Madeline's Restaurant & Wine Cellar

This place had cuisine so remarkable I cried. As I have been to France many times and am quite a cook myself, this restaurant was a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Cambria, CA. I have had challenges finding authentic French affair anywhere outside of La France. This place... gracious me... just reminded me of tastes you can typically only find in Europe. The foods were fresh and bold. Full of flavour, with plenty of butter in the expected fashion! My scallops were a mesmerizing start to my meal. Fresh. Perfectly seared. Mildly 'sweet' with subtle hints of sage and the salty sea. I really just wanted an entire bowl of the scallops alone. I would have been blessed. I did not have to force myself to choose the warm baby spinach salad. Baby greens with a bright vinaigrette, toasted pecans and dried cranberry. Fresh mozzarella slices. Micro-thin red onion. Just a wonderful way to clean the palate before main course. This establishment is known for its filet mignon, though, I had filet the previous evening. I decided upon the chicken breast stuffed with brie, among other savory offerings. The thin skin was delicately crisp. The flesh... fork-tender. The filling just splendid and truly, on-point. Service was remarkable with smiles and friendly staff all around. If I could go there every day, I certainly would. I was delighted beyond expectation.

Best food, choices and prices than any restaurant in Cambria. I wish I'd known that at the beginning. I wouldn't have wasted my money at Moonstone Grill and Linns. I had Rabbit. Though the unique choices were elk, duck and then fish and steak. My husband had the Gumbo.

This is a small upscale place in Cambria, CA. Full of wonderful food and limited run wines. The scallops are a wonderful appetizer, and the Chicken and the Duck are quite tasty. The interior is cozy, and has a wine bar. For most folks outside the wine crowd, this will be a special occasion /romantic dinner kind of place, but you cannot stay in Cambria without dining here. The dessert menu is verbal, due to seasonal fluctuations, but they currently have a Key Lime Pie, with a squiggle of Raspberry Syrup.

Average restaurant experience. Scallops appetizer was a bit chewy. Wine list was missing a favorite that we had the evening before at Madeline's Wine Tasting at Moonstone Beach. Filet mignon was decent and stuffed chicken was flavorful but small. The service was probably the best part of the experience. Restaurant was small overall and quaint.

Food was delicious. Our waitress was very helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. The burger was fabulous. I had the soup of the day, which was a creamy chicken broth. It was quite good.

One of the most memorable and enjoyable dining experiences We have had in a long time! We were there on Sunday October 13th.The food was amazing! We tried several dishes and each one was as good as we've had. Our table was quaint right by the window. The acoustics were quiet and well suited for my mother's hearing problems.We were celebrating my mother's 89th birthday and they went all out! Our waiter, was beyond all expectations. So kind and efficient. The manager was also very attentive and ran a super smooth ship there. I can't say enough good things. You must go!!

We found this place almost accidentally and it has been the best dining experience we have had in years. It is a true gem and every course had its own wow factor. Our experience was perfect. Highly recommend! We met David, who is the chef owner, which was a pleasure and is obvious how he inspires the excellence this place achieves!

This was our first time at Madeline's Restaurant and we loved it. Such an intimate setting inside, warm and inviting. The staff was all very friendly and helpful. The food was amazing! Their cream of mushroom soup is amazing, so flavorful and the chicken stock base keeps the soup less dense than regular cream. Their chicken dish and fresh fish catch of the day dinners were cooked really well, loads of flavor and beautiful presentation. And dessert...omg...the raspberry key lime pie was SOO good!!

Perfect dinner! White tablecloths, candle on the table, and balloon wine glasses all say fine dining. Atmosphere means a lot and it was cozy in a good way here. The cuisine is farm to table and freshly prepared. You can tell. The Fall Salad was just right. Healthy, delicious, and perfectly dressed. We enjoyed every bite. The Mushroom Pappardelle was also well executed. Light, yet rich and fun to eat. Service was top notch. We look forward to dining here again.

