Absolutely terrific. Generally I kinda shy away from Italian unless it's 'old school' fare. Went out of my comfort zone and wasn't upset.

To paraphrase Our Experience: Applebees is a much better choice for dinner than Osteria Papavero. The restaurant is too dark to even read the menu. The lights in the entire restaurant kept flickering all throughout dinner like the establishment was experiencing some sort of overload of circuits. When we inquired about the issue, the waiter simply rolled his eyes and said "this has been an issue for a long time, we keep telling them that they need to get this looked at" The food was mediocre at best, lacking any true flavor. They spend more effort trying to give their dishes cute Italian names than trying to make a decent meal. The so-called "Hi-Top" seating had about the same feel as sitting at a bar. You and your guest were seated directly next to each other, and you had to physically turn completely around to speak with the wait staff that was taking your order. Bottom line: There are MUCH better choices in the greater Madison area to eat and spend the kind of money that they are asking. I wouldn't recommend this establishment for any occasion. read more

This place is special, whether for a birthday or anniversary celebration or any gathering at all that you want to feel "fancy" yet no pressure to be so. The food and drink offerings are always beyond divine and I've never had anything but spectacular service from this downtown Italian treasure. Check it out! read more

Osteria Papavero - June 4 2026 menu was sooo good! - Italian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Decent Italian food and wine here but the prices are high for what they serve. Service is decent. Cute interior.

The staff is very friendly and helpful. They were quick to grab our order and keep our drinks filled. All of the food was great: we can't decide what is the best, but their pudding was pretty incredible. We came during winter during the day, but I'm guessing summer nights with the windows open is simply divine. As a piece of history, I overheard this restaurant has been open for twenty years. read more

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loved the ambiance very homey and Italian grandmother cooking. service is amazing food is amazing read more

Osteria Papavero - Italian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Our server Samantha was an absolute delight. So knowledgeable about the menu and so enjoyable to be around :). Made our night. I am always so incredibly impressed by Osteria. The specials last night were so unique and delicious. Also loved the grand taste appetizer! Lastly, the butterscotch desert was so amazing and flavorful!! read more

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Do not sleep on the butterscotch pudding it is incredible, definitely stole the show and could not recommend it more even if you don't like butterscotch. We started with the burrata, calzone and bread. They had this delicious flat bread (kind of looks like a pop tart) and that was incredible. The calzone and burrata were an awesome mix to start and both were delicious. I had the veal special for my main and it was cooked to perfection. They change the menu a lot to match with what is in season so definitely a spot to come back to. The service was top tier and ambiance was great, low light and perfect for a nice dinner out. read more

Osteria Papavero - Butterscotch pudding & lemon cake - Italian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Service is wonderful and the ambiance is cozy. The menu is really cool too, it has some familiar Italian comfort foods but every once and a while something crazy will pop up. One time they even had ostrich filets! read more

Good service and lovely ambiance. The menu was partially sold out by the time we arrived for our reservation. My dish was the 3rd choice and a bit disappointing. Next time I will book an earlier dining time and recommend you do too. read more

A new favorite spot. Amazing service, great food, and I love that they have a rotating menu. The ambience is also super cute read more

Osteria Papavero - Fodutta - Lunch Special 10/3 - Italian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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A quaint, romantic venue. This place is not for those with a simple palate. The food they prepare is timeless with a very well balanced one side of Italy to the other. My kids go for all occasions for celebration. They love the endless never to disappoint cuisine, and over all experiences they have shared.. ( our 3 year old granddaughter has been with twice) To reiterate do not go if you are not used to fine dining and quality Authentic Italian food stay true to the basics. I literally can't imagine not loving everything from start to finish stars from our whole family. read more

I think we found our new date night spot! My husband and I visited for dinner. We mentioned our reservation and were seated right away at a bar type seat looking out the window. I think next time we will request a table as the chairs are very tall and even though I usually enjoy that, it was hard to enjoy the atmosphere as much that way. Also street parking is pretty much non-existent with the nearby construction so you'll probably have to park in a ramp if you are driving. For the food we loved everything we had, especially the seafood trio. I was scared to order it worried it would not meet my elevated seafood criteria, but it was better than I could have expected! It was squid, octopus, and fried oysters and they were all cooked perfectly. I really couldn't believe it. This and the tartare we great appetizers (my husband raved about the tartare although it was just okay for me). Plus the bread basket and extra piece of fry bread were also amazing. For our mains I had the mushroom and cheese crepe with butternut squash on top and it was delicious. It was served way too hot unfortunately, the only thing that would have made our meal better was by waiting to serve it a little longer. My husband had the wagyu steak special and it was cooked to perfection. Even the frites were delicious. For dessert we had the chocolate torte and it was one of the best desserts I've had in Madison. We also had an affogato, which I love, and the espresso it came with was excellent. Our beverages were also good and I liked the Italian wine selection. We will definitely be back soon, and are excited about how often the specials change as we can't wait to try other menu items. read more

