The restaurant itself is charming but the food was a disappointment. It was definitely not authentic Italian cuisine and the dishes lacked flavor, the portions were small and the menu descriptions did not match the actual food. I would not return.
Anna Marie Graziano
The first time I ate here was for lunch. It was absolutely fabulous. Decided to go for dinner and was highly disappointed. As my appetizer, I had clams with sausage. Omg, the clams were so small. I never had them black and that little. Why not do little necks? My friend had figs; she said they were good. We shared a stuffed pasta dish, which was good. For my dinner, I had stuffed flounder, which I felt was not fresh. The dessert was a piece of cheesecake that was old, not fresh. Very disappointed and very expensive. There were not many people in the restaurant, but still, we were rushed, with four other tables. Not worth it.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Mickster
I brought my wife to L'Allegria for our anniversary. The food was very good. We ordered the baby octopus (Fragolini affogati) and shrimps and clams oven baked (Gamberi) appetizers. For the entree, we ordered flounder stuffed with crab meat (Sogliola farcita di Granchio) and the free range drums and thighs in garlic and oil sauce with mushrooms. Everything was flavorful and tasty. The baby octopus was tender and not chewy. I highly recommend this restaurant. I will be back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeffrey
 Very pleasantly surprised....the food was absolutely delicious and the service was terrific. Can't wait to go back.  gnocchi was homemade, I shared it with my wife, and we both had fish entrées which were delicious.
Rachid Nagidi
The food is not up to me expectations
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
ardilla oro
Que Bueno, the food is amazing. Fun friendly staff. Great place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lili
We find this restaurant very enjoyable. The food is great and the noise level is quiet, so you can hear each other.
Paula K
Impeccable food everything was delicious beautiful atmosphere. You would think you were in Italy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jack
L'Allegria is a standout Italian restaurant located right in the heart of downtown Madison. The location is ideal—easy to find and surrounded by the charm of the city—with plenty of parking available in the rear. The owners, a lovely husband-and-wife team, greet guests personally and make you feel genuinely welcome. This is a true Italian restaurant—not just in name, but in spirit, flavor, and tradition. In a time when many places label themselves “Italian” without the roots. The restaurant is sparkling clean, with a cozy yet elegant ambiance that encourages lingering over a meal. It's the kind of place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy good company without feeling rushed The waitstaff are professional, joyful, and genuinely happy to serve. The food is excellent—rich in flavor, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care. While prices are on the higher side, it's likely due to the prime location and quality ingredients. The wine menu is impressive, offering a wide selection that pairs perfectly with the dishes. If you're looking for a genuine Italian meal served with heart and hospitality, L'Allegria is well worth the visit. It's not just dinner—it's an experience
Ken
My main dish was very disappointing. A seafood pasta dish that was blah. The restaurant decor was very dated. The dinner was overpriced and very disappointing. The tiramisu was good though.
Food, service and atmosphere all excellent. Our waiter gave us excellent food and wine recommendations. We will be coming back soon.
Rachel
We had a nice anniversary dinner, food and service were great and loved the design of rhe restaurant inside, would recommend for a nice night or group dinner.
Linda
As usual, great service and great food! Very accommodating chef for minor changes to suit your taste. We've been coming here for over 10 years and wouldn't unless we really love this place. My husband won't eat Bolognese anywhere else.
Jeff
Took my very senior and very judgemental mom to L'allegria this past weekend because we didn't want to go to the same restaurants we always go to when we visit, and it was fantastic. From the atmosphere to the incredible service by everyone to the fantastic food, this was a winner. The best thing about it was that my mom was raving about the food during and well after our meal. She makes Gordon Ramsey look like a timid kitten if she doesn't like something, and she is still talking about how wonderful everything was, telling her friends how they shouldn't wait. You can't do any better than that. All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend enjoying yourself at L'agllegria.
Lisa
I have been discouraged with the New Jersey restaurants lately. L'Allegria was always a favorite of my husbands so we went there on a rainy Monday night and I had the best meal I have had in months. The Chefs chicken dish was delicious!!