We decided to be in Cambria for my wife's birthday and so I made a reservation at Madeline's. Just like Parkway Grill in Pasadena is our go-to restaurant for a celebration; Madeline's has become that restaurant when we are in town for a special holiday or milestone. This evening's meal was excellent from start to finish. Our server was Natalie and she was knowledgeable, super friendly and helpful. We started with appetizers and when my wife was told that they had run out of her appetizer choice, Natalie was able to get her a substitute that was perfect. Our salads were delicious and beautifully plated. The entrees we chose were excellent. My wife had the filet and, on Natalie's recommendation, I had the lamb chops. They were scrumptious and very tasty. It was a lovely evening and we were able to relax and enjoy a delicious meal with wine in a cozy restaurant that reminded us of our vacations in Paris and the great food at Petit Chaisse. Spending more and more time here in Cambria at our second home will surely mean that we will enjoy Madeleine's regularly.

Came back for some more Madeline's. It was good but not as good as we remember. I got the stuffed chicken again. It was not great. It was dry and much much smaller than the last time. The dessert was amazing...chocolate cake. So so good. Very rich and delicious. Adair (our server) was great.

Amazing find! Madeline's might be unassuming inside and out but the food is outstanding and the owner David is a gracious host. This is a MUST VISIT if you're nearby. Salami and goat cheese flatbread - lunch entree which four of us split as an appetizer. Excellent balance of flavors and terrific intro to our meal. Poblano pepper soup - rich and satisfying. Large portion. Short Rib Tartine - craveworthy short ribs paired with three different mushrooms amped up with balsamic and served open faced on baguette. OMG. Salmon special - David kindly re-created the precious evenings special for lunch and . Salmon served on mascarpone risotto topped with pesto. If the tartine was a 10, the salmon was an 11. Oh the fries are crispy, lightly salty, obviously house made. My dining companions kept stealing mine. Not that we needed it but we ordered a lime & raspberry tart for dessert. Spectacular way to end the meal. The extensive wine list is fairly priced. There's a wine store in the restaurant stocked with a wide selection of hard-to-find local labels. The art on the wall is for sale, if that's your thing. I'm still dreaming of Madeline's.

Imagine dining at this groovy and comfortable little restaurant, with its crafty menu and Parisian music playing over the house system...when a voice from my jazz past comes on. Madeleine Peyroux. Singing the sultry and sexy cool French music that played even better in that setting with the smells of good food, the smiles of cute little waitresses and the pour of a good drink. This place gets high marks for just about everything. If it wasn't for the weird table for two - right next to the kitchen door - we'd be at a solid 5. It's funny, with all the coolness happening here, only to find yourself seated next to the swinging doors of distraction, felt odd. Wifey and I agreed; there was one table too many in that place. And it was ours. Let's not bury the lead though...Madeline's was a beautiful night out.

Had dinner here tonight. First off, the restaurant was busy and we showed up without reservations. The host sat us at the bar for a few minutes, and then came to get us and seated us at a great table. Appreciate that! Once seated, they brought us some bread and waters. I ordered the stuffed chicken entree which is served with scalloped potatoes and carrot/asparagus medley. My wife ordered a glass of Chardonnay and while it is not a menu item, the kitchen was kind enough to prepare her a scallop entree. The scallops were cooked in butter and served with rice and the carrot/asparagus medley. The food quality is high. I have a couple of quibbles, hence the 4 stars and not 5 stars. While the scallops were tasty, the rice was unembellished and was akin to rice out of a rice maker. The portion of stuffed chicken is very petite. Had a key lime pie slice for dessert, which was enhanced by a raspberry sauce and raspberries. IWe are grateful to have been served a tasty dinner in an upscale restaurant without having made reservations.

The restaurant is small, so many of the two tops are directly next to a wall that divides the room and just feels awkward. My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary and it just didn't have the romantic vibe we were hoping for. The bruschetta was very good. He ordered a seafood platter with scallops and prawns which we were told was supposed to be in a pesto but ended up in a beurre blanc sauce, it was good just not what was expected. I ordered the lamb chops which were overcooked and tough. Our server came around to ask how things were immediately after receiving the dishes so we hadn't actually tried anything yet and then we didn't see him until he brought out the check, after the dessert that the busser asked if we wanted and brought out. The key lime pie was delicious. Overall it wasn't the best experience and I think we'll go elsewhere next time.

