L'Etoile is a fine dining restaurant on the Capitol Square that focuses on local and sustainably sourced ingredients. Our menu is influenced by numerous culinary traditions and seasonality.
"I enjoyed the classy (yet not pretentious) atmosphere and the prompt and welcoming greeting I received upon arrival. The cocktail list was exquisite and unique. I had a difficult time narrowing down my selection for dinner but the server was helpful with that. All in all, a great way to spend my one night in Madison."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, special occasion
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"This was my first time in the new Capitol Square location on Pinckney. The new location, remote from the people-watching on State St. was off-putting at first, but floor to ceiling windows facing the Capitol made up for it. It's a larger space, but it still seems intimate because of the way it is partitioned.
Service was friendly, helpful, and well-timed. I felt they went above expectations, and I was impressed with the extra touches like the pre-appetizer, small soup course and dessert sendoff. Next time we'll make sure we save room left for a full dessert! Standout dishes were the beef carpaccio and the gyoza soup."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Loved this casual yet upscale urban chic restaurant. The staff was friendly and very attentive also helpful in selecting menu items. All items were listed with the local vendor or farm of origin and the produce was selected by the chef that morning according to the wait staff. The menue changes daily according to what the kitchen can get fresh. There were wine pairings and flights offered as well and a "group meal" offered that involved some special huge cut of beef (I didn't pay attention to details but loved the idea). All our food was excellent! Very cool concept and very cool spot. There were older folks dress in suit and tie and college students in jeans. All are welcome. I will return."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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"Tory Miller has built an organization that not only buys and serves local food superbly but he also pays close attention to every detail making his restaurants an experience not to be missed."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 6 for L'Etoile Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
Expensive
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Very Good)4/5
Ambiance
(Very Good)4/5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We spent the most on this meal than we ever had before (about $250), but it was a special occassion. So, if you have a special occassion to celebrate and don't mind spending quite a bit then I would reccomend this place. The food and service were worth the price."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: scenic view, special occasion
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"I proposed to my fiancé here. The staff was more than accommodating and helpful to set that event up. (She said yes) The food was some of the best I've ever had, and very different too. Drinks were nothing but top shelf. Service was prompt and friendly, and very knowledgeable. Prices were steep, but it is a very classy place, and I do recommend it."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Food is the best in Madison, hands down! Our service had a few hiccups which distracted from the meal. With only two people dining, it was a little embarassing to have three of five courses presented to the incorrect diner."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"another fabulous meal at letoile, we are never disappointed."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"What can I say? L'Etoile served up the best food I have ever experienced at a restaurant. Wine pairings were spot on for each course and the staff was informative and had impeccable timing."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"I have been to many restaurants that ask in advance if you are celebrating a special occasion. L'Etoile did and is the only one I can recall that ACTUALLY used this info. Our servers extended appropriate wishes and a candle was provided with dessert as I had asked. The food was PERFECT - creative, delicious, appropriately portioned, well timed, beautifully presented, not stuffy. Sommelier was helpful and approachable. We had a perfect evening and are already scheming our next attack!"
Dined on 04/23/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"The last time we dined at L'Etoile it was still being run by Odessa Piper. The wonderful reviews of current chef/owner Tory Miller's stewardship of such a fine restaurant are all true. The food was fantastic and the view of the Capitol and passing pedestrians was lovely and fun. We definitely missed the coziness and ambiance of the former location but the new iteration is lovely. We'll be back sooner rather than later."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, scenic view
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"My only complaint is the small pours of wine. $18.00 for a glass of 2009 Stoller was acceptable if it was 6 - 8 oz. but it was not. This borders on gouging in my opinion. Judy Kelley"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2012
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"A truly memorable meal with excellent food and drink, lovely presentation, ample portions, and attentive service. My family gathered in honor of my father's recent passing, and we could not have asked for a nicer time."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"A very lovely anniversary evening. Beautiful view of the Capitol building lit up at night. Service was excellent. The food was very, very good, interesting preparations. The only thing keeping me from giving outstanding ratings across the board was that my halibut cheeks were a bit overdone, and the very high ceilings and hard finishes in the room, while beautiful, made the room a bit loud. Fortunately the seating was very gracious, not packed together."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Everything about Le'toile is special. Each dish is paired with unusual and tasteful ingredients and the entrees arrive looking beautiful. I had the grouper and it was the best fish I've ever had. Each person in our party was raving about their selection. Highly recommend."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Just an awesome dining experience each time we come here. An inventive, local-vore menu w/ impeccable service and the food is just fantastic. Everything from the servers to the wine pairings to the cheeze flight to the complimentary canapes, amuse-bouche & chocolate. Like I said...just a fantastic dining experience.