The restaurant itself is charming but the food was a disappointment. It was definitely not authentic Italian cuisine and the dishes lacked flavor, the portions were small and the menu descriptions did not match the actual food. I would not return.
The first time I ate here was for lunch. It was absolutely fabulous. Decided to go for dinner and was highly disappointed. As my appetizer, I had clams with sausage. Omg, the clams were so small. I never had them black and that little. Why not do little necks? My friend had figs; she said they were good. We shared a stuffed pasta dish, which was good. For my dinner, I had stuffed flounder, which I felt was not fresh. The dessert was a piece of cheesecake that was old, not fresh. Very disappointed and very expensive. There were not many people in the restaurant, but still, we were rushed, with four other tables. Not worth it.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
I brought my wife to L'Allegria for our anniversary. The food was very good. We ordered the baby octopus (Fragolini affogati) and shrimps and clams oven baked (Gamberi) appetizers. For the entree, we ordered flounder stuffed with crab meat (Sogliola farcita di Granchio) and the free range drums and thighs in garlic and oil sauce with mushrooms. Everything was flavorful and tasty. The baby octopus was tender and not chewy. I highly recommend this restaurant. I will be back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
 Very pleasantly surprised....the food was absolutely delicious and the service was terrific. Can't wait to go back.  gnocchi was homemade, I shared it with my wife, and we both had fish entrées which were delicious.
The food is not up to me expectations
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Que Bueno, the food is amazing. Fun friendly staff. Great place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We find this restaurant very enjoyable. The food is great and the noise level is quiet, so you can hear each other.
Impeccable food everything was delicious beautiful atmosphere. You would think you were in Italy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
L'Allegria is a standout Italian restaurant located right in the heart of downtown Madison. The location is ideal—easy to find and surrounded by the charm of the city—with plenty of parking available in the rear. The owners, a lovely husband-and-wife team, greet guests personally and make you feel genuinely welcome. This is a true Italian restaurant—not just in name, but in spirit, flavor, and tradition. In a time when many places label themselves “Italian” without the roots. The restaurant is sparkling clean, with a cozy yet elegant ambiance that encourages lingering over a meal. It's the kind of place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy good company without feeling rushed The waitstaff are professional, joyful, and genuinely happy to serve. The food is excellent—rich in flavor, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care. While prices are on the higher side, it's likely due to the prime location and quality ingredients. The wine menu is impressive, offering a wide selection that pairs perfectly with the dishes. If you're looking for a genuine Italian meal served with heart and hospitality, L'Allegria is well worth the visit. It's not just dinner—it's an experience
My main dish was very disappointing. A seafood pasta dish that was blah. The restaurant decor was very dated. The dinner was overpriced and very disappointing. The tiramisu was good though.
Restaurantji Recommends
Food, service and atmosphere all excellent. Our waiter gave us excellent food and wine recommendations. We will be coming back soon.
We had a nice anniversary dinner, food and service were great and loved the design of rhe restaurant inside, would recommend for a nice night or group dinner.
As usual, great service and great food! Very accommodating chef for minor changes to suit your taste. We've been coming here for over 10 years and wouldn't unless we really love this place. My husband won't eat Bolognese anywhere else.
Took my very senior and very judgemental mom to L'allegria this past weekend because we didn't want to go to the same restaurants we always go to when we visit, and it was fantastic. From the atmosphere to the incredible service by everyone to the fantastic food, this was a winner. The best thing about it was that my mom was raving about the food during and well after our meal. She makes Gordon Ramsey look like a timid kitten if she doesn't like something, and she is still talking about how wonderful everything was, telling her friends how they shouldn't wait. You can't do any better than that. All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend enjoying yourself at L'agllegria.
I have been discouraged with the New Jersey restaurants lately. L'Allegria was always a favorite of my husbands so we went there on a rainy Monday night and I had the best meal I have had in months. The Chefs chicken dish was delicious!!
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