I was disappointed they didn't do something of a free desert to wish my husband a happy birthday. it should be automatic. service was good but felt a little push for us to order. Malbec gave me bad heartburn all night long. Soup gumbo was very good and I had bass which was very good.

"I'm still dreaming about that Seafood Gumbo! Seriously, the chefs at Madeline's are wizards. Omar, our server, was a total gem. He knew the menu inside and out and helped us pick the perfect wine. I've eaten my way through Mexico, and let me tell you, this little gem in Cambria gives some of the big-city restaurants a run for their money. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service made for a memorable night. My wife, Martha, and I will definitely be back!"

Back again, with friends, and our meals were fabulous! I was happy to see that they have maintained their overall style with an understated dining room offering a small, but welcoming list of French-California cuisine to tempt you. We started our meal with the Duck Terrine (Duck and Bacon pate, Duck Sausage, Cornichons and Toast Points) and Baby Spinach with Bacon Vinaigrette, Red Onion, Toasted Pecans and Dried Cranberries. Entrees consisted of the Stuffed Chicken Breast, thoroughly enjoyed by our friends and my wife went with the Polenta Madeline and I chose the Louisiana Seafood Gumbo. All were served hot and in a timely fashion by our very attentive waitperson. Nallely? Somehow, we had room for dessert and chose to share an Apple Tart and Lime Pie. During our meal we also enjoyed a bottle of Madelines Caydens Cabernet along with a glass of White Wine. Their wine list is extensive and offers many local choices. We will be back during our next visit to Cambria.

There is something quaint and cozy about this intimate restaurant in the west end of Cambria. We were promptly greeted and seated. Our water and warm fresh bread and butter were quickly brought to our table by a very personable young man. Our server did an amazing job explaining the menu and helping us to pick an amazing wine to go with our dinner. I wish I could remember her name as I would love to give her a shout out. I enjoyed the duck, although it was just a touch overdone. My husband said the sea bass was some of the best that he has ever had. The portions were perfect and sadly we had no room left to enjoy the long list of desserts that they offered. We will be sure to leave room on our next visit. They offer a smaller lunch menu, as well. There are a couple of small tables that you can sit at out front if you want to people watch, enjoy the amazing weather or bring a furry friend with you. I highly recommend Madeline's and we will definitely be return.

Haven't updated my review here in quite a while. Madeline's continues to be one of the finest restaurants in Cambria, offering delicious french cuisine in an elegant setting. The prices are not cheap, though they are appropriate and on par with other restaurants of this caliber in Cambria.

We had a great time here! Natalie was so attentive! Loved the bread with an in-house made herb butter. Salad was great I loved the dressing. We enjoyed our entrees. California Central cost wines are where it's at!! Loved the wine so much we bought some to take home. It's also a wine shop. Cheers!

This is Cambria's fine dining restaurant. Recommend making reservations since it is a small restaurant. Street parking is easy. The first thing you notice when walking in is how there are so many paintings on the wall. The tables are nicely spaced apart. The service here was attentive, and we never felt rushed. We had to order elk when our waitress mentioned it as one of the daily specials. I've never been to a restaurant that served elk and was intrigued. We decided to split a Madeline Salad so we could say we had something "healthy". Splitting the salad was a good decision to avoid filling up on salad before he entrees arrived. The duck breast was good. The elk was divine. I preferred the elk. It was tender and flavorful. The bread was unmemorable and it came with an equally bland whipped butter spread. Madeline salad -- $13 Elk (daily special) -- $40 Duck Breast -- $33 2021 Morgan Pinot Noir -- $15 There is one spacious restroom at the back of the restroom. No diaper changing tables, however, this shouldn't be a problem as I think most of their customers do not bring infants. Overall, I loved this small charming French restaurant and am looking forward to stopping by again next time I'm in Cambria. Mention you are a guest of Cambria Shores Inn for a discount at the restaurant. I stayed 2 nights at Cambria Shores Inn (see my review) where this restaurant has their Madeline's on Moonstone wine tasting room, with a deck overlooking the beach and ocean across the street. .

