Amazing is the only way I can describe this place....our go to when we we want to feel special, and fed with not only incredible food, but prepared by someone who has a passion for their craft. read more

Does not disappointed! It's a small cozy restaurant that's reservations only. We were lucky enough to snag a reservation the night of. Once you taste the food, it's clear why this is the happening spot in town. Everyone in town recommended the duck confit, which can be split as an appetizer or enjoyed as a small entree. The frites were some of the best I've ever had! Crispy and flavorful on the outside, soft and pillowy in the inside. Our entrees were also delectable. The trout was extremely fresh while the endive gratin was rich without being too heavy. Profiteroles topped off the night perfectly. Service was fast and friendly. This meal would have easily cost double in Manhattan! read more

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Really lovely little spot. You were on the new England shoreline but you feel like you have escaped to France for the evening. We went for our anniversary and had a lovely dinner. Started with a yummy ginger martini so good I could've had three. My husband tried another special day cocktail and enjoyed it. I had to have the escargot and they were perfect with garlic and butter. We each had fish for dinner. I had the trout and it was light and fresh delicious. We split the chocolate cake for dessert and it melted in your mouth. It was a weeknight and they did quite a business.The outdoor seating was full and the inside filled up quickly to. We will definitely go back some of the best food on the shoreline. read more

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We have been 3-4 times now coming from NY to Madison for a little get away from the city. This time around we brought our 9 month old and the staff was so kind and accommodating. Really made us feel good. As for the place - ambiance almost feels like you're in a quaint home. They have a really cozy bar area when you walk in, FANTASTIC cocktails, and then probably 8-10 tables inside and a few you can see the kitchen from which is fun. Lastly there is a nice little porch outside. The food is next level good. I don't even like chicken, I never order chicken, the first time we went I forgot what happened but I had some of my mom's chicken and it was tremendous. Ordered it this go around and prepared a different way, AMAZING. We also had their special of scallops, never had better prepared scallops. Appetizer wise we are big mussel fans and these guys make a great batch. I've never seen a bad meal come out. Thanks again to the staff for their kindness during our meal, and presenting us with an absolutely amazing experience. Oh and get the Dauphinoise potatoes side. read more

Sad to say I was not really impressed with our experience at Bar Bouchee last night. We had called for reservations and were told they didn't take reservations between 6 and 8pm and tables were first-come, first-served, so we showed up around 6:15pm. I asked if I could sit at the bar and get on the wait list for a table and was told they don't keep track. Then, there were two empty seats at the bar separated by a couple of people, but when two people showed up, my friend and I were asked to move down so they could add another chair to the bar rather than moving the two open seats to be next to each other. It was VERY strange and beyond cramped. When we left, we noted that one table in the restaurant had been empty the entire time we were there and at least two tables outside were also empty. We ordered the zucchini salad special and were not pleased to find that it reminded us more of a coleslaw than a salad. Luckily, the duck confit more than made up for the odd salad and we devoured it. The saving graces of the night were: 1. the bartender, who was as confused at the seating arrangements as we were and flawlessly handled 12+ people at the bar plus drinks for the tables. 2. the DRINKS. I had their summer version of a mule and loved it. 3. the dessert - we shared the bestselling pave and just about licked the plate clean. This is a good spot to stop by for a drink and/or dessert, but there are a number of other nearby options that work to impress you instead of squeezing everyone in. read more

This was our first visit to Bar Bouchee and we were very impressed. We could not remember the last time we felt so welcome in a restaurant! The setting is old world bistro- a lot of dark wood & great art/posters. The service, cocktails, appetizers, main courses & desserts were all first class! The only nit pick is that the tomato gazpacho was very spicy but was not listed as such. Too spicy for my wife. It was delicious non the less. This is a very special restaurant & we can't wait to return!! read more

One of the best restaurants on the shoreline. Super nice French place with absolutely amazing food. We always sit at the bar because bartenders are absolutely amazing in suggesting food,wines and cocktails. read more