Yes, it IS expensive, but that is what you pay for true fine dining and this level of service. Frankly though, the same level of meal in Chicago or New York would cost 50-75% more and not be any better of an experience. Plus, the custom cocktails are just magnificent!"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view
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"We had a wonderful experience! The entire evening was perfect. You elevated the dining experience to a new height. Without a doubt we will return. Thank you."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"L'Etoile continues to astound with it's ability to deliver at the highest level on pretty much all fronts. The foodis planned, prepared and presented to perfection; the flavor combinations a delight ~ inventive, unexpected and subtle. The depth of wine knowledge makes for outstanding pairings with whichever dish one chooses. The "new" (moved in 2010?) restaurant is sleekly elegant, but since it's Wisconsin, food devotees arrive in casual attire and no one bats an eye. It's all about the consumption and appreciation of finely prepared, locally sourced food, or rather a CELEBRATION of all those things. Yes, pricey, but we all need to remind ourselves of what excellence truly is. If that can be only once a year, just go remind yourself!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Wonderful place with delicious food and a great pairing of wines. L'Etoile was delicious and romantic, and the staff really topped off the whole experience. Everyone there was so nice, and had great recommendations and funny comments."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"It is a good restaurant but expensive. If you arrive to the restaurant and the table is not ready (even if you have a reservation), you have to wait at the bar and that meant 25$. I am not agree with that."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic
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"This was our first experience at L'Etoile and we were not disappointed. The food was very good and the service was exceptional. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and had good recommendations. We would certainly return to the restaurant."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"The wine was extraordinary as was the wine list. The food, overall, was variable. Some of the first courses didn't wow us. We were "put off" that they wanted to charge us to split our courses. This rarely happens at other places. Our bill (for a party of 2) was still over $200 and at that price, one ought to be "wowed." The ambience was incredible with a beautiful look at the capitol. L'Etoile is a wonderful special occasion spot but there are other places in town that have better food."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view
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"The food was very good and the paired wines fit nicely; however the prices are very high.
Our service experience left much to be desired, especially when accounting for the price and high end image of the restaurant. We planned two hours for dinner. It took over an hour to receive our first course out of a three course meal. By the time we received our third (main) course we had about 10-15 minutes available and were very rushed to finish and settle the bill in order to get to the Overture Center for the start of the evening's performance.
The restaurant apologized for the delays and provided the first course as compliments of the house.
Overall, the food was tasty, but the lack of time to enjoy it left a bitter flavor in my mouth"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, scenic view
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"The food was creative and inspired and the service was first rate. Definitely enjoyed the coppa di testa with slaw and gochujang aïoli and the seared scallops with kimchi. Interesting combinations and a great view of the capitol."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"The food and service were excellent. However, the wine pairing chosed by the sommelier was not. In several courses, he chose red wines with seafood dishes. He also did not give any consideration to the number of similar wines he served from course to course. It would have been much better had he used a wider range of wines to make each course more unique."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Deserves its reputation as one of the best restraunts in the country. Spectacular flavors. Wonderful service. Great wine. Overall a delightful experience."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Special night out, made even more special by attentive servers. Yet, not TOOOO pretentious. Good fit for Madison. Good job showing off WI agriculture. The chef seems to understand the farm to food connection and appreciates good presentation. Had window seat and reflection of Capitol building in building across street was awesome. Surprised that trees not decorated with sparkly lights."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Lived up to the great expectations we had heard about. Will definitely go back. Not only one of the best restaurants in Madison, but it could go head to head with anything in the larger Midwest cities."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"This is a very high end restaurant. It lives up to its reputation for quality, but people should be aware that the high end reputation is matched by its prices. It's difficult to leave without spending $100/person. Well worth it for a very special occasion; but it would be difficult to make it a habit of dining here!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Love it at L'Etoile! Best restaurant in the state right now, in my opinion. My husband and I drive in from Milwaukee, get a room at the Mansion Hill Inn and dinner at L'Etoile, and it feels like a "splurge" vacation."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Everything was wonderful. Went there for a Valentines dinner and couldn't have been happier about their service. The food was wonderful as well and they even accomodated my no red meat request with a smile (had a very tasty red snapper). The wine pairings were spot on as well. I would definitely recommend L'Etoile to anyone willing to spend a little money to have an event of a meal - whether romantic or just looking for a night out."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"L'etoile always shines in the Madison food-scape. This was my second time dining there, and I was just as impressed as I was the first time!! Each dish is a work of art, both on the plate and in the mouth. Definitely make reservations. I will certainly be back!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Had a wonderful dinner. Great food and great service. Beautiful view of the Capital. Even if not a special occasion, will feel like one. After dinner two of us went to the bar- very friendly bar tender."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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