★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Fantastic all the way around. An experience to be appreciated on a variety of levels.

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★ 5

We went to L’Etoile for my grandparents anniversary dinner, and we were blown away! The food was to die for, the service was fantastic, and they went above and beyond as always. We will be back!

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★ 5

L'Etoile is our new place in Madison for special occasion dinners. Everything about it is perfect. We loved how we were warmly greeted by Payton who helped us throughout the night. The food was spectacular and the service was spot on. And then there's the beautiful atmosphere. It's stunning. The best part about it is it reminds us of some of our favorite restaurants in Paris. We can't wait to go back.

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★ 5

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★ 5

The seasonal tasting menu highlighted local produce with finesse, from a delicate vegetable starter to a rich lamb course that carried depth without heaviness. Service moved with quiet precision, and the elegant space made the evening feel special.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

A Birthday at L’Etoile – Madison’s Star Still Shines Bright

For my birthday this year, my family and I returned to L’Etoile, Madison’s temple of seasonal Midwestern fine dining, and once again it delivered an evening as precise and memorable as any I’ve experienced. From the moment we were greeted with a warm “Happy Birthday, Edward” printed at the top of the tasting menu, it was clear that the team’s attention to detail would extend far beyond the plate.

The service was exemplary—timed to the rhythm of the meal, neither rushed nor lingering. Each course arrived as a perfectly staged moment, the presentation so artful that pausing to admire it felt almost obligatory. I had chosen the grand tasting menu, enhanced by the sommelier’s wine pairings—an indulgence that proved more than worth the additional charge. His selections didn’t just complement the dishes; they deepened them, drawing out flavors I might otherwise have missed.

The Hamachi Crudo en Adobo set the tone—delicate slices of fish accented with sweet corn, creamy avocado, blue corn tostadas for crunch, and a blueberry pico de gallo that provided a surprising pop of tart sweetness.

Next came Ricotta Agnolotti, a dish that balanced rustic warmth with garden freshness. Nestled among ratatouille, capers, and a tender squash blossom, the agnolotti’s creamy filling was lifted by basil’s perfume.

The Boquerones-Crusted Alaskan Halibut was a study in finesse—its golden crust giving way to tender, flaky fish. It was anchored by dashi-braised leeks and potatoes à la Robuchon (silken, butter-rich, and dangerously addictive), with chanterelles and haricots verts adding earth and green snap.

Then, the Pinn-Oak Ridge Lamb Spare Rib Shawarma—aromatic, tender, and served with fava bean falafel, cucumber yogurt, and a sumac-scented onion salad that cut through the lamb’s richness beautifully.

The New York Strip Ribeye course was a carnivore’s finale—perfectly seared, accompanied by smoky Spanish octopus, crispy patatas bravas, and the brightness of sungold tomatoes.

Dessert was a playful yet refined Door County Sweet Cherry Fool—a summer tableau of sweet corn budino, brown sugar corn cake, Thai basil shortbread, and a lace of caramel.

As we left, my family and I agreed: L’Etoile remains unmatched in its ability to make a meal feel like an occasion. It’s not simply about the food, but the way every element—service, pacing, wine, and presentation—converges into an experience greater than the sum of its parts. Next year’s birthday already has a reservation in spirit.

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★ 5

Just remarkable! If you have the chance to eat here, by all means do it. Never been anywhere better.

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★ 5

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★ 2

3.50 for the reservation lol, it’s Madison around the Square… not the West Loop. They want “The Signature Room” pricing without a view.

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★ 5

I believe their 4.7 star rating is about right. We had an excellent meal. We went with the tasting menu, which consisted of hamachi, pasta, halibut, lamb, steak, and a cherry dessert. I've posted a picture of our menu for reference. The hamachi, pasta, steak, and dessert were all fantastic. The halibut was very good, but it didn't stand out compared to the rest. The lamb was good, but nothing special. The dessert was the winner. It's easily one of the best dishes I have tasted. My son was also blown away. I would have eaten seconds and thirds if I could have.

Overall, we had a good experience. If you're in the mood to splurge, L'Etoile is a good option.

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★ 5

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★ 3

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★ 5

If I could give 10 stars to the team at L’Étoile I would! My wife and I chose this restaurant to celebrate getting married. The staff was so sweet the entire time! They went above and beyond to make our experience special. The food was so fresh and light and spectacular. We chose the a la carte menu and everything we ordered was magnificent. We will absolutely be returning to L’Étoile, hopefully sooner rather than later. Thank you all so much for making our night wonderful 😊

Source: Google

★ 5

This is beyond just a meal, this is art. Every single bite better than the previous. I ordered the congee, a traditional comfort food, and since I was in a risk taking mood I added the skate too. Both were outstanding. Skate really takes skill to transform it, and that was accomplished and then some! The chicken dish was the crowing star. As funny as it sounds, if chicken could ever be perfect, this is it. The ambiance, the food, the service, all of it was outstanding. To the chef, my thanks for a memorable meal!

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★ 5

Best meal I’ve ever had.

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★ 5

The tasting menu is awe-inspiring, with seasonal fare in every course. There is even an option for N/A drink pairings.

