Sardine, a charming lakeside French eatery, is proudly dedicated to utilizing local and sustainable ingredients. Helmed by chefs and co-owners John Gadau and Phillip Hurley, the restaurant showcases their culinary mastery. Infusing French, Spanish, and American influences, Sardine presents a diverse menu encompassing artisanal cheeses, fresh shellfish, sumptuous seafood, and meticulously braised and roasted meats. Nestled within the historic Machinery Row building on the scenic shores of Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin, Sardine exudes a timeless Mediterranean ambiance. Their rustic stonework and stained wooden shelving foster an inviting setting, perfect for leisurely dining. The bar serves signature cocktails, local and imported tap beers, and a thoughtfully curated wine selection. Sardine offers a special brunch menu on weekends featuring various delectable breakfast options. Vegetarian choices complement the abundance of seafood selections. Guests can also take advantage of free parking lot options, while the option of surprising loved ones with gift cards adds an extra touch of delight.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Curbside Pickup
• Takeout
• Dine in
• Serves Happy Hour Food
• High Chairs Available
• Outdoor Seating
• Takes Reservation.
Best French Restaurants in Madison
Handpicked Top 3 French Restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin. All of our french cuisine actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.
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SARDINE REVIEWS
We loved this place! Went here for dinner and were seated right away as we had a reservation. The service was great and people were friendly. They gave our 5 year old some crayons and that made her happy. We ordered a lot of food and everything was delicious! Definitely recommend.
I loved this place, I went with my husband for an anniversary dinner and everything was simply wonderful, both the food and attentive service. All the staff were very warm and friendly especially our waiter Mathew who. He explained to you the dish without missing every detail. The food was delicious. I especially loved the cassoulet! The chocolate mousse was amazing. I would definitely go back!
Wonderful, attentive service. Staff were all very warm and friendly. Food was so delicious. Especially loved the cassoulet! The chocolate mousse was incredible. Would definitely come back!
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L'Etoile stands as an elegant farm-to-table destination, beckoning guests to indulge in French-inspired American cuisine, complemented by an exquisite selection of wines and cocktails, all within the welcoming confines of US Bank Plaza. Recognized as a beacon of excellence in the Midwest, L'Etoile consistently delivers outstanding quality and service. Regardless of the season, L'Etoile maintains its steadfast commitment to utilizing local and seasonal ingredients, drawing inspiration from the Midwest's talented artisans and small sustainable farms to craft their ever-evolving seasonal menus. The restaurant takes pride in supporting local farmers and artisan producers, fostering a solid connection to the community. With a focus on inclusivity, L'Etoile offers vegetarian and gluten-free menu options to accommodate diverse dietary preferences. They also offer gift cards, which are ideal for sharing the culinary experience with loved ones. Each dish at L'Etoile showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh seasonal ingredients, while their extensive wine list boasts an array of superb choices. Don't miss the chance to delight your loved ones with L'Etoile's gift cards. Indulge in their exquisite Rhubarb Panna Cotta, delicately served with Teasider red chai consommé, pecan streusel, candied rhubarb, and strawberry shortbread. And for added convenience, you can also enjoy your favorite dishes from the comfort of your home.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Takeout
• Dine in
• Takes Reservation.
Specialty:
$Price:
Dreamfarm Chèvre Agnolotti $26
Lamb Tartare, Pinn-Oak Ridge Farms $26
Foie Gras Torchon $27
Quail $27
California Dungeness Crab $27
Second Course Starts from $48
Third Course Starts from $15
Awards:
Contact:
Working Hours:
Fri & Sat: 5pm - 8:45pm
Sun-Tue: Closed
TBR® Inspection Report:
L'ETOILE REVIEWS
A gem.World class dining in our wonderful, cosmopolitan college town. Chef Tory is every bit as good as you have heard. And if you haven’t heard, you haven’t been paying attention. I could write a lengthy review but I will save you time by just saying you owe it to yourself to go at least once. And if you are a wine lover, get the pairing. Michael, the sommelier is excellent. Enjoy!
Really enjoyed my experience here. Tasting menu was great. Good for someone who wishes to try something new with unique and peculiar tastes in a good way. People were very friendly. Your pupils will definitely get dilated widely while you are dining thanks to great foods and very dimly lit atmosphere.
My sister and I had a once in a lifetime experience! I absolutely love this place!
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Cadre Restaurant, nestled along University Avenue, offers a charming French dining experience. Celebrated for its steadfast commitment to authentic French cuisine, Cadre Restaurant prides itself on sourcing fresh ingredients to craft timeless dishes, all within a warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant boasts a full bar and an impressive selection of expertly crafted cocktails. Standout offerings at Cadre Restaurant include the Beef Bourguignon, Smoked Whitefish Salad Sandwich, Steak and Eggs, and an array of delightful Crepes. The restaurant's primary goal is to deliver exceptional food quality, ensuring a lovely dining experience for every guest. The aromatic scent of their escargot tantalizes the senses, featuring garlic butter-poached snails accompanied by parsley, lemon, and sliced baguette. Cadre Restaurant specializes in beef bourguignon, promising a memorable culinary journey. Additionally, the restaurant provides convenient amenities such as complimentary WiFi and wheelchair accessibility, further enhancing the overall satisfaction of its patrons. Highly recommended dishes include Beef Carpaccio, House Salad, and Daube with Polenta.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Takeout
• Dine in
• Takes Reservation
• Serves Vegetarian Dishes.
Specialty:
$Price:
Restoratif 5
Bread & Butter 5
Soup Du Jour 12
House Salad 7
Lyonnaise Salad 13
SHARED PLATES:
Oyster Plate $15
Fromage $ 9
Chevre Cheese Curd $10
Escargot $11
Caesar Potato $ 11
Beef Carpaccio $18
Entrees Starts from $20
Dessert Starts from $4
Contact:
Working Hours:
Sat: 4pm - 9pm
Sun & Mon: Closed
TBR® Inspection Report:
CADRE RESTAURANT REVIEWS
The first time experience was lovely. Both entree dished were delicious. As for desert, creme brûlée had some sort of liqueur in it which we didn’t care for as we excepted classic desert. The presentation was absolutely beautiful. The 20% service fee added by default set the experience a little on a wrong foot. While I understand the reason behind this approach, as a customer I rather pay higher dish prices. Transparency sometimes can be hurtful, as many reviews serve as prove. Otherwise, there is two hour parking lot on the same block, so parking was easy. The service was fine as well. Overall we enjoyed the menu offerings and the restaurant.
Cadre is one of my favorite places in Madison. Pretty much everything we have had there has been amazing. The staff is incredible and accommodating to my unique needs. The patio is a perfect little spot for outdoor dining. The happy hour has nice specials. They have wonderful drinks including non-alcoholic options. I highly recommend the moules frites, soups (that vary), and cheese curds. Price tag can vary widely- if you do a happy hour it can be quite cheap, or you can really go all out for a higher end expensive meal. It’s been a fantastic dining experience every time.
Loved every bit of it. The old fashioneds were the best my husband says he’s ever had, the cheese curds were amazing too! All from the atmosphere to the entrees and dessert. 5 stars.
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