Award-Winning Italian Mediterranean Cuisine in the heart of beautiful downtown Madison, CT. Chef Ilario's family legacy in the food & sevice business originated in 1972 at his parents famed restaurant, Del Monaco's, on Wooster Street in New Haven. Join us for exceptional food and service for lunch and dinner.
We also offer a seasonal selects menu, take out dinner, happy hour specials, weekly specials, holiday events and let us host your special occasion party! We'll make you feel like family. We do not take emailed reservation requests. We will do our best to accommodate special requests. Please note that table locations cannot be guaranteed.
We also offer a seasonal selects menu, take out dinner, happy hour specials, weekly specials, holiday events and let us host your special occasion party! We'll make you feel like family. We do not take emailed reservation requests. We will do our best to accommodate special requests. Please note that table locations cannot be guaranteed.
Services
TV journalist and author, Joan Lunden, with Chef Silvio. Joan enjoyed dinner at Cafe Allegre prior to her book signing at RJ Julia's. Lovely woman and an honor to have her dining with us! We wish him a long, successful career! We're in the spotlight! Our small business series shines a light on local business owners in the community.
Reviews (24)
Jake Stevens
Dec 24, 2021
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Bing C.
Dec 13, 2021
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Phenomenal doesn't even describe Cafe Allegre!
I went on Saturday, 12/11/2021 with a reservation for 5 people. First off, I live in Shelton, CT and it was a rainy night with lots of traffic and was running 30-minutes late for my reservation (which I despise doing to any restaurant) but I called them, and they said to me "no worries, drive safe." Wow, that was a really nice way to start off my visit to them. I have been here before, it was always great, but have not been back in several years.
Well, that will change, I assure you. Let's face it, a lot of restaurants during
I went on Saturday, 12/11/2021 with a reservation for 5 people. First off, I live in Shelton, CT and it was a rainy night with lots of traffic and was running 30-minutes late for my reservation (which I despise doing to any restaurant) but I called them, and they said to me "no worries, drive safe." Wow, that was a really nice way to start off my visit to them. I have been here before, it was always great, but have not been back in several years.
Well, that will change, I assure you. Let's face it, a lot of restaurants during
D. Please
Nov 26, 2021
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Christina Garcia
Oct 24, 2021
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Melanie Salvesen
Oct 22, 2021
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Nice ambiance, but mirrors need cleaning. Service was good, friendly. Menu selection had nice variety, even gluten free options.
However the food was a disappointment. New York strip was dry and chewy, came with heated frozen extruded steak fries, undercooked greenbeans. Just really expected delicious and didn't get it.
Ery expensive e for what I got
However the food was a disappointment. New York strip was dry and chewy, came with heated frozen extruded steak fries, undercooked greenbeans. Just really expected delicious and didn't get it.
Ery expensive e for what I got
Tammy Gunn
Oct 21, 2021
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Food and service were good. No bussing staff showed up to work on this very busy Friday night, which had the entire staff doing double time. We waited over 20 minutes to be acknowledged or get water. But, during these crazy pandemic times, we understand the plight of restaurants trying to have enough staff and enough products. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful. The clear, sparkly outdoor lights provide a perfect outdoor dining experience.
Victor P.
Oct 13, 2021
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Shadi Abughazaleh
Sep 21, 2021
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Steve Ramboni
Aug 02, 2021
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Natalie W.
Jul 23, 2021
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Went to cafe Allegre for the first time last night. Was there for a private party in the back room. It was a really beautiful space with some nice natural lighting. There was one server helping out our whole party that was very kind and offered many suggestions along with food and wine pairings.
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Started out with some appetizers. The Eggplant rollatini was beautifully presented and the perfect ratio of cheese and sauce. We also had the New York Style calamari and some crabmeat stuffed mushrooms. The stuffed mushrooms were my favorite appetizer of the evening, however they could've been presented
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Started out with some appetizers. The Eggplant rollatini was beautifully presented and the perfect ratio of cheese and sauce. We also had the New York Style calamari and some crabmeat stuffed mushrooms. The stuffed mushrooms were my favorite appetizer of the evening, however they could've been presented
Food Of Ct
Jul 12, 2021
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Visited here last night for a private event with a prix fixe menu. We were pleased with the variety of options, and everything we had was delicious. The New York Style calamari was really flavorful and had just the right amount of spice, and the steak was cooked perfectly to everyone’s liking. I thought that the deconstructed banana split was a really unique dessert, and I really enjoyed it! It features Doughwich’s ice cream sandwich and is a great way to support a local business. I hope to come back here soon and try more items from their menu!
Ralph G.
Jun 13, 2021
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I want to post this review to express how incredible my experience was On Saturday 6/12/21. Meeting friends for dinner, we decided on Cafe Allegre. This is a popular place and have been there a few times before and had good food and never was disappointed. The atmosphere was pleasant and inviting, it was comfortable and staff was very gracious. Enough with the layout.. Let's get down to the review.. There was a variety of apps and I have to say they were very good. There was the stuffed artichokes, fried calamari and bread that was brought to the table. The calamari and was very good
Ljr Images
May 18, 2021
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I looooove Cafe Allegre, and I can't believe I'm only now writing a review. We enjoyed their takeout during the shutdown often. Their chicken parm is the best comfort food in the entire world. I can also attest to the eggplant parm and the stuffed mushrooms. I have a hard time ordering anything else, but I'm sure it's just as good. I look forward to dining in soon.