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★ 5

Although I was late when getting lost and looking for parking, Brandon still treated me kindly and made sure my experience was smooth. Paige was my waitress and fantastic. Food and desserts were tasty and the perfect amount for me. The view-amazing! Will definitely visit again when I’m back in Madison. Recommend coming early to find parking in the streets! 🫠

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★ 5

Everything was very good. It's definitely a fine dining atmosphere. Everything from the music to the service was excellent. The food tasted extremely fresh. I opted for the ala cart. You can order as many dishes as you want.

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★ 5

An incredible experience on every level. The wine pairing with the tasting menu was so fun. Incredible service as always!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

This was not my first time at L'Etoile, as we've been several times since moving to Madison about a year and a half ago. I have been meaning to leave a review! We typically opt for the tasting menu with the wine pairing, and it never disappoints. The ambiance is exceptional, with a stunning view of Madison’s Capitol building.

One of the highlights is the sommelier—he is an incredible storyteller and takes the time to answer any questions we have about the wines. The waitstaff is always professional and attentive, adding to the overall experience.

We’re already looking forward to our next visit at the end of the month!

Here are a few photos from our most recent meal.

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★ 5

Tory Miller does an extraordinary job of representing Madison WI on the world culinary stage through the lense of his own background. This is authentic Madison WI cuisine and it's done to absolute perfection. Shout out to sommelier Michael whose wine pairings are ALWAYS impeccable. I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in the country... given the opportunity I would 100% of the time come back to L'ETOILE before any of them 1000/10 stars

Source: Google

★ 5

It was our first time dining at L’etoile, and the overall atmosphere made us feel so comfortable. All the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the background music happened to be exactly my type.

My husband and I opted for the tasting menu, and every dish left a deep impression on us, from the plating and color combinations to the flavors. The highlight for me was the Doppio Agnolotti. This dish featured a persimmon sauce with fresh persimmon slices, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the pork and Rush Creek Reserve. It was my first time trying persimmon sauce, and I absolutely loved it—definitely a 10/10!

Yesterday was my birthday, and L’etoile made it even more special with a complimentary birthday dessert and a candle. Everything was so thoughtful and perfect, making the day truly unforgettable.

I’m certain this was our first visit, but it definitely won’t be our last!

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★ 5

The tasting menu with wine pairing is an incredible experience from start to finish.

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★ 5

I chose to go here for my wedding dinner and I’m glad I did because this place is amazing! Very high quality food, excellent service and superb location. They think of everything. I loved it. Thank you!

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★ 5

This was a very beautiful restaurant with beautiful dishes along with some of the best wine we have tasted. We were lucky to have a such a knowledgeable wine expert (forgot to catch his name). Benji, our server, was very respectful and accommodating. The rest of the staff also made this a great birthday night!

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★ 5

Best dining experience we’ve had in a while! They made our anniversary so special with little treats from the minute we sat to little goodies for us to leave with. Amazing service. Every bite was a flavor combination we hadn’t tried before, everything was incredibly fresh & truly felt like the seasons in our mouths! Can’t wait to come back.

Special shout out to the bread & maple-Aleppo-squash butter! Incredible.

Source: Google

★ 5

We dined at L'Etoile last evening, and all 3 of us diners agreed it was one of our best restaurant experiences ever. My husband and friend did the tasting menu w/paired wines. They are both very knowledgeable about fine wines, and were blown away. Our friend was in from San Francisco, so has tasted the best of the best. I stuck with champagne all evening, and it was absolutely the finest I have ever had. The food was delicious--every single platter-- fresh, creative, and captured the midwest spirit. We went "all out," but it could be done on a more restrained budget as well if needed. It's definitely the place to go for a top-notch dinner out in Madison. Everyone understood the assignment: hostess, bartender, wait staff, bus staff and particularly the charming sommelier with superlative expertise and enthusiasm. The restaurant is spotless and the view of the Capitol is splendid whilst dining. We WILL be coming back to L'Etoile! Thank you for a memorable evening.

Source: Google

★ 5

Still Madison's finest.

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★ 5

Update 8-24-2024: We have eaten at amazing restaurants all over the world, and L'Etoile is among, if not the best. Not only is the food always delicious, fresh, creative, and beautifully presented, the staff make you feel like old friends who have to visit. There are no pretenses here - just class, kindness and amazing food and drinks. On that subject, the cocktails are outstanding, too!
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Update 11-30-2023: Simply the best in Madison! It was our 4th time here in the past 7 months and, as always, everything was perfect: the drinks, the food, the "surprises," the desserts, the atmosphere. Our server Paige was an absolute delight and added tot he wonderful experience. I love how this is one of the best restaurants in the world but the vibe is so relaxed, like you are visiting friends, yet still refined. It is perfect!

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We’ve eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world and are delighted to say that L’Etoile is among them. We celebrated a perfect evening at L’Etoile due to the fantastically talented staff and chefs. From the preservation process and personal communications with the staff that led to us getting a special booth and our pescatarian preferences acknowledged with a special tasting menu - to complimentary sparkling wine and anniversary wishes from all of the staff - to the spectacular meal, cocktails, and desserts -to a take home pastry present – L’Etoile was outstanding in every aspect. Some details: a gorgeous setting at sundown in a private booth, knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive (but not intrusive) hospitality and waitstaff, the best boulevardier I’ve ever had (made with Whistle Pig rye, Zucco Rabararo, and Sfumato), and amazingly delicious and beautiful entrees. Our favorites were the Soy Glazed Hamachi, Chèvre Gnudi, Sweet Onion Potatoes Perogies, and … fresh Croissant Doughnuts with brûlée bananas. I can’t imagine a better dining experience. Best of all – my beautiful wife of 2 years <3 Thank you from both of us.

