Wonderful gem of a place. So cozy and welcoming. Simple high quality food. Had chicken rice doira, and complete crepe. Dessert was sublime also. Really nice dry cider. Such a shame they will be closing soon as I just discovered this place a few weeks ago. Didn't get to try the beef bourguignon yet!
Lorio
I can see why this restaurant is closing. We were a party of 4 and there were 2 empty tables located in pretty good spots completely set-up with glasses, silverware and menus. The server pointed to the 1 table in a cramped corner, not set-up, by the front door and said "That's your table". We asked about the other tables and were told rather curtly that they were reserved. We had reservations too so why the attitude? Water was brought to the table in two bottles, warm room temperature. The temperature outside was near 90 degrees and the air conditioning was not producing cool air so it was stuffy and claustrophobic. She took our order, served the food and wasn't really attentive until we were almost ready to go. Then, paying the bill on her iPad, the only option for gratuity was 20%, 22%, 25%. My husband and I are very good tippers, especially since Covid to help servers continue to "catch up on lost wages. BUT... this server did not earn more than 15%. We never tip under that for poor service because we are not cheap, just fair. Anyway this is mute, as the restaurant is closing and I can see why. It was dirty, the service bordered on rude and the food wasn't something to make you want to come back to.
HDeng
Good food and great service. We especially enjoyed the variety of the charcuterie platter. Some good red wine choices. Best of all is the intimate atmosphere. I wish someone would buy La Kitchenette to keep it running!
Nick Chill
We happened upon this adorable French Homestyle Cafe for brunch, and we are so glad we did. Reservations are recommended, but we lucked out with an open table. The atmosphere was so charming and intimate, the food was incredible, and the service was great. We will be bringing friends with us next time.
BetsyS
Really wanted to take advantage of your date night for my husband's birthday before you permanently closed, but couldn't find any open Tuesdays. So we went on a Thursday, but sadly paid almost twice as much as we would have on a Tuesday. But the food was delicious, and we will miss La Kitchenete. But we did find reservations for a brunch yet before you close!
StephanieB
Brunch was just as delicious as dinner! My husband and I had previously dined in for dinner and added La Kitchenette to our brunch list, and we are glad we did! Get your reservation a few weeks in advance, as the space is small and it is always busy. The Picarde was beyond my expectations and the lemon curd crepe is always a delightful way to end a meal - even when shared. We split a bowl of French onion soup as a starter, which is a must have. My husband ordered the Monsiuer for his main course which was perfection as well! We will be back to try more of the menu!
QuinnL
My croq' madame was perfect- the bread crispy outside with firm body inside; bechamel sauce creamy and smooth with a flavor not overpowered by the piquant but lightly-applied mustard; egg done to perfection. The balance among the flavors could not have been better. Nice greens on the side. I added the persillade potatoes, which were boiled, sliced wafer-thin, and sauteed in butter with garlic and parsley; again, calibrated for a superb flavor balance. Good coffee, too, from JBC. Finished with a lemon crepe too heavenly to describe.
medialink
Great place for brunch. It's a tiny hole in the wall dining room but the food is terrific. Don't show up without a reservation. Noise level can be high when all the tables are occupied
Kels
One of the best meals we've had in a while. Everything - appetizer, wine, main courses, and desserts - was exceptional. Our waitress was wonderful - though very busy, she was attentive and offered good suggestions on what to order. This was our first time at La Kitchenette and it won't be the last. Plus, we'll recommend it to everyone we know :) Delicious!
The food and service were both excellent! The only reason I haven't rated it higher overall is because of the wine selections. We tried three different wines by the glass, which are also offered by the bottle, and we weren't impressed with their quality.
We went to this restaurant with our college aged son to celebrate his birthday. It is a lovely French cafe - with delicious food that we all enjoyed. We had the popular charcuterie board, deviled eggs, beef Bourguignon, Poulet de Normandie, and chicken rice dish. All our food was wonderful. We started with a champagne toast - and I had the best kir royale that I’ve had in the US here! I highly recommend this spot.
SpecialSWMI
We went to celebrate our son's 21st birthday. It was a lovely place, affordably priced, and not too stuffy for a young adult. Our appetizers included the deviled eggs and charcuterie board. Both were excellent - with a wide variety of meat on the board vs. other places. The beef Bourguignon was delicious- served with mashed potatoes and salad. The two chicken entrees were both good - I recommend this spot for a delicious French cafe meal.
CarolineS
A very quaint place tucked away on Willy Street. We were excited to try the Date Night special on Tuesday. The service was great, and the lavender crème brûlée was excellent! Would definitely go back again on a Tuesday. Even if you don't want to participate in the Date Night special, all of their wine's are $25/bottle (nearly half off!).
EBrandt
Like several Willy Street restaurants, La Kitchenette is in an old home. Both dining room and kitchen take up the first floor. There are only, perhaps, 7-8 tables, so it's quite intimate. The decor is eclectic, informal, and unpretentious. We were there on a Friday night at peak and one server was handling the whole room very capably. The pacing and ambiance were more European than American. Slower, more personal. Less transactional. We had an appetizer, dinner, a bottle of wine, dessert with coffee, and were there for about two hours. The food was, without exception, well designed and well executed. We've already made another reservation. Full throated recommendation.
r1993
La Kitchenette is one of the best experiences I have had in Madison! Their Lavender Creme Brulee is to die for :) I have brought friends, and they are never disappointed and start going regularly. It is that good!
