Try the Madison Series: Otto's Restaurant

Otto's Restaurant & Bar (Madison): Authentic French Food That Won My Heart 🥐 I finally tried Otto's—Madison’s go-to for genuine French cuisine—and it did not disappoint! From creamy bisques to tender meats, every bite screamed classic French flair. Here’s what made me obsessed (and exactly what to order): 🌟 Must-Order Dishes (10/10, No Skips!) These are non-negotiable—order them first, thank me later: Tomato Bisque 🍅 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rich, silky, and bursting with fresh tomato flavor. It’s warm, comforting, and tastes like it’s been simmered for hours—pure French coziness in a bowl. Fried Calamari 🦑 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Crispy, light, and so tender. No rubbery texture or thick batter here—just perfectly fried squid that melts in your mouth. A total crowd-pleaser. Lamb Chop 🐑 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Game-changer! The lamb is cooked to pink perfection—juicy, tender, and completely free of that gamey . The French seasoning highlights the meat’s natural flavor, no overpowering spices needed. Farm Duck 🦆 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Moist, flavorful duck with crispy skin. But the real star? The mashed potatoes it comes with! I usually hate mashed potatoes, but this one won me over—creamy, rich with milk, and piled high like a little mountain 🥔. So good I ate every bite. Grilled Shrimp (Hidden Gem!) 🦐 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The seafood trio is just “okay,” but the shrimp in it is insane—plump, grilled, and full of buttery flavor. Skip the trio and order the grilled shrimp directly—you won’t regret it. 🤔 Solid Picks (Good, But Not Standouts) These are tasty, but don’t overshadow the stars: Otto's Trio & Seafood Trio: Both are decent, but nothing mind-blowing. The only highlight is the shrimp (see above!). Mushroom Cap & Mushroom Bisque 🍄: The mushroom cap wasn’t as earthy-fresh as I hoped, and the bisque lacked that deep, rich umami. Skip these if you’re short on appetite. 😂 Fun Little Notes I’m not a veggie person at all 🤪—so I skipped all the greens and zero regrets. That mashed potato mountain? It looked tiny on the menu, but it’s huge—prepare to share (or not, no judgment). 📌 Final Verdict: A French Gem in Madison Otto’s nails authentic French flavor—no shortcuts, no weird aftertastes, just delicious, well-cooked food. If you’re craving classic French dishes done right, this is your spot. I’m already planning my next visit to try more! #MadisonLife #food #MadisonFoodHunt #FoodDiary #InternationalStudentEats #StudentFoodHunt #BeautifulMeals #MadisonFood #Wisconsin