Madison's was a wonderful experience. First, the setting was hard to beat. Impeccable with old world charm and exquisite settings. The service was outstanding with lots of attention from the wait-staff. My wife got the scallops and they were perfect. I got the feduchini bolognese, and it was perhaps the best I have had. I had high expectations and they were more than matched. A wonderful setting. read more

We thought the decor in the restaurant was unusually classy. The "booth" was actually two love seats with pillows and a table. The food was extraordinary! I had scallops which were perfectly prepared but my wife won with her surf and turf entree. The best steak I have tasted in a long time. Desert was white and dark chocolate bread pudding. OMG good! Our servers were knowledgeable and friendly. We'll definitely go back next time we're in town. read more

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Consistent quality and service. Old school service, which is refreshing. Great bread before the meal and very attentive service throughout. Food is very good but won't make you say "wow that was the best meal ever". Excellent wine list too. read more

Amazing dinner, and even better service! This place is a gem of Highlands, and we've been dining here for years. Both food and service are always consistent. Beautiful outdoor patio right in the heart of highlands and great indoor seating as well. This trip we had the Halibut Special and it was DIVINE! read more

Madison's Restaurant - Halibut Special lime glaze + mustard, rice, asparagus - New American Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

An incredible night at The Madison's. They welcomed us with rose petals on our table, seated us by the window, and gave us complimentary champagne, bread and chocolate mousse for our Anniversary. The service is the BEST I've ever had! We had a PRO for our waitress and she was kind, charming and informative. My husband had the lamb and filet grilled to perfection and I had the Lemon Spinach Chicken Roulade which was juicy and flavorful. Their veggies are all home grown. All 5/5 stars. We also had the Creme Brûlée which melted in our mouths. (We also had a pimento cheese app and a fig sorbet between dishes that were delicious too. Just all over-the-top) Will always remember this night read more

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Our first visit to Madison's, although we have stayed at old Edward's Inn for four or five visits. We thought everything was very good. Our waitress, Tsahai was very pleasant and helpful. We ordered a couple of cocktails which were both very well prepared. We ordered the Fried Oyster and the Crab dip appetizer. Both were good but the Crab dip was exceptional. I ordered the Venison tenderloin and my wife order the trout both of which were excellent. We split the crème Brûlée, which was perfect for two people that just needed a little bit of dessert after a full supper. Loved the service, the ambiance and the food. We will be back next time we are in Highlands. read more

We went to Madison's to celebrate with a guest visiting from out of town. I've always considered Madison's and the Old Edwards Inn a true pillar of hospitality in the Highlands area--one that sets the standard by training people in the art of detail and care. Unfortunately, tonight they failed on every level. I ordered a $65 ribeye steak, medium rare. What I received was well done. I pointed it out, the server took it back, and unbelievably, the second steak came out well done again. How does that even happen twice? The excuse? That the kitchen lighting makes it hard to see the color of the meat. Really? My friend ordered a burger, also medium rare, and that too came out well done. If you want to be considered the benchmark of hospitality, this is simply unacceptable. I come to an upscale restaurant for a pleasant, worry-free evening--not to feel like a burden for pointing out basic mistakes. To make matters worse, at the end of the night, every woman in the restaurant was given a rose--except for the woman at our table. Not that the rose itself mattered, but the omission felt deliberate, as if we were being "punished" for speaking up. Madison's has always been my go-to example of fine hospitality in the Highlands, but tonight was the opposite. With new ownership, is this the direction things are going? If so, it's a real shame. read more

This restaurant at Old Edward's Inn and Spa exceeded both of our expectations. Their building is an amazing, old world, Manor style with fireplaces, dark woods and beautiful layout both inside and out. A perfect winter mountain experience. The food, as a Relais & Chateau luxury location is world class. We ate here 3 times in one weekend as it was so good! The dining area is beautiful, the food amazing, and the service impeccable. We both vowed that when we come to the mountains again we will come here. And oh btw, they have a luxurious spa that everyone raves about. You have to visit this charming establishment. There is nothing like it in the mountains. read more

Madison's Restaurant - NY Strip, Scallops, asparagus, Truffle Butter. The sauces ...amazing! Entree cooked perfectly. The best meal I've had in ages. - New American Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

The service was great. I felt the food was not up to the service and atmosphere. I probably will not go there for dinner again.

