Location: Madison
Top Restaurants in Madison
Where to Eat in Madison: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Madison is a town in the southeastern corner of New Haven County, Connecticut, United States, occupying a central location on Connecticut's Long Island Sound shoreline. The population was 18,269 at the 2010 census.
Things to do in Madison
1. Bar Bouchee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Inspired by the neighborhood bistros of Lyon, France—known as bouchons—our menu features authentic French bistro classics with prices that are as comforting as the food. The fare covers bistro basics from Croque Monsieur to Sole Meuniere, Cassoulet to Steak Tartare, and be sure to check the board for Daily Seasonal additions. But it’s not just about great comfort food, we are known for our “barman’s” innovative cocktails and for our carefully selected and reasonably priced wine list, with a wide range of selections by the glass. Whether you “just want a little something” or you want to satisfy a hungry appetite, Bar Bouchée is a Francophile’s delight.
Reviewed By BrissleGirl66 - CT
Run by a lovely French couple this is Paris in Madison. Steak and moules frites with delicious wine made for a lovely quiet dinner. Pate with cornichons and cheese was simple and expected and delicious. The risotto is fantastic and the serving size is huge. Made fresh while you wait and you know this for you view the chef in the kitchen stirring away. Such a surprise in a Connecticut coastal town.
2. Ashley's Ice Cream Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By RussDeb - New Haven, Connecticut
Our family have been going to Ashley's for well more than a decade and the ice cream is just great. Ordering our family ice cream cakes from them is one of our traditions and the fudge and Oreo crumb base are just great.
3. Willoughby's Coffee & Tea
Overall Ratings
4 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By truman12 - new jersey
While visiting Madison, CT., made this our go-to coffee shop. One, because the coffee is rich, fresh and delicious and two, because the shop is local and was a nice change to the usual national coffee alternative. Our baked goods were fresh, more so on one day than the other. The maple scone became my favorite breakfast. Staff was cordial, neither overly friendly nor overly reserved. I felt a little like an outsider but not enough that I would not return. Seating is somewhat awkward. If you are not on an end seat on the wall-side seating, then you have to be pretty skinny to squeeze in between tables. In good weather, a few tables outside solve that issue.
4. Starbucks
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By ARJACT - Connecticut
This place is always busy. Count on long lines. It was out the door when we visited on Easter Sunday. Service is a mixed bag depending who is working. Today there were seven working behind the counter. We waited about twenty minutes for our coffees. Not bad but, certainly not prompt. I don't think this Starbucks is set up to handle big groups efficiently. So, be ready to wait or go someplace else.
5. Allegre Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Renowned Owner, Author and Executive Chef, Silvio Suppa, of famed Wooster Street in New Haven, has perfected every culinary detail and created decor and a menu that blends the best of both old world styles, techniques, and traditions with today's new world tastes.Winning culinary awards each year, Cafe Allegre and the landmark "Inn at Lafayette" ... combined to create an unforgettable and uniquely shoreline dining and lodging experience. Family friendly!
Reviewed By T R - Patchogue, New York
After all these years, the restaurant is still excellent. The service was great, the menu is varied, the room is pretty ... and the food was excellent.
The server was this big burley guy who couldn’t have been more helpful. Nice, friendly, knew the menu in and out. In fact I made a mistake, he walked back into the kitchen and had the kitchen make my mistake. So nice!
All 5 meals were excellent. Just a great night out.
6. The Clam Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By mcarr0ll27 - Granby, Connecticut
The Clam Castle is one of the best seafood restaurants in the Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Madison and Clinton. You order at the counter and pick up your food. Tables are inside or outside. It has a wide range of seafood. For instance, my wife had RI clam chowder with a lobster roll and I had clam chowder & an order of oysters and we split an order of sweet potato fries. Everything was good. Fish is always going to be the high priced item no matter where you go. So, everything is in moderation.
Good food with good service and a quiet lunch. A good summertime afternoon lunch.
A nice placed !
7. Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
Overall Ratings
4 based on 401 reviews
Reviewed By derekcB5196IC - Stratford, United States
Lenny & Joe's is an excellent place for tasty seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Casual dining with a nice bar area also conveniently located near I95 with a view of the water. Lobster Mac-n-Cheese is a delicious favorite. I have eaten here several times with other people and not once was their a complaint about the food. Good service. A recommended visit.
8. Elizabeth's Cafe at Perfect Parties
Overall Ratings
4 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By EnigmaPDX - New York City, New York
Selection and quality of food was very good, although chocolate muffin seemed a little stale at lunch time. Open area seating made for a very noisy experience and it was not crowded at all.
9. The Wharf Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 289 reviews
The Wharf Restaurant is located inside the Madison Beach Hotel overlooking the Long Island Sound. Open year-round, this location is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a water view and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Enjoy the natural beauty of Long Island Sound while seated in the comfortably elegant dining room or covered porch. The porch is tented and heated in the winter allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the shoreline without being outdoors. Classic New England dishes are prepared with a fresh innovative flair. Chef Sean Carney selection of entrees are not to be missed. A collector's wine list with rare wines from hard to find vintages will please even the most discerning palette. Our full bar menu includes local craft beers, seasonal signature cocktails, and spirits. Come and experience the genuine hospitality that is the foundation of our service!
Reviewed By diddy66
First snow of December 2017, what better way to spend a winter afternoon than at The Wharf. My husband and I met here 30 years ago. He has not been back since then to see the renovations. Surprise! Truly lovely inside and out. The heated enclosed porch area is awesome.
We had great drinks and delicious appetizers at the bar as we marveled at the decor. Love the holiday decorations inside and out. Definitely a delight and New England at its best. Enjoy!
10. RJ Cafe & Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By monikad685
My husband and I have been going to this charming place for years. The food is simple and good, the outdoor seating perfect and the service generally ok. Not last Sunday. We sat with our dirty dishes for 30 minutes, nobody cleared them. We had to practically hunt down the waitress for water, there was a general disinterest, which is a shame. It's such a nice place to hang after a lovely day in Madison.
