I know it's not fair to judge Cafe Allegre to its precious entity as Cafe Lafayette but I can't help it. So I'll try to be genuine in my review. I have eaten hear several times and always had a good meal but always feel like a stranger. The food is always good here but I just don't love the experience. I feel almost like the waitstaff is cold. Definitely professional waitstaff, and I'm not a fan of those that try to be chummy - but it's almost like the restaurant's philosophy is to treat people like a guest. Some restaurants have the vibe they are happy you came, let's face it you can cook at home or go to literally dozens of restaurants along the shoreline if not five right around the corner. Cafe Allegre seems to give me the feeling I am guest who is privileged to have Chef Silvo's cooking. My personal pet peeve is on Saturday nights you have to order your entire meal. So if you're dining with 8 people and you'd like to get some starters on the table while you settle in and explore the menu better come on a Monday night. It's not that the staff is standoffish. It's not that the treat you as if you're lucky to get in. To me if seems to be the philosophy of the restaurant, to which it is entitled, that I'm lucky to be here and it doesn't sit well with me. Even if the veal is delicious. One thing I would add, it is a great place for a first date, or one of the first dates. The staff does not rush you, and the ambiance is quiet enough for conversation. You may find they closing up around you. read more

Had a wonderful dinner this past Saturday night. Was seated promptly, Michele our waitress was outstanding, 2 of us had the swordfish special, melted in my mouth, other chicken and veal, delicious. Good choice of deserts. Never had a bad meal, will be soon read more

Just very disappointed. The atmosphere is nice, the establishment is clean as a whistle, the staff was incredible - the host was a pleasant young man and our waiter was impeccable. He made us feel like we were there for a special occasion. But the food was incredibly sub-par, and did not justify the prices at all. Maybe it is because we ordered from the "steakhouse" menu and that is a relatively new thing. We did see some plates being served at other tables -- salads, a salmon dinner, etc.-- that looked good. But the steak I had couldn't even compare to a diner or a chain restaurant, it was over cooked, and at $34 for a steak, I felt ripped off. read more

Overall I was pretty u impressed with Allegre. I'm not sure if they switched chefs because I always remember it being better. The food was just OK not bad but not amazing. The burrata for an app wasn't creamy like it should be and only came over a bed of lettuce with no flavor. I got the penne vodka and it was decent but could have been better. Service was just OK. Nothing amazing. Wouldn't come back. read more

Cafe Allegre - Italian Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

There are very few restaurants in this area that have brook trout. They make it for me even when it's not on the menu. Thanks!

Dinner here numerous times,now I found out about their happy hour.4:30 - 6:30... Weds to Friday.Limited menu with delicious selections for $6 and drink specials too.Had the talapia over angel hair pasta twice.perfect....bartender Chris makes a great drink also.Waitstaff there are so nice...thank you for great food and service!!! read more

Maybe three stars. I should go back and sample more of the menu. The food I've had is very good. My wife suspects the gnocchi was not made in house. The bread is not at all impressive. I think having wonderful bread is an easy thing to do, and also an easy thing to skimp on, and I suppose that just puts a little seed in my head about how much of a foodie the owner is. The menu is very enticing, well thought out staples and accompaniments. Perhaps it is a little gem that I've looked past since moving to the area. I will go back. Please think about engaging an artisan bread supplier. Enough of them exist around here. Find out who The Oyster Club (Mystic) uses, as an example. read more

Gluten free pasta was cooked perfectly. White Clam sauce was delicious. The other dish was a pasta dish w/ Fra Diavolo sauce which was also delicious. Portions were good size for lunch...salads were a little on the small side. Bartender / server was friendly and professional, and the restaurant has a nice warm atmosphere. Will definitely be back for lunch or dinner again. read more

Food is absolutely fantastic! That's all I can say. If you wait longer for your food, just know it's because it's fresh! Amazing! read more

Cafe Allegre is amazing! Great italian food particularly the mussels, artichokes and all the pasta. Would highly recommend anything with seafood. The trout almondine is one our family's favorites. read more

