216 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 
(573) 634-2988
Awards
We are very proud and humbled by the honors we have received; remain most thankful to our guests, and; committed to the community through our personal involvement in and our strong support of numerous organizations throughout the Jefferson City area. Our service has never been limited by the walls of our building or the borders of our property. Since Madison’s exists within the context of a larger Jefferson City community, we have always reached out into our city to serve and support those in need.
2015, Jefferson City Magazine “City’s Best” poll, Madison’s Café was voted First Place in five categories, and Second place in four categories:
Whether you’re stopping in for lunch on their large patio or heading inside for a romantic dinner, a special private occasion, or catered to your location, Madison’s delivers authentic Northern Italian, American and eclectic cuisine that’s sure to please. Innovative and traditional, you can find something new to love with every visit.
2015, Jefferson City News Tribune Readers Choice Awards voted Madison’s #1 Most Romantic Restaurant and #1 Best Lunch again for 2015.
2015, TripAdvisor for Business awarded Madison’s The Certificate of Excellence for 2015 – an honor Madison’s has received for the past four years. This prestigious award again places Madison’s in the top-performing 10% of all businesses worldwide on TripAdvisor.
2015, Talk of the Town News awarded Madison’s their Excellence in Customer Satisfaction National Award, a national honor for the fourth consecutive year, voted online by our customers.
2015, Rob and Madison’s received an unexpected surprise and honor presented recently by immediate past Mayor, Eric Struemph- a Proclamation declaring May 2015 as MADISON’S MONTH. Mayor Struemph noted that it was the last piece of official business that he signed as Mayor. Such a nice honor for Rob, the restaurant, its staff and Much appreciation to the Mayor.
2015, The Culture Trip, a one-stop website for for the best global art, food, culture and lifestyle for every country named Madison’s as one of the top restaurants in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Established in 1982, Madison’s Café is a lovely restaurant that delights customers again and again with its authentic northern Italian cuisine. An inviting space featuring warm woods, a rich color palette and antiques awaits guests. The menu, which is updated frequently reflects quality seasonal ingredients often found locally, and is varied with dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning of tastes. The wild mushroom and veal stuffed ravioli in a brown butter sauce with basil, pine nuts and shaved Fontinella cheese, the filet mignon topped with house garlic steak butter, and house-made biscotti are just a few of the delicious house specialties.
2015, Jefferson City Magazine, feature article highlighting gluten free fare- three of Madison’s gluten free offerings “Where Gluten Free is Yum” (our Santa Fe Chicken Salad, Hearts of Palm Salad, Pasta Sydney)
2014, Madison’s was featured in the lead article under the Business Section, of the Jefferson City News Tribune, “Madison’s Café completes interior, exterior renovations”. After a month of construction work, the scaffolding has been removed to reveal a new look for Madison’s Café at 216 Madison St. Exterior improvements include complete replacement of all wood, fresh tuck-pointing and paint, replaced glass in windows, and new window awnings with copper clad covers. “It improves it drastically. I think it incorporates the two buildings better; you can see it as one restaurant instead of a separate restaurant and bar,” said owner Rob Agee. The project also brought a new ceiling above the restaurant entryway, finished around the same time as interior renovations such as new carpet, ceiling, tile, wood flooring, lighting, chairs, and table tops. Upstairs, space formerly used for offices was renovated to a brand new two bedroom apartment.”
2014 , Capital Lifestyles, feature article and photos entitled “Madison’s Six Course Food and Wine Pairing Events!“
…Madison’s was the first to offer such a distinctive dining experience in Jefferson City over four years ago. The food and wine pairings are unique and delicious. I mean, when was the last time you had Tuna Tartare with avocado and topped with caviar with sesame wonton crisps? Or, the first in Missouri to savor a wine that had yet to be offered to the public by Francis Ford Coppola’s granddaughter?? And, finally: There are actually more than six “courses”!!…
2014, Jefferson City Magazine “City’s Best” poll, Madison’s Café was voted First Place in the following five categories:
#1 Best Restaurant
#1 Best Power Lunch
#1 Best Italian
#1 Best Outdoor Dining
#1 Best Salad
The delicious northern Italian cuisine is authentic and pleasing in every way. Award-winning quality, hospitality and service make Madison’s a favorite spot for lunch, dinner or for that special private event. Indoor and al fresco dining provide welcoming and romantic settings. Catering to your location is one of their specialties.
