Across Monona, family kitchens and markets tell stories of migration, memory and home. From Laotian noodles and Jamaican jerk to regional Indian curries and Honduran pupusas, these immigrant-owned restaurants share the flavors that shaped their journeys—and have become beloved parts of Monona’s local dining scene, all located within minutes of each other on Monona Drive.
El Gallo
Woman-owned and led by Monica Covarrubias, whose roots trace to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, El Gallo brings vibrant Mexican flavors—and a bilingual robot named “Arturito” serving up chips and salsa—to Monona. With its fresh house-made sauces, large variety of dishes and standout vegetarian and vegan options, El Gallo’s menu reflects a kitchen shaped by Latin American culinary traditions and a passion for sharing them. Crowd favorites include the tacos birria, slow-cooked shredded beef marinated with roasted dried peppers served with rice, beans and lots of lime.
Swad
Whether it’s your first time or your one hundredth, you will be treated like family when you walk through the door of Swad, a popular Indian restaurant where the welcoming staff make you feel right at home. Known for its large menu, Swad has 150+ dishes that highlight regional specialties from tandoori to a large variety of curries. Start with the naan and you can’t go wrong; delivered to your table steaming right out of the oven, the bread is ready to be ripped into bite-sized pieces and dipped in the accompanying cool yogurt raita and mouth-puckering tamarind chutney.
David’s Jamaican Cuisine
Owned by husband-and-wife team Pauline and David Blake, David’s Jamaican Cuisine has brought the bold flavors of the Caribbean to Monona for over 20 years. With a loyal following for its warm hospitality and vibrant Jamaican cooking, the restaurant’s menu includes island favorites like jerk chicken, jerk catfish and sweet fried plantains, along with vegetarian options including bright and sweet pineapple or mango tofu. Don’t overlook a hearty, restorative bowl of oxtail stew, a popular comfort food in Caribbean cuisine featuring fall-off-the-bone beef tails and root vegetables. Leaving with a full belly and happy heart, the Blakes’ longtime motto, is all but guaranteed.
Hot 'n Spicy
Previously tucked inside at the back of Viet Hoa Market, Hot 'n Spicy can now be found next door in the former location of Mishqui Peruvian. Chef Tammy Phommachanh originally opened the three-table restaurant and takeout spot in 2018 along with her son Newton Sam Phthiboupha. Showcasing the vibrant flavors of Laos, Hot 'n Spicy features dishes like papaya salad, Lao sausages and khao piek noodle soup—bold, homemade flavors that reflect a close-knit mother-and-son culinary partnership. Visit them at their new location with all the same comforting Laotian fare but expanded space to sit and enjoy.
Monona Bakery & Eatery
Family-run Monona Bakery & Eatery blends Mexican and Honduran traditions with classic cafe fare. Founded by Vicente Sacramento and Claudia Gamoneda, the restaurant pairs scratch-made pastries, like their unique and highly sought guava and cheese danish, and cakes, including a rotating daily tres leches cake—look for flavors like coconut and strawberry—with comforting Latin American favorites like mole enchiladas, burritos and pupusas, a thick corn tortilla filled with combinations of pork, beans and cheese. Paired alongside an all-day breakfast menu including pancakes and egg scrambles, Monona Bakery & Eatery has something for everyone.
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