L'Etoile Restaurant
American · French · Madison, WI
About
The Farmers Market sets up right outside L'Etoile's front door, and chef Tory Miller shops there for that night's ingredients. This Madison landmark, founded in 1976 by Odessa Piper, is now owned by brother-and-sister team Tory and Traci Miller. The menu is French-inspired, built around local, organic, and naturally raised ingredients from Wisconsin farms. The space is modern and accessible, with an excellent international wine list. Service is gracious — one regular notes they customized a menu for their anniversary dinner without fuss. Prices are high (expect about $100 per person with wine), but the quality of ingredients and creative flavor combinations justify it. The bar next door, Graze (also owned by the Millers), offers a cheaper, more casual option.
Reservations are accepted and recommended. The dress code is surprisingly relaxed — suits and casual attire mix easily. Hours are limited to dinner service, Wednesday through Saturday. The full bar stays open late for drinks. Dog-friendly, upscale, and welcoming to all.
Features
- ✓Shop at Dane County Farmers Market steps away
- ✓Custom anniversary menus with grace
- ✓Casual attire welcomed despite fine dining price
Cuisine
Practical
What people say
Rated from 312 reviews. 1 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Madison's best fine dining, very gay friendly too”
In their updated, more inviting and roomy location, they offer French-inspired cuisine made with local, seasonal products and a great global wine selection. Service meets expectations. They were very polite and elegant about designing a custom menu for our anniversary dinner. Three courses, dessert, a cheese course, and wine, with gratuity came to about $100 per person, but every dish was outstanding in ingredient quality, inventive blend of textures and tastes, presentation, and how the flavors layered and changed with each bite. Excellent, and the bread was wonderful too. This spot has always been a Madison icon, but previously felt pretentious and overhyped. Not anymore. Even with the menu and price, casual clothes are as common as formal wear. Come as you are, don't feel intimidated, and you'll enjoy an unforgettable meal. There's also a less expensive sister restaurant open late with a bustling bar right next door.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does L'Etoile take reservations? +
Yes, reservations are accepted and confirmed.
What type of cuisine is served? +
French-inspired dishes with local, seasonal ingredients, categorized as American, French, and fusion.
Is the restaurant dog friendly? +
Yes, L'Etoile is dog friendly.
What are the hours? +
Open Wednesday through Saturday: Wed-Thu 5pm-8:15pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-8:45pm.
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