Wonderful gem of a place. So cozy and welcoming. Simple high quality food. Had chicken rice doira, and complete crepe. Dessert was sublime also. Really nice dry cider. Such a shame they will be closing soon as I just discovered this place a few weeks ago. Didn't get to try the beef bourguignon yet!
I can see why this restaurant is closing. We were a party of 4 and there were 2 empty tables located in pretty good spots completely set-up with glasses, silverware and menus. The server pointed to the 1 table in a cramped corner, not set-up, by the front door and said "That's your table". We asked about the other tables and were told rather curtly that they were reserved. We had reservations too so why the attitude? Water was brought to the table in two bottles, warm room temperature. The temperature outside was near 90 degrees and the air conditioning was not producing cool air so it was stuffy and claustrophobic. She took our order, served the food and wasn't really attentive until we were almost ready to go. Then, paying the bill on her iPad, the only option for gratuity was 20%, 22%, 25%. My husband and I are very good tippers, especially since Covid to help servers continue to "catch up on lost wages. BUT... this server did not earn more than 15%. We never tip under that for poor service because we are not cheap, just fair. Anyway this is mute, as the restaurant is closing and I can see why. It was dirty, the service bordered on rude and the food wasn't something to make you want to come back to.
Good food and great service. We especially enjoyed the variety of the charcuterie platter. Some good red wine choices. Best of all is the intimate atmosphere. I wish someone would buy La Kitchenette to keep it running!
We happened upon this adorable French Homestyle Cafe for brunch, and we are so glad we did. Reservations are recommended, but we lucked out with an open table. The atmosphere was so charming and intimate, the food was incredible, and the service was great. We will be bringing friends with us next time.
Really wanted to take advantage of your date night for my husband's birthday before you permanently closed, but couldn't find any open Tuesdays. So we went on a Thursday, but sadly paid almost twice as much as we would have on a Tuesday. But the food was delicious, and we will miss La Kitchenete. But we did find reservations for a brunch yet before you close!
Brunch was just as delicious as dinner! My husband and I had previously dined in for dinner and added La Kitchenette to our brunch list, and we are glad we did! Get your reservation a few weeks in advance, as the space is small and it is always busy. The Picarde was beyond my expectations and the lemon curd crepe is always a delightful way to end a meal - even when shared. We split a bowl of French onion soup as a starter, which is a must have. My husband ordered the Monsiuer for his main course which was perfection as well! We will be back to try more of the menu!
My croq' madame was perfect- the bread crispy outside with firm body inside; bechamel sauce creamy and smooth with a flavor not overpowered by the piquant but lightly-applied mustard; egg done to perfection. The balance among the flavors could not have been better. Nice greens on the side. I added the persillade potatoes, which were boiled, sliced wafer-thin, and sauteed in butter with garlic and parsley; again, calibrated for a superb flavor balance. Good coffee, too, from JBC. Finished with a lemon crepe too heavenly to describe.
Great place for brunch. It's a tiny hole in the wall dining room but the food is terrific. Don't show up without a reservation. Noise level can be high when all the tables are occupied
One of the best meals we've had in a while. Everything - appetizer, wine, main courses, and desserts - was exceptional. Our waitress was wonderful - though very busy, she was attentive and offered good suggestions on what to order. This was our first time at La Kitchenette and it won't be the last. Plus, we'll recommend it to everyone we know :) Delicious!
The food and service were both excellent! The only reason I haven't rated it higher overall is because of the wine selections. We tried three different wines by the glass, which are also offered by the bottle, and we weren't impressed with their quality.
Restaurantji Recommends
We went to this restaurant with our college aged son to celebrate his birthday. It is a lovely French cafe - with delicious food that we all enjoyed. We had the popular charcuterie board, deviled eggs, beef Bourguignon, Poulet de Normandie, and chicken rice dish. All our food was wonderful. We started with a champagne toast - and I had the best kir royale that I’ve had in the US here! I highly recommend this spot.
We went to celebrate our son's 21st birthday. It was a lovely place, affordably priced, and not too stuffy for a young adult. Our appetizers included the deviled eggs and charcuterie board. Both were excellent - with a wide variety of meat on the board vs. other places. The beef Bourguignon was delicious- served with mashed potatoes and salad. The two chicken entrees were both good - I recommend this spot for a delicious French cafe meal.
A very quaint place tucked away on Willy Street. We were excited to try the Date Night special on Tuesday. The service was great, and the lavender crème brûlée was excellent! Would definitely go back again on a Tuesday. Even if you don't want to participate in the Date Night special, all of their wine's are $25/bottle (nearly half off!).
Like several Willy Street restaurants, La Kitchenette is in an old home. Both dining room and kitchen take up the first floor. There are only, perhaps, 7-8 tables, so it's quite intimate. The decor is eclectic, informal, and unpretentious. We were there on a Friday night at peak and one server was handling the whole room very capably. The pacing and ambiance were more European than American. Slower, more personal. Less transactional. We had an appetizer, dinner, a bottle of wine, dessert with coffee, and were there for about two hours. The food was, without exception, well designed and well executed. We've already made another reservation. Full throated recommendation.
La Kitchenette is one of the best experiences I have had in Madison! Their Lavender Creme Brulee is to die for :) I have brought friends, and they are never disappointed and start going regularly. It is that good!