Madison Italian

Nonno's Ristorante Italiano (Madison): A New Favorite Italian Spot Worth the Hype 🍝 I’ve been hoarding Madison Italian restaurant recs for ages, and Nonno’s just joined my list recently—all because I passed by one day, saw it packed with people, and checked the ratings (spoiler: they’re great!). After finally visiting, it’s safe to say this spot’s a keeper. Here’s why I’ll be going back: 🥖 Complimentary Bread – Total Win to Start First up: the pre-meal bread is chef’s kiss! It comes warm, fluffy, and soft—perfect for tearing into right away. Pair it with the classic olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and it’s the ideal way to tide you over while you wait for your food. No dry, cold bread here—just fresh, comforting goodness 😋. 🍤 Appetizers: Crispy Calamari & Fresh Bruschetta We ordered two apps, and both delivered: Calamari ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The coating is thin (no thick, doughy mess!) and super crispy. The dipping sauce is the star—it tastes like a bright, zesty tomato marinara, which pairs perfectly with the tender squid. No rubbery texture here—just crunchy, flavorful bites. Zucchini Bruschetta ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fresh, light, and full of summer vibes. The zucchini is fresh, the bread is toasty, and it’s a nice, veggie-packed contrast to the richer dishes. Great for sharing (or not—no judgment if you keep it to yourself!). 🍝 Pastas: Tasty, No Misses (Just a Tiny Quirk) We tried a few pasta dishes, and none disappointed—each was flavorful and cooked al dente (the pasta sweet spot!). The only tiny downside? The sauce was a little thinner than I usually prefer. But honestly, it didn’t take away from how good the pasta was—still satisfying, and I cleaned my plate. 🍹 Bellini – Light, Fruity, and Refreshing I ordered a Bellini (orange-flavored sparkling wine), and it’s perfect if you want a drink that’s not too boozy. The orange flavor is bright, the bubbles are crisp, and the alcohol taste is super mild—great for sipping with your meal ✨. 👩🍳 Service: Solid (Especially After Bad Experiences Elsewhere!) The service was good—and let’s be real, after visiting too many spots with terrible service, my bar was low. But Nonno’s staff was attentive, friendly, and quick to refill drinks or answer questions. No complaints here! 📍 Final Thought: I’ll Be Back Nonno’s is a great addition to Madison’s Italian food scene—warm, tasty, and consistent. Whether you’re craving calamari, pasta, or just a nice meal out, this spot delivers. I’m already planning my next visit to try more dishes! #food #ItalianFood #InternationalStudentEats #LoveWesternFood #StudentMealsDoneRight #WesternCuisine #MadisonEats