With the growth of Raleigh over the past five years, it’s been amazing to see these new work-live developments popping up around the Oak City. One of the more ambitious and interesting projects was Smoky Hollow off of West Street. A mix of higher end office, retail, and apartment space its opening during the midst of the pandemic created challenges. But finally, the retail spaces are starting to fill out including Madre, a restaurant offering up small plates from Spain, Italy, and the rest of the continent. I’ll admit to being uncertain as to what they would offer up the dining scene but after two visits I can say they are certainly trying to do something new and tasty! And a lot of Raleigh seems to agree right now…
Madre, Raleigh – Location and Decor
If you haven’t made it to Smoky Hollow yet, this modern but industrial work-live development has taken over a lot of the neighborhood near West Street. Anchored by Publix on one end, there are several sections offering retail, commercial, and apartment space. Madre sits in the retail section where you’ll also find Milk Lab, Midwood Smokehouse, and the future Crunkleton cocktail bar. Plate glass windows line multiple sides of Madre’s location and you’ll find a hostess kiosk right at the main entrance which allows for glimpses into the main dining to the left and the bar and lounge to the right.
Madre offers up a hip but industrial space with hints of organic woods and ceramics, it’s all very well done from an interior design standpoint. Blown glass lamps overhead, a display of back-lit pottery along with a smaller back dining room in addition to the main dining area. There’s plenty of space and while it’s a bit noisy at times, the interior is not overwhelmingly noisy allowing for dinner table conversation. If you’re dining solo or don’t want to sit at a table, the bar and lounge is a great option. Super stylish decor in a less formal setting might be the way to go, especially for a girls night out!
Madre, Raleigh – Menu and Food
In keeping with Madre’s good looks, the menu and food offerings hold up well here! Focused on small plates across the European continent, Madre dabbles in Spanish tapas, Italian snacks, and more. Start off with the lovely pan de tomate which features a rich, flavor-packed tomato spread on top of crusty bread, a Spanish classic! This appetizer may be a bit seasonal but when you get it right, ripe tomatoes hit you right in the tastebuds. The papas with chorizo is Madre’s take on patatas bravas, tender chunks of roasted potato with bits of savory chorizo and drizzled with dijonaise, delish!
Or try the boquerones, filets of whitefish (sardine) drizzled in lemon and citrus for a fresh taste of the ocean. The duck prosciutto offers up a heaping pile of thin-sliced duck that melts in your mouth, a great starter. The seared pork belly with pickled greens is solid, a nice play on this luscious, fatty cut with some greens to counter-balance the flavor.
Moving on to the mains at Madre, I’ve tried the saffron risotto with parmesan, along with the grilled whole fish (bronzino). These are reasonably sized share plates for 2 to 4 people and they are nicely done and relatively clean and healthy tasting. One of the consistent things you’ll find at Madre is that the portions and plates are slightly on the smaller side but enough to make you feel satisfied!
And for dessert, the orange phyllo cake with white chocolate seemed to be more like an oil cake to me! Tasty and a decent palate cleanser to end your meal.
Madre, Raleigh – Service and Final Thoughts
Service at Madre is pleasant and efficient from hostess to order taker and food expeditors. It’s a team service so your dinner comes out quickly, for better or for worse! And Madre offers a very different dining experience for Raleigh. It’s modern, tasty, and very urban, maybe exhibiting more of a South Florida/Miami feel to things. But in the end, it is unique and the sum is greater than the parts, which I’ll give Madre credit for. It’s obvious that everything was well-designed from decor to menu, service, and food which is a bold statement in a food scene that’s become increasingly cautious, post-pandemic. And while I don’t think Madre is for everyone, having a meal here is comforting, tasty, and healthy. I’m guessing that’s what most mothers would want for us let’s give a cheer to Madre and what makes it special!
Bonjour Banh Mi and Tea, Morrisville for the Best Banh Mi in the Triangle