Madeline's restaurant is located on Main Street in Cambria. We've eaten here before when vacationing in Cambria. My husband and I shared the Madeline's salad. Delicious. I ordered the filet mignon which came with mashed potatoes and veggies. The steak was tough and overcooked. I returned it. The server immediately brought a replacement which was very good. My husband had the braised short ribs over pasta. Delicious. The wine was excellent. For wine tasting I recommend you try Madeline's on Moonstone located at the Cambria Shores Inn. Very relaxing overlooking the ocean.

Wow what a fantastic restaurant. We have eaten here many times and it is our favorite place to dine in Cambria. The food is always on point. We have never had a bad experience. The staff is very friendly and attentive. Never had to ask for more water, etc.. it's great little date night dinner spot. You can dine inside or alfresco! Highly recommend.

Love the atmosphere of Madeline's. It quaint and professional and perfect for a romantic date night but also a nicer family dinner night. We got the pheasant appetizer with the cream puff pastry which was delicious. My sister got the butternut squash soup and personally that was my all time favorite. Perfect for the fall season. The duck breast was so yummy but my favorite on the table was the short rib pasta. The meat was so tender and the pasta was cooked to perfection. The service was on top of everything plus very knowledgeable about their pairings. We will come back next year.

During my trip to Cambria, the host at White Water Lodge recommended a popular dinner spot that's difficult to get into. I called and found out they were fully booked, but luckily they were able to reserve a seat for me at the bar since I was dining alone. I was thrilled! The restaurant itself was charming, with friendly hospitable hosts and servers. Everyone was incredibly friendly, polite and pleasant. To start off they served warm bread and whipped butter infused with parsley. It was an absolute delight! For my starter, I had the soup of the day, a light and tasty potato and leek soup that was perfect for the chilly night. As for the main course, I couldn't resist ordering the fillet mignon. It was cooked to perfection, with an exquisite blend of flavors and juicy tenderness. The creamy mashed potato was delicious , although I wished there was more of that Overall, it was a delightful dinner experience that I will definitely revisit the next time I'm in Cambria.

Came in this evening to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom and husband. We made a reservation for 5:30pm the night before. Highly recommend making reservation. The ambiance is cozy and warm. Tables are close together but the space is small so they did well with the spacing. We were very impressed with the wine list. I ordered a Gruner and my mom a Rose. Both were great. We started with an appetizer of scallops which my husband and mom said were delicious. I had the soup special of potato/leek and my husband got the Madaline salad. I did not care for the soup so my mom ate it and enjoyed it. My husband's salad looked good and he really liked it. Our main meals were Filet Mignon, the stuffed chicken breast and the seafood gumbo. My husband really liked the gumbo...spicy but not too hot with flavor. My mom's chicken was really good, I wish I had gotten that. I had the filet mignon which was ok. It was not cooked correctly and had no flavor. The waitress did offer to send it back but we had already waited a while for the food so I did not want to wait. We ordered desserts...chocolate cake, lime/raspberry pie and the apple tart. They were delicious except for the chocolate cake...again, not much flavor. We ordered coffee with dessert and it was really good. I did not need sugar as it was very smooth and just lovely. All in all it was ok for me and good for my husband and mom. We did receive a comp dessert for my steak issue which was very nice. I would like to suggest providing actual soup spoons with the soup and gumbo...it would elevate the experience a bit. I do not know that I would return but if I did I would order a different meal for sure and get a glass of Gruner...not easy to find. I feel like the prices were definitely in line with the quality...fair and reasonable. I would have given a three star but my mom and husband said they think a four star fit for them so majority ruled

Wow! The food at Madeleine's is top notch. Glad we made a reservation because the place was full. The braised short ribs were fork tender, the sauce and pappardelle were simply delicious. The stuffed breast of chicken and scalloped potatoes were decadent and rich. Our server Nallely was helpful, attentive and we appreciated her input.

We came here for dinner to celebrate my 30th birthday. Being from Vegas, we usually expect places to not be at the same culinary level as our hometown, but man did Madeline's blow our expectations way out of the water. This is the kind of cozy restaurant we wish we had in Vegas, the food was excellent and you could tell was made with love and care. We will always come back when visiting in Cambria.

