Tempest Oyster Bar | Madison

A meal at Tempest begins with a most excellent plate of small bites: pickled green beans, vinegar eggs stained a lovely shade of pink, sharp radishes stuffed with creamy herb chevre, a wand of scallion and briny olives. This is also accompanied by a thick triangle of butter and a soft loaf of bread.

Then, get some oysters. The beautifully shucked days offerings from the East Coast included Raspberry Points ($3) from PEI, East Beach Blondes ($3), Rhode Island, and French Kiss ($2.75) from New Brunswick. Also on my plate is a West Coast for good measure, a Penn Cove ($2.75) from Hood Canal, Washington.

The beer list is extensive, try the O'so Nighttrain Porter ($4.50) on draught if you are having trouble making up your mind. This oatmeal porter with chocolate malts is rich, smooth and creamy with a not-too-heavy finish that lends itself well to pairing with food. The cocktails are shaken to impress and reasonably priced. A Wheelhouse ($8.50) with cilantro vodka, aperol, lemon and lime achieves a crisp, balanced sweetness.

A firecracker of crispy fried leeks adorned my broiled Blue Marlin ($24) which nicely combined the flavors of a zesty lime aioli + a rich and nutty hazelnut pesto.

Dessert was a luxe silky Custard ($7) balancing a shortbread cookie with raspberries and blackberries.

The warmly lit dining room is accented in subtle instances by nautical themed décor. Meanwhile, its presence in the lounge is anything but subtle - talking pieces include a weathered wooden speedboat on display and a massive wall mounted swordfish.

If you ever find yourself in Madison, Wisconsin craving seafood, Tempest is a must!

Tempest Oyster Bar

120 E Wilson Street

Madison, WI 53703