2014, MapQuest names Madison’s to the list of the “The Best Top Food Bites in all the 50 State Capitals”, “Whether you’re an elected official, a local, stopping on your drive through for a quick bite or there for a longer visit, this story leads you to capital places for dining in all 50 states…Italian eatery Madison’s Café is Jefferson City’s most popular restaurant, presenting outdoor seating; a steak, seafood and pasta menu; and a lunchtime must-order item known as the burnt sandwich.”
2014, Talk of the Town News awarded Madison’s their Excellence in Customer Satisfaction National Award, an honor for the third consecutive year, voted online by customers.
2014, #JCMO Inside Business Magazine, feature story and photo on Madison’s and owner Rob Agee
2014, Jefferson City News Tribune, Readers Choice Awards voted Madison’s #1 Most Romantic Restaurant again for 2014
2014, Macaroni Kid Jefferson City, voted Madison’s recipient of two 2014 MACARONI KID GOLD DAISY AWARDS for Best Date Night Restaurant, and Best Kept Secret. The Gold Daisy Awards recognize “The most loved local businesses for families” from votes received by voters through Macaroni Kid Jefferson City.
2014, HER Magazine, feature article and photos entitled “A Celebrazione Madison’s Café Style“. “Feast your eyes on some of these delicious offerings found on the regular menu and others featured at Madison’s Six-Course Food and Wine pairing prix fixe dinner Events that are available throughout the year, and upon request. These dishes are sure to add zest to your rehearsal dinner, holiday party, or any special event or gathering in one of their two private dining rooms.” 2017, Madison’s was named as one of the “11 Missouri Restaurants with the most Amazing Outdoor Patios You’ll Love to Lounge On” by Only in Your State.
2013 , Jefferson City Magazine “City’s Best” poll, Madison’s Café was voted
First Place in the following five categories:
#1 Best Restaurant
#1 Best Power Lunch
#1 Best Italian
#1 Best Place for Romantic Dining
#1 Best Outdoor Dining
For more than 30 years, Madison’s’ delicious, authentic and original Italian, American, and eclectic cuisine has been delighting diners in the Jefferson City area and beyond. With a warm and inviting ambience, two private dining rooms and an outdoor patio, Madison’s provides the perfect dining experience, for everything from family get-togethers and business meetings to special romantic dinners and food and wine pairing events.
2013, Jefferson City News Tribune Readers Choice Awards voted Madison’s #1 Most Romantic Restaurant
2013, In her travel blog, Adventures Among Us, Becky Davenport, Travel Writer, highlighted her summer visit to Jefferson City and Madison’s: “Last month my gal pal Jessie and I visited our Missouri State Capital, Jefferson City, MO and on our trip we had the pleasure of dining out at Madison’s Café. … Their Calamari….seriously, this stuff was like a little piece of heaven melting in your mouth; …..Mad Crab Stack … Talk about too pretty to eat, I never would have thought anything with artichoke hearts could be so pretty, well this was….and even better it was so yummy I think I could have just ordered this for lunch and been just fine. …Now for me, no matter how yummy the food is, how cute the restaurant looks, the thing I judge the most when dining out is my service….Madison’s did not let me down either. Madison’s is located just blocks from The Capitol Building, so it is obvious that there are far more important people than I dining at this place. However, I felt like I was my waiter’s only customer (even though I saw him waiting on others). He remembered what I was drinking, even remembered that I was allergic to shrimp, and he always had a smile on his face. If I was to return to Madison’s (and I am sure I will someday) I would not hesitate to have a gal pal lunch date, dine out with my kids (age 5 & 9) or even have a late evening romantic dinner….the place is just that diversified!”
2013, TripAdvisor for Business awarded Madison’s The Certificate of Excellence. Honored as a top performing restaurant reviewed by travelers on the world’s largest travel site. “Only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award, “ stated Alison Copus, Vice President of TripAdvisor® for Business. Ms. Copus went on to say, “The Certificate of Excellence award provides top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers.”
