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✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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Hours
| Saturday | 5–8 PM |
| Sunday | 5–8 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 5–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 5801 Sacramento Ave, Dunsmuir, CA 96025
Phone: (530) 235-2725
Website: http://cafe-maddalena.com/
Menu Photos
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Reviews
Kirsten Stevens
I really pains me to leave this review, but I’m hopeful that some constructive criticism will keep Cafe Maddalena alive this time around.
After months of anticipation and excitement, my family and I were eager to revisit Cafe Maddalena, once a benchmark for fine dining in the area. While the cozy atmosphere and familiar warmth of the space remain, the dining experience under new ownership sadly misses the mark on several fronts.
The restaurant still exudes a certain charm with soft lighting, intimate tables, and a sense of nostalgia that instantly welcomes you back. Yet the effect is undermined by new decorative choices that feel out of place: quotes printed on mirrored panels that look more at home in a retail décor shop than in a refined dining room. These touches distract from the understated elegance the restaurant once embodied. I can’t help but long for the days when the chalkboard specials (complete with prices) stood proudly above the wine bar and gorgeous plates lined the walls.
We started with the escargot, which was the first disappointment of the evening. The crostini accompanying it was burnt black on one side and underdone on the other, while the escargot itself lacked the depth, salt, and garlic that should define the dish. It felt as if the kitchen was aiming for sophistication but overshooting the essence of good, flavorful cooking. The gougeres, on the other hand, were executed much better.
The structure of the menu also seems at odds with its fine-dining aspirations. Offering a soup or salad alongside an entrée feels incongruous in a restaurant positioning itself at this level, and the portion sizes were unexpectedly large. Quality should matter more than quantity at this level and price point. The wine list, too, was underwhelming: limited in variety, overly marked-up, and offering few selections that truly complement the cuisine. For a restaurant aspiring to fine-dining standards, the selection felt disappointingly uninspired.
To top it off, they quietly added gratuity into the bill but didn’t note it anywhere on the receipt (see photo). We were a party of 6 and an added gratuity is totally understandable, but it should definitely be noted on the receipt somewhere. This felt misleading, deceiving, and unprofessional. I question if this is even legal?
What was once the crown jewel of the local dining scene has, regrettably, lost its luster. The intention to elevate the experience is evident, but the refinement, balance, and technical precision that once defined this restaurant are nowhere to be found. One can only hope that, in time, the new owners will honor the legacy they’ve inherited and restore Cafe Maddalena to its former excellence. I do plan to return in a few months, hopeful that the team will have worked through these early missteps and rediscovered the sense of care and balance that once made this place so special.
… moreAfter months of anticipation and excitement, my family and I were eager to revisit Cafe Maddalena, once a benchmark for fine dining in the area. While the cozy atmosphere and familiar warmth of the space remain, the dining experience under new ownership sadly misses the mark on several fronts.
The restaurant still exudes a certain charm with soft lighting, intimate tables, and a sense of nostalgia that instantly welcomes you back. Yet the effect is undermined by new decorative choices that feel out of place: quotes printed on mirrored panels that look more at home in a retail décor shop than in a refined dining room. These touches distract from the understated elegance the restaurant once embodied. I can’t help but long for the days when the chalkboard specials (complete with prices) stood proudly above the wine bar and gorgeous plates lined the walls.
We started with the escargot, which was the first disappointment of the evening. The crostini accompanying it was burnt black on one side and underdone on the other, while the escargot itself lacked the depth, salt, and garlic that should define the dish. It felt as if the kitchen was aiming for sophistication but overshooting the essence of good, flavorful cooking. The gougeres, on the other hand, were executed much better.
The structure of the menu also seems at odds with its fine-dining aspirations. Offering a soup or salad alongside an entrée feels incongruous in a restaurant positioning itself at this level, and the portion sizes were unexpectedly large. Quality should matter more than quantity at this level and price point. The wine list, too, was underwhelming: limited in variety, overly marked-up, and offering few selections that truly complement the cuisine. For a restaurant aspiring to fine-dining standards, the selection felt disappointingly uninspired.
To top it off, they quietly added gratuity into the bill but didn’t note it anywhere on the receipt (see photo). We were a party of 6 and an added gratuity is totally understandable, but it should definitely be noted on the receipt somewhere. This felt misleading, deceiving, and unprofessional. I question if this is even legal?
What was once the crown jewel of the local dining scene has, regrettably, lost its luster. The intention to elevate the experience is evident, but the refinement, balance, and technical precision that once defined this restaurant are nowhere to be found. One can only hope that, in time, the new owners will honor the legacy they’ve inherited and restore Cafe Maddalena to its former excellence. I do plan to return in a few months, hopeful that the team will have worked through these early missteps and rediscovered the sense of care and balance that once made this place so special.
Hannagh Flanagan
What a wonderful evening we just had. We ate here 3 years ago on our last trip up here, I understand it’s seems to of changed owners but it most definitely has kept its great reputation. We dined here years ago from a recommendation from a former local, I will be happy to report back to them how wonderful it was again.
It’s so very cosy still, beautiful ambience and such lovely staff. Our server was so lovely and pleasant.
I had the steak and it was beautiful, the potatoes (I’m Irish so I know my potatoes) were also beautiful. So very tasty! My partner had the pork special and they said it was delicious, we also had the sprouts special, big fans.
We will definitely be back and wish the new owners all the luck 10/10
… moreIt’s so very cosy still, beautiful ambience and such lovely staff. Our server was so lovely and pleasant.
I had the steak and it was beautiful, the potatoes (I’m Irish so I know my potatoes) were also beautiful. So very tasty! My partner had the pork special and they said it was delicious, we also had the sprouts special, big fans.
We will definitely be back and wish the new owners all the luck 10/10
Michael D McElwee
This fine dinning experience was just only good as my expectation was high since this restaurant has never disappointed us in the past! The appetizer was great but very small. The salad was also delicious .The Pasta Carbonara was over seasoned and pasta wasn’t quite cooked enough. The Short Ribs Ossobuco was also over seasoned. The Saffron Risotto was good. The ribs were very tender.
The Lemon Curd Mousse Cake was excellent. So for the price of the meal I would think the food would be on point.
… moreThe Lemon Curd Mousse Cake was excellent. So for the price of the meal I would think the food would be on point.
Andrew Lawrence
This is by far the best Dining experience in Dunsmuir. The Cafe is long regarded as a great dinner or date night option and they have reopened strong! The short ribs were fantastic and the halibut was as fresh as it comes. Really happy to see these folks serving great food in a fun atmosphere.
… moreBanks75
What a find. Spectacular food, for anywhere. We split several things including the whipped feta appetizer, burrata salad and short ribs. Excellent quality cuisine and a treasure. Nearly had the place all to ourselves on a dreary rainy evening on a Wednesday. Staff was attentive and luck for us tried a day old new menu! What a treat. Will be specifically seeking this place out whenever we come down from OR again. Would recommend to any of my foodiest of foodies. Bravo team. So glad you’re back open.
… moreStephanie K
After multiple recommendations, I drove an hour here to try this restaurant. It did not disappoint! The service was amazing, I sat outside and they moved me inside (At my request) partway through dining without any fuss at all. The meal was fantastic, I had the roasted cabbage appetizer which was good. The highlight for me was the beef tenderloin. I typically order filet, because I prefer leaner cuts of meat. This was amazing! It ordered medium, it was cooked perfectly. The Demi glaze is robust and a little salty which I love, (order on the side if that’s maybe not your thing). It was a large cut and I definitely didn’t need an appetizer, or dessert, but that didn’t stop me haha. I got the chocolate ganache torte, which paired perfectly with the Pinot noir. Would definitely come back, and would 100% order the beef tenderloin again. Thank you for such a great experience, and the fantastic service.
… moredavid pulice
What a great meal. Very attentive to you and the food. Truly a well crafted meal from start to finish. Did not get a picture of the appetizer, which was fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with shrimp. Butter leaf lettuce salad with creamy garlic dressing and smoked rouge blue cheese, I had the pan seared beef tenderloin and my wife had the chicken basquaise. Dessert was the fresh peach cheese cake. I cannot give a high enough rating for this meal and service.
… moreKelly Palmer
So amazing a must drive to Dunsmuir . The steak cooked perfectly as were the vegetables and the mashed potatoes the soup smelled awesome and tasted even better Caesar salad big and perfect. We ended our dinner with a fabulous dessert.
… moreNora Rabah Rodden
Delicious dinner in Dunsmuir! First time in the town on our way to Bend and we stopped for dinner here. Got the house made fettuccine pasta Bolognese and I requested a vegetarian pasta and the chef made a Cacio e Pepe. It was very good! Not huge portions but filling enough, and the bread was delicious. Dessert and appetizer was great too.
… moreVeronica Antal
We stumbled onto this fabulous restaurant! I was craving a Caesar salad, and this place was open. It’s a cozy upscale restaurant is a cute little town. I highly recommend it!
… more