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This is a small and cute place. The service is good. I would call it "cozy". It has some unique and hearty dishes. Don't come here looking for a super Americanized Italian meal like Olive Garden because it's not that. As always allow extra time for parking downtown in the capitol area. read more

Osteria Papavero - Meat plate - Italian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The chef here was a 2023 James Beard finalist for best chef Midwest region, so I stopped in to check it out. The place was busy. There was one open 2-top and two bar stools, so I grabbed a spot at the bar. I decided to stick to the specials menu, even though the regular menu looked great, too. I ordered the Quaglia appetizer and the Pescatora from the entrees. I was greeted by the bartender when I sat. The hostess had already given me the menus when she sat me at the bar. They started me with house made bread served warm and delicious! The Quaglia is a fried buttermilk marinated half quail with Brussels sprouts, bacon, and potato skins. There were different layers of flavors, and the fried quail was perfect! Great dish! The Pescatora is Trofie pasta (short, twisted strands) with scallop, grouper, tuna, mussels, clams, calamari, tomato, and wine. Another great dish, but I wish the pasta was all made in house. I learned that the stuffed pasta is made in house. For James Beard, I expected all to be made from scratch. Overall, a great little place worth visiting. read more

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I thought this place was a tad overpriced and overrated. Service was pretty good but not out of the ordinary. Food was eh, I wasn't really impressed with what I ordered (with the exception of one thing which I'll get to). Ordered the "Meat Plate" which comes with 3 grilled meats. They rotate depending on the day. When I visited, it was a grilled sausage, grilled whole quail and a lamb chop. Grilled sausage was disgusting, I took one bite and could not finish it. Quail was unremarkable, seemed to absorb a lot of the smokey flavor of the grill and that overpowered the meat. As previously mentioned, all would have been lost if not for the lamb chop I had. Without question, that singular lamb chop saved my dinner. If not for it, this would have been a 1-2 star review. If they ever decide to make a dish that is purely lamb chops prepared in the way I had it, I am positive it would be a success. Also had dessert here which I was pretty impressed by. I had some ice cream which was pretty good but I also had a maple crème brûlée which was fantastic. Overall, ok spot, don't think I'll be back (unless they make a lamb chop entree dish ;) ) read more

Osteria Papavero - Grilled Meat Trio - Italian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Very well prepared, tasty food. Pleasant waitstaff. Tables are far enough apart and noise level low so that conversation is easy. Chocolate bread pudding dessert is highly recommended. read more

I took out dinner from here on Memorial day. They forgot to mention the place was close, and my order went through. But they appologized for the mistake and opened the kitchen only to make my order. Cingiale was my entree and it was an excellent pasta dish. I also went for the dessert budino de caramello, because others have recommended. That was just ok. May be that should have been refrigerated before serving. read more

Osteria Papavero - Budino de caramello - Italian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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This is most definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Madison -- and some of the best Italian food you'll find in the U.S. It's a small place with a very intimate atmosphere. You might be able to hear your neighbor's conversation but the noise level is generally not too bad. I brought guests who are foodies from Chicago and even they agreed that the food here was absolutely phenomenal. Amazing limoncello, great drink list, great NA list - you can't go wrong. The budino de caramello dessert is the best - I would have this dessert over any and it is the basis of my visits to Osteria Papavero. As such, I rarely order appetizers so that I can save room for dessert. Recently we split the mushroom soup/stew and it was marvelous. I loved all the different kinds of mushrooms they had in there. While they were fun to observe, they were very challenging to eat as a soup with a spoon... it might cut down on presentation but they really need to dice up those mushrooms so eating it isn't such a chore. The mushroom to broth ratio got all out of whack. For the main course, the cinghiale was so good the first time I ordered it the last time I went back, too. The service is likewise wonderful and usually quite attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and I love that they know the food and can make suggestions. It's always a treat to eat here. read more

Osteria Papavero - Italian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Such a cute and cozy Italian spot for dinner! I made a reservation here for a party of 3 weeks in advance. We ended up having 4 in the party and they were graciously able to still accommodate us. It is a very small space inside, so I felt like the other customers were seated decently close to us. I'd say the service could be a bit better - it was a while before anyone came over to take our order and I felt like it was kind of difficult to ask for what we need. Once our server was there though, she was great in answering all our questions and giving us a run down of what we needed to know. I ordered the pappardelle alle cinghiale, which was delicious and seemed like the perfect portion size! My mom got the squid ink pasta and she enjoyed it. We also received complimentary bread which was perfectly warm and salty - as if it had just come out of the oven! We did get a side of the olive oil as a dipping sauce and that was perfect for the bread. Honestly the bread was one of the biggest highlights for me during this meal. The menu is pretty small so if you're someone who's picky or in a group with dietary restrictions, this may not be the best place to go for plenty of options. Seems like a lot of people tend to get wine here to pair with their meals as well, and it seems pretty on par with other nice Italian restaurants in terms of price. I'd love to come back and try out the other items on their menu! read more