Very nice restaurant. Nice window seat. Romantic ambiance. Food and service were competent, but not as great as I had expected from the reviews. My wife and I thought it was a bit of an off night (it was a Sunday night and I don't think the owner was there). The mushroom tart to start was fair - it tasted ok (not special). It was a little underseasoned and could have used some more flavor (more flavorful mushrooms? carmelized onion or shallots? some type of cheese or herb?). Also, it felt like that dish had been prepared a long time earlier and microwaved before serving because the temperature was uneven across the slice, extremely hot on one side, and the crust had no taste or texture. Sauce dotted on top did add some pleasant flavor. The pappardelle pasta with rosemary sauce was tasty - again a little underseasoned, but I added salt and it was better. The sea bass special was very good. Fish prepared well. The sauce was very rich. The "famous" chocolate cake was more like a tall chocolate silk pie - there was no "cake" in it. It looked like it had 2 layers of chocolate - one dark, one lighter. Crust was a little soft, like the savory tart earlier. Because the filling is so soft, I think it would have been better if the crust were a little firmer or crisper. (It seemed like it was an older piece of pie from the day before, and the crust got soft from the time and refrigeration.) Service was good. But we were served by at least 4 different people (kind of a team service). They were all pleasant, did the job well, but the lack of a single point of contact made for a less personal and personable experience (I don't remember hearing anyone's name!). It was a pricey meal (our most expensive in Cambria). We thought we had a better experience at Sow's Ear (food and service, cozy but not as romantic). But again, it could have just been an off night for execution at Madeline's because the elements are there.

We have always held Madeline's as the best place in Cambria. Something has slipped in the kitchen. Entrees are not what they were. Filet Mignon was not crusted or seared properly and duck not rendered fully. This is sad to see.

Food.....outstanding. Wine choice excellent, Ambiance fantastic. Waiter tried to up sell us on Wine. Which we did not really appreciate. We order a Pino at $52. Up sale was $68. But regardless we enjoyed Madeline's and would go again.

Oh, Madeline's!! I wanted to love you, but it was so mediocre (almost shameful, considering how expensive eating out is in today's inflationary economy) that I am deflated. It started out so promising with an enthusiastic welcome and attentive service at the front. But, that was the highlight, followed by a slow flameout. We had the warm spinach salad, which is a fun opener, considering it's not something you see on many modern menus, nor is it a dish you'd ordinarily make at home. It was okay, with a good wilt to the spinach leaves but maybe too much acidity from the vinegar and mozzarella cheese that didn't seem appropriate for the dish. The wine list is interesting and we'll priced. They have a good selection of central coast and international wines. Several whites and reds by the glass and many interesting options by the bottle. The gumbo, which was highly recommended by the server, was just a beige mess. It had almost no taste, save for the spicy sausage. The scallops and prawns were overcooked and rubbery, and the clams were just shells with little, if any, meat associated with them. Such a disappointing dish. The duck was also just blah. It had obviously been reheated, as the slices were curled up on the edges and the texture rubbery and color grey. The highlight on the plate was the scalloped potatoes, which were perfectly cooked with a wonderful crispy exterior and creamy interior. The veggies were okay: asparagus and carrots, which appeared like some afterthought on a dish you'd get at a fundraiser banquet. The place is very quaint with dim lighting and a cozy ambiance. The tables are spaced properly, but we could still hear the couple across the way talking to their son on speakerphone, and the loud lady in the party of three behind us talking about her disappointing trip to Barcelona. The server was wonderful at the beginning, but I almost sensed he was embarrassed by the food preparation and kept his distance at the end, only to send another server out to dutifully present the check and collect the payment. We paid, but we were not delighted. We are locals, and we want to be supportive, but the execution of this meal made it impossible.

Popped in unplanned for a charcuterie plate, a bottle of delicious vino, and a slice of gluten free Belgian chocolate truffle mousse cake, DIVINE! Cody was amazing accepting us 30 minutes before closing the lunch service. Every single item we ate was scrumptious!!! Fancy restaurant surrounded by precious wine varieties of every kind. We ended up purchasing another of the bottle we had consumed to go!! Cody is absolutely the epitome of hospitality and a wealth of knowledge regarding fine dining and wine . He educated some at the table the reasoning behind pouring etiquette without a single ounce of pretense.

