La Madeleine in Pretoria

This was truly one of the greats in Pretorias fine dining scene. Im afraid that that is no longer the case, the restaurant is in urgent need of a revamp and the same goes for the food if it is to attract the rave reviews which it so frequently garnered during its heyday. From previous experience the current attention to detail when it comes to the food is not what we expect from La Madeleine and its proprietor. Whilst still reasonbly tasty the wow factor is gone and that is what made it great in the past. And shooing away flies whilst trying to eat doesnt add to the experience.

Beautifully quaint French Restaurant, the likes of which youd never expect in Pretoria. Excellent service, Excellent wine and food menu. Not to mention, the staff and chef, who is also the owner, professional, refreshingly friendly and accomadating. Top 10 experience of 2022. Will definitely be a returning customer along with my friends and family.

It is always a pleasure to visit this lovely restaurant. The food was, as always, wonderful. I will not order the deconstructed caprese again, though. It was somehow contrived, and it was not of the standard of the rest of the meal. Thought Id let you know.

The waitrons were friendly and the drinks tasted amazing. I had the R180 3 course meal. The starter (mushroom soupwas tasty, i enjoyed it. The main meal was nice but I feel it could have been better - it felt like a meal I could make myself. The dessert was deliciousI was unhappy that the waitrons kept refilling our water glasses without telling us that each bottle costed R47! Without giving the option of regular tap water.Take note:• If you choose to sit at the tables outside, it is below a tree whose leaves fall easily. Many of us had leaves in our glasses as a result• I recommend you bring your own bottle of water if youre not prepared to spend that much on water

Fine dinning at its best. The decor leave much to be desired however the food is of the highest quality. I will highly recommend this place. The wine is also fantastic. The chef options to choose from is also such a wide variety. Great place to dine.

the food was terrible it did not taste like it was made by a professional chef, you could make that at home. there was a hair in my food as well. they did not tell us water wasn’t complimentary and they kept feeling the glasses and we paid R470 for water alone?????? AND they set our table outside with out any tents so leaves and flies and birds kept pooping in our food, TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE i would not recommend but the cocktails were nice

Loved it... havent been there for ages and all still tops... will visit again soon...

High quality food and serviceHad an enjoyable evening!Thanks to staff ... you did well!

Definitely one of my new favourite restaurants.The service was impeccable and every single dish from the starter to the dessert was amazing!

Was really a wonderful experience. Food was amazing

Love this place, the food is always amazing especially the butternut soup 🤤

If you like the French, you will love La Madeline. Excellent cuisine, friendly staff and the personal attention of the chef.

La Madeleine can never disappoint. Great ambiance, delectable food with an excellent selection and personal attention from the chef and owner and super friendly and efficient staff. Thank you Daniel!

The best food ever, Mushroom soup WOW! Then deboned oxtail with mashed potato and truffles mousse, and then .... the best trIve ever in my life. Daniel is a wonderful host. Wine list is exquisite and the service is first vlass. I did not want to leave.

Oh! So amazing!! Cannot recommend it more!!I had an ostrich fillet with cranberry sauce and a prepared pear... it was probably the best thing i have ever eaten. Every bite was as incredible as the first.I do not remember what my starter was called but it too was amazing. (Something about marinated in beetroot)The menu is presented verbally so be prepared for that but it was a spectacular experience!

Amazing restaurant experience. The food out of this world. Loved the intimate set up.The chef explains the menu to each table, worth every cent.

Made a booking with the restaurant and confirmed a table for 8pm When we got there (on timerain was pouring down. As we stood at the gate four separate staff members walked past, looked right at us and merely trotted along while we were getting drenched. When we finally got in we found out they never reserved our table. After a short and unenthusiastic scurry to accommodate us we left. Sort yourselves out, this place used to be top notch.

Me and my friends enjoyed everything, the service and food from the staff and chef are exquisite.

Always our special place!!!. Great fine dinning, casual and friendly experience. Always 5 star from us!!!. Put La Madeleine on you short list for your next dining experience with your partner.

What a wonderful experience. Great, no really GREAT FOOD. one cannot feel but spoiled by the owner, chef, and staff.Will definitely go back.

I have fond memories of excellent experiences at this restaurant. Returning for old times sake, turned out to be such a disappointment. The food is mediocre, big portions but with little flavour. The French flair is completely lost in the mindless presentation, and the service is very bad. The worst thing were the flies we had to try and keep away from our food. I will never return and find it so sad.