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★ 5

Pricy as expected but well worth it. Wife commented more than once it was like being on an Iron Chef/Top Chef/Chopped type show as a judge, with all the descriptions of each different wine or food.

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★ 4

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★ 5

We are visiting from Phoenix area and this is our second visit to this incredible eatery. One can easily witness the care and attention to every detail by the chef / owner. Each and every dish represents their commitment to support local farmers. Each dish is presented in an artful manner with each ingredient being the star on its own, yet a perfect blend. Taste, aroma, colors, texture, sauces and placement are all perfectly executed. No less important, staff is well trained and informed in educating you about the story behind each ingredient. Wine pairing is expertly recommended and presented. Our entire course was efficiently timed while we never felt rushed. It is an experience worth any special occasion or just to celebrate the company you are in

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★ 5

L’Etoile made me forget about the world outside and inspired me once again. The memories of taste will fade but that feeling will not. Quality, mastery, consistency, value, harmony, personality, it’s all there. Dined four times over the years, all exceptional tasting menus. Thank you.

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★ 5

What an indulgent experience for our anniversary! We chose the reserve wine pairing menu and went “all-out”! Every plate was an explosion of flavor, texture and surprise. The staff is superb and very attentive. This is not a place we can afford to frequent but it sure was a fantastic night of celebrating us!! So worth it!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Everything about this experience is amazing. Their food, their bathrooms 😂, their service and the view. Highly recommend for an anniversary or birthday. You’ll spend at least a few hours at the meal, with a high price to reflect. But it’s been worth it for us. We’ve been a few times and I’ve been so impressed every time. Nothing else quite like it in the Madison area.

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★ 4

Have heard a lot of good things about this restaurant. Overall we had a good time there and the food was good but I feel it’s a bit overpriced. The presentation was great but the flavor was just not to our liking. It’s a restaurant good for a date night with wonderful view and atmosphere.

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★ 5

Outstanding restaurant. Exceptional service. Tasty food. Will be coming back.

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★ 5

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★ 4

My girlfriend and I went here for a date and opted for the tasting menu. It was pricey, but the food and service were good. One oddity was that some overhead lights were positioned such that I was in the light and my girlfriend was in the dark. It didn't really interfere with anything but was noticeable and strange.

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★ 5

The set menu’s price and portion is pretty good for $170 pps and have many sweets😇

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

My sister and I had a once in a lifetime experience! I absolutely love this place!

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★ 5

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!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Swanky upscale experience, you won't be disappointed as long as you're expecting a multi course delight ;-)

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★ 5

Best restaurant I've ever eaten at. Not even close.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

Sommelier: 9
Service: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Taste, textures, temperature: 5
Price value: 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 1

It did not live up to my expectations. Given the Michelin 1-star price tag for its tasting menu, every aspect of its food has a long way to catch up.

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★ 1

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★ 5

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★ 5

We tried the tasting menu, both the usual one and the vegetarian one. So many delicious dishes. I enjoyed the wine pairing as well.

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★ 5

The tasting menu is the way to go. They even had one ready to go that was gluten free. 5 courses plus a few additional tastes the chef selected to highlight in-season produce. The most upscale farm to table experience I've ever had.

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★ 5

The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and very accommodating. The food was elegant and delicious!

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★ 5

Upscale restaurant with sommelier, mini bites in between courses, decadent desserts!!!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Went here for a birthday dinner and was blown away. Every single bite was amazing, and as a result, I highly recommend the tasting menu. The menu highlights so many Wisconsin ingredients I never even knew existed.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Overview:
Rating: 5/5
L'Etoile Restaurant is a true gem in the culinary scene, offering an upscale farm-to-table dining experience that beautifully combines French-inspired American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. With its impeccable service, elegant ambiance, and exceptional flavors, L'Etoile sets the standard for fine dining in the area. For a truly remarkable and memorable dining experience, this is the place to be.

Atmosphere:
The ambiance at L'Etoile is nothing short of enchanting. The airy and sophisticated venue creates a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. The attention to detail in the decor, combined with soft lighting and tasteful furnishings, enhances the overall dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or seeking an intimate evening, L'Etoile Restaurant delivers a setting that exudes elegance.

Service:
The service at L'Etoile Restaurant is truly exemplary. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience. From the moment you step through the door, you'll be greeted with warmth and professionalism. The servers are well-versed in the menu, offering insightful recommendations and ensuring that every aspect of your meal is flawlessly executed. Their attention to detail and genuine care for their guests elevates the dining experience to extraordinary heights. The addition of an expert sommelier is a wonderful enhancement to elevate your evening.