2013, Capital Cities USA Journey Across America, Linda Burton, historian, teacher, writer is visiting all USA capitals. In May 2013, she visited Jefferson City. “…On Madison Street the Governor’s Mansion is still the governor’s home; a gorgeous sight to see with its mansard roof and Empire style; 34 first families have occupied it since 1871. It is maintained today by the nonprofit Missouri Mansion Preservation and is open for tours. Madison’s Café is the next block up, where owner Rob Agee will greet you by name, ask about the family, and make sure you get the table you want, inside or out on the sidewalk, near a pot of petunias. How’s that blood pressure now?”
2013, Talk of the Town News awarded Madison’s their Excellence in Customer Satisfaction National Award. “With a customer satisfaction rating of 5 stars (out of 5), Madison’s has won the prestigious, national CMUS Talk of the Town Customer Satisfaction Award for 2013, an honor for Madison’s for two consecutive years in a row. The Talk of the Town Awards, presented by Talk of the Town News, Customer Care News magazine and Celebration Media U.S, honor companies and professionals that provide excellent customer service as reported by their customers. Only those with a ranking of 4-5 stars are acknowledged.” In response to this honor, owner Rob Agee stated, “We so appreciate this honor – as it is really from our customers. Madison’s is dedicated to enriching lives and serving others while pursuing excellence in service, food and hospitality. We are dedicated to customer service and satisfaction, and making delicious memories. Customer service is embedded in our core values. Our goal is to earn guests for a lifetime. ”
2012, Jefferson City Magazine “City’s Best” poll, Madison’s Café was voted First Place in the following five categories:
(1) Best Restaurant
(2) Best Power Lunch
(3) Best Italian
(4) Best Place for Romantic Dining
(5) Best Outdoor Dining
Located in the heart of historic downtown Jefferson City, the casual but elegant spot serves up northern Italian and American fare including steaks, seafood, pasta, chicken, veal, salads and more. Two well-appointed private dining rooms, catering, and expanded outside dining are just a few of the wonderful amenities you will find at Madison’s. And the food isn’t the only center of attention – you are – and every visit is guaranteed to be even better than the last.
2016, Madison’s received The Talk Award for 2016, an Excellence in Customer Satisfaction National Award . “Madis2012, The Tribune-Texas newspaper, in a travel article “Enjoying Central Missouri’s Columbia and Jefferson City”, writer Cynthia Calvert highlighted Madison’s : “An hour later we rounded the corner to have dinner at the city’s favorite eatery, Madison’s Café. Rob Agee, owner of Madison’s, greeted us with gusto and sent dish after scrumptious dish featuring northern Italian cuisine over for us to try.”on’s Café received our highest rating, a national honor for Madison’s, for the fifth consecutive year, determined by data collected from online customer reviews, surveys, blogs, social networks, business-rating services and other honors received to be named in the top consumer-rated businesses across the United States and Canada.”
2012, TripAdvisor for Business awarded Madison’s The Certificate of Excellence. Christine Petersen, President, TripAdvisor for Business: “We’re proud to recognize Madison’s Café for earning exceptional traveler ratings. The Certificate of Excellence is a testimonial to your high standards, and honors businesses that consistently earn top ratings and which is given only to the most exceptional performers in TripAdvisor’s global business community.”
2012, Jefferson City Magazine featured Madison’s special dish Yellow and Green Squash with Zucchini Blossoms and Farfalle. “A simple and delicious fall staple from the garden. Sautéed yellow and green baby squash and zucchini with flowered baby zucchini blossoms stuffed with gorgonzola cheese, served with a bit of farfalle seasoned with salt and pepper, then topped with freshly chopped tomatoes from the garden. Vegetables locally grown and provided by D & D Market.”
2012, Talk of the Town News awarded Madison’s their Excellence in Customer Satisfaction National Award. “You and your staff have provided excellent customer care, which resulted in receiving high marks from your customers. Congratulations, Madison’s Café, for making a difference in your community and providing the services, products, management, leadership and staff that have earned our ” 2012 Excellence in Customer Satisfaction Award,” stated Susan Singer, Awards Coordinator-Talk of the Town News.
2012, Jefferson City News Tribune Readers Choice Awards voted Madison’s #1 Italian Restaurant, and #1 Romantic Restaurant.
