Madison Caffe
Whether it’s the Grand Bistro, Bar à Huîtres, or the string of trattorias he’s known for; such as The Little Italy, The Brooklyn Pizzeria and Manhattan Terrazza; one thing is for sure — restaurateur Garry Dorr knows his stuff — and with his latest outpost ‘Madison Caffe’, he’s done it again and is onto a winner.
Also the son of a restaurateur, Dorr trained under Alain Ducasse, Joël Robuchon, Jean François Piège, Louis Grondart and, today, composes his menus with Jean-Jacques Jouteux — so he has an array of experience in the foodie field — and while each of his restaurants have their own unique style and vibe, the core values which run through them all are those of hearty hospitality, product quality and service; and this one is no different.
Set in Paris’ 16th arrondissement, the décor of ‘Madison Caffe’ isn’t exactly the epitome of sophistication.. just check out the random knick-knacks strewn up around the place, the neon signage out front, or the swings and the hanging boxing cages in the dining room, in tribute to (as per the restaurant’s name) Madison Square Garden and its legendary boxing room from the Prohibition.
Yep. In fact, it’s pretty kitschy — but, it is bright, cool, and cosy with a funky twist — and, besides, what you really come here for is the fresh pasta — made right in front of you each time, to your liking, and to order.
Because it’s awesome.
Here you’ll find a delicious wonderland of all the pastas you’ve dreamed about in your carb-laden fantasies — hot, fresh, hand-rolled and ready to be eaten with the sauce of your choosing — all served up on your selection, and by a young and dynamic team in a vibrant atmosphere which will have you coming back for more — especially in winter!!
That’s right: 10 types — orecchiette, linguine, elbow pasta, fusilli, mafaldine, spaghetti, macaroni, penne, fettuccini and more; married with with pesto and burrata, tagliatelle alla carbonara, arrabbiata, napolitana, boscaiola, puttanesca, ragu bolognese — the list goes on. As many varieties as you can muster, without any moderation, and all made from quality Italian products which have been extremely well-sourced :)
If you want to switch it up — or just don’t like pasta (who are you? Why??) — you can also treat yourself to a burrata Murgia, homemade focaccia, or a Stracciatella pugliese. No judgement.. :b
An interesting addition to this place is also the 70-seat speakeasy smoking room, which sprawls out onto a garden courtyard. To access it, you’ll need a password, but once you have it and are let in, you’ll be welcomed into a cute little nook — shaped like a speakeasy from the roaring twenties — where you can cosy up and relax with a wine, post-pasta.
Also a plus, and great point to note: You can have lunch and dinner anytime — they offer non-stop service, every day (even Sundays!) from 8AM to midnight. Not NYC hours by any means, but that’s pretty good for France (where many restaurants, even in Paris, close their kitchens routinely most days between 2 & 7PM) — so we’ll take it!
Perfect for: Cosy comfort food, done well, fresh — and served up in bright, vibrant and welcoming surroundings :)
What to order: Any pasta that strikes your fancy! Mix it up! Our fave though is Arrabiata or Carbonara. Bellissimo. :b
Address: 10 Chaussée de la Muette, 75116 Paris (Google Maps)
Trading hours: Monday-Sunday: 8AM-12AM (non-stop).
Website: www.madisoncaffe.fr
Facebook: /Madison-Caffe
Insta: @madisoncaffe_paris