IT'S A GEM! We traveled to Madison last weekend for a couple's getaway. A proprietor of nearby B&B place suggested Cafe Allegre so we went not expecting much. As soon as we entered we were greeted warmly. The waitstaff was attentive to us. We never felt rushed. The food was outstanding. Our tastebuds were satisfied for hours afterwards. Of course we'd go again the next time we visit Madison. read more

Expecting a typical red sauce Italian -boring but tasty ..it was worse! Sole and veal dishes ..both swimming in butter and tasteless.. On top of watery mashed potatoes ..service just ok..we won't go back Needs new chef! read more

This is one of the best restaurants I've been to. The mussels appetizer is SO GOOD. I could eat it every day. We also had the fried squash flowers and fig & prosciutto appetizers. All wonderful. I had Ossobucco which is a lamb shank over a risotto (a special they have every Thursday) and it was so tender it cut like butter with my fork. For dessert we got a cannoli and a lemon sorbetto. Both were delicious. I wish I could take up permanent residence at this place. read more

Cafe Allegre - The sorbetto (in a hollowed out lemon shell) and a Tortufo in the background. (Not pictured: delicious cannoli). - Italian Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

We had both our wedding tasting and rehearsal dinner here. The food is always delicious, the service is excellent and the staff are very easy to communicate and work with. read more

Had dinner with friends last Friday night and although we have been here for events in the past, it had been awhile since we have had dinner. Two of us had the veal parmagiana over pasta, and we were able to eat it with just a fork, it was so tender. We also had pasta and chicken dishes and they were also very good. Also had room for cannolis which were very fresh and tasty. All in all, a very nice meal, and considering the price ($18.95 for veal parm, including salad, pasta and bread) a very good deal when compared to other restaurants (I have paid almost that much at a diner!) read more

Can I give this restaurant zero stars?? I wish I could! I know fine dining, I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in the area, and the world. I've also eaten at very good diners. I know good food, and people who are knowledgeable of their food. This restaurant was none of these. I last ate here nine years ago and have not come back since because I was turned off back then when, despite spending over $150 for two people, I was charged a $12 "plate charge" for just ordering multiple appetizers instead of two entrées. The only time in hundreds of restaurant adventures that I've been charged this. Anyways, I wish I could say tonight's meal was unmemorable, but unfortunately it is quite memorable because I feel like throwing up the oysters I was served. Usually when you order oysters at a fine restaurant they are very knowledgeable as to where they are farmed and what kind they are. Our waitress didn't have a clue. She went back to ask some staff and all she could return with was the answer "Long Island". That should've been enough of a red flag for me. They were tasteless almost freeze dried like in taste. The calamari must've come out of the bag frozen, I know this because there were no tentacles just rings -- they were certainly not hand prepared. My wife shared some of her veal with me, although I only found out it was Veal after I told her her fish didn't taste that good She told me it wasn't fish but veal! Boy you sure fooled me Café Allegra! I tried my friends pasta and it was very starchy. I offered him the rest of my oysters but he refused, and nobody else at the table wanted to eat them after trying their own! They had all the signs at the entrance heralding the Chef Silvio who is apparently in charge. I don't think this person really exists. At least I hope not! Next time you want to eat in Madison I suggest you go to McDonald's on route 95. It might be cheaper and a better meal. By the way I am Italian, have eaten in the finest restaurants in Italy and the United States. This is not one of them. Probably one of the worst restaurants I have been to in decades. read more

Services: Italian food; authentic! Hours are good but somewhat limited. Rating: 4/5 Regulatory: Compliance and very obvious by counter. Rating: 5/5 Quality: Excellent food. Yes it does come at a price but again the food quality here is excellent. I went to expensive eateries in NYC (e.g., Four Seasons, Marseilles, Hell's Kitchen) but I have to say the food here is fairly good and for the quality-to-cost ratio it is worth it. Rating: 5/5 Attitude: Waiters were friendly and available for question/refills/turn around times. One waiter was sarcastic and looked like a teenager. But otherwise, it was fine. Rating: 4/5 Overall: A gem restaurant in the Shoreline. Excellent. No teenage waiters please, especially for such a classy restaurant. read more