After 37 years, Chef Daniel still wows patrons with his delightful bistronomy with such flair and energy. Ala carte menu during the week and a more relaxed weekend feel.His Sunday lunch is a must, especially if you want to enjoy a lazy lunch out in the garden setting of his home- based eatery.The 3 course meal is absolutely value for money!! I loved watching chef take you through each dish per course as he explains the components in detail, and then summarises the options before taking the order himself. Quite a novel way from the chef patron.Expect Starter dishes like:• Delish Bisque of fresh baby crab• Fab pan fried two mushrooms with wine sauce, truffle juice and a pastry top• Fresh mussels in coconut milk sauce with a touch of curry• Pan fried chopped calamari on a bed of pasta with a prawn sauceAnd Mains:• Deboned, filled Monk fish in a lemony sauce• North African style slow roasted Lamb neck on a bed of couscous• Pork cheek with vegetables• Oven cooked Beef short rib• Pork fillet with a creamy mushroom sauceNow for desserts:• Belgian Dark Choc Mousse• Amazingly smooth creme brûlée• Cream of marscapone, meringue and fresh fruit• Compote of Rhubarb, crushed meringue, vanilla cream and a crumble on top• Delightful Cheesecake with a Belgian spekuloos base.All the starters were winners with the mushroom dish being my fave.The lamb neck was delectable and if you enjoy firm fish, try out the Monk fish.All the desserts were yummy and glad I got to try them all. Deciding between the cheesecake and creme brûlée would be a challenge. Have both. 😉If you’re having a special occasion, speak to chef about his bespoke cakes. Our friends Black Forest cake was sublime.Excellent service from Winnie and team.Based in Lynwood Ridge, the drive from Joburg to Pretoria was so worth it for a delightful dining experience.Highly recommended if you like simple fare done the original way.Bravo chef Daniel and team 👏👏

Loved this restaurant until I went on Valentines Day, huge mistake. It clearly looked like they were trying to make a quick buck, mediocre set menu with below par food (under seasoned food, coldand the whole hand written bill lost its charm when it took 30 mins to get the bill. My husband couldn’t even get coffee, they lost loyal customers

Awesome dining experience. Great quality food, good portion size and friendly staff. The chef is passionate and friendly and describe each dish with so much passion that makes you wish to try it all. Special note for the deserts: it is to die for. The only reason this is only getting a 4 star review is because as much as the staff are friendly, the attention to details have room for improvements. Our empty plates took a long time before it was collected. I would highly recommend this restaurant for any food lovers who wants to enjoy awesome French cuisine and I would definitely come again.

Very good food, by far the best butternut soup I have ever tasted.

Definitely one of my favourite restaurants in Pretoria. Service is intimate and friendly and the food always fantastic!

Food was magnificent, staff helpful and friendly and the cherry on the top, was the owner/ chef made us feel like we part of the family

We had the most amazing dinner at La Madeleine! Everything was the epitome of perfect from the reception, service and atmosphere to the deliciously crafted courses. I will recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an out of the ordinary dining experience at a really reasonable price!See you again soon!

Excellent food as always..... Personalised space and service...... the sauces were absolutely divine for the starter and main..... meat tender and the Creme brulee, the wifes favourite, top notch.... the venue and service also complies with Covid protocols, which is highly appreciated .... the fact that the Chef/owner comes to give you the menu on the day, adds a sense of mystery and adventure, even if you know that you are about to receive excellent French food ..... we always look forward to date nights at La Madeleine.... it will always remain a favourite and a special place.....👌👌

Possible the worst dish we have ever been served after this we left. The staff are arrogant and only after insisting they cancel the mains and that we wanted to leave, then only did they try to console us.. Be warned this is in no way a fine dining experience..BTW that was mayonnaise with some type of colorant, the calamari was over cooked and rubbery and tasteless. It tastes pretty much as bad as it looks..

I have been to this little gem 3 times now and every single time makes me want to go back there. The food is exquisite and the staff are so friendly they make you feel right at home. The chef makes it his mission to make sure each table knows what they are eating and are happy. And the complimentary dishes in between meals are divine. The presentation of the food makes you not want to eat it, but as soon as you take that first bite you cant stop. They will definitely see me again soon.

The food & service. Absolutely great!

The service was great. Food is excellent. Although pricey, a great experience. Does not feel like you are in a restaurant, but rather in a familiar.....friends house. No unnessasary loud music and just a relaxed atmosphere. Overall a special and pleasant evening. Thank you La Madeleine.

My husband and I often come to this place for dinner. Such an amazing place and the ambience is awesome. The service we often receive its outstanding. Today we were served by Thembi, she has a friendly and beautiful smile. Thank you for a dinner well spent.