Heavenly and divine. I had sunburst trout with orzo and my husband had wagyu hamburger with truffle fries. Blue crab dip appetizer. Shehay was our server. Deborah served excellent rolls - three kinds with homemade butter. Then soufflé with cinnamon sauce. Oh my my my. Words cannot do it justice. read more

Excellent service from the moment you walk into the place and until we left. We came in for a rainy day lunch and did not have reservations but they had a table for us. They checked my coat for me and immediately seated us. Our server was Amanda and she was the perfect balance of attentive without being intrusive. We never wanted for anything. She was great at helping us make decisions and she was cheerful and made the experience all the more pleasant. We had the salmon BLT and the chicken salad sandwich. I requested rye toast instead of the croissant it normally comes on. I also added cheddar cheese. Both of us had the butternut squash soup. The soup stole the show. I am a soup lover and have a discerning bf palate - this was phenomenal soup. There was a hint of sweetness countered by smoky bits of Benton's bacon, Ohmygosh y'all. It was perfection. The only minor disappointment was the quality of the glass of chablis I had. Short on the palate, flavorless. I didn't mention it to Amanda. We sat up against a large window overlooking the outdoor bridge and bar area. It was soothing to watch the raindrops hitting the water beneath the bridge. Such a warm and pleasant lunch on a cold rainy day. read more

Madison's Restaurant - Chicken Salad sandwich & butternut squash soup (I subbed rye toast for croissant). - New American Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

Visited Madison's for lunch and first impression was wow absolutely beautiful. The vibes and aesthetic are immaculate. For lunch I chose the chicken Caesar wrap with house chips. Something unique about the wrap was the chicken was cooked with pesto, it added a really nice flavor! The wrap was also a good portion size and packed with chicken. The chips were yummy and seasoned well with salt but could have used a dipping sauce. I did ask for a side of ranch, which i unfortunately never got...and here's where the review goes downhill. Our waitress did a poor job taking care of us. Took our order, dropped the food off and never returned, not even to refill a water when our glasses were completely empty. The most frustrating part is she clearly paid extra attention to the table next to us who were ordering more expensive items such as cocktails and appetizers. She walked right past us many many times never stopping or acknowledging us. We even had to flag her down to ask for the check. I would most definitely come back to dine here as the ambiance was perfect and food was delicious. Sad that one server can ruin someone's experience. read more

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Meh. It was fine. Nothing notable about the menu or service. Probably the least enjoyed meal of our trip.

This restaurant was so nice for breakfast. We came for the weekend and it rained non-stop. The tables overlooking the Wine Garden made for a nice view even though we couldn't eat outside. The food was delicious and the service impeccable. We came twice. One morning we had the Eggs Benedict and the two eggs with chicken sausage and cheddar grits. The grits were some of the best I've ever had!! The second day we had the blueberry pancakes and the fruit parfait. I ordered a side of their whole wheat toast with blackberry jam. Again, amazing!! My favorite part was the French press English Breakfast tea! We never got the chance to have dinner here, but I'm sure it's just as amazing! read more