My better half made reservations at this sweet neighborhood spot for the first dinner seating... we were welcomed by three different hosts which made us feel quite special. Gio was our main host and he made sure we were in good shape. Kudos for that. Big bummer on the poblano soup being recommended and being sold out as we were really looking forward to that. Mushroom soup was nice, creamy and flavorful but still.... our main courses were the Poitrine de Poulet Farcie and Polenta Madeline which were both delicious, flavorful and paired very well with the Alban Voignier from nearby Arroyo Grande ... we learned to know the winery through local friends. One thing, plates were pretty small but that's the new normal I'd guess. Key lime pie as dessert which was Gio's (and other staff members') favorite. I agree. Overall a very nice experience, wish I could give 4.5 star instead of 4.... if the poblano soup would have been there, probably a 5.

A delightful dining option in Cambria's West Village. The French-inspired food is delicious.... We had stuffed chicken breast and sea bass - - both were amazing. The key lime pie for dessert was heavenly. Service was friendly and attentive and the ambiance is cozy. Can't wait to come back!

Very great service and food. Only wish they served liquor. This place is very cozy. I will go again my next time in town.

We had driven up earlier in the year to try lunch here, but the northern end of Cambria was totally flooded, so we wound up at Linn's that day. We tried again last Friday and found the restaurant open! We parked in front and were greeted right away by the friendly hostess. We were shown a table in the window and settled down to read the menu. The same thought I had last time I dined in Cambria crossed my mind again, thinking about how cute and charming Cambria is and a real bargain relative to Carmel and Monterey. The little shops and ocean views along the coast are certainly comparable. I had scoped out the shrimp roll and my husband chose the Croque Monsieur. We were happy that they each came with either soup, salad, or fries, so he got soup and I got salad. I chose a Santa Barbara Sauvignon Blanc to accompany my meal, and a generous pour arrived quickly, as did our food. I loved the soft cloud-like brioche bread that wrapped my shrimp salad, while the beet, spring greens, sliced apples, and chevre salad was a refreshing treat. My husband's Croque Monsieur was a bit rustic, but it was served on the same brioche bread as my sando, and was packed with ham. The star of the meal, however, was the humble butternut squash soup. It was so richly delectable that it could have been a desert, and I gladly finished it for him.

We dined at Madeline's on Sunday evening at the suggestion of our hotel and they've been on my bookmarks for Cambria for awhile now so it all came together. Our hotel called over and made us a rezzie for 645p. We arrived and were seated at a perfect table for two in the front window. We started with a bread and butter basket. The bread was warm and fresh. We both ordered glasses of wine. I had the Austin Hope Cab, scrumptious! I think my bestie had a Paso Zin. We shared the spinach salad which was fresh and yummy. I ordered the butternut squash ravioli special, served atop sautéed spinach. It wasn't life changing but it was good. My bestie had the filet, it looked great. I did have a tiny little bite :) which I rarely do but wanted to try it. As much as I would have liked to have dessert we were too full, since we'd had brunch a few hours prior. I'd also picked up a slice of pie from Lynn's earlier in the day and remembered I had that back at the hotel for later. Service was 5 STAR. I was going to try a wine from Madeline's Cellar and when I asked our server about it, and described what types of Cabs I love - he was so honest and transparent in saying their Cab is nothing like that but he happened to have something open that is. I absolutely LOVE the honesty and fantastic recommendation. As soon as I tried the Austin Hope Cab, I knew he'd listened to me and poured something that was exactly what I described. We eat at some of the same places each time we are in town, it was so nice to finally try Madeline's. I'd definitely recommend a visit, if you're looking for a nice sit down place. We also like Robin's but wanted something different and I love the sandwiches at Soto's True Earth Market for something a bit more casual. Moonstone Bar and Grill is also ok, but Madeline's is definitely a place you'd select if you are in town and looking for something celebratory and special. The other places are special in their own way too but Madeline's is a lovely choice.