Menu, Food, and Beverages:
L'Etoile’s menu showcases the finest farm-to-table cuisine with a French-inspired American twist. The dishes are masterpieces of flavors, skillfully crafted with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Each bite is a celebration of the season's bounty, with a perfect balance of textures and tastes. From appetizers to main courses and desserts, every dish at L'Etoile Restaurant tells a story. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring that you experience the freshest ingredients and innovative combinations. The wine and cocktail selection is extensive, offering the perfect accompaniment to complement your meal.

Price:
As an upscale restaurant, L'Etoile's pricing reflects the extraordinary dining experience it provides. While it may be on the higher end of the spectrum, the impeccable quality of the ingredients, the mastery of flavors, and the attention to detail make it well worth the investment for a special occasion or a memorable culinary adventure.

Location and Accessibility:
L'Etoile is located on the Square, which can make parking more difficult, though I have found there are usually spaces relatively close by, depending on your dining time.

Special Features/Highlights:
The inclusion of a tasting menu or à la carte options is a wonderful addition. While you can pick and choose your favorite courses from the à la carte menu, the tasting menu offers a tantalizing journey for your taste buds. They also will cater to almost any eating needs and work with you to avoid any allergens and sensitivities when you are making your reservation.

Improvements:
It is challenging to find any areas for improvement at L'Etoile. The dedication to excellence and the meticulous execution of every aspect of the dining experience make it an outstanding establishment.

Final Thoughts:
L'Etoile is the epitome of refined dining, combining French-inspired American cuisine with farm-to-table principles. From the exquisite flavors to the impeccable service and elegant ambiance, every aspect of the experience is nothing short of exceptional. If you're seeking a remarkable culinary journey that celebrates the best of local ingredients, L'Etoile is an absolute must-visit. It sets the bar high for upscale dining and delivers an experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Source: Google

★ 5

Definitely a whole experience on it's own. Went for an anniversary and we got the tasting menu with the June special wine pairing and was there for at least 3 hours, getting new courses throughout the whole time, and even a dessert to bring home. Would definitely recommend for the experience, and the excellent hosts.

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★ 5

Michelin star experience! Great food, amazing service!

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★ 5

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★ 5

phenomenal food, phenomenal staff, great atmosphere, we will be back again

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★ 5

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★ 5

Simply amazing experience with friendly service. Definitely a treat on the square!

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★ 5

Food and service doesn't get any better than this! True culinary experience.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Always amazing, and legitimately superior to many way more hyped big city high-end restaurants, and way more humble.

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★ 5

Phenomenal as always. Every time we come it is an incredible food adventure with new flavors I've never tasted. They are fantastic with asking about dietary restrictions (I have none). If you go, make sure you give the somellier a chance. The wine cellar has outstanding options at all price points. Worth every penny for the magical experience here!

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★ 5

Everything was great from start to finish! Had a warm towel for our hands when we came in from the cold… and the chief cooks with magic or love maybe both ! Also not a place you wear jeans at lol

I recommend for special occasions

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★ 1

We have always been a fan of L’Etoile. Since 2016, we have been regulars and have always had a great time. Michael, the wine director is a phenomenal person who has great attention to details and is very knowledgeable. He is part of the L’Etoile experience! For New Year’s Eve dinner, we invited our friends to join us at L’Etoile. We were seated in the mezzanine, in the private dining room which made the dining experience more intimate. As always, the food was amazing and tasteful. Brandon, our server was amazing and polite.
The black sheep of the night was the Director of Operations - Helene. Her attitude and demeanor are flatly unacceptable. Regardless of working at L’Etoile or at any other restaurants. At the end of the night, I asked her if we could please have our coats and she rudely said, “Where is your ticket?” I replied by saying she did not give us any ticket when we checked-in with her earlier that night. My friend saw her coat in the closet and was walking towards the closet to pick it up and Helene added, “Madam, you are not allowed in here” She then pulled the curtain of the closet with such an attitude which left us speechless. Seriously? We asked for her name and to speak to her manager and she answered. “You do not need to know my name. I am the Director of Operations.” Many of our friends saw the incident and they were stunned.

The DOO clearly needs some heavy training in customer service and how to treat her patrons well! We are very disappointed! I hope Chef Tory Miller will do the right thing.

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★ 5

Thank you for the wonderful NYE experience! The prix fixe menu and wine pairing was stellar. Great ambiance and perfect service, and you can't beat the view of the capitol. Happy New Year to all of the staff and ownership at L'Etoile!

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

I dined here as part of a group that reserved a tasting menu. I was pleasantly surprised at how approachable all of the dishes were. They were very accommodating to our groups various dietary restrictions. Overall a very special experience, I would highly recommend for any group special occasion.

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★ 5

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★ 5

What an incredible meal! The service and food were outstanding. The restaurant actually printed special tasting menus for my husband and I because we said we were "pescatarians" when we made the online reservation. The servers were knowledgable, friendly, and attentive. We felt so well taken care of, course after course. This restaurant has a romantic, hip atmosphere without being pretentious. It would be an amazing place to celebrate any kind of special event.

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★ 5

Delicious food, great atmosphere, don't skip the wine pairing!

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★ 5

Was an amazing experience from the moment we walked in. Staff was extremely friendly and the tasting menu was one of the best I've had.

