Lombardino's Restaurant

After 29 years of living near Madison, we finally went for dinner last night. Everything was delicious- mocktail, bruschetta, both pasta dishes (mushroom truffle & sausage rigatoni), as well as the light, fluffy desserts (butterscotch pudding & cheesecake with rhubarb/strawberry compote). Super happy our waiter, James, sent us home with an extra baguette & recommended making French toast - which we did today! We’ll be back with friends and recommending to others!

Best calamari in town. Amazing thin crust pizzas and pastas to die for. Great service and that budino for dessert is something else. Love the Caesar salad and don't forget a slice of tiramisu

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Signature Caesar Salad, Tiramisú, Gorgonzola-Stuffed Dates, Caprese, Brussels Sprouts, Bruschetta, Eggplant Napoletana, Calamari Fritti, Pizza Lombardino, Black Rum Budino

Unbelievable, talented chefs, delicious! I highly appreciate a good cooked meal! This restaurant's a favorite in town!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lombardino’s Restaurant, located at 2500 University Ave in Madison, WI, offers an exceptional dining experience that combines high-quality food, a pleasant environment, and friendly service.
Food: The food at Lombardino’s is extremely tasty and of good quality. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re indulging in their classic Italian dishes or trying something new, you won’t be disappointed.
Ambiance: The environment is really nice, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The decor adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
Service: The staff at Lombardino’s are friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience. Their warm hospitality makes you feel welcome and well taken care of throughout your visit.
Overall: Lombardino’s is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious Italian meal in a comfortable and friendly setting. With its tasty food, lovely ambiance, and excellent service, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delightful dinner for the 4 of us. Small dining room and no reservations, so get there early!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Staff was very welcoming and attentive (thank you Ali), plenty of time between courses instead of still eating your appetizer when your main dish comes, and the food was solid. Cozy atmosphere.

The grilled shishito pepper special (app) was delicious and light (i.e. not filling). The Spaghetti alla Bolognese was the winner of the three pastas. The meat sauce was seasoned perfectly (a little salter than my wife cares for), the Orechiette was slightly sweet and buttery but the sausage not spicy again all. The Gnocchi and pesto was seasoned nicely but probably our least favorite of the three pastas.

If you want to try multiple pastas, they will make half orders for you so you can try more without eating more.

The chocolate cake was more like a cheesecake. Way too sweet and rich on its own, but paired PERFECRLY with the berry compote and pudding on the plate to make a well rounded dessert.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Ate there two weeks ago with my stepmom after a week in the hospital taking care of my sick dad. The host Kevin chatted us up after a great meal and made us feel welcome . I’m from Maryland but visit the Madison area a few times each year and will be back at Lombardinos!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food made from scratch. Thank you!
The meals were fresh and delicious. It reminds me my mom's meals.

Parking: During the weekends, it is free to park on the street and in a nearby parking lot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Caprese

I absolutely loved this place. They had the best spaghetti I have ever tasted. The staff was friendly and I loved the atmosphere. If you are ever in Madison, you MUST eat here. You will not be disappointed.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Such great food! We tried the Bolognese and the Orecchiette and they were both fantastic. Would definitely recommend. Also got the Black Rum Budino for dessert; great size to share with another person but could definitely be eaten on its own just out of sheer deliciousness.

This was our first time at Lombardino's, and we'll definitely be back. Great food, great service, and great ambiance.

Update: Have been back many times and can continue to recommend. Consistent great food and service. What a gem!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Black Rum Budino

A really great restaurant!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Calamari, Signature Caesar Salad, Gorgonzola-Stuffed Dates, Caprese, Lamb Ragu & Goat Cheese Ravioli, Bruschetta, Roasted Beet Salad, Pizza Lombardino

I absolutely loved this place. They had the best spaghetti I have ever tasted. The staff was friendly and I loved the atmosphere. If you are ever in Madison, you MUST eat here. You will not be disappointed.

For a larger group they are terrible. We had 9 people, 2 had canes and 1 had a walker and they did not want to seat us until everyone was there. The only place to sit was at the bar which had about a dozen stools and a few were already occupied. Finally when they realized how difficult it was to wait for some of us they let us sit down at the table. I will NOT go back.

My husband and I always enjoy a lovely date night at Lombardino’s. We love the cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and outstanding food. A wonderful staple in Madison.

Pasta dishes with a bottle of Chianti. The best. Fair prices too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Antipasto, Bruschetta