Marigold Kitchen - Quick Byte Review
Marigold Kitchen
[where: 118 S. Pinckney St., Madison, WI ]
608.661.5559
A Saturday morning trek around the Dane County Farmers Market on the Square is simply not complete without a stop at any one of the numerous establishments that offer up brunch. Our routine is to arrive early at the Farmers Market, grab some coffee, jaunt around the square, and settle in for more coffee and a very early brunch by 7:3o AM. One of our favorite stops has turned into the Marigold Kitchen on Pinckney Street.
Even by 7:30 AM, Marigold Kitchen is buzzing with activity. You more than likely will need to have patience if your desire is to sit outside at a sidewalk table (and that should be your desire!) There is a reason that the crowds gather here. The food is terrific. One orders their menu choices inside at the counter, then settles in at a table and waits for the meal to be served.
The choices at Marigold Kitchen are upscale, eclectic, and yet very reasonably priced. Eggs and bacon run around $5.95, with omelettes coming in at $7.95. On a recent morning we ordered the Breakfast Sandwich ($5.95) and the Salmon, Dill and Cream Cheese Omelette ($$7.95). Photos can be seen below. (Mouse over the images to navigate!)
The Breakfast Sandwich consisted of fried egg, with cheddar-spiked boursin, applewood smoked bacon, tomato and green onion on toasted ciabatta. It was a spectacular burst of flavor in every bite, with the ciabatta providing a very sturdy, flavorful platform for the boursin, bacon and tomato. This is easily one of the best breakfasts in Madison.
The Salmon, Dill and Cream Cheese Omelette, served with Marigold potatoes, is delicate yet still flavorful. If you love dill (and we do!) there are few dishes that showcase that fresh taste quite like this dish does.
Get there early, grab an outdoor seat, and watch the city awaken and come alive. It’s a wonderful way to start your weekend.

Join Email List
I’d love to go there more often, but the whole no-seating this is a big turnoff. Several times my food has been done well before a seat opened up.
I really wish they’d expand space, somehow.
I live near Marigold Kitchen and venture there often to enjoy their funky, tasty food. I have taken people there numerous times as a way to show off the interesting food that Madison has to offer. I have never been disappointed. While I agree that they could use more space, I am always impressed with the attitudes of the staff- despite being obviously busy they are always friendly and helpful. With the variety of people that come to Marigold to eat, it’s a great place to people watch. My vegetarian boyfriend has many options to eat there which is also a big plus for us. We both enjoy the breakfast menu much more than the lunch one and try to get there early on weekends to get a good seat. I would definitely recommend Marigold to anyone!