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★ 5

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★ 3

Went for food and wine pairing . It was $235 a person with out gratuity. All wine was German. Not quality we expected. Food was o.k. Not worth the over $1000 for 4 people. Way overpriced for what you get!

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★ 5

The food on the tasting menu was unique and fantastic. The staff professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. This was a memorable anniversary dinner. My wife and I look forward to returning.

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★ 5

Fine, fine dining! We celebrated our anniversary here, and the whole experience was wonderful! Thank you for the comp glasses of champagne. Friendly, helpful staff. Our waiter could answer all menu questions, and assisted with our wine selection. We chose the ala carte menu, and ordered 3 courses. Of course in between, there were little extra surprise bites brought to our table. The dishes were plated very artistically, one had fresh snapdragons as an accent. Two favorites: the beef tenderloin carpaccio, and cherve agnolotti. Also, the sablefish was rich, and extremely moist, delicious. I love trying new fish dishes at top restaurants. We would recommend this fine dining spot to anyone, and don't forget the awesome view!!

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★ 2

I took my pregnant wife to L'Etoile for her birthday. We told them repeatedly that she was pregnant and has an aversion to garlic so we were surprised when they served her an amuse-bouche that was highly seasoned with garlic. Its server said that no one told her rudely and another later apologized. We also ask for dishes without raw meat, seafood and cheese. They substituted a raw cheese but served a blue cheese stating that it was pasturized. Pregnant women must not eat blue cheeses that are uncooked, regardless of whether the milk used is pasturized. Given our experience with the garlic, we just left without further discussion. We cannot recommend the restaurant to anyone pregnant or who has any other dietary restrictions. Best go elsewhere than risk similar experience.

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★ 1

Got the set menu plus reserve wine pairing. Found the service to be very nice and staff friendly and attentive. The ambiance was nice as well.

As a local from Madison, I think for a restaurant in Madison it’s not bad since there’s not much competition as a big fish in a small pond for a gastro restaurant / fine dining but I feel like it lacks many elements in quality and taste.

Paid $580 for two people. Worth probably $50/pp at most in terms of quality and taste.

I guess if you compare to any restaurant at this price point or even half the price in other places in the world, this wouldn’t be able to compare.

Almost every dish was extremely over sauced, over seasoned, over salted.

Starter fish couldn’t even be tasted due to how heavy the seasonings were. Tortellini had so much butter and salt that it also overpowered the main ingredient once again.

The halibut fish was the only dish that didn’t have the supporting cast of ingredients overpower the main star. But it was just bland.

The steak was cooked well (rare to med rare) but once again totally overpowered by it being drowned out by sitting in a salty and rich sauce.

Overall I just felt like this restaurant could do so much better and has so much more potential.

The supporting cast of each dish should empower the main (quality) ingredients, instead it was a missed opportunity and ended up drowning out the main with overly sauced salted and buttered components.

I hope this review serves as a wake up call for this restaurant and chef. I hope they don’t call it French inspired though much longer because it gives French cuisine a bad name 😄

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★ 5

Extraordinary farm-to-table, seasonally-inspired menus. Exceptional service. Beautiful view of the state capitol.

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★ 5

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★ 4

I love the foie gras and pork belly in the first course. The rest are okay but not as great as expected. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of the dessert. I felt that the cake, sorbet, and the fruit in the plate didn’t make a good combination. The cake was mediocre. That being said, I’d still like to try their other menus. The service was great :).

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★ 5

One of the best restaurants in Madison. Amazing food from local sources, Very knowledgeable and attentive sommelier who will suggest wines from France, Austria, and Germany among others. Michelin star level restaurant with a great view of the Capitol.

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★ 4

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★ 5

L'Etoile, Tory Miller, and his staff make me question every 5 star review I've dished out in the past: "good cup of chili, tasty drinks, good value... 5 stars." 5 stars at L'Etoile make something like that I've written in the past seem almost as embarrassing as my 8th grade class photo.

Tory and the team created an environment that almost screams "Go ahead. Be picky. Have high expectations. We got this." And boy, do they ever.

The service is excellent. Period. Perfectly attentive, excellent team work, limited pretense and unnecessary pomp.

The sommelier is creative and spot on with the pairings (recommended, even if you order a la carte). There's no phoning it in with run of the mill varietals -- I learn something every time.

The food is, when I'm in my most heightened state of culinary consciousness, fantastic.

While we only make it for very special occasions, dining here more often has become a new life goal.

Thank you, Tory and team, for bringing truly fine dining to our little Midwest gem. 5 stars, a thousand times.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Wow. Incredible experience, incredible food and drink. Such fresh abs seasonal ingredients makes going here an otherworldly experience each time! We got 1 app, 2 main dishes, 1 dessert and a drink each and it was around $170 bill. Extremely reasonably for the insane quality. If you went to this caliber of restaurant in a bigger city, it’s a 300-400$ meal EASILY!

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★ 5

Wonderful staff!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Always a different and amazing culinary experience. It is fine dining - one of my favorite places in the world. They often will incorporate anything in season and cater to any dietary restrictions. I can't recommend it enough!

