Amisto, Madison's New High-end Mexican Restaurant, Begins Soft Launch

Amisto opened its doors at 313 W. Johnson St. this week for a soft launch, bringing an elevated modern Mexican dining experience to Madison.

Co-owned by Tanya Zhykharevich, Jack Yip, and Eric Hovde, the new downtown establishment welcomed invited guests on Nov. 12, according to reporting by The Cap Times. The restaurant plans to open its doors to the general public next week.

Inside the space, diners will find lush live plants and a dedicated window where kitchen staff press masa into fresh tortillas. The interior design draws inspiration from terra cotta structures and traditional Aztec patterns.

The menu spans small plates, tacos, fresh seafood, steaks, and unique entrées. Notable dishes include birria short rib tacos served with a side of consommé, and pulpo a la parilla, a seafood small plate featuring grilled Spanish octopus and mole jojo with patatas bravas and chorizo. Vegetarian options include pippin and mushrooms prepared with chimichurri and rice, alongside grilled elote carrots served with black tajin and salsa macha.

Rendered mexican traditional food served mexican style restaurant closeup shot

Behind the bar, the beverage program features specialty cocktails highlighting traditional Mexican ingredients. The Oaxacan old fashioned combines mezcal, cacao nib, bitters, and charred cinnamon. Other offerings include the jardin gimlet made with gin, cilantro, coriander, elderflower, and lime, and the Aztec tomb, which mixes tequila, fire-roasted corn, Nixta Licor de Elote, lime, and chocolate bitters. Amisto also pours several flavors of specialty margaritas, including a hibiscus version.

The layout includes custom sliding doors that separate the public dining areas from a private room designed to seat 16 people.