Madison | Lombardino's Good Italian Food

Top 5 Wisconsin Italian Spot? Here’s My Honest Take (Plus a Queue Hack!) 🍝 There’s a sign at the door saying this place is among Wisconsin’s top 5 Italian restaurants—and after two visits, I get why the hype’s real! But fair warning: the wait can make or break your plans. Here’s my full breakdown, including how to skip the long lines and which dishes to order (or skip): 🚶♂️ The Queue Hack You Need to Know My first visit? I showed up at 8 PM, waited over an hour, and never even got a table—total letdown 😩. My second visit? I timed it right: they open at 4:30 PM, and I arrived by 5 PM. Walked right in, sat down immediately—no waiting, no stress! Pro tip: They don’t take online reservations, so show up right after opening (4:30-5 PM) if you want to avoid the chaos. If you end up waiting 30 minutes or less? Totally worth it. Any longer? Maybe reconsider. 🍴 Dishes to Love (and One to Skip) Special: Grilled Octopus ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The star of the menu! Tender, perfectly charred, and packed with that smoky, briny flavor—no rubbery texture here. It’s a special, so ask if it’s available when you go—don’t miss it. Special: Sangria ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Refreshing, fruity, and not too sweet—ideal for sipping while you wait for your food (or celebrating that you didn’t wait!). Balances the rich Italian dishes perfectly. Special: Scallops ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cooked just right—seared on the outside, soft and juicy inside. Served with a bright sauce that cuts through any heaviness, making it a light but satisfying pick. Eggplant Pasta ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Such a fun twist! The fried eggplant is the highlight—crunchy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, with no greasy aftertaste. Tossed with pasta and sauce, it’s hearty and unique—great for anyone wanting something different from classic red-sauce pastas. Calamari ⭐️⭐️ The only miss. The squid itself is tiny, and the batter is way too thick—you end up eating more crust than seafood. Not my favorite, so I’d skip this next time. Tiramisu ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Just okay. It’s creamy, but there’s way too much cream—drowns out the coffee and cocoa flavors that make tiramisu great. If you’re craving dessert, maybe opt for something else (or skip it altogether). #ItalianFood #UWMadison #UniversityOfWisconsinMadison #MadisonEats #WisconsinFood #ItalianRestaurantHunt