I was pleasantly surprised by Madeline's in Cambria. It's a hidden gem with a beautiful ambiance. Although we had a brief wait for our reserved table, it wasn't too bothersome. The wine list was excellent, featuring wines from across California. We began with a crusted eggplant Bruschetta, a non-traditional yet delightful choice. The vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the eggplant paired exceptionally well. I highly recommend the stuffed chicken with candied walnuts for its perfect crunch. The medium-rare lamb sirloin was another highlight, melting in our mouths. We concluded the night with the Chocolate Truffle Mousse Cake, a rich and delightful ending to a great dining experience.

We absolutely adore Madeline's!! Truly this restaurant brings us back to Cambria again and again!! It NEVER misses the mark. The service along with the food is top notch. Diane our server was terrific. The portions are large and I think reasonably priced. We celebrated our 30th anniversary today there! EVERY meal we've had there has been memorable- this being no exception! First course we shared the mussels. They split the 2nd course for us which was the short ribs and frites! The frites were to die for and the short ribs melted in your mouth. Diane our server surprised us with yummy key lime pie for dessert. Thank you David (owner), Diane & everyone who helped us celebrate! Keep up the good work! If you've never been - you are missing out! Lol Just don't tell TOO many people!!

Madeline's Restaurant & Wine Cellar in Cambria provides a warm atmosphere, cozy hospitality, and polished service. The restaurant serves homemade French/American cuisine as well as an array of international flavors made from farmers' market fresh ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect to find fresh seafood, locally sourced meats, and vegetarian dishes. Our meal started with some bread and cheese. The bread was soft and easy to break. The cheese was not the easiest to spread, but it was delicious. My friend and I split one serving of their daily special soup (tomato basil soup). The soup was a bit watered down but very flavorful. My friend tried their Louisiana seafood gumbo. Seafood was fresh, but the gumbo was a bit salty. The portion size was decent. I got their Lamb Sirloin. Lamb was cooked nicely, but it was mostly bland because the chimichuri sauce was very watered down and barely stayed on the meat. Mashed potatoes were okay; a bit chunky and not as creamy. The service was fast. Our server was very good and attentive. If you are in the Cambria area, then it's worth checking out this place.

Definitely wanted to update my review because we recently had dinner here and I must say...my experience gets better and better! Tried the short rib pasta and my companion tried the sea bass. They were both sooooo delicious! And the wine! Ohhhh it was delicious and as always the staff is always prepared with wine suggestions. Check out my pictures and see what dinner was like!

My husband and I came here for our 14th anniversary today. We had a fabulous meal. The scallops were delicious. Sorry, no picture as we had already devoured them. I had the Madeline's polenta with ratatouille which was savory and flavorful. My husband had the sea bass and it was prepared perfectly. The service was pleasant and efficient, and our server was very knowledgeable. For dessert we had the chocolate mousse cake with vanilla ice cream. It does not come with ice cream, but I highly recommend it. The cake has a rich cocoa flavor that chocolate lovers are sure to enjoy. We will be back!

I would call it more of an experience than a meal. As local foodies and service workers, nothing thrilled us more than an opportunity to try Madeline's for the first time. Exquisitely prepared with love I could taste every single flavor in every single bite. We ordered the stuffed chicken and papardelle pasta and shared, although I garnered more control over the scalloped potatoes and the delicate creme sauce that made me happy I ordered togo...no one would see me polishing it all of with my bread! Big love to ya'll at Madeline's. Warm service as well, thank you!

This was the last restaurant where I ate with my mom before I lost her last year. I remember the food was so wonderful I couldn't wait for us to go back but I haven't been there since. I do plan on going back someday!

Absolutely delicious! Cozy and romantic ambiance. Delightful and efficient wait staff. It's hard to say which was better, the presentation of the food or the food itself. This restaurant really stands out in a town with many wonderful restaurants. I will definitely come back anytime I am in the area.