Should've ordered the special... my salmon and veggies for $25 tasted like a microwave dinner. kalamari was also sub-par. Lobster bisque was very good, and so was the pasta. read more

Terrible service. Prejudice staff. Waited 20 minutes to be seated, while there were 10+ tables available. Then it took 20 minutes for drinks, and then the server disappeared for another 20 minutes. We walked out, unnoticed. read more

I was told to come here for lunch. Uggg. The decore is terrible and the food is worse. I had the Chicken Francese, sauce was very watery with barely any capers or flavor. Vegetables were over cooked and there was barely any sauce on my pasta. Not worth it. The Canoli's are great and so is the coffee, but that is about it. :( very disappointing. read more

I go here once or twice a year, because my 80 year old father likes it and he pays. That should tell you all you need to know. Decent food - pricey, generic Italian menu, heavy on the accolades for Chef Silvo's Sunday sauce. It has a real fern-bar vibe. The sound system plays Kenny G, which may as well be Muzak. This is the kind of place that you book for a rehearsal dinner because you know it will not offend and can handle a large group - not because it's anything special. We arrived twenty minutes early to have a quick cocktail at the bar prior to our dinner reservation. The bartender was the slowest, least attentive and inefficient bartender I have ever encountered, anywhere. Twenty minutes sitting at an empty bar and I could not get a single drink order filled. The waitstaff, however, is excellent. read more

Favorite restaurant along the central CT shoreline. Not only is it located in the quaint little strip of 'downtown' Madison but the food is amazing. Upon walking in you can expect to see the chefs/waitors that will know you by name within a few trips in. The list of specials are always long as well as tasty. Would highly suggest for a romantic dinner out along the shore. Dining in the 'bar' area is much more lively and upbeat than in the back dining room. By far a 'must do' if you live/visit the CT shoreline. read more

Best Italian food on the shoreline, bar none! Service was wonderful as well. I will definitely become a regular here!

Had the pleasure to eat at Cafe Allegre on a Saturday evening. Party of two and ordered Shrimp with linguini and a lobster with angel hair pasta. We ended with NY Cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla gelato. Both main courses were served at a perfect temperature. Shrimp were a nice size an the pasta seasoned to perfection. The lobster angel hair had an abundance of lobster. The desert made this a complete package. This place will get my business again when I'm in the area. Would recommend and say give it a try. read more

I don't get what other people are writing about this place. Menu is lame, i.e early 80's country club fare, The location is nice but the food is fair, at best, and the service is average. This town needs more restaurants because this one - one of the few in town - needs competition read more

Came here late one evening after seeing a movie nearby. Service was outstanding, as were the apps, dinner, and dessert.

Plan bland food, I had the veal... Ive had better from local pizza places :(

This is an every other week place for our family. Always delicious, fresh and friendly service. Best bartenders and servers in the area. They know how to cook and serve the food at your pace. Clam sauce is the best I have every had out. If in the area, go here. read more

Delicious food with great service! Can't wait to go back. Loved the calamari! Be sure to try the filet of sole.

Service is very good. Food is generally good but a few bad experiences on it. Pasta e fagioli is incredibly salty, heavy, and seems to include bacon or pancetta which is unusual. For some reason when you order the Chicken Pesto it comes out a pesto cream sauce which is not mentioned on the menu. For these prices there shouldn't be any surprises when your food arrives and you shouldn't have to ask if the food is prepared as described on the menu. read more

This is our go-to Italian Comfort Food restaurant. It is a big restaurant so week nights is the best chance of having Chef Silvio prepare your dish - you will notice the difference. The wait staff is one of the few professional staffs on the shoreline - it is a pleasure dining at Allegre. read more

