The Vineyard Restaurant and Bar

This was a really nice experience. We were passing through, and staying one night, in Madera on our honeymoon and needed a place for dinner. There aren't a ton of options in the town, so we decided on Vineyard Restaurant with low expectations. We we're pleasantly surprised from start to finish. The manager or owner (not sure) sat us and chatted for a bit. One of the runners quickly brought us water and the server, Adam, came a minute later. He was personable and knowledgeable on the menu. Helped us choose and made great suggestions. We got the crab cakes appetizer and they were delicious (the avocado puree was a nice touch). We also split the lamb shank as our dinner and it was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The polenta it was sitting on was amazing too. Atmosphere is very nice too with grape Vines over a pergola outside.
The only thing that wasn't superb was the Cesar Salad. The dressing was watery and not real flavorful.
I highly recommend this place.

Nice atmosphere and great service. The halibut over risotto, along with zucchini, artichokes, & fig. Very delicious!

Good service. Took forever to get our meal! This is good if you go there to have a loooong conversation with a friend. You will have the time to do it while waiting for your meal. Thank goodness for the bread appetizer to calm the frustration of the wait. Clientele are well mannered people. Appreciated the quiet atmosphere.

Nice atmosphere and service. The bread was very good. Everything on the menu a bit pricey for lunch. I had a grilled spiced chicken salad . It was not good. Texture and taste if the chicken was very odd. Someone else in my party had the same dish and didn't like it either. Other people's food just "okay". If the prices were more moderate I would try them again, but for now, won't be back.

My mom took my sister's and I here and then I went several times more after that. We even came for my dad's birthday. Each experience was just as good as the last or better. The selection of food is great and the taste is palatable. The service is wonderful and I'll keep coming back. I remember the old owner and now her son is doing just as good.