Had an amazing evening at La Madeleine.They keep things intimate, no menus just the host who comes around to everyones table and explains the dishes.The food was very good and not overly pricey. Going for the full three course meal is a great experience but be prepared to make an evening of it.Not that the service is slow instead they are very much always present and helpful. The idea is rather to savor and enjoy your experience and they supplement it with small tasters and palate cleansers between dishes.La Madeleine is a great place for a date or proper family outing; when you want to catch up over a good meal with an atmosphere of people that truly enjoy what they are doing.

Saturday night was my first time at La Madelein but certainly not the last time. I enjoyed every moment of it and especially the food. You can see the passion the chef has for food on every plate and certainly hear it when he explains the menu to you. Thank you for the Awesome culinary experience.

Still the best of the best!After spending a couple of months in Europe and then returning to South Africa, I just again realised the quality of some of our restaurants. La Madeleine is not just one of the best restaurants in South Africa, but I will rank them amongst one of the best in the world. The combination of their flavours and attention to detail is just "Magnifique".

When dinner becomes a spiritual experience. Delightful staff and exquisite food! You can trust the chef to do the right thing. The cheese platter will open your mind... Better have a few chest hairs for the Irish coffee, but youll wish the night was longer. Do it.

Amazing service. Food to die for. Wonderful experience. Would recommend this place to anyone who loves good food.

Absolutely amazing. Food was absolutely superb. Nothing I had ever tasted before. When my husband first said French cordon blu . I thought we might have to stop for takeaways on the way home. Everything was cooked to perfection and the exact right portions. Price wise I was surprised at how affordable it was.It is the perfect place for a special occasion, or just to make an occasion special.La Madeleine will definitely be seeing me again.

What a wonderful experience....and it really is an experience and not just sublime food!! Beautiful setting and wonderfully relaxed ambience. I am convinced that you can safely order anything from the menu,and you will have a delicious meal. Cooking of this high standard deserves real praise. It is the unique attention to detail, like the palate cleansers and pre-puddings etc,that truly set this place apart. The waitstaff are outstanding,well-trained and charming. A true gem. Congratulations!!

Six stars would be more suitable! Service, food outstanding! Even surprised us with an anniversary desert after identifying us from our facebook post. 😀

Best restaurant in South Africa. Each expierance is unique and the food are sublime!

Enjoyed an excellent meal with our extended family. Although the restaurant does not cater specifically for kids, they were made to feel welcome and enjoyed their first taste of real French cuisine. Low key, unpretentious with excellent food.

Back in 2014 we went to this restaurant for the first time as it had a great reputation.Great night out with my wife. Even in winter it was cozy, with heaters inside. Love the manner in which the waiters - Frank and Winnie tell you what is on the menu...from starters we had a Camembert served on basil and I had quail on mushrooms. Mains I had fillet and my wife salmon. Assorted chocolate pudding was delicious. The wine list gave also great options. Like the website states that costs are not overpriced, and definitely good value for money.My wife and I will return for a third time! Thanks guys!

Best dining experience I have ever had! Everything was amazing from start to finish, although we came early, we couldnt be more accommodated for! The food was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! There was NEVER a long wait and the service was just the BEST!!!! These photos unfortunately dont do it justice.

I tried La Madelaine for a romantic dinner and I dont think its suited to that at all. The tables are really wide so you have to lean it to hear each other because it really gets noisy. And it was hot with no windows open - even a waiter complained that he was battling.It has a lot of good points, and is well suited to groups but take note: it is on the more expensive side but by no means are the prices ludicrous.The staff were excellent: knowledgeable and courteous.No vegetarian options except for 1 starter.I have to say that the food was somewhat underwhelming. It was beautifully done, and perfectly done, but I guess at a restaurant with such a good reputation, I was expecting to be blown away. Its really good for what it is, but for me, it lacked spark and soul.

Excellent French cuisine. Expensive. Great knowledgeable staff. Due to large group of tourists the evening we were there the noise level inside was quite high which made hearing each other a challenge. The waitress reciting the menu also spoke too fast and diction needs attention. I missed the "good old days" when the chef himself came around with the options. However, all this pales when eating the excellently tasting and presented food.

Set menu exquisite - veal was superb and end off with creme brulee

I love fine dining and I was not disappointed here.One of the few places that I know of that actually server actual veal, t is complimented with amazing service.The decor is not very fancy, with a more relaxed feel. I didnt mind this as the entire evening felt like a night of fine dining while at home. I really enjoyed my experience at La Madeleine