2012, St. Louis Post Dispatch, highlighted Madison’s in an article, “Jefferson City is a Capital Delight” , by Travel Writer Amy Bertrand. “Madison’s, in the historic downtown area, features northern Italian fare at its best. We especially loved the refreshing Mad Crab Stack which features chunks of avocado, pico de gallo, quartered artichoke hearts, chopped red peppers and lump crab meat, served atop basil pesto. The Pasta con Broccoli, as good as any restaurant on the Hill, offered the perfect mix of red and white sauce.”
2011, Jefferson City Magazine poll, voted on by Jefferson Citians, voted Madison’s Café First Place in the following five categories: (1) Best Restaurant, (2) Best Romantic Dining, (3) Best Power Lunch, (4) Best Outdoor Dining, & (5) Best Italian . “The shrimp might be served angry, but you definitely won’t be after filling up on Madison’s delicious northern Italian fare. Located in the heart of historic downtown Jefferson City, the casual but elegant spot serves up steak, seafood, pasta, chicken, veal and more. It’s perfect for a joyful gathering of family and friends or a quiet night of romance.”
2011, Jefferson City Magazine featured Madison’s new Mad Crab Stack as “The Dish”. “I loved it! It’s low-carb, extremely healthy and really light. Served atop a basil pesto swirl, the Mad Crab Stack features stacks of chunked avocado, pico de gallo, quartered artichoke hearts, chopped red peppers and lumb crab meat…with sweet red wine vinaigrette on the side.”
2011, Capital Lifestyles Magazine highlighted Madison’s Café’s Six Course Food and Wine Pairings in the feature article “Cheers! Madison’s Café Food and Wine Pairing”. “Each wine is especially chosen for each of the six food courses by a Sommelier II who is in attendance to explain each wines’ history, description, region and why it was chosen for that particular course. The menu changes with each event, but this sample menu gives us all an idea of the delicious fare served on one of these special evenings. Here’s a toast to Rob Agee, owner of Madison’s! Thanks Rob for bringing us evenings of “Good Food Good Wine and Good Friends.”
2010, St. Joseph News-Press highlighted Madison’s Café in the travel article “A Jefferson City Renaissance”, as “one of the standout restaurants….a favorite restaurant in Jefferson City. ….with the best fettuccine alfredo you’ll ever eat and a Chateaubriand steak for two that melts in your mouth.”
2009, Madison’s Café owner, Rob Agee, was named “Restaurateur of the Year” by The Missouri Restaurant Association.
The ceremonies were also highlighted with the presentation of a Missouri Senate Proclamation for
Madison’s “significant contribution to the culinary arts, community leadership and involvement, and outstanding achievements during its 27 year history.”
2007, Madison’s was the cover and feature article in
Jefferson City Home & Lifestyle Magazine, entitled: “Madison’s Gourmet Magic”.
“Jefferson City foodies have enjoyed one constant: the delectable dishes, consistent service
and friendly atmosphere at Madison’s Café.”
2004, Madison’s was the cover and feature article in Jefferson City Business Times, entitled:
“A Taste for Business: Savoring Success”.
2003, Madison’s was noted in an article highlighting 50 places to stop along Hwy 50, from beginning to end across the country. Travel section, “Route 50 ways to see the Country: Doing 50 on 50“, The Washington Post. “Madison’s Café features whopping portions of savory food, then stroll a few blocks to see Thomas Hart Benton’s murals in the House Lounge at the State Capitol building.”
2003, Madison’s Seafood Bisque was featured in a Jefferson City Home Magazine article, “Soup for the Soul”.
“Although Madison’s coins its seafood bisque as the “beggar man’s bouillabaisse”, the taste is fit for the
richest of kings. …a bisque full of character and flavor.”
2002, Madison’s was the feature article in the Jefferson City Dining Guide – News Tribune: “Madison’s customers have come to expect excellent service along with the outstanding menu fare. Developing a high standard of service, cuisine and consistency has been the key to their success.”
2002, Madison’s was featured in the article “Let’s Do Lunch” in the Mid Missouri Business Journal,
and received a five star rating. “A good place to bring clients. Stay awhile.”
In 2000, Rob Agee was named “Restaurateur of the Year” by The Missouri Restaurant Association.