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We've been coming to the island for years and FINALLY made it here. We have missed out over the years! This place is as fancy as it gets on Madeline: gourmet food, but on a screened in old porch, and shorts are just fine. Throw in a sunset and it's perfect. We started with a shared bowl of celery and Gorgonzola soup. This could've been weird, but was sublime. The soup tasted throughly but delicately of the fabulous funky cheese, but the celery kept it light and easy to eat. The smattering of crunchy croutons, usually distracting, were a perfect foil. My husband had a beef tip pot pie, topped with mashed potatoes instead of pastry, with a bright green salad on the side. The portion was just right, and he polished off everything on his plate. Like the soup, it was satisfying without being too much to handle. I ordered the roast chicken topped with Brie on sweet potato gratin, garnished with grilled peaches. I mean... I don't usually like sweet potatoes, but putting those four flavors together was genius. You had all the flavors: sweet, tart, salty, savory. I would've loved more peaches but that is my ONLY complaint. Even lived the wine: a Chardonnay by Matchbook vineyards in California. Have already started trying to find where I can purchase it! Service was fun, courteous, and just the right balance of attentiveness and leave-me-aloneness! Literally my only complaint? The building is old, so the floor boards bounce and you might spill a drop of wine! So drink quickly so that doesn't happen! I am ready to go back!
11 months ago
Nice, quiet, low key atmosphere, good quality lake trout. Somewhat limited menu but it was off season when I was there. read more
Food was just ok. I think the service would have been better had there been more people working at the restaurant. It was fairly busy at 6 pm on a weeknight. The ambiance was good, well decorated and good looking inside and on screened in porch. I would not go back. read more
We stopped by to grab dinner last week after a nice bike ride around the island. I was immediately impressed by their commitment to their COVID-19 safety precautions. They are absolutely doing it right! I felt very comfortable and safe with their contactless delivery and excellent service. Every staff member I interacted with was friendly and kind... and masked! They even sanitized the stylet for the credit card machine after ever customer. Overall, I believe they are going above and beyond to keep their employees and customers safe. The woman at the window was friendly and helpful. Per her recommendation, we ordered the beef tenderloin and it did not disappoint. The meat was flavorful and cooked perfectly. Unfortunately the dill butter alongside the dishes was plain and lacked flavor. The sweet potatos were delicious and the vegetables tasted fresh. We also ordered a fish dish that had a delicious wild rice side that was well seasoned and delicious! Overall great dinner spot & thankful for their commitment to providing a great meal during this crazy time! read more
Two stars only because the food, while cold, was still delicious. I know many islanders love this place, so we finally made a point to come with some friends we had up to our cabin. IT. TOOK. FOORREEVVEERR. Which can be expected if the pace was packed. But it wasn't. I would say about 70% full. We waited an ungodly amount of time for everything. Water, to order, our drinks (one of which was completely forgotten about until after I was ready for my second glass of wine), and finally, the food. Maybe because we were seated outside..? I was a server for years, so it takes a lot to get me to the point of walking out, but we were there. The couple we were with had just a few sips left of their BOTTLE of wine, and we had all decided if they finished before we got our food, we would throw down enough cash to cover, and leave. The food got there with just a sip to spare. And it was cold. And then we waited again, with empty plates. At this point, I was at the end of my rope and went inside to find someone, anyone, to bring us our check. There are enough other, better dining options on the island. We won't be back. read more
8 years ago