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★ 5

Everything was amazing!! Highly recommend.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Amazing experience right from the moment you place reservations and step in. Coat check, escorting to the table, explanation of all the dishes and drinks, positioning of the cutlery and plates. Food of course is very tasty and comes with exquisite presentation. There was a separate menu for vegetarians. Bread was very fresh and tasted really good with the butter. I loved the polenta and the beets. Wonderful to finish with the sundae. They gave a surprise oatmeal cookie at the end which made the meal i guess all the more satisfying. Awesome restaurant in Madison.

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★ 5

Repeat customer who had a brilliant dinner a while ago, returned this week for another experience. The Tasting menu and wine pairing is a must…expensive no doubt but these people pull off the most magical dish creations with masterfully paired wines. Truly amazing experience. Even the vegetarian tasting dishes were imaginative, beautifully plated, and an explosion of flavors. Allow 2 hours to enjoy the experience.

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★ 5

We come here on our anniversary every 5 years. 15 years came in 2020, so we delayed for a year and a half, but we went over the weekend and it did not disappoint. The food was excellent and original. We ordered off the a la carte menu. The menu when we visited was seafood-heavy, which was great for us. The dishes lean heavily on local produce and meats, and everything is prepared meticulously and expertly. All the little details were spot-on. We did wine pairings, which made the experience like a wine tasting along with a meal.

Compared to previous visits, the portion sizes were larger this time, which is unusual for a 3-course dinner at a fine restaurant. We both left feeling a little over-stuffed actually.

We had a sous-vide halibut and an agnoloti for starters, both were excellent, with some unexpected surprises that worked really well.

Entrees we got Snapper and King Salmon. The Snapper was excellent. The Salmon was very good, perfectly cooked and tasty, but missed a little on presentation, with a gloppy pink sauce that was not plated terribly artfully. It had beets three ways on it, which 2 out of three were excellent, but after a few bites, raw beets aren't terribly pleasant.

Dessert was a rich and tasty chocolate cake and a goat cheese cheesecake, which was perfect.

Overall an excellent experience, excellent service, and a lovely evening. We will be back in 2025 for 20 years.

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★ 5

Service was fantastic and food was even better!

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★ 5

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★ 5

The staff was very accommodating and welcoming. They are very knowledgeable about the menu and the produce that is used to prepare the meal. Joe ensured our anniversary experience was top notch and we will be returning to try Graze as recommended.

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★ 1

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★ 5

A wonderful dining experience. Every course on the tasting menu was delicious and unique. Service was impeccable. Definitely looking forward to coming back.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Excellent food, experience, and view.

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★ 5

Artfully prepared dishes, lovely ambiance, and servers/staff are trained like no place else. They really know the menu and it’s contents, good pairings, etc. Great place for a special occasion, even if that occasion is just making it your first visit. Most will likely not be able to sustain a monthly visit without affecting their ability to pay for housing, but it’s worth a treat now and then.

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★ 4

the food was good but the portions were incredibly small and i left the restaurant feeling unusually hungry

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★ 3

Visited for the first time 12/31 for the New Year's Eve prix fixe menu.

We started with a drink at the bar before being seated . After being served our drinks we were promptly seated. We took a moment to go over the menu but because it was set in advanced (I think there may have been a few changes between our reservation and when we made it) it felt like we were waiting a little long before ordering.

The service was very good. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu but there were some hiccups when explaining dishes. The sommelier was fun and always had something interesting to say about the wine. Pacing was also well done and we didnt feel rushed.

Food: We tried basically the whole prix fixe menu and really were not amazed by anything. Every dish felt like it was missing something (under seasoned? Needs some salt? Who knows I'm not a professional). Wine pairing was often the highlight of the dish (I often found myself thinking that the dish was good only after sipping on the wine). Favorites from the food offerings were the beef tartare with quail egg and potato chips and the passionfruit ice cream that was served with the chocolate mousse. Everything else was highly forgettable.

Overall this restaurant at first feels like high dining that just ends up falling short of the mark because the flavors provided by the chef were bland and unremarkable.

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★ 5

Went to a special holiday prixe fixe and it was perfect in every way

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★ 5

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★ 5

Amazing food and reasonably priced!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Had a wonderful dinning experience. Very classy. The staff was amazing as were the Chefs. I highly recommend this restaurant. It was my daughter's dream come true.

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★ 5

Just about as fun, and of course expensive as it gets. Over the top food, wine, and staff. One of the top two culinary experiences in my 67 years on this planet.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Exquisite from start to finish. An absolute experience that you won't regret.

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★ 5

Never disappoints

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Phenomenal 😍🙌

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★ 5

Local seasonal creative delicious. Expert service. Will be back for more.

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★ 5

Always exceptional. Inspiring atmosphere, views of the Capitol, and of course the food.

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★ 5

Very fancy, basically a half Michelin star. Gorgeous presentation and perfect wine pairing with the tasting menu.

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★ 5

Destination dining! My friend grew up in Madison and described this as the prom dream date. Now we travel together a lot and will frequently do what we did tonight. We ordered everything on the starter menu and one dessert item. Starters/appetizers are always so much more creative than entrées. Let’s face it, there’s only so many ways you can cook a steak or chicken or fish. It is the starters/appetizers and the desserts where chef’s truly shine.

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★ 5

Magical.