My complaints are largely aesthetic. I found the decor very fussy/prissy although perhaps well suited for the elderly crowd that was there at lunch. Service was a bit spotty. Food was good. read more

What a delightful dining experience we had tonight at Cafe Allegre! Lots of choices we had, here in SE Conn, and YELP once again, came through. It is a lovely spot on Madison's main drag- beautiful setting, easy parking. The hostess stand is straight back through the bar- we were seated immediately in the dining room with a beachy vibe. Warmly welcomed yet again by the bus boy, one of a handsome, young duo keeping an eagle eye on the room. Steve was our server- he had excellent knowledge of the menu and specials and his suggestions were spot on. Fresh french bread began the meal with a light EVOO - would have enjoyed some herbs! The salad had field greens with a delicious house dressing. We ordered and shared the Pasta Prima Vera and the Chicken Marsala. The PV was the best we have ever had- flavorful without a huge puddle of butter and oil! The CM was good, well prepared with juicy chicken chicken but needed more flavor. Embarrassed to say I still use Carrabba's as my benchmark for all things Marsala! Topped it off with silky Creme Brûlée which hugged infused raspberries- Gran Marnier and Chambord- YUM! All this, with wine, for a great price! We will probably never have the pleasure of visiting this charming town again, but if YOU do- be sure to include Cafe Allegre among your culinary choices! read more

I couldn't get past the wine list . When looking they didn't have any of the vintage years and only the names . They misrepresented the wines by posting a Robert Parker rated 92 barbaresco , but of course they didn't have the proper year . This wine they were charging $67 per bottle when the market price was $20 . I still tasted it and unfortunately it was awful. When I made the owner aware , he kicked my wife and I out of the restaurant . You decide . read more

I was quite pleased with their food - delicious, fresh and filling. I was disappointed in the service - which is why I couldn't give them 5 stars. If I were base this review on service alone, it would have received a 1, but the food was that good to make me give it a 4. We were seated at a nice corner table for 2, in the back dining room, however it took 30 minutes for anyone to come to our table. Waitstaff walked by us numerous times, all looking at our table but no one came to even take a drink order. After finally asking someone if we could be helped, it was learned that no one knew who's table we belonged to so no one ever felt the need to inquire if we were being helped. That's poor team work amongst the waitstaff. The waiter we had was very lackluster - sort of matter of fact and wasn't very interested in being our waiter for the night. That of course was reflected in his tip. Will return again because the food was good - but will be sure when we are seated that a waiter is assigned to us. read more

I am fussy about restaurants. My wife complains about my dislikes. I look for great prompt service, tasty creative food and a affordable cost at the least. Most holidays I avoid restaurants because most cannot handle the rush. Cafe Allegre satisfies all of my hot buttons. They set the bar for an enjoyable unforgettable meal every time I go there. Kudos Joe for a great Sunday. read more

Very pleasant spot for lunch. Sat at the bar, under the care of Robert (or Bobby, depending apparently). We both chose the spaghetti with baby Manila clams in a perfectly flavored white sauce. Good crusty bread to sop up the sauce. Lovely wine as an accompaniment with an espresso martini for dessert. What more can I say? read more

I don't go here often but when I do I am always pleased by the food. I ordered the chicken siciliana and the pane cotto - both were delicious. read more

Went to Cafe Allegre for lunch last week. I have to say it was the best chicken parmesan I ever ate. My friend had the caesar salad and loved it. What a great find. If you're in Madison you have to go there. Just wanted to express how wonderful an experience we had thank you to Chef Silvio and the entire staff! read more

Decor is along the lines of Jackie Treehorn's dining room and the specialty cocktails reflect the genre. If Carbone's is the Major's, this place is AA. What you'd expect of a place where you can buy the chef's book and a jar of gravy on the way out the door. That said, it serves a need. You can get a table, have a good meal without it costing an arm and a leg. You can bring your kids along and they won't feel out of place. Lot of regulars and overall does a brisk business so probably no real incentive to tweak the model. read more