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What can I say about Bar Bouchee? My husband, BFF and I love this bar & restaurant. We particularly love to sit at the bar and watch Shane the talented bar tender and mixologist wave his magic. He's really good fun and very knowledgeable about the wines he has and the menu. read more

Great atmosphere Great wait staff Unfortunately we went mid week and the bar tender didn't know how to make a drink on the menu... and when he made my cosmo it was measured with a shot glass and when poured was only 2/3 full Food is okay, portions are on the smaller side, get appetizers I wouldn't order the lamb again, not sure what the spice was, possibly cinnamon Pricy, expect to spend $75-100 per person read more

I wanted to update my review because we've been coming regularly for years at this point, and we've enjoyed it every single time. Bar Bouchée simply has the most consistently excellent food, service, and ambience of pretty much any place in the area. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, and they really bend over backwards to try to make you happy. They give you snobbery-free advice about the food and the wine, and if something isn't perfectly to your liking, they'll try to fix it. This is a don't miss spot! read more

The best restaurant in Madison, hands down. The stag are dedicated; it's always a delightful experience.

Over priced average food and less than average service. It's a cute place and the host, servers and bar tender are nice but the food was nothing special. Chicken was dry, steak was tough and the martini below average. It was over $125 a plate. I won't ever go again. read more

I will give 3.5. We ordered braised duck leg, mushroom soup special and lamb shank special--I was not particularly impressed. I didn't like sitting near the kitchen because of the noise. The interior is OK but far from French fine dining. The service is good though. read more

Bar Bouchee - Lamb shank - French Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

A high priced meal in a dinner setting. The food is mediocre. I can say the service was excellent. I recommend making the drive to New Haven and splurging at Union League. It's a better experience all around. read more

Everything i ate there was a 5 star. The service was the best I've ever experienced. This is an amazing place for a date night or anniversary. You will leave happy with a full stomach. Even the coffee was 5 stars. This is easily the best restaurant in the area, If not the state, you definitely need to give this place a try. read more

Very good food and service! Not a lot of French restaurants in the area and this is one worth checking out! Highly recommend coming here if you're in Madison or by the shoreline! read more

Service is awesome, food is awesome, price is awesome too! The baked oyster with Bernaise is to die for. Risotto with summer corn, Tomato jam, and zucchini; that corn is so fresh and crisp! I live 2 hours away but would totally drive back just to visit this place! Memorable! read more

Bar Bouchee - French Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

It is a take off on a French Bar, not French Fine Dining. And like a "Bar" it doesn't change its menu often other than offering "Specials" which also seem to be the same over time. Lost a bit of its attention to detail as the food it good, but not what it use to be. read more

One of our favorites! Fabulous, authentic French experience. Unique cocktails, fun atmosphere. Great space, warm and inviting. Consistently outstanding food. The Croqué Monsieur is my favorite, and don't miss the specials. read more