We've been coming to the island for years and FINALLY made it here. We have missed out over the years! This place is as fancy as it gets on Madeline: gourmet food, but on a screened in old porch, and shorts are just fine. Throw in a sunset and it's perfect. We started with a shared bowl of celery and Gorgonzola soup. This could've been weird, but was sublime. The soup tasted throughly but delicately of the fabulous funky cheese, but the celery kept it light and easy to eat. The smattering of crunchy croutons, usually distracting, were a perfect foil. My husband had a beef tip pot pie, topped with mashed potatoes instead of pastry, with a bright green salad on the side. The portion was just right, and he polished off everything on his plate. Like the soup, it was satisfying without being too much to handle. I ordered the roast chicken topped with Brie on sweet potato gratin, garnished with grilled peaches. I mean... I don't usually like sweet potatoes, but putting those four flavors together was genius. You had all the flavors: sweet, tart, salty, savory. I would've loved more peaches but that is my ONLY complaint. Even lived the wine: a Chardonnay by Matchbook vineyards in California. Have already started trying to find where I can purchase it! Service was fun, courteous, and just the right balance of attentiveness and leave-me-aloneness! Literally my only complaint? The building is old, so the floor boards bounce and you might spill a drop of wine! So drink quickly so that doesn't happen! I am ready to go back! read more
6 years ago
Nice option for weeknight takeout in La Pointe and look into the drink special! Minty watermelon goodness in late July. Nearby picnic tables to wait at while takeout is prepped. read more
6 years ago
Best dinner food on the island! We had the tenderloin and white fish, both of which were cooked to perfection. The sides were delicious, desert was fantastic, and service was great! I highly recommend! read more
9 years ago
My compliments to the chef! She has a wonderful menu and it is executed perfectly! I had the vegetarian polenta and it was to die for! My husband had the lake trout and it was equally good! Great wine list, dessert was fabulous... all around this was a fabulous dinner! We liked this menu much better than the Pub and Wine Bar down the street... and much friendlier service! Our waitress Lydia gave great recommendations and was just awesome! Can't wait to come back! read more
6 years ago
Their take-a-way menu was perfect for casual but delicious Friday night. Good food, done well. Thanks Seiche!
8 years ago
Been coming to the island for 9 years and this was the first year I've tried Cafe Seiche and it was delicious! We started with a salad and a basket of bread. The salad was nice and fresh and the bread was so soft. For the main dish I got the vegan option. It was a black bean patty on asparagus, micro greens, and roasted sweet potato with a romesco sauce. I ate every bite! The other people at my table got the whitefish and they loved their meal as well. And dessert....oh my god. We each got our own and shared. I got the chocolate peanut butter pie (the favorite), strawberry shortcake and lemon cream pie. It took a while for the food to come out, but I really enjoyed that. Restaurants usually bring the food out too fast, and I liked how they slowed down the meal. Will definitely come back! 10/10 read more
12 years ago
We were finally able to make it to Cafe Seiche our final night on the island. Thank goodness we did. We were warmly greeted, and quickly seated, narrowly avoiding the monsoon outside. From the first exchange with our engaging server Mitch, we were all in. We ordered nearly the entire menu. We all started with an exquisite strawberry salad. We followed with an incredible filet and Gorgonzola potatoes, as well as trout Wellington. We could not deny ourselves the chocolate truffle, rhubarb crisp, and coconut peanut butter chocolate desserts. The setting is inviting, the food was spectacular, and the service was a highlight of our week. If you find yourself on Madeline Island, even if you can't find your hotel, do something right and let the staff of Cafe Seiche take you away for an hour or two... BTW, Mitch, the girls are already planning a trip to Hollywood to take you up on your offer.... Michael Gramlick read more
6 years ago
Even as a takeout, this restaurant pay such close attention to detail make sure you get a fine dining experience. The peach blueberry Galette is not to be missed! But salads, gazpacho, and fish and beef entrees are wonderful and staff is thoughtful and friendly. read more
7 years ago
Went on a Thursday night, seated quickly enough; the restaurant was not crowded. Took a longtime for a server to appear. A long time to order wine. Longer to get the single bottle We had questions about some menu items; the server seemed to know little or nothing about the food. Three of us ordered walnut crusted whitefish on seasoned potaoes; the 4th, trout. Then we waited for more than an hour, wine gone and water gone. Meal arrived: white fish was, yes, on top of unseasoned hash browns; trout went largely uneaten. Our played sat uncleared for another half hour. No attention. Finally waved and demanded check. Total time largely ignored: 2-1/2 hrs+. Eat at your own risk; miserable experience read more