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The perfect ending to a nice weekend in Highlands NC. After a wonderful couple days of touring and shopping in the beautiful town of Highlands NC our group decided on Madison's at the Old Edwards Inn. A beautiful setting both inside and out. It was a little chilly so the group decided on inside. The stone and wood with the perfect lighting was impressive. Along with the beautiful art work and extra large windows to view the garden area was very nice. We started out with some warm house made bread with their special soft creamy butter and some pimento cheese and crackers. Just delicious. Some of the entrees included the .. Ribeye. Very juicy and oh so tasty. Georgia Shrimp w/wild mushroom and linguine. Excellent And the 6oz Filet Beef Tenderloin. So tender and amazing. To top it all off,,,, I highly recommend the Banana's Foster Bread Pudding. Just heaven in a cup! We didn't have any but I was able to get a peek at their wines. (See photo) A very impressive selection to say the least. The entire staff is phenomenal with great attention to details. Just a glowing experience from start to finish. read more

I can't say enough good things about Madison's, my husband and I celebrated our anniversary there and I'm so happy we did! Preston was an incredible waiter who made us feel welcomed and was incredibly helpful in recommendations. The ribeye and scallops were to die for and the desserts were amazing. The restaurant itself was so beautiful and clean while being very romantic. read more

It's quite good! The Pan-Seared Foie Gras was heavenly! Pan-Seared Foie Gras Warm Black Lentil Salad, Sweet Onion Cream, Toasted Brioche, Frisée Salad, White Verjus Great ambience and service too! read more

Madison's Restaurant - New American Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

We made reservations for our anniversary. We were sat right away and told happy anniversary by our host. The table had been arranged with fresh rose petals. They have a huge menu of half bottle, whole bottle and by the glass wines. We ordered the charcuterie board, the Ribeye steak, mashed potatoes and carrots. As well as the Meatloaf ( which is the original recipe) mashed potatoes broccoli and carrots. It was a beautiful presentation and perfectly cooked. The Ribeye was sliced with a perfect crust on the outside as well as the meatloaf. We were given a complimentary serving of buttermilk crust crackers and pimento cheese. So so good! We also shared the banana pudding. The bananas where caramelized and pudding was creamy. It also had a dark chocolate "Happy Anniversary" candy on top. We also received complementary dark chocolate truffles, and a rose for our anniversary. read more

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Two bites of the Bolognese was all I could eat. It was terrible. My friends scallops were too salty and my other friend chicken evidently sat in water for quite a while because it was very rubbery. The entire experience was a disaster. Never again. read more

If you want to have a fun night with your friends, this is NOT the place for you. This is a place to have a quiet dinner with your wife, mistress, or dull business partner. My friends and I were in town for a bachelorette party (8 person table). We were placed at a table in the middle of the restaurant and were eating and drinking. The manager of the restaurant comes to our table and tells us that multiple tables have "complained" about us and that "we need to remember to use our inside voices." He was incredibly condescending and it came across disrespectful. We are an excitable group, but we are a very respectful group, especially to people in the service industry! So this was a shock. After that, we were fairly quiet and the service was incredibly poor and food was bad. Someone ordered their steak medium rare and it was served blue. Another friend had a hair in their risotto. I have a lot of grace for our server, who was fabulous and incredibly helpful for an out of town group. This restaurant was incredibly stuffy, if you are under the age of 45, I would say eat elsewhere. I also have to say, I got the impression that if we were men on a bachelor party (or business trip!), we wouldn't have been met with such disrespect. This restaurant was overpriced for the quality and, frankly, a stick in the mud! Save your money, eat elsewhere in Highlands. read more

Our experience at The Madison was amazing. Food was very delicious, the waitress Kumiko served the table she was very friendly and sweet. read more

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We were treated to excellent service by Rasheem - but there was nothing he could do to overcome the mediocre food. We started with a Caesar salad, which was fine, and an order of foie gras. The foie gras was of good quality, but it was cold in spots, and the cold parts were not nearly as satisfying as the parts that had been cooked properly. For our mains, the octopus was good, but arrived cold. When it was returned to the kitchen, it was returned at a perfect temperature. The pecan crusted trout looked uninspired and was perhaps the most boring entree I have had in a long time. The fish was tasteless - the potatoes under the fish were the best part of the dish. For a fine dining spot which is always recommended to visitors to Highlands, Madison's landed with a resounding thud. Only the service saved this review - don't go for the food. read more