My husband and I like to go to fancy restaurants a few times a year, and we were excited to see what Cambria had to offer. We easily made a reservation online through their website. After going to another high end restaurant in the area we found lacking, we were both excited to see what they had to offer. The service was impeccable, attentive and knowledgeable. We got the crab cakes which were tender and full of flavor. I got the brie stuffed chicken and my husband got the elk,which he has never had before. The chicken was delicious, served with asparagus, carrots, and scalloped potatoes. The sauce that came with it was perfection. My husband loved the elk!! Everything was amazing!!!

Had lunch in this cute restaurant with my family. We ordered tartine, salads, and a cheeseburger. Everything was delicious! I had the short rib tartine, which was so rich and flavorful. Our waitress took good care of us. This was my favorite restaurant during our visit to Cambria. I will definitely return next time I'm in the area.

Madeline's is one of the best restaurants on the entire central coast from Santa Barbara to Big Sur. 1: Food Quality The food was absolutely amazing. The kids meal was a gourmet treat that even the poshest of adults would have enjoyed. I myself tried the steak frites and it was so tender, juicy, and full of flavor with perfect portions. The soup of the day was a delight. 2: The Service As someone that was a fine diner server for several years I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of service here. The server was timely, polite, friendly, and attentive to detail. On top of that they were the definition of class. My wife ordered a hamburger and they were actually out of hamburger meat. We would have been perfectly happy choosing something else but they offered to replace it with filet mignon at no additional cost. If that isn't great customer service I don't know what is! 3: Price Point At one of my other favorite restaurants I usually end up spending $100 or more for myself, my wife, and my child. Here I spent $70 not including my típ. The portions matched perfectly and for the quality of food this is one of the best deals on the coast. They also had an excellent wine selection! I recommend the Madeline's cab! In conclusion this restaurant can go head to head with any of the best restaurants from Santa Barbara to Big Sur and beyond. I highly recommend stopping here.

Great food, we got the filet Mignon and the duck with the cherry reduction sauce! Would recommend if you're unsure or undecided, can't go wrong. Our particular waitress wasn't the best but the other waitresses & waiters helped us & were very nice making it great service. Very nice restaurant & atmosphere, just a little small. The apple crumble pie was also very good.

Really cute restaurant on Main Street. They have a nice menu and a great variety of wines. We were warmly greeted and sat at the window table. I'm a huge bread fan, and both my son and I didn't eat a second slice of bread. It may be missing salt? I ordered the spinach and warm bacon salad and it was just okay. For my entree I had the stuffed chicken with sage brown butter. This was very good. My green beans and carrots were the favorite part of my meal. I wasn't fond of the scalloped potatoes, the cheese was overpowering. My son had the rabbit with plums and he really enjoyed his. He had a different type of carrot and roasted new potatoes. The hostess and busser were really friendly and helpful!

We went here for lunch on the recommendation of friends and enjoyed amazing food. Best food I've had in Cambria in awhile actually. You come here for the food & wine, not the view. This is a small place, no frills. Feels like Europe, just like there service is unhurried, verging on slow, at least when we were there at lunch. But the food is worth the wait. This will be a must stop during Cambria visits.

Being the only fine dining place in town, you probably either need a reservation or walk-in early to snap a seat. I thought the food was okay, they do have many decent choices for wine. Also, service may be a bit lacking. The front reception worker and water worker were fine, but our server was only attending to my boyfriend's needs. When he checked up on us, he did not look at me, did not speak to me, towards the end while he already almost turned away, I had to verbally get his attention and ask him to get me some parmesan for my pasta. He may have been a bit surprised that I spoke? lol

My wife and I had a fantastic experience and dinner celebrating our 44th anniversary. Nallely was a great server as were the other attentive staff that served us. The restaurant was full but not noisy! Each dish of our meal was superb, especially the sauces. To top it off, the chocolate truffle dessert was the best restaurant dessert we have ever had. If you are ever in Cambria you must eat here.

Excellent service & food!! Husband loved it for Father's Day!! We went for lunch but we will try you for dinner soon. Our waitress was lovely!!

We stopped in for lunch and were greeted by Gio who was also our waiter. He was so upbeat and his recommendations were spot on. After a delicious lunch, we decided to make dinner reservations which was also fantastic. I had the halibut special and my husband had the duck.