It would seem that a case of 'The Emperor's New Clothes' has been set upon this restaurant. My husband and I made a reservation for our anniversary at this restaurant mostly because we were given a gracious gift certificate. We had been to the restaurant before and know and understand its reputation and significance. We arrived on time for our reservation and were taken to the back corner table. The table was placed in such a way that it wasn't possible for me to sit with my legs in front of me. Beside the fact that the configuration of the restaurant's elevated seating has never been orchestrated well, this presented even more of an uncomfortable situation. I configured myself in a way to be as much 'in place' as possible. The cheese board contained three cheeses that were hard and cold while portioned enough for only a small two bite tasting. The double toasted bread that accompanied the cheese was stale. The foie gras appetizer was blackened and charred and had the taste of soapy cast iron. Once cut, it oozed liquid, a sure sign that it was improperly cooked. It was at this point in the dinner that one of the wait staff (not ours), slovenly walked over after assessing the contortion of my leg and blurted, "Comfortable?" I replied and informed her that I did my best to try to make myself that way. The bavette arrived looking like a grey slab. The cut remained primal without any seasoning or care other than adding heat. My husband expressed that the meat was tough and had no taste. Our waiter never came over to ask how our dinners were and once we called him over rolled his eyes as he was asked to provide some pepper or salt. I then recommended a side of bernaise to offer some accompaniment to the entire lack of flavor of the meat. The waiter returned with a frigidly cold shot of the sauce. The scallop special contained vegetables that were unevenly cooked, some were raw while others were over done. The tarte for dessert was filled with sour apples. It was heated and re-heated at least twice which made it very dry. My experience with tarte tatin is that it is sweet and full of flavor; not dry and sour. Overall the quality of service, food and comfort of the restaurant was unacceptable, especially for the astronomical prices that include an added junk fee for the kitchen staff. What's worse about this entire experience is the pomp and arrogance that emits from the staff who are resting on their laurels. This may have once been a very quaint and elegant spot where French food and hospitality were once at a high caliber. Something has changed and just like the emperor in the story I mentioned above, more people need to reveal the truth about what really has happened to what once was a wonderful place on the Shoreline. read more

Excellent choice for authentic French cuisine. We started with a ginger martini and an old fashioned. Both delicious. Then had escargot and the beet salad for appetizers. So so good. For the main course , Hangar steak with potatoes at gratin, and scallops pan seared over English peas and carrots with a touch of ham. For dessert, the profiteroles were perfect and perfectly done. To top it all off Jacque Pepin showed up with several chefs and ate there in the patio! You can't get more French than that! Can't wait to come back! read more

I had heard such great things, so I guess I had high expectations. My meal was ok... nothing special. It was an evening special... Scallops in a risotto dish. I will give it another try, as maybe it was an off night. read more

It's been some time since our last visit. Tonight was a home run. Perfect service, active atmosphere, wonderful food. Oysters and escargot appetizers were a hit. The pork shoulder special entree was perfectly done, well seasoned, and served artfully. The trout and sea bass ordered by dinner partners got raves. The goat cheese cheesecake was brave. The profiteroles were dynamite. Overall rated 5-stars by our group. read more

Went to this restaurant during a day trip to CT. Atmosphere and decorations are very nice. Staff was friendly and responded quickly to our needs. We received a table at the bar because we did not have a reservation. I enjoyed watching the bartender make unique cocktails. We started off with the escargot and charcuterie plate. I have never had escargot before but after having it at Bar Bouchee, I will definitely have it again. My main meal was the pan roasted cod which was very unique and delicious. Finished my meal with the peach and mango tart. Highly recommend this for a date night out. I will be going back! read more

Bar Bouchee - Pan roasted Cod - French Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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We attempted to dine on Saturday 3/25 to celebrate a birthday. I was assured that it would be comfortable given that it was cold, raining and windy and we our birthday reservation was to be seated under the canopy covered patio area. We were very disappointed with the setting since there was a very strong draft at our table, and rain was blowing in under the canopy barrier. We were anything but comfortable and when we made that known they did nothing. We really had no choice but to leaved mid dinner and take our food home. They did not apologize or respond in any way acknowledging the bad experience. They offered no solution and didn't even seem interested in redeeming the situation. It was a very disappointing experience, and the ownership or management offered no solution or apology. We will not likely go back. read more

Still my favorite restaurant on the planet! Dining at Bar Bouchee is consummately classy and welcoming. The front-of-house experience is amazing, and I always love when SHANE describes his cocktail special and waits with bated breath to see if we loved it (we always do). The food is incredible. I can't get enough of it. So good. read more

Invited to a birthday celebration at this adorable restaurant in a charming town. We were a large group (close to 20) for such a small place, but the service we received was impeccable. We started with salads. The beet frisée salad was so good. Entree choices included a super tender hanger steak, the popular choice. I had a very nice mushroom risotto and to my left she had a chicken. All French bistro high quality. The creme broulee was one of two desserts. Absolutely fantastic. Wine poured all evening and overall experience was great. Charm and great bistro tastes. read more

