🍝 Lombardino’s | A Taste of Italy in Madison 🧀🇮🇹

If you’re around Madison and craving Italian food, Lombardino’s is a name you’ll often hear. The restaurant proudly claims to be one of the "Top 5 Italian Restaurants in Wisconsin" — and after trying it twice, I can say it definitely lives up to the hype… with a few caveats. 📍 Location & Wait Time Tip: No online reservations? No problem — but plan wisely! My first visit was at 8 PM, and I ended up waiting over an hour without getting a table 🥲. This time, I arrived right at 4:30 PM (right when they opened), and by 5 PM I was comfortably seated. 👉 Pro tip: Come early to avoid crazy wait times! 30 minutes or less is acceptable — more than that? Maybe come back another time. 🍴 What We Tried: 🐙 Grilled Octopus (Special) Tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned — definitely a highlight! 🍷 Sangria Refreshing and not too sweet — great balance of fruit and wine. 🐚 Scallop (Special) Buttery and delicate — cooked just right. 🍆 Eggplant Pasta A unique and delicious surprise! The fried eggplant cubes were crispy outside and soft inside — a great twist on classic pasta. 🦑 Calamari A bit disappointing 😕… The pieces were small and the batter was thicker than I prefer. Not the best in town. 🍰 Tiramisu Good, but not amazing. A little too heavy on the cream, and the coffee flavor could be stronger. ✨ Overall Experience: Cozy, dim-lit, classic Italian trattoria vibe 🕯️. Friendly staff and generous portions. Perfect for dates, family dinners, or when you just need some hearty comfort food. 💰 Price Point: Moderate — you get what you pay for. Pastas and specials are around $18–28. Appetizers $12–16. ⭐ Final Verdict: Worth a visit — especially if you avoid peak hours. Don’t miss their daily specials! 🔍 For UW-Madison Students: Great place for a nice dinner after finals or for celebrating special occasions. Just remember — come early or be ready to wait! #ItalianFood #MadisonEats #UWMadison #WisconsinFood #FoodReview #Lombardinos #ItalianCuisine #StudentLife #MadisonWI