What? Madison can eat great Wellington steaks?!!

Ridiculous in the Best Way! Cento’s Wellington Steak – An Italian Spot That Beats Gordon Ramsay? 🥩 Who’d have thought I’d find Beef Wellington—a French classic—at Cento, an Italian restaurant in Madison? Even more surprising? It’s incredibly good. It doesn’t quite top my Chicago “white whale” Coquette (which no longer serves Wellington, sadly), but in my book, it’s better than Gordon Ramsay’s version—and way better than Chicago’s (internet-famous) Swift & Sons. 📍 Quick Spot Info Name: Cento Address: 122 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703 🌟 The Showstopper: Beef Wellington (An Italian Restaurant’s French Win) This dish defied all my expectations—an Italian spot nailing a French staple better than many dedicated French eateries: Layered Perfection: The pastry crust is crisp on the outside yet tender and chewy inside (no soggy mess here!). Cut into it, and you’ll find layers of salty-savory ham, rich truffle-foie gras mousse, and sweet spinach—all working together to highlight, not overshadow, the centerpiece: the steak. Cooking Precision: This is where it outshines Gordon Ramsay’s version. It achieves the impossible: a crispy crust and a perfect medium-rare steak. The cross-section shows a beautiful pink hue, and the meat is so tender it juices when you cut it. Irresistible Flavor: I was so full from appetizers I only planned to take a few bites… but ended up cleaning my plate. That’s how spot-on the seasoning, texture, and doneness are—you can’t stop eating it. 🥑 Must-Orders: Seasonal Special & House-Made Delights Beyond the Wellington, these two dishes deserve all the praise: Peach & Burrata (Seasonal Special) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Please, Cento—keep this on the menu forever! Caramelized roasted peaches (sweet and juicy) paired with creamy burrata, drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze, and tossed with crisp arugula. It’s sweet, sour, salty, and fresh—an absolute showstopper. Highly recommend! Board (Charcuterie & Cheese Platter) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The attention to detail here is next-level. The restaurant even dedicated a section in the dining room to slicing and plating the ham and cheese in front of guests (see Pic 6)—that’s how seriously they take this dish. Everything is house-made: the ham is savory with a hint of sweetness, the cheese is rich and creamy, and the platter is as beautiful as it is delicious. A must for charcuterie and cheese lovers. 📝 No Misses + Next Visit Wishlist Zero letdowns: The Beef Tartare and Pizza we ordered were both fantastic—fresh, well-seasoned, and satisfying. The pizza had a crispy-yet-chewy crust and melty cheese. Next up: The Pasta at the table next to us smelled so good I couldn’t stop staring. It’s already on my “must-order” list for round two. 📌 Coco’s Pick: A Total Gem in Madison Cento is a pleasant shock—an Italian restaurant acing French classics, nailing seasonal specials, and serving house-made charcuterie that feels special. If you’re in Madison, this spot is 100% worth a visit. Come hungry (you’ll need room for the Wellington) and save space for that Peach & Burrata. #Coco’sPicks #GlobalFoodCriticContest #MadisonFood #MadisonEats #UWMadisonFoodie #CentoMadison #ItalianFoodMadison