect for a breezy, starlit evening ✨. Restaurant: Otto's Restaurant & Bar 📍Address: 6405 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705 A hidden treasure in Madison — don’t miss it! 🤩🍽️ #MadisonEats #MediterraneanFood #HiddenGem #OttoMadison #FoodieReview #Madison