Chef Tory grew up working in his grandparents' diner in Racine, Wisconsin before moving to New York to attend the French Culinary Institute and work his way through some of the cities' finest kitchens, including Bill Telepan's JUdson Grill and Eleven Madison Park. A true Wisconsinite at heart, he returned to Madison to begin working under his mentor, Odessa Piper, at L'Etoile.
Here he found his true passion for local food through the Dane County Farmers' Market. After taking over L'Etoile in 2005 from Odessa, Tory opened his 2nd restaurant, Graze, in 2010, and his 3rd, Sujeo (now closed) in 2014, as a way to provide local-sourced cuisine to a larger audience in the Madisonian dining scene.
Here he found his true passion for local food through the Dane County Farmers' Market. After taking over L'Etoile in 2005 from Odessa, Tory opened his 2nd restaurant, Graze, in 2010, and his 3rd, Sujeo (now closed) in 2014, as a way to provide local-sourced cuisine to a larger audience in the Madisonian dining scene.
Reviews (9)
Sim Ray
Nov 30, 2021
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I had the best garlic potatoes I have ever tried from my first visit here!
• French onion soup w/ bread, gruyere and butter
• Medium rare filet mignon w/ peppercorn cream sauce and salad, garlic potatoes, fries
• Creme brulee w/ raspberry
• Escargots in garlic butter, bread slices and garden salad in lemon dressing
• Boeuf bourguignon w/ rice, garlic butter potatoes
• Strawberry, vanilla ice cream and lemon sorbet
• French onion soup w/ bread, gruyere and butter
• Medium rare filet mignon w/ peppercorn cream sauce and salad, garlic potatoes, fries
• Creme brulee w/ raspberry
• Escargots in garlic butter, bread slices and garden salad in lemon dressing
• Boeuf bourguignon w/ rice, garlic butter potatoes
• Strawberry, vanilla ice cream and lemon sorbet
Michael Burke
Nov 02, 2021
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Damian Duffy
Dec 29, 2020
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Opened again after lockdown the menu item slightly reduced but the food is as good as ever.
The tables are spaced apart, the staff wear visors and there is hand sanitizer on the table so the atmosphere is a bit subdued - maybe as of you are one of the early diners
The two of us had French onion soup/garlic bread for starters. Main courses were spinach lasagne/fish with ratatouille. Both very good. Dessert was trio of ice cream.
L'etoile is a proper restaurant, not a chain, and to be honest not 'fancy' but the food is tasty, the staff are lovely and the ambiance is welcoming
The tables are spaced apart, the staff wear visors and there is hand sanitizer on the table so the atmosphere is a bit subdued - maybe as of you are one of the early diners
The two of us had French onion soup/garlic bread for starters. Main courses were spinach lasagne/fish with ratatouille. Both very good. Dessert was trio of ice cream.
L'etoile is a proper restaurant, not a chain, and to be honest not 'fancy' but the food is tasty, the staff are lovely and the ambiance is welcoming
John Wilson
Oct 08, 2020
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An easy "5". The best food we've had for a long time in Belfast. It was very good in the past but the combo of snails and Boeuf Bourguignon followed by crème brûlée was sensational. My wife especially liked her starter of tuna rillette and the medley of ice-cream. We will be back.
PS bring your own wine - corkage is charged at £2.50.
PS bring your own wine - corkage is charged at £2.50.
Geraldine Francis
Aug 01, 2020
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Christine Shuttleworth
Dec 12, 2019
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They have a slightly larger menu than the last time we were there. I was there with 2 friends and we all had starters and main courses. No complaints about any of it. In fact I would say it's the best meals we have had in the place. We catch up every 6 months or so and go here as we never feel rushed or made to feel we have to go as soon as food is finished. The wee waitress who served us was lovely. Will be back again
Cris Hunter
Dec 07, 2019
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Visited Etoile last night with my husband. It was his birthday and his dessert was derived with a pretty candle. The food was amazing. I would recommend going here for a meal. The only downside was a very loud vocal lady at a table across from us. Cannot blame the restaurant for that. Just lived the authentic look of the place. Thank you for a lovely evening.
Judith M.
Sep 30, 2019
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Traditional French cuisine which is absolutely delicious. We went on a Friday evening and the atmosphere was lovely and relaxed. I had the French Onion Soup to start and it was so good. Followed by Goats Cheese Tarte and lots of vegetables. My friend had the fish and all of it was stunning. The staff are incredible, knowledgable and very helpful. Can't wait to go back.
Stuart Jackson
Jun 25, 2017
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Great bohemian air about this place from the decor to the patrons. The food is very tasty, serving fresh local seasonal produce with a French twist. The best beef in the area. Also, have a chat with the owner, she is great. BYO alcoholic drinks, there are plenty of places to buy in walking distance.
