With Estrellón, his latest culinary endeavor, James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Tory Miller brings Spanish-influenced small plates and tapas to downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The stars align again, with the same locally-sourced vision as L’Etoile, Graze, and Sujeo.

Pursuitist attended the opening of the exceptional Estrellón. Set within a warm, yet modern space off of Madison’s State Street, the Spanish-themed restaurant and wine bar is an instant favorite. Between the extraordinary service, wide selection of wine and cocktails, house-made charcuterie, and beautifully composed dishes, the new 155-seat restaurant is one of Madison’s best.

“In my mind, it’s a little nicer than Graze, and a little less formal than L’Etolie,” Miller told Eater, of where Estrellon, meaning large star in Spanish, falls within his local restaurant constellation.

Continuing his reign as one of the leading chefs in the Midwest, Miller turns the tapa experience up to eleven. From small plates to larger selections, the inventive Estrellón delivers with a Wisconsin twist.

“After traveling in Spain, I was inspired by countless techniques and recipes, so I wanted to bring those same skills home and highlight that cuisine though the fantastic ingredients that are bountiful in the Midwest,” Miller said.

Located in a 6,000 square foot space in the new Ovation building near the Overture Center (313 W Johnson, Madison, Wisconsin 53703), the restaurant features a large dining room as well as a separate section for a bar and taperia offering pinxtos, ham, cheese, and seafood.

The wine menu features primarily Spanish wineries, and the cocktail program by amazing bar manager Mike Lu offers a variety of classic and original cocktails focusing on fortified wines.

Estrellón is currently open from 5pm-10pm on Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-11pm on Friday-Saturday, and eventually will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Make reservations on OpenTable…)

Pursuitist takes you inside Estrellón, Madison’s brightest new star:

Photos courtesy Estrellón: