Madeleine’s Fusion Restaurant

***BEWARE!*** If I could, I would change the price category to «$$$$». We went here for a special occasion, 4 guests. The atmosphere was nice and the servers/​host were friendly. Not many people were in the restaurant. We ordered appetizers, a main course, and a side dish — no alcohol. The appetizers were the best part of the meal, and the salad consisted of 3 or 4 large romaine lettuce leaves with some dressing squirted over the top. The plating for the salad left much to be desired, especially for the $ 8 charge. I would rate the food at 3 to 4 stars.
The SERVICE, however, would get a ZERO –0– in my book:
The server had an egregiously misleading way of taking our order which resulted in a bill that was almost $ 400 after tip. This is absolutely outrageous considering we did not even order alcohol! We asked the server if she could provide us soda water with lemon. She replied «Is Perrier okay?» We replied that it was, and frankly expected to pay around $ 5 for carbonated water. Throughout the meal, our server topped off our sparkling waters without ever mentioning that each courtesy pour was an additional charge. We ended up paying $ 20 in WATER, having been none the wiser about each additional cost each time she «courteously» topped off our glasses with a new bottle.
As a table of 4, we wanted to order 3 appetizers priced at approx $ 10/​each (for a total of ~$ 30.). The server asked us if we’d like to do the «trio» (which gives you one portion of each appetizer, so 3 bites of each) since we had numerous people. She never indicated at the pricing, so we figured, if she’s suggesting an alternative, it must be at a comparable price. (Why else would a server offer an alternative if not to the guests’ benefit?) At the end, we discover that her «trio» suggestion was $ 72 in total — more than DOUBLE if we had just ordered the appetizers separately! Mind you, the trio only provided 1 sample of each appetizer. I can’t imagine that ordering separately would have provided significantly less food. The pricing for this option is wholly unreasonable.
The icing on the cake was for our entrees. We read that the steak was «a la carte» and, as customary at other establishments serving steak, would have to order the side separately. This was no issue, and we directly requested a separate side order of brussels sprouts and potatoes. When taking our order, the server asked us «Would you like a soup or salad as your second course?» We knew the starch/​vegetable would be separate, and assumed based on her delivery of the question that salad was included. We looked around, and all ordered a salad seeing as she asked each of us what our preference was. Surprise! The salad (which was a couple of whole leaves and a squirt of dressing) was $ 8/​each, or another unexpected $ 30 – 35.
We received the bill and were completely floored. Almost $ 400 for some appetizers, water, and an entrée? I wouldn’t pay that price at the nicest steakhouse in Chicago or DC!
We spoke to the manager who asked us, «Well what do you want me to do about it?»
The servers, whether trained to deliver their questions and service this way or not, offered suggestions that cost us almost $ 100 in extra charges. We all felt that this is a horribly sneaky way to provide service to guests. In the end, the manager did not provide any relief (or even sympathy) on the bill, and frankly is responsible for losing the restaurant future business.
I am more than willing to pay a fair price for a good meal, but we all felt we had the wool pulled over our eyes. In all, a very infuriating experience.
TL;DR — TO FUTURE DINERS — Ask about pricing or prepare yourself to be nickel, dimed, and price-​gouged.

Wow! What a fantastic little place! Our family rented it out for our Thanksgiving and the staff were quite the hosts! They made some of our family favorites and were very accommodating. The staff were cheerful and friendly, the food was delicious, and the ambiance was great. What more could you ask for? I cannot comment on the regular menu, but all of her food was amazing! We keep talking about her brussel sprout hash and bread pudding weeks later.
I highly recommend it for a nice evening out!

We went to Madeliene’s a few weeks ago for a late dinner, looking forward to try it after having heard great things. The place was nearly empty, aside from a large, loud party. A few more people came in as we dined.
I enjoyed a couple top-​notch mixed drinks at the recommendation of the server. We started with some tiny starters: scallops and crabcakes. Both starters were enough, perhaps, for one person. The scallops were delicious, and, as other reviews state, the crabcakes were good, but falling apart so much that we used spoons to scoop them up. My dining partner enjoyed his entrée. I ordered pork tenderloin which had an overwhelming off taste — one of the pieces of pork more than the other. It reminded me of the taste that proscuitto gets after it’s been stored for a few days. My partner noticed but didn’t mind it as much. The sides were decent.
I had the hibiscus crème brûlée for dessert, and it was fantastic. I’d come back for dessert, but not for the apps (tasty, but not enough value) or mains.
The service was great but slow.

Really unimpressed. We had a party here and the service was terrible. The meal took over 2 hours, not because we chose to linger and take our time, they were just that slow. It took 15 minutes to serve the entrée. So, part of the group was awkwardly waiting to eat, trying to be polite, while their food got cold. In fact, we all ordered deserts to go because we were so tired. We had a party reservation of 16 and they didn’t even have enough tables or chairs set up. We had 1 waitress for the entire party. If you are going to drop over $ 1,000 on a meal, you deserve at least 2 wait staff. I asked for a bourbon list and the bar tender was sent up. He listed off the bourbons and then arrogantly informed me that he stopped drinking bourbon and switched to rye whiskey because it was smoother and most people only drink bourbon because it was hip. So, he insulted me and showed his ignorance in one sentence. Out of concern for my guests, I did not educate him in the differences in whiskey and treating the customer with respect. I have been here before and had a nice meal, I feel that they have rested on their past successes. All and all, the food was ok, it was plated fancy though for whatever that counts. I have had better for much less.

I stumbled upon Madeleine’s after hearing a Local couple discussing their favorite restaurant in Evansville. I looked it up on Unilocal and decided to give it a shot. I am glad I did. This Maryland guy can attest that the Maryland Style Crab Cakes appetizers are the real thing. A tad on the small side but very tasty. The pasta calamari was much different than I had expected. Different, but a pleasant surprise. It was a large bowl of pasta with a thick slab of encrusted calamari on top. It was similar to the size and texture of a pork chop. The food was very good and the Server (Ashley) was fantastic. The atmosphere was pleasant and I am glad that I was able to dine here. I am a fan. Speaking of fan, this is the only downside I experienced. There is a ceiling fan in the dining area that was cranked up very high. It was a tad annoying to be dining indoors in what seemed like a windy evening. As for the prices, I am surprised that they were this economical. I found them to be extremely reasonable for the dining experience. Please remember people — not every place is a large chain that you can gorge yourself all night long for $ 12. This is a nice restaurant, so of course you are going to pay more than the chains. But if Madeleine’s were to be located in a large City, this prices would easily be 50% higher. I am glad I gave it a try. You should too.

The chef here is the most creative one in the area. The quality of service, food, and atmosphere is positively delightful. Also, we go here twice a year and I suggest that you go big because you will be cheating yourself if you don’t. It is very expensive, but you get what you pay for and I hope it never changes.

Delicious. Great service. Great food and atmosphere. This place is a MOUTH ORGASM! We had seafood (one had halibut the other calibi) both were prepared phenomenally. This restaurant belongs in NYC, LA or Miami, but I’m so glad it’s here in Evansville! Enjoy!

I love this place! The caprese salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. The dry aged steaks are the picture of perfection. The wait staff and bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. 10 out of 10 would dine here again.

Best restaurant in EVV, if this was other Large cities this would be a 4 – 4.5 star review, which is still noteworthy. They have a playful and inventive menu with a nice wine selection, and a cute setup in a Victorian style home

We had a delightful dinner for four at
Madeleine’s last night. It was wonderful. garlicky Beet salad, croissant with Allspice butter, very tender duck stuffed with apples and dates, haricots vertes, saffron risotto, and an amazing tasting plate of house-​made ice creams: creamy vanilla, chocolate expresso, peach, strawberry with some kind of liqueor, and my favorite, a sweet maple bacon. But the star of the show was the Brussel sprout hash. Brilliant. I could eat it every day. Great wine selection, full bar, very capable waitress who knew every ingredient in every dish. Gracious chef/​owner who checked in with us but didn’t hover. Just the right amount of attention. The prices were reasonable for the quality of food and its creativity… usually in short supply around here. I can’t wait to go back to Madeleine’s and try more menu items. If you are on their email list you get new menus and special occasion menus frequently. Dining there is quite a treat.

This was just the find we were looking for. Wonderful atmosphere on the patio, great food and service. Loved that it was in the «old town neighborhood» that just added to the quaint charm. Wine list is extensive with many by the glass options too. Quality of the food matched the prices. Other reviewers that thought this place was over priced likely haven’t dined at anything better than Applebee’s. I recommend that you try it and be as pleasantly surprised by this jewel as we were.

Great find in an otherwise restaurant chain city. New York service and cuisine in a wonderful little space. Great wine and food choices. Treat yourself to big city style in Evansville. You won’t be disappointed!

Another rather uninspired visit at Madeleine’s. I’ve dined here at least 50 times since it has opened, and never once has it hit on creativity, food quality and service.
Steak was great — but sides un-​salted, and sides were either overcooked or undercooked.
My guest’s food looked pretty bad, to be honest… mashed potatoes looked dry, pork chops overcooked… meh

Have been here a few times and only once was the food and service acceptable.
It is always hit and miss. Food quality varies greatly from good to very bad. Service has always been a problem as well. One thing that is consistent is that the owner/​chef should stay away from the clientele. He is obnoxious and condescending. Unwilling to accept that food and service is below par.
A real shame that Evansville doesn’t have any great restaurants. If you like overpaying for mediocrity and incompetent staff, by all means check this place out.

Been here a couple of times. Really the only nice restaurant in the city (unless you count the upper scale chains on the East side of town). The food here is quality even if everything doesn’t blow you away. Last time were visited, the lobster mac n cheese was solid, the asian dumplings were excellent, and the quail was delectable. But be aware the menu changes with the seasons.
And to comment on another reviewer, they ask for reservations Hun, because that way they know weather or not you arrived! If you asked for something special to go with your reservation they could fill your requests. You know like a nice restaurant should.
I’ve always had a good time here from top to bottom.

We have been there 3 times now so i feel comfortable strongly recommending Madeleine’s. The menu changes regularly and is always exciting to view. The seafood entrees have been excellent and the chicken and pork entrees as well.
The staff is warm and knowledgeable about the dishes, offering suggestions.
Ellen was fantastic and made our anniversary special. The wine and drink list is spectacular.

had dinner there yesterday for the first time. dont like the location, its in a residential area a few blocks from the riverside.
got there before 5pm and i believe we were their first customers that evening but for some reason they were out of rack lamb, which by the way our server only mentioned 10 minutes after our order was placed. i ended up getting the veal chop and the wife had some fish on top of brown rice. we also ordered fried cheese and dumplings (really small portions for $ 10 a pop) for starters.
its quite pricy and and food is ok but nothing spectacular in my opinion. i can think of a few other places in evansville where i can spend my $ 99 damage that evening and enjoy it more.

We were thrilled to find Madeleine’s stayed open for dinner after 9 pm! That’s a plus in Evansville.
The whole experience could be summed up as: good, but not expert.
For instance, I don’t understand the point of asking if we had made reservations when ¾ of the tables are empty.
The seasoning on the entrees was a little off. The trout and black/​red rice seemed to have no flavoring, whereas the rub on the pork chop was overstated. The rustic mashed potatoes — chunky, with skins — were delicious.
Prices are a tad steep.
Setting is charming.