A Pig In A Fur Coat opened its doors on Williamson Street in May 2012, founded by Madison native and chef Dan Bonanno, whose culinary journey took him from the Culinary Institute of America to Michelin-starred kitchens in Chicago.
The restaurant inhabits a space with deep neighborhood roots, once home to a 1920s corner grocery and later a series of small businesses. Restorations preserved the pressed tin ceiling and exposed brick, creating a cozy backdrop for Bonanno’s open kitchen and communal tables.
From the start, A Pig In A Fur Coat aimed to bring a playful, Mediterranean spirit to Madison’s east side, blending European comfort food with local Wisconsin ingredients and a nose-to-tail philosophy. The menu changes often, but dishes like the pig’s head torchon and house charcuterie have become local legends.
The restaurant quickly became a cornerstone of Willy Street’s dining scene, known for its convivial atmosphere, chef-driven creativity, and willingness to push boundaries—hosting secret James Beard dinners and welcoming culinary icons like Anthony Bourdain at the bar.
Today, it’s a beloved gathering place where locals, visitors, and off-duty chefs mingle over shared plates, inventive cocktails, and stories that capture the quirky, welcoming heart of Madison.
