Wisconsin’s “Top Chef” Trail

While Wisconsin has long been serving up delicious dishes throughout the state, the culinary scene here has been heating up in the past few years, and the world has taken notice. In 2023 alone, nine Wisconsin chefs and restaurants were named semifinalists for James Beard Awards, often described as the Oscars of the food world. The Best Chef Midwest award went to Madison’s own Chefs Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger for their locally sourced innovative fare served up at Fairchild.

This exciting culinary scene has also recently attracted one of the most popular TV cooking competitions on the planet: “Top Chef.” The Emmy-award-winning series was filmed in Milwaukee and Madison for its 21st season, bringing new host Kristen Kish, judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons and the talented cheftestants to the state.

Read on to learn about some of the Wisconsin locations that were filmed for season 21 of “Top Chef” and a few tasty places the judges visited off-camera.

Madison

Dane County Farmers’ Market

As all Madison chefs know, one of the best places to shop for fresh, local produce is the Dane County Farmers’ Market–the largest producers-only farmers’ market in the U.S. Top Chef head judge, Tom Collichio, even called it "one of the best farmers' markets in the world." Held on the Capitol Square every Saturday mid-April through early November, “Top Chef” contestants raced through the approximately 300 vendors that sell everything from vegetables to meat to honey to hot sauce. What did they pick out? You’ll have to tune in to the show to find out.

The Harvey House

It wouldn’t be a complete dive into Wisconsin’s culinary scene without a visit to a supper club. “Top Chef” stopped in at The Harvey House, chosen as one of the New York Times’ 50 favorite restaurants in 2022 and a salute to classic supper clubs throughout the state. Stop in to try the Superior walleye served with spaetzle and toasted rye or black truffle gnocchi. And don’t forget to end your meal with a sweet nightcap like the minty Harvey Hopper.

Off-Camera Excursions

In between filming, the cast and crew tried out some other popular spots around Madison. Judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons visited Wonderstate Coffee on the Capitol Square which serves organic coffee roasted in Viroqua as well as seasonal dishes using local produce. 

Gail was also seen enjoying breakfast at Marigold Kitchen and dinner at Pig in a Fur Coat, whose menu includes unique dishes like jerk rabbit and bison short rib. Tom opted for dinner at the beloved Tornado Steak House. Visit any of these Madison spots to eat like a celebrity chef and enjoy a great meal out with friends and family.

Milwaukee

Miller Brewing Co.

What’s a trip to Brew City without visiting a brewery? “Top Chef” was filmed inside one of Wisconsin’s most famous: Miller Brewing Company. But you don’t have to be a “cheftestant” to get inside this legendary site. Take a tour to explore underground caves that kept the brews naturally cool before air conditioning was available as well as the historic, Bavarian-style Miller Inn. Samples are included!

Lupi and Iris

It’s no surprise that “Top Chef” was filmed at Lupi and Iris, as it was one of 10 finalists from across the country nominated for best new U.S. restaurant by the James Beard Awards in 2023. With cuisine from the French and Italian Riviera such as wood-grilled swordfish and roasted squash ravioli and an 18-page wine list, a visit to this impressive spot will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.

Discovery World 

Watch Season 21 of “Top Chef” carefully and you may recognize one of Milwaukee’s most famous structures (beyond the Milwaukee Art Museum, of course): Discovery World. Located on the scenic shore of Lake Michigan, Wisconsin’s largest aquarium serves as a backdrop on the show and makes for a whole day of science-filled fun with family.

American Family Field

Episode 7 of Season 21 took judges and cheftestants to American Family Field, home to the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, to cook up some delicious ballpark staples. With pre-game experiences and in-game family fun – like the famous racing sausages – you’ll come to find that watching a game here is just half the fun.

Off-Camera Excursions

Host Kristin Kish posted her Culver’s order on social media that included a ButterBurger, fries, frozen custard and of course, cheese curds; Kish and Simmons sampled even more custard at both Kopp’s and Leon’s Frozen Custard.

Kish also dined at Three Brothers Restaurant in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood, another James Beard Award-winner (in 2002) in the category of American Classic. With an authentic Serbian menu that’s remained largely unchanged for over 60 years, here you can dine on specialties like beef goulash, roast lamb with home-pickled cabbage and stuffed peppers with potato dumplings.

It’s clear that the “Top Chef” cast and crew enjoyed sampling Wisconsin’s culinary scene both on and off-camera. Tune in to Season 21 of the show for more inspiration on some of the state’s most delicious spots.

Start planning your own tasty tour across Wisconsin with this interactive map of all the locations featured on Season 21 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

Photo credits: David Moir/Bravo