We came to Highlands to enjoy the leaves and to celebrate an early Bday for Kathy. Our experience at Madison's was outstanding. I had the Pecan encrusted Trout....it was incredible. Kathy had the filet which was tender and tasted fabulous. We hope to come again! read more

Madison's Restaurant - Bday celebration - New American Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

Good, wholesome food. Service was attentive. For large parties all servers come out and bring food to each guest at the same time. Nice touch! Complimentary dips and crackers upon arrival! read more

After having dinner at 2 other local restaurants in the same town, we found Madison's way overpriced. My French onion soup was too salty and my husband's steak was way overpriced. The staff was very attentive and atmosphere was nice not worth the price will not be going back read more

We've pretty much tried every restaurant in the downtown highlands area. Madison's by far, exceeded our expectations and then some. Service was impeccable, cleanliness on point. My partner didn't care too much about his burger. But the divine part about this dinner, the Chicken... Cooked so very well, need I say. The best chicken I've ever had from a restaurant. It was tender and juicy, but the sauce was not over powering. Our picky 9 year old, ate most of my meal. And my husband finished the rest. Our eldest, couldn't finish her entree. But the chefs special (fish) was very good as well. The desserts (was a little underwhelming) but the experience, the views, and service made up for that. We will most definitely be back. read more

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Beautiful restaurant - staff is very attentive and friendly. Our waitress, Laila, was so friendly and attentive t. Food was excellent! We had the lobster raviolis and scallops as an appetizer. The lobster was delicious along with the sauce prepared by chef. Scallops accompanied gnocchi which was phenomenal. My husband had the ribeye and said it was excellent. I had the wagyu with potato and mushroom and it was delicious. The entire experience was beautiful to celebrate our 1 year wedding anniversary and babymoon. read more

Madison's Restaurant - Seating - New American Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

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My husband & I celebrated my birthday breakfast at Madison's & the food was absolutely delicious! The coffee was delicious too. Also, the best grits we've ever had. read more

We ate here for lunch after reading the menu and were very excited. We ended up being incredibly disappointed because the food was just bland. The wagyu smash burger was barely perceptible in terms of flavor, as if it were unseasoned and the aioli they put on was dripping off but tasted like nothing. My wife got the buffalo chicken sandwich and it was good but all the flavors were very muted. We then got the " Caramelized Banana Puddin' " and it was plain pudding with nilla wafers and some caramel sauce at the bottom. Nothing was "caramelized" and when I got a piece of banana I couldn't even tell because it tasted like nothing. I forgot what it was supposed to have been while I was eating it. Everything was fresh, and it looked great, just overall not worth the exorbitant price tag for flavorless food. We expected more. The atmosphere was great, and the wait staff was incredibly nice. The paloma was delicious. read more

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Upper scale restaurant. Service good at both meals. Breakfast was very good and portions large. Smoked trout avocado toast was excellent. They do have good coffee here. Dinner was also very good. Solid wine selection here. Steaks were good. Pasta bolognese was excellent. Hot trio mix Bread served prior to meals. Arugula pumpkin salad was very good. read more

Never had a dish here that I wasn't impressed with. Great attention to detail. Setting is very relaxed and wait staff extremely pleasant although at times seem to disappear for extended periods of time (haven't figured that one out yet). read more

The inside of this restaurant is beautiful, and the food presentation is really nice. We had the Pimento Cheese appetizer, the salad special of the day (a berry salad with chicken, blueberries, raspberries, and feta), Madison's Chicken Salad Sandwich, and the Painted Hills Smash Farm Burger. Complimentary bread service was provided with 3 bread options, which was a nice touch. The servers were also very helpful. read more

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Atmosphere was ok. Unfortunately there was a large party of very loud patrons that interfered with an otherwise beautiful place. There was excellent service, but the food was disappointing. I would have expected much more given the prices. read more