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This is an unusual review, because I have not had the pleasure of dining here yet. My story is that a good friend eats there often, so to surprise her for her birthday I called Bar Bouchée to ask if I could set up a way to pay for a bottle of wine for them the next time they came in. Three weeks later, my friend and her husband dined there and the owner remembered and applied their wine to my card as a gift. I doubt many restaurants would be so accommodating. Thank you so much, ou merci beaucoup, je dois dire! read more

This was our first time at Bar Bouchée. It won't be our last. The food is delectable - flavorful, well presented, and elegant. Cocktails were perfect. Service was also top notch. Stephanie was attentive and personable. She knew how to make a connection and how to ensure a superior dining experience. Highly recommend Bar Bouchée. read more

Everything was wonderful and our server, an older gentleman from France made our experience above and beyond.

Dinner last night started off great. I ordered the special monk fish it came to the table with a cold center. Set it back and they microwaved it and sent back to me without apologizing as well as offering to take it off the bill. French egotistical chef will ruin this business. read more

Simply the best French food in CT. Great bistro atmosphere, friendly staff and yummy food.

Although this restaurant has been here for many years, I have only recently discovered it. Searching for French cuisine during Covid in January, this was our only option. I am so very happy it was, because it is now by far my favorite restaurant, even while considering those in NYC. We recently returned and had a meal that was just as wonderful as the first. Every detail of the diner's experience, from the atmosphere to the service is carefully considered and exceptional. The restaurant itself is magical, beautiful. tasteful decor that feels intimate and transports you with Art Deco touches. Even with Covid barriers it doesn't feel awkward or cramped or sparse as some places do. The waitstaff is genuinely friendly and completely professional. The food was exceptionally delicious. Duck is my daughter's favorite and she says it was the best she has ever had with a perfectly crispy skin. The cocktails were incredible, French classics with a creative twist. The warm attentiveness of the owners elevates the experience to one of the personal vs the corporate, as we are all working to support and transform how we do business locally and avoid predatory faceless iterations of global capitalism. This place is an absolute treasure, how fortunate I am to have it located in my area. read more

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This place has nailed it. Excellent decor, superb service, amazing food, fair price point. It is a very snug space so do know that before you arrive. We had a Cranberry Moscow mule and French 75 to start. Perfect. Apps oysters & escargot - fresh briny oysters with a mignonette sauce and very plump garlicky escargot - delicious. Mains were a monkfish in a creamy currant & walnut sauce and short rib daube over home made pasta were perfectly sized and very well prepared. Dessert espresso pot du creme was rich but not heavy - All in all a lovely romantic meal - we felt very tended to in a way that you do not often experience anymore. Not stuffy or pretentious just a wonderful meal in a gorgeously low key setting. Props to bar bouchée read more

Bar Bouchee - Monkfish with walnut & currant sauce - yum. - French Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Get the mushroom risotto... mmmm and Yes, this is my favorite go to place to bring friends from near and far. Make a booking in advance as it is intimate and fills quickly. Classy & welcoming. Go, you will not regret it!! read more