8 years ago
The food is excellent. Always happy with what we order and wonderful to have a higher end dining option right on the island! One star comes off for the slow service, which seems to be a trend over our many past visits. The slow service is made worse by the lack of anything to snack on - no crackers, bread, etc. to pass the time while you wait. It took awhile on a recent visit to even get the order in and then an extended period to get our entrees. Would love to see them improve this aspect to make it the perfect place! Really like the "new" (few years old now) addition of a small bar inside. They also have had the same "special" listed for several years now (though some of the core menu has been adjusted over time with great and seasonal additions). Not sure why this never changes or what makes it "special" if it is always available, but there you go! read more
8 years ago
Came here for dinner after hearing good reviews but were somewhat disappointed. Food was underwhelming; beef pot pie was tough and lacking flavor and nuance (and topped with potatoes, so isn't this a Sheppard's/cottage pie?) though the presentation and portion were nice. Overall could have used more care and attention to ingredients. Gorgonzola celery soup was thin and mostly just tasted of cream, and beet salad special was unimpressive--the dressing overwhelmed everything and the feta seemed misplaced. The almond crusted whitefish was good due to the piece of fish itself being delicious and cooked well, but the accompanying teriyaki style sauce didn't make any sense whatsoever; if I hadn't asked for it on the side it would have ruined the dish. Staff was very friendly and service was excellent; we enjoyed our experience, but the food was nothing to exclaim over. read more
6 years ago
We ordered 2 of the Trout dinners @$27 per entree and desert. Every thing was order and pick up to go. Ok order was done on time and we get to our hotel and are all ready to sit by the water and enjoy our meal. Hummmmmmm, no utensils to eat with! No napkins! Really!!!! This is fricking TAKE OUT and we are all away from home! Come on! This should be something you DOUBLE check! I called and complained, of course we could come back but WTH who wants to drive back and get utensils and then eat cold food! Thank goodness we had two forks hidden in our bags or I would have demanded a new order! It really wasn't that great either, I expected better. read more
14 years ago
We went here for breakfast. Ella's is more cozy but this place has the best quality food on the island....hands down. The chef is amazing! I'm not sure if it was just because when we were there it was considered off-season but from the looks of it they make 2 main dishes each day along with some sides. Also, they make limited supply for the day too. So get there early! Prices are reasonable especially for the quality of food. Good strong coffee, friendly staff. It looked like only 1 chef in back so allow some time for the food to come out. If it's nice outdoors they have plenty outdoor seating with a nice view of the beach. When we return to the island to visit again we'll be going here! read more
11 years ago
Over priced, poor quality, not great service. Watch many people come then leave due to high prices, I should have done same. White fish in an avocado, special was very disappointing, thought it was chicken of the sea mushed up and put in the avocado.. Bread was not great, they poor the oil and vinegar into a bowl then take it away? Steak I sent back and decided to cut losses and watch wife eat her meal as I drank a bottle of wine.... Sad had great expectations. read more
7 years ago