Lunch here was very good. Would recommend the trout melt. Had a reservation at noon and was seated right away. Service was very attentive. The ambience was perfect to hold a conversation. Overall an excellent experience as always. read more

We traveled from Greenville SC to the Highlands NC to attend the annual car show. We attend each year, not only to admire the beautiful cars on display, but we also enjoy talking with their equally interesting owners! Knowing the town and restaurants were going to be busy...we made advanced lunch reservations at Madison's restaurant within the Old Edward's Inn. What a wonderful place! Great food...calm atmosphere.....attentive staff and wonderful chef! My husband and I ordered the fish and chips and the buffalo chicken sandwich and both were excellent. This establishment has now become our new #1 eatery in downtown Highlands. read more

We made the extraordinary waterfall drive from Franklin to Highlands on an unusually warm and beautiful day in March, and we decided to stop for lunch at Madison's at the Old Edwards Inn. The staff from the front desk to the tables were all very welcoming and gracious, and we got a booth in the room overlooking the sun-filled garden area. We were greeted and welcomed by Gavin, who was being assisted by a young lady who told us she was new. One of us had the seasonal salad with blue cheese dressing and Springer Mountain herb-seared chicken breast, which was fresh and very tasty ($22). I had their signature chicken salad on a freshly-toasted croissant, accompanied by a cup of clam chowder ($17). The sandwich was generous and very good. The chowder was full of clams, potatoes, peas and other vegetables. While it would have been better had it been a little warmer, it was quite good. We asked for extra ice for the iced tea twice and our sweet new server seemed happy to oblige. Service was outstanding; everyone on staff made us feel extremely welcome. The ambiance was classy, but the atmosphere was casual (we wore jeans, as did several of the other guests). I'm sure it's packed during the summer season, particularly since there aren't a lot of dining choices in Highlands, as quaint as the town is. I'm sure we'll be back, next time we find ourselves in the area. read more

In love with this restaurant! I had high expectations because I had heard raving reviews and they were exceeded. Sweet potato biscuit is divine and the ribeye steak is simply mouth watering. The perfect place to celebrate any special occasion. read more

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Had a wonderful dinner here on our first night at the OEI! We absolutely loved the atmosphere and nostalgia! The French onion soup was divine as was the petite filet, mashed potatoes and broccolini. Sadly, we were too full to try the skillet cookie for dessert but may very well go back tonight! Our server, Sam, was a gem! read more

Madison's Restaurant - Complimentary dessert for our anniversary-shortbread with mixed berry mousse and strawberries (not on the menu) - New American Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

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It has been a few years since I visited Madison's, mostly due to the pandemic. That said, I was thrilled when my mother invited my middle daughter and I to lunch with her at Madison's on a recent visit. As always, it is such a delight stepping into the Old Edwards Inn and making our way into the dining area. The service here is always exceptional, very professional and polite and yet friendly too. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and that is always so wonderful. We asked her questions and she had answers. I ordered the charcuterie board (ordering an appetizer as my entree) and my mother and daughter both ordered the chicken salad. The wait was not long at all for the food. That said, while we were waiting for lunch to be served, the bread basket that was brought to the table was INCREDIBLE! Selections featured a cheddar and bacon biscuit and a blueberry bread -- oh my!! -- DO NOT miss out on this!! We followed up with our beloved pavlova, a long time favorite. This time it had a perfectly tart (but not too tart!) lemon curd and fresh raspberries and blueberries. Delicious and fresh on all counts! So glad to be back at Madison's and already planning our next visit! A must-do when in Highlands! read more

Madison's Restaurant - Vanilla Pavlova with Lemon Curd - New American Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

Celebrated my 40th here. The place is so cute, like Gaston's cabin or something. Very charming. The service was spectacular across the board. The staff is so warm, attentive, and friendly. The food was delicious! Can't wait to go back! read more

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