I'm surprised this is owned by the same people as Union League -- Bar Bouchée definitely lives in new world hospitality, whereas Union League holds on tightly to the old. Both are decidedly French, but Bar Bouchée is like Union's hip little sister. I have to say, Bouchée is more my speed. I came here last night for dinner with my boyfriend for three courses, cocktails, and wine. We started with some kind of champagne and orange spritzer which was nice, though too sweet for me, and my fault because I knew I shouldn't have ordered it. My boo sipped sans complaints. We had a bone marrow appetizer with toast points, cooked perfectly and delicious. My babe never had bone marrow before and liked it a lot; much better intro to the dish than I had. We both ordered seafood for entrees -- skate wing with cauliflower mash and grenobloise for him, a white-brothed seafood stew with mussels, plump perfect scallops, shrimp, potatoes and saffron for me. Both were cooked perfectly (everything was cooked perfectly) and the flavor was exactly right, too. I would have offered bread with my dish, but it was a special, and honestly, I was full without it. I also switched to a white Cote du Rhône with dinner per the suggestion of our server, and it really was a perfectly bright pair to my dish. Kudos to her on her palette and wine knowledge! We had peach melba for dessert with creamy golden vanilla bean ice cream. Classic and really hit the spot. I had a decaf espresso (they use Willoughby's) with dessert which I wasn't crazy about, but not enough to upset the experience at all. Our server was polite, attentive, definitely knew steps of service and the menu, and was delightful to talk to but not intrusive. The atmosphere is lovely if not a tiny bit overly commercially polished for my taste, but still beautiful and definitely true to being a bistro. I'd love to come back to sit outside for an earlier dinner and delve deeper into their wine menu. 5/5, will be back. read more

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This restuarant has been the talk of the town ever since it opened about two years ago. Yes, it's a French bouchon which is a type of restaurant found in Lyons, France. And yes, it is owned by the same owner as the Union League in downtown New Haven. Overall, the food is excellent. The portion sizes are satisfactory because they're not too small and they're not too large. Although I sort of wish they served a little bit more veggies on the side. But from what I read about bouchons is that they're heavy on the rich meats, not necessarily the vegetables. I liked most everything I had from the menu, except for one item, the hanger steak. I can't recommend it. Sure, I understand hanger steak is not the most tender portion of the cow but we got served a really bad cut that was as chewy as bubble gum. Food summary: Artic Char - Terrific fish that's similar to salmon, awesome puréed cauliflower Hanger Steak - order it if you're feeling lucky, you may get a better cut than we did (Joy C apparently got a bad cut too) Duck leg confit - great stuff, would order it again Chicken & Truffles Sausage - Very good but be prepared to be very salty Profiteroles & ice cream - Very good, but perhaps not worth $9.75. My advice is walk to Ashley's Ice Cream for dessert if you're in the mood for a late night stroll. Like others have said, the interior is loud and crowded. The tables are so close together that the only way to seat yourself is to slide out the entire table. Unfortunately that means you can hear your neighbor's entire diner conversation...and likewise they can hear yours. Going to the restroom mid-way through your meal turns into a big event because of the whole table moving thing. Also, be warned...because they're so busy and darn successful, they're really strict on their reservations time slots. You will be told at what time the next seating is for your table, so plan accordingly (bring a watch), and exit the building by that time. Lastly, just a couple words regarding prices. I'm still looking for a casual French restaurant that I can frequent on a regular basis and at the same time won't bust my wallet. With a $15 hamburger and $10 dessert, Bar Bouchee isn't that place. I've never been to France, but based on my experience with American French restaurants I get the impression only well-to-do folks dine out in France. Now I know that isn't true, but I've yet to find a modestly priced French restaurant in the states (Chesnut Foods comes close but isn't a restaurant). Unfortunately around these parts, the mere mention of the word "French" adds an automatic 30% price upcharge to any menu item. read more

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I heard rave reviews about this restaurant for years so I finally decided to travel to Madison from West Hartford for a birthday dinner. The food, atmosphere, and wine selection were average. The service was rushed due to Covid, I'm sure, and also because space is limited. The food is decent in comparison to other restaurants along Connecticut's shoreline. But I'd hardly call this a French bistro. The salmon was drenched in a cream sauce with spinach leaves thrown in, the sausage and lentil appetizer was mediocre, and the fish special was anything but special. On a positive note, the fish was cooked well. While I have very discerning taste in food, I hardly expected a rudimentary meal at a restaurant with the $$$ on Yelp. read more

Always wonderful, attentive, and delicious! Our go to for special occasions. The potatoes au gratin are our favorite!

A don't miss restaurant in Madison. We were there last week and had incredible mussels and a mushroom tart. The service is friendly and efficient. The ambiance is cozy & charming. One of our favorite places! read more