Let me say this first, my friends claim my mediocre experience was not the norm for Cafe Seiche, they say it's usually VERY good. We sat on the screened-in porch, which was lovely. The ambiance & cleanliness of the place was overall good. It's the food and service that didn't stack up for a $$$ restaurant. We ordered the $3.50 bread basket which was just 6, 1/2 inch slices of a baguette, the bread was hard & dry, the butter frozen. I ordered the coffee crusted pork loin special. The pork was over cooked & dry. I couldn't choke it down and was so hungry, I requested a new one. The second was cooked much better, mw, but the meat had no flavor. A plus was the presentation & mashed potatoes were great! Re service, our server argued with my friend who wanted steak sauce (never brought any btw), gave me the stink eye when I returned my food & then was going to add 20% tip without telling us. We were a table of 6 & understand included gratuity. However, it was not posted on the menu, it was not included on our bill, it only came to light b/c 2 of us paid with credit cards & 1 cash and the server came out to make sure she was going to get her tip b/c there wasn't enough cash!!!!! What???? We hadn't even had the opportunity to put tips on our credit card receipts. Totally tacky & insulting. So, no matter what my friends say, I won't be rushing back. read more
13 years ago
I live on the Island. Sieche always blows my mind. I always leave feeling filled with healthy good energy food. Desserts are out of this world. I recommend everyone order a dessert and pass them to the left so everyones gets to try them all! read more
8 years ago
Eighty percent of the reasons for coming here is the intelligence of the food on offer. Chris will surprise you. And forty percent of the reasons is the vibe. Understated, seemingly offhandedly but for sure not, Island hip. Mix with the local cognoscenti. I know, I'm this review includes a tip for Cora the bartender. read more
15 years ago
Best dining experience I've ever had! I've had vegetarian dishes, steak, chicken, shellfish, salmon, whitefish, among others and have always been extremely satisfied. MUST visit Cafe Seiche if you're visiting Bayfield/Madeline Island area! read more
7 years ago
I wish I could say the food was fantastic but I can not. The dinner we hoped for after a fun day on the island never happened. We were seated by a confused staff member who seemed surprised we wanted to be seated outside, in their outdoor seating area. We sat next to several tables that seemed to be enjoying their lovely dinners but sadly, no wait staff ever approached our party of two. With menus in our hands we eagerly hoped for service and after 30 minutes asked a staff member for help. She smiled and said she would get our waitress. 10 minutes later, nothing. We left hungry, never served and barely acknowledged. Trust the reviews saying mediocre service. I'd give a zero star if I could. read more
14 years ago
I was pleased with our experience at Cafe Seiche. I believe their menu might be seasonal, so results may vary. The specials on the night I visited included beef tips with rice, prepared in a sort of fancy southwestern style. It was quite delicious. The waitress was very nice and very patient with our group, though I was disappointed with how long the food took. Our party of six took longer to receive our meals than a party of four that sat down after we did. Other than that, the restaurant has a very enjoyable atmosphere, and the chef is quite skilled--the rest of my party seemed to enjoy their meals immensely. read more
13 years ago
Delicious. Outstanding service. Great desserts. Its been a while, but I clearly remember the amazing steak I got, and the jaw-droppingly delicious desserts. Blueberry crumble and a flourless chocolate torte - both fantastic. Our server was attentive and answered all our questions. It was great. The menu changes weekly and reflects what is in season (to some extent). We'll definitely go again when we are on Madeline next year. read more
12 years ago
For an exquisite meal on the island, try Seiche! I have never had a disappointing meal at this restaurant. In fact, the food is superb. The waitstaff is great and the chef very accommodating - they always have vegetarian options. And not yucky, we-don't-know-how-to-cook-for-vegetarians choices. Fresh vegetables cooked just right, and tofu prepared by someone who knows how to cook it! If something on the menu sounds good, it will taste better than you expect. Knowing that the food is locally sourced makes the food that much more appetizing. Never mind if the kitchen is slow - totally worth the wait! The ambiance is somewhat cozy, definitely classy, plus now there's a bar. There's patio seating which of course is lovely in the summertime. Café Seiche is by far my favorite restaurant on the island. read more
10 years ago
Cafe Seiche never disappoints. We own a home here on Madeline Island - and this is our favorite spot! The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced - fish and beef dishes are out of this world. The salads and soups are delish. Quality ingredients produce outstanding dishes. Save room fir desert! read more