Linda B.
May 17, 2021
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Be sure to check hours at restaurant since actual times they are open is different than what they are showing on yelp.
This was my first visit here and the food was fabulous.
We shared eggplant rollatini appetizer- great.
One of my friends ordered the salmon with lobster and lobster sauce and it was incredibly delicious. I had the veal Compania and it was also great. Another friend had the rigatoni with Bolognese and it was the best i've ever tasted.
I would've given this five stars except that the side order of pasta that we ordered was extremely over cooked and mushy.couldn't
This was my first visit here and the food was fabulous.
We shared eggplant rollatini appetizer- great.
One of my friends ordered the salmon with lobster and lobster sauce and it was incredibly delicious. I had the veal Compania and it was also great. Another friend had the rigatoni with Bolognese and it was the best i've ever tasted.
I would've given this five stars except that the side order of pasta that we ordered was extremely over cooked and mushy.couldn't
Kevin M.
Apr 25, 2021
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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.
Barbara C.
Sep 07, 2020
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I cook Italian a lot of Italian food. If you are used to homemade food then you will not like it. This place was Not for us. Ordered fried muzz which was fried sticks, yep like the frozen ones you get for 1.99. Ordered bolognese which was not very tasty and penne ala vodka (no cream). Was tasty but not ala vodka
Sauce. Then waiter made a 100$ mistake!!! When we pointed it out it was corrected but honestly that SHOULD NEVER happen!! Oh Cafe Allegre what beautiful ambiance but food, NOT....
Sauce. Then waiter made a 100$ mistake!!! When we pointed it out it was corrected but honestly that SHOULD NEVER happen!! Oh Cafe Allegre what beautiful ambiance but food, NOT....
Nancy B.
Jul 12, 2020
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Fantastic food, beautiful atmosphere.
Very attentive service and great location.
I will be back for sure when in area!
I had the tilapia over capellini, which was absolutely delicious. We also enjoyed a tomato/mozzarella appetizer, the best escarole/bean soup I've ever had (and I've been Italian for all my 50 years!), and pasta Bolognese. great wine, bread etc. what more could a person want!!!!!
Very attentive service and great location.
I will be back for sure when in area!
I had the tilapia over capellini, which was absolutely delicious. We also enjoyed a tomato/mozzarella appetizer, the best escarole/bean soup I've ever had (and I've been Italian for all my 50 years!), and pasta Bolognese. great wine, bread etc. what more could a person want!!!!!
Glenn W.
Jun 20, 2020
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Tried to patronize an old favorite during the covid 19 crisis. Not sure if Lario did the cooking but it was terrible. Ordered a tray of chicken Parmesan. Totally fried like I would get from a pizza place. If I had not been to this restaurant before I would never go back if this was an indication of their food. We ended up throwing most of it out. I hope they had a bad day! One strike - X
Pete L.
Nov 17, 2019
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We had a party of six with 7pm reservations and all went well at first. The dinners were splendid, and the drink menu was interesting!!! The only challenge of the evening is that the young man who waited on us may have gotten a better offer for the night. He attempted-to rush us from the second we sat down. Albeit we had a lovely time, we were subjected to a dozen interruptions. Again the food was very good! My monkfish was delicious!!!
K. B.
Oct 24, 2019
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Diane K.
Aug 08, 2019
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Kim W.
Nov 29, 2018
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Decided to try this for an mid-afternoon/late lunch after another place we wanted to eat at in Guilford was too busy. So glad we found this gem. This is located right on the main road mixed amongst shops and with ample parking out back. Such a warm feeling when you walk through the doors. We were sat in the back - seemed like it was either part of the banquet area or at least close to it. Our waitress was wonderful (wish I got her name). Started the meal off with the fried calamari: absolutely delicious and not overly fried; also this dish is only made of calamari rings versus other dishes that
Matilda B.
Nov 03, 2018
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Scrumptious!
Sadly, we learned that Chef Silvio Suppa passed away last year, but that was only AFTER we asked our waitress to compliment the chef on an OUTSTANDING meal!
After reading rave reviews, we decided to choose Cafe Allegre for a wedding rehearsal dinner. We chose the Toscana banquet menu ($38. per person plus gratuity):
Appetizers: Eggplant rollatini, pasta, clams casino and fried calamari
Salad: With house made dressing
Dinner: Chicken marsala, Chicken Fraincaise, Tilapia Aqua Pazza, Salmon Filet, Veal Parmigiana and Past Primavera (vegetarian)
Dessert: Chef's choice
Sadly, we learned that Chef Silvio Suppa passed away last year, but that was only AFTER we asked our waitress to compliment the chef on an OUTSTANDING meal!
After reading rave reviews, we decided to choose Cafe Allegre for a wedding rehearsal dinner. We chose the Toscana banquet menu ($38. per person plus gratuity):
Appetizers: Eggplant rollatini, pasta, clams casino and fried calamari
Salad: With house made dressing
Dinner: Chicken marsala, Chicken Fraincaise, Tilapia Aqua Pazza, Salmon Filet, Veal Parmigiana and Past Primavera (vegetarian)
Dessert: Chef's choice
Noah B.
Aug 24, 2018
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