Osteria Papavero - Pappardelle alle Cinghiale - Italian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Absolutely phenomenal experience! I stopped in for dinner and was completely blown away -- not just by the food, but by the service. From start to finish, everything felt effortless and welcoming. My bartender, Rob, made me one of the best espresso martinis I've ever had -- perfectly balanced, smooth, and just the right amount of sweetness. You can tell he really knows his craft. Definitely the kind of cocktail that sets the tone for the whole night. Our server, Brooke, was equally amazing -- warm, attentive, and genuinely kind. She made great recommendations and was very informative/knowledgeable. The food was outstanding and the atmosphere had that cozy, authentic Italian feel that makes you want to linger a little longer. This restaurant has definitely earned a new regular in me. Highly, highly recommend! read more

Service was amazing, drinks very good. However, the entrees not so much. Still confused how an Italian restaurant fails to prepare lasagna noodles. My lasagne noodles were mushy, similar to baby food in a jar. Sadly we will not return, was empty when we arrive same when we left. read more

Don't really have words how great our experience was. From the service to the food. The lasagna was incredible, best I've ever had.

The food was amazing, the atmosphere warm and great waiter who met our needs quickly and charmingly. We will absolutely come back again! Give it a shot if you are into a quiet warm Italian food with great atmosphere. read more

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We did restaurant week here. Very delicious cozy small Italian restaurant. Always reliable. $30 prix fixe menu. Dessert was the highlight for us - ricotta cake. Service was fantastic. read more

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Wow this place is amazing! Cozy setting and authentic food for a fair price. Fantastic bread tray, out of this world lasagna, trout perfectly seared with flaky center cut and chefs kiss on the desserts! Staff was great! read more

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My husband and I had a very bad restaurant week experience. The bread was stale and tasteless, the dishes weren't as described, my salty and disgusting pasta was so overcooked that it was mushy, the waiter was clearly trying to rush us out while the patrons at the bar were being given time to enjoy their meals, and the food generally did not taste fresh. I should have asked for a refund for the pasta; it tasted like it came from a can. $100 for awful food for two and we needed to get food elsewhere afterwards because so much of our meal was simply inedible. The only positive notes were the wine and butterscotch pudding, but enough went wrong that we certainly won't be back. read more

Cheese plate was good, nothin crazy. Pasta was mediocre, thought mine would have more nduja but it was more like fettuccine with tomato sauce, pretty one dimensional. My partner got the tortellacci-- filling was delicious but pasta itself was too thick/doughy around the edges. Service was friendly and attentive. Nice ambiance for a date night, but food was nothing to rave about. read more

Osteria Papavero - formaggi - Italian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Fall 2024 - For my money and taste, this is Madison's best restaurant. Hands down the best pasta in Madison. It's made in-house from 00 Flour, imported from Italy. The menu is small and seasonal, blending the best of local purveyors with the best of Italy. If it's your first visit, order something from every part of the menu...and save room for the budino, the delicious butterscotch pudding! Waitstaff are terrific - attentive, great pacing. Menu and wine list are small, but solid. I've eaten here 15-20 times with local friends and with guests from out of town. It's consistently great. Treat yourself! read more

Very quaint and nice restaurant. I went with one of my friends and we split the mare trio platter. I got the king crab pasta which was great and also the pumpkin dessert. Highly recommend for date nights or just to spoil yourself sometime read more

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Pasta was rubbery, and the food was overpriced. Bread basket was cold plain bread with no butter or oil to go with it.

One of the best Italian restaurants in Madison. I say this because the pasta is always fresh, the menu is everchanging, the space is small, but homey, and they take reservations. You can tell the staff really like to work here by their cheery demeanor and thorough knowledge of the menu. I don't think I've had a bad thing here and they also have a happy hour so book a reservation early then go on a night out on the town. They also usually participate in restaurant week and their BREAD is incredible. Do not miss out on that. read more

Called ahead to kindly request that the server do something special (dessert) for my daughter's 30th birthday. Her husband also requested when making the reservation & nothing was done even though I was told that gelato with a candle would be presented. Daughter said male server was aloof. Very disappointing! Unfortunately will not be returning! read more

My favorite Italian restaurant downtown! I love the intimate dining atmosphere and the decorations! The service is always amazing, and the servers are more than willing to answer any questions about the menu. The food is absolutely delicious, and the wine menu is excellently selected. read more