15 years ago
Formerly Cafe Lotta, this charming island Cafe was taken over by a local and the food is prepared by a wonderful chef! The fish, meat and vegetables were fresh, local and delicious. Wine list was small but thoughtful. The waitress did not have much experience with the wine, but consulted with the kitchen and came up with a great pairing. The restaurant walls are hung with works from local artists and craftspeople with works for sale or just enjoyment. The locals are obviously embracing the place, and it is elegant enough for a night at a resort, but they were very hospitable to a couple (us) who came over the ferry with bicycles as well. I would vote this as a replacement for what the Bayfield Inn used to be-worth a trip. read more
14 years ago
This is a diamond in the rough! Very low-key atmosphere ...you would think the dishes would be simple and adequate. Every dish was jam-packed with flavor, fish has beautiful texture, greens tasted like they came directly from my garden. Totally worth the trip on the ferry from Bayfield. Now we're considering ordering for picnic lunch. read more
12 years ago
We dine here every year, and had better dinners when it was "Lotta's". Our last few visits were disappointing, but we had a better experience this year. The bread used to be Ashland Baking Company products, and got me addicted to the kalamata olive sourdough. Last few years has been a french baguette, but still served with plates of olive oil (balsamic vinegar added, if you like). Two had the Bayfield strawberry salad, and two had greens with smoked paprika dressing...both very good. I had the trout wellington for dinner...tasty trout in puff pastry with rice and mushrooms, served with two nicely grilled chunks of zucchini. We tried three desserts....all excellent. Strawberry bread pudding was not too heavy, with nice tart flavor. Pecan pie was good, and the dense chocolate cake was cool and silky. Our waiter cheerfully took care of group photos and our elderly mother's special requests. They display and sell local artists' works, including Loraine's exquisite baskets. Make an evening of a ferry ride, and short walk to Cafe Seiche! read more
More info about Cafe Seiche
794 Main St
La Pointe, WI 54814
Directions
(715) 747-2033
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.cafeseiche.net
Full menu
Hours
What time does Cafe Seiche open?
Cafe Seiche opens at 5:30 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Cafe Seiche opens at 5:00 PM on Sunday.
What time does Cafe Seiche close?
Cafe Seiche is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.Cafe Seiche closes at 8:30 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Cafe Seiche closes at 8:00 PM on Sunday.
Mon-Wed ClosedThu-Sat 5:30 PM - 8:30 PMSun 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Payment methods
Does Cafe Seiche take credit cards?
Yes, Cafe Seiche takes credit cards.
Food & Alcohol
Does Cafe Seiche have catering options?
Yes, Cafe Seiche does have catering options.
Does Cafe Seiche serve alcohol?
Yes, Cafe Seiche serves alcohol. Full Bar
Indoor Amenities
Does Cafe Seiche have TVs?
Yes, Cafe Seiche has TVs.
Outdoor Amenities
Does Cafe Seiche have bike parking?
Yes, Cafe Seiche has bike parking.
Does Cafe Seiche have outdoor seating?
Yes, Cafe Seiche has outdoor seating options.
Does Cafe Seiche have parking?
Yes, Cafe Seiche has parking options.
Other Amenities
Does Cafe Seiche have free WiFi?
No, Cafe Seiche does not have free WiFi.
More Info
Health Score
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Review Highlights - Cafe Seiche
“Been coming to the island for 9 years and this was the first year I've tried Cafe Seiche and it was delicious!”
Mentioned in 11 reviews
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
2 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
6 years ago
Seiche's dine out options taste just as good as they do in the restaurant - not everyone can say that! When I'm craving the healthy food that will satisfy all my taste buds, Seiche never fails. Local fish and produce, a tenderloin that melts in my mouth, and delicious desserts that belong in a fancy patisserie. Their Lite Fare menu is the perfect everyday dinner, too! Do NOT miss this place. read more
6 years ago
Always delicious, always local, always quality food and experience. Out of all the options on Madeline Island, Cafe Seiche is the best place to go for dinner. Support local! And if it's on the menu you MUST try the Key Lime Tart. read more
Cafe Seiche - tapasmallplates - Updated August 2026
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