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★ 3

The experience itself was positive: friendly staff, complimentary champagne for our anniversary, and an overall clean, simplistic atmosphere. If I had feedback to give about the venue, it would be to set the shades to either cover more of the front windows as the evening begins, or not seat the tables nearest the front windows, as the sunlight there is a bit overpowering.

We chose to have the Chef's tasting experience, which we've done before at such places as The French Room in Dallas,TX and Different Pointe of View in Phoenix, AZ, which were both extraordinary experiences, so we had high hopes for L'Etoile given the $145/person cost (which was more than we'd paid for our prior experiences). Unfortunately, we can only say we left saying "meh". It was a very expensive, mediocre 6-course meal, with a few highlights and some delicious cocktails.

It started with a surprisingly good 1-bite, tasty bacon aioli salad that was both flavorful and refreshing. We moved on to a sushi and cucumber dish that, while beautiful, seemed to be a collection of vegetables that didn't compliment well, with an overly salty sauce. It did have some theatrics with a nitrogen-infused sauce that I couldn't taste because, nitrogen freezes things.

To follow was a lobster bisque and corn mixture that was tasty, if only for the lobster and ravioli. After this was a "surprise" course of a Cajun style rice with caviar and a chicken pate that was spicy and delicious (if not a bit overpowering with the cayenne).

After this point, I'd have expected the Chef to wow us. Instead, we found that we'd already had the best they had to offer. The halibut dish was salty and bland, and the sauce was both not enough and not flavorful. I barely touched mine, as it was unappealing. I will say that the beets in the dish were better than I expected and probably the best part of it.

To follow was a cut of NY strip steak that was very overcooked and dry, with a clumpy tomato-based sauce that was a bit bland and overcooked, all sitting atop bland potatoes and cooked tomatoes.

For dessert, we received a small wedge of cheese with a cherry sauce that was just fine, and finished with a blueberry souffle that was quite tasty. The french-pressed coffee was good as a finisher to the dessert.

While the food was beautiful and a nice experience overall, I wouldn't say it was $400+ good. More like something I'd expect from Olive Garden or Red Lobster, except at those places they'd know how to cook a steak.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 1

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★ 5

Tasting menu was amazing! Seasonal, local ingredients with incredible flavor. Every course had something we loved. Great location for anniversary dinner or a night out.

Wait staff was knowledgeable and personable

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★ 5

I have wanted to go here for years and finally got the opportunity. It's the little details that take this place to a new level. Yes expensive so save for a special occasion or celebration.

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★ 5

Fabulous food, fabulous service. Truly a fine dining experience.

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★ 5

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★ 5

The best restaurant in Madison (and you can tell by the price tag). I would always advocate that you go and experience one of the best fine dining experiences you may ever have. I have enjoyed some of the best food and wine at this restaurant.

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★ 5

What an amazing experience! Our family had every item on the a la carte menu and were impressed more with each plate. Brendan et al gave us excellent service. Bravo!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Absolutely the most amazing dining experience I have ever had!

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★ 5

You don't understand life until you stop here. You don't understand bread until you've been here. I have been here maybe 5 times? Each time has been better than the last. This last time was the first time I've been here since covid and it did not dissapoint! In fact, it was better than any other time I've been! I recommend this place to anyone that is willing to explore, spend a little more money, and be in heaven! Amazing and thank you Chef Tory!

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★ 5

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★ 5

I took one bite of the Pain AU Chocolat and was transported to my trip to Paris with my family. Love there pastries. They are authentic and delicious.

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★ 5

Out of this world amazing food! Best Valentine's spot in town :)

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★ 5

Out for-to place every time we have guests from out of state. The views of the capitol are the best, enjoy the chef cheese board along wilts a local high quality beer.

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

We had the Family Meal during the current pandemic. Everything included in the meal was fantastic - there is no skimping on quality or quantity, The value was perfect, I would highly recommend this option for restaurant quality "take-out" food.

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★ 5

I won't beat around the bush. L'Etoile is one of the two best restaurants in Wisconsin, and this is a state that abounds in good food. Come to L'Etoile for a special experience where you be welcomed as an old friend, enjoy exquisitely beautiful ambience, and be treated to creative and original cuisine. Oh yah, and the wine list is enormous and frankly astounding. L'Etoile is Perfection with a Heart and Soul.

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★ 5

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★ 1

A comparable value to this meal would be $75 and we paid $360 for two people which is crazy. Portion sizes were small and the food wasn't even that good.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

Great creations in the tasting menu with very good wine pairings...Winter 2020. Waiters were top notch!

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★ 3

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Simply the best in town

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★ 5

A simply stunning New Year's Eve prix fixe dinner featuring the incomparable Tory Miller, Elizabeth Dahl, and sommelier Michael Kwas, and the incredible waitstaff, like our server Caitlyn. Every bite and every dollar is worth it.

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★ 5

Everything is great even though it is expensive.

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★ 5

The food and drinks were amazing. We plan on coming back very soon.

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★ 5

Guritanya enak sekali. Aku pipis di dalam celanaku ketika aku merasakan makanan penuntup. Itu sangaaaaat enak kan. Dompetku rusak sekarang, karena makanan di sini mahal sekali. Kasihan aku. Minggu depan, aku akan makan indo mie kecuali aku bisa menjual ginjalku jadi aku bisa kembali ke sini.

