About Us
Madrigal is a small chef family led restaurant in downtown Columbia where thoughtful dishes, attentive hospitality, and a carefully chosen wine selection come together in an intimate setting.
OUR STORY
A Haven for Wine and Food Lovers
Step away from the noise of the city and settle into the warm, intimate atmosphere of Madrigal. We take pride in preparing each dish from scratch, using premium ingredients with a strong focus on quality and seasonality.
Our kitchen is guided by a simple idea: to honor tradition while giving it new expression. Familiar recipes are reimagined with care, creativity, and respect for the ingredients, resulting in dishes that feel both comforting and distinctive.
The name Madrigal is inspired by the celebrated form of Renaissance secular vocal music, an art form that continues to echo through the modern world. In that same spirit, we hope to offer flavors that feel both timeless and fresh, crafted thoughtfully and meant to be shared.
Our Mission
About Chef Emma
Chef Emma was born in Tabriz, a historic Silk Road city known for its rich cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and deep appreciation for fine ingredients. Raised in a family shaped by trade, hospitality, and craftsmanship, she developed a love for cooking at an early age and began learning knife skills from her father when she was just seven years old.
After high school, she opened her first restaurant, Ateş, in Tabriz with her friend Neda. Though small in size, it quickly became a beloved place for families and businesspeople. She later continued her culinary education, earning degrees in both Culinary and Pastry, and went on to build her catering company, Ev, into a highly successful operation.
After relocating to Istanbul in 2016, Chef Emma continued her studies with a focus on European, Turkic, and Ottoman cuisine before eventually moving to the United States.
Her journey in America led her to open Madrigal on September 15, 2022. With its intimate setting and carefully crafted menu, Madrigal reflects her dedication to thoughtful food, warm hospitality, and artistic expression. The restaurant is run by Chef Emma alongside her two sons, Reza and Savash, making it a true family effort at every level.
Today, Chef Emma is focused on growing and expanding Madrigal while continuing to deepen her restaurant journey. She is passionate not only about creating memorable food, but also about building a place that feels warm, meaningful, and welcoming to the community around it. Columbia has become an important part of that story, and she has a genuine love and appreciation for the people here, whose support, kindness, and openness have made this chapter especially meaningful.