My husband made a reservation for my birthday, and it was a wonderful evening! The space is small but ideal for couples - very intimate and personal. The decor was simple yet refined. The chalkboard drawing of a garden impresed me, it was beautiful. We both started off with a glass of Montepulciano, which we hadn't been able to find since a wine bar close to our home closed its doors 5 years ago. It was the only thing we drank all evening, and each of us had 3 glasses. It was the perfect acroutement to the appetizer, entrees, and dessert. We chose the Moleche, which was absolutely delicious. The deep fried soft shell crab is marinated in buttermilk, and the taro cake really tied in the coastal flavor. It made me want to visit the beach! For my entree I opted for the Granchio, a potato & flour gnocchi with blue crab & a cherry tomato cream sauce. It was good, and I ate the entire thing, but I did feel as though the crab had more of a canned tuna consistency. Maybe I was just thrown off since I had 2 different dishes with crab in them. My husband really liked his Cinghiale, and I also thought that was amazing! Braised wild boar just isn't something you see on a menu very often, so it was fun to try. For dessert we chose the Budino di Caramello (butterscotch pudding). It was divine! My husband and I devoured it, and my we fought over who got the last bite. Overall our experience at Osteria Papavero was awesome! We will definitely be returning. read more

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Some friends and I ate here for the first time last week to celebrate a birthday. The staff were courteous and attentive, and explained the menu and the specials well. The food was amazing. I had the pasta and because of a celiac diagnosis, they cooked the pasta in a separate place to avoid cross-contamination. The restaurant is a small space, so it never feels crowded and it isn't loud, so we could have good conversations over our meal. A++ will definitely return. read more

Osteria is a small, cute restaurant on the square with an intimate atmosphere and good food. I've previously ordered takeout from here a few times and most recently dined with a friend a few Fridays ago. One thing I'll say right away - their food dining in is infinitely better than takeout. There are some restaurants that serve great takeout food, but I don't think Osteria is one of those places. I love the overall vibes of this place - mildly dim lighting with candles at every table makes the restaurant seem slightly romantic and very welcoming to all groups. I saw a range of parties, including colleagues dining together after work. families with young children, and both young and old couples. Walking in, and throughout the night, the staff were friendly and attentive. My friend and I ordered the chinhiale, fettuccine con 'nduja, and for dessert - a pistachio cake with strawberry-rhubarb cream. We also received a complimentary bread basket, which was my favorite part of the dinner (still thinking about the fried bread). Just remember that both olive oil and balsamic vinegar are an extra $1.50 each. My friend and I agreed that both of our pasta dishes were a little bland (3.5/5 stars) but were huge fans of the pistachio cake. I couldn't get enough of the cream sauce and could eat that all day! I'm not sure how often I'll be coming back for a meal at Osteria, but I can see myself stopping by for drinks and a snack whenever I have a downtown event. At the very least, I need to explore the rest of their dessert menu. :) read more

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Well, there isn't a 0 star rating! I arrived at the posted opening time. Where I was informed the staff was having a meeting and... I needed step back outside to wait for the conclusion of the meeting. It was 4 degrees and dropping. Not how I would have gone since there is no viable parking within 600' of the entrance . Ratings: Food- never been, never will. Service- less than crap Ambiance- non existent I look forward to the day this hole is out of business!. read more

Food was good, service was terrible. Wait staff was not friendly, welcoming, chatty or seemed to know how to speak to people. Overall, not a great experience - many other great Italian restaurants in Madison with friendly and welcoming staff. read more

Picked up food from here for restaurant week because we've never tried the place. First off, they have a pretty good pickup system as you just call ahead and say what time you want to pickup the food. Then when you arrive someone will run it out to your vehicle. As for the food, we ordered the capocollo & pizza for appetizers, the pesce & panino for mains, and the budino & bombolino for dessert. The capocollo had some very nice ripe melon that paired well with the meat. This was the better of the two appetizers in my opinion as the end of summer pizza had too much of an olive taste even though it was only one of the ingredients. The dough was nice, but it did get a little soggy in the middle, which I think was from the olive juices. I'd never had monkfish in the past so I ordered the pesce to try it. The mouthfeel of it almost reminded me of a scallop, of which I'm not a big fan, but the flavor was nice. It came with a top of a creamed corn, peas, & roasted tomatoes mix of which was a great combination, but a little too salty for me. The panino had thick slices of brisket with some nice pickled jalapenos and a chimichurri sauce. They all paired quite well together and there was a nice ratio of each to balance the dish. My friend was a big fan. Finally the best was saved for last in the desserts. The budino had a muted butterscotch flavor which was nice to end the meal with. My friend said he would definitely order it again. The bombolino was also quite good as it was a pillowy donut stuffed full of nutella. I really mean stuffed too, as when I cut it in half, the nutella just flowed out! Only thing I could have done with less of is the powdered sugar on top, but I get that that is a presentation element. Overall pretty solid main food and amazing desserts. read more

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