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★ 5

We attended the Pinot camp and had a great time. Learned a lot from the sommelier and enjoyed some tasty snacks. Afterwards we had dessert and coffee. All of the staff are exceptional professionals. Food is amazing and the restaurant has the atmosphere to match. This is the place to go, if you want a guaranteed, exceptional dining experience.

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★ 5

Amazing food like nowhere else and fantastic service. They treat you right there.

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★ 5

Simply the best meal you can eat in Madison, Wisconsin.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Exemplary team. Stellar food. Management is top notch. Cannot recommend the experience of this place enough. Please go

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★ 5

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★ 4

Excellent service, lovely food!

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★ 3

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★ 5

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★ 5

Amazing restaurant with food so delicious you won't believe your taste buds. Just keep in mind that it's very fancy and prices are high. Worth splurging on for a celebration or something.

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★ 4

Muy buen servicio pero excesivamente caro y la comida no es tan buena.

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★ 5

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★ 5

27 Sep 2019 - Former Chef de Cuisine Itaru Nagano has moved on, but L'Etoile delivered another spectacular dinner tonight, with the octopus a special standout! Monkfish also was great, and I was very pleased to see a cheese tray that let me select which I wanted after my meal. Keep up the great work!
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17 July 2019 -

L'Etoile NEVER fails to deliver magnificence in dining.

Spurred on by the online menu, which featured veal sweetbreads and other delicacies I found too irresistible to put off enjoying, I determined to have another splendid meal at L'Etoile. I wasn't disappointed!

Dinner began with a special treat from the kitchen when Chef Itaru sent me a gift of a delicious course featuring goat cheese, something which I delight in. The photo is among those I'm posting to show the delights of tonight's meal. I had hoped for, and wanted, a bottle of Arneis di Roero, an unusual white Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) wine from the Piemonte in the northwest of Italy. Alas, L'Etoile could not offer me that, and after some discussion with my waiter, I agreed to try an unfamiliar grape, in a "Vermentino" varietal from the region of Liguria, in the northwest of Italy, where the city of Genoa is found. It proved to be an amazing wine, and I'm thankful to Frank for his recommendation! I was well-cared for by Frank and his assistant, Thomas, along with other waitstaff who lent a hand to ensure my dinner was up to the standards of the typical marvelous L'Etoile dinner.

My special meal began with the above-mentioned and unexpected treat from the chef, and thereafter, continued with my plans, with the exception of the dessert, which I had intended should be recommended from the "normal" desserts on the menu, but was instead an item from the tasting menu which had QUITE got me attention as an entrée item.

SWEETBREADS
Chicharrón, gorgeous green fava beans, queso fresco
These nuggets of delicious veal thymus were so amazing I felt compelled to ask for a special wine to accompany them, and ended up with a glass of Bual Madeira, most of which I enjoyed with the sweetbreads, but a small portion of which I saved for further on in the menu . . .

SCALLOPS
Eggplant purée was amazingly delicious!, duck confit demanded a bit of the Madeira, blueberry - this was marvelous! It reminded me of the perfection of toasted/toasted marshmallows I used to strive to make for a neighbor lady who I quite liked as a boy, for the spectacular lasagna she made and shared with us as children.

AU BON CANARD FOIE GRAS
Burnt Strawberry
While there was not a lot of duck liver here, and I knew that in advance, it was chosen to be my dessert instead of the conventional options from the menu. It was a marvelous choice! While the custom selected wine for this course was a lesser version of the first grown Sauternes, the remnants of my Madeira, and the Italian white wine also went nicely with it, and I ended my meal in heaven.

THANK YOU EVERYONE AT L'ETOILE FOR CONTINUING TO LIVE UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS DINERS LIKE ME HAVE COME TO HAVE FOR DROPPING IN UNEXPECTEDLY FOR A SPECIAL MEAL!

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

Dylan E is an elite bartender and the best in Madison. Great vibe

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★ 4

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★ 5

This is a great place to get non-alcoholic cocktails! They have a bunch of great interesting options, and it's such a classy place. Not cheap though... especially for cocktails with alcohol in them. They're more like NYC prices.

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★ 5

My husband booked a wonderful anniversary dinner for us here. We got the prefix menu that could be made gluten free. Everything was perfect and the food tasted like summer. You could tell so much thought had been put into every bit. It's expensive but for a night out to celebrate something (heck, even just having a good day) it was worth the cost. Also, get the wine pairing because you'll be surprised. I ended up with a white port cocktail. Yum yum yum!

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★ 5

Michael the waiter having mentioned that he had an open bottle of Chardonnay from France's Jura department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region abutting Switzerland. The wine is somewhat oxidized, and quite unlike what most people would think of when they contemplate Chardonnay wine. Staff know I'm fond of those wines.

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★ 5

Beautiful restaurant with a gorgeous view of the states capital. The food was divine and ever dish was more then perfection. I strongly recommend sitting down to this place for whatever you may be celebrating. The service was excellent, our waiter did a beautiful job explaining each dish to it's fullest. For anyone that enjoys fine dinning I highly recommend this establishment. Made for a amazing and memorable first anniversary.

Source: Google