Café Mado: A New Chapter from the Team Behind Oxalis

A New Dawn in Brooklyn Dining: Introducing Café Mado

When the celebrated Oxalis closed its doors in Crown Heights, it marked the end of an era for Brooklyn’s fine dining scene. Known for its Michelin-star distinction and seasonal tasting menus, Oxalis had become a beloved fixture in the neighborhood. But as the team quietly exited the stage, they made a promise: a return with something new, accessible, and just as thoughtfully curated. That promise has now materialized in the form of Café Mado, an all-day restaurant that officially opened on May 25.

Café Mado isn’t just a replacement—it’s a reimagining. It signals a fresh chapter from a team that continues to challenge the status quo of New York City dining.

From Oxalis to Mado: The Story Behind the Concept

The culinary minds behind Oxalis, still driven by a deep love for the Crown Heights neighborhood, set out to create a space that felt more casual and welcoming—without compromising the essence of their culinary roots. While Oxalis centered on tasting menus and fine dining, Café Mado leans into approachability, embracing the rhythms of daily life: morning coffee, afternoon bites, and relaxed dinners.

The idea for Café Mado emerged not only from a desire to evolve but also to stay rooted in the community. The name “Mado,” referencing “window” in French, suggests openness, transparency, and a space to watch the world go by—fitting for a corner café that invites guests at all hours of the day.

All-Day Dining, Done Thoughtfully

What sets Café Mado apart is its focus on all-day dining—a rare feat done well in New York’s culinary landscape. Too often, multi-meal service dilutes quality or creativity. But at Mado, the menu has been carefully designed to shine across each mealtime.

Morning at Mado begins with rich coffee, freshly baked pastries, and elevated breakfast items—think poached eggs on sourdough with housemade aioli, or lemon ricotta pancakes that strike the perfect balance between fluffy and tangy.

Lunchtime offers seasonal salads, sandwiches with house-cured ingredients, and comforting small plates ideal for lingering solo or casual business meetups.

By evening, the menu takes a more refined turn. Guests can expect warm lighting, shareable plates, and a wine list that echoes Oxalis’s thoughtful curation—affordable yet global, accessible but surprising. Dishes like herb-marinated roast chicken, grilled seasonal vegetables, and handmade pasta reflect the team's unwavering commitment to craft and balance.

A Chef’s Vision: Precision in Simplicity

While Café Mado may carry a relaxed exterior, it is fueled by the same rigorous philosophy that powered Oxalis. The executive team—former chefs, sommeliers, and front-of-house stars—bring an exceptional attention to detail that ensures even a humble piece of toast is done with precision.

Their philosophy revolves around seasonality, locality, and minimal intervention. This means working with nearby farms, changing menus based on what’s freshest, and allowing simple ingredients to speak for themselves. It’s about honoring food without overcomplicating it—a rare art in today’s crowded restaurant scene.

Guests familiar with Oxalis will recognize that same elegance in execution, now served in a more laid-back package. Café Mado may not require a weeks-in-advance reservation, but it still brings the finesse of a Michelin-starred kitchen to every plate.

Designing for Comfort and Community

The design of Café Mado mirrors its culinary ethos. The interiors feel airy, modern, and warm, with natural wood, soft green accents, and expansive windows that pour light into every corner. Cozy nooks and long communal tables invite both solo diners and groups to relax and linger.

Every detail—from the ceramic cups to the ambient lighting—has been chosen to enhance comfort without distraction. It’s the kind of place that feels familiar, even on your first visit.

More importantly, Café Mado is built to serve as a community anchor. Located just blocks away from where Oxalis once stood, it’s a space meant for return visits, casual brunches with friends, quiet afternoons with a book, or low-key date nights. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s a neighborhood institution in the making.

What’s Next for the Oxalis Team?

While Café Mado stands confidently on its own, fans of Oxalis have reason to rejoice. The team has hinted that Oxalis isn’t permanently gone. Rather, it’s on pause, waiting for the right moment—and perhaps the right space—to return. Until then, Café Mado serves as both a bridge and a bold next step.

For the team, it’s a chance to explore different expressions of hospitality. They’ve already proven they can succeed in fine dining. With Mado, they’re now showing how that same excellence can be adapted into everyday meals. It’s a powerful reminder that great food doesn’t need to be reserved for special occasions.

Final Thoughts: Café Mado Is Brooklyn’s New Daily Ritual

Café Mado represents more than a restaurant opening—it’s a commitment to evolution, community, and culinary integrity. In a borough as diverse and fast-moving as Brooklyn, it’s not easy to create something that stands out while still feeling rooted. But Mado does just that.