[ratings] It’s no secret to those who know me that Lombardino’s is my favorite restaurant in Madison. And for good reason – their food is delicious! But beyond the basic epicurean delights they provide, Lombardino’s also tries to bring seasonality and local products into each of their ever-changing menus.

Their current, late-winter menu is a textural experience – crispiness is found in a salad of bitter greens with locally produced gorgonzola, pear and toasted walnuts; creaminess luxuriates in the potato and mussel soup; and chewiness abounds in the crusts of the wood-fired pizzas expertly topped (no gloppy cheese here!) with seasonal ingredients – try the ruby-port-poached fig and gorgonzola pizza with Willow Creek Farm smoked hog jowl. It’s a salty/sweet combo that hits all the right notes.

Eating at the bar at Lombardino’s is as good as or better than sitting at one of their cozy tables. With adept bartenders behind the bar, ready to give you a taste of the wine specials that general manager Michael Banas has selected for the evening or to slice you some of their chewy, flavorful bread while you wait for your food, the warm conviviality and intimacy of the bar is why so many regulars regularly nosh at the bar instead of the dining room.

My current obsession, and one that was eaten with gusto at the bar on two recent occasions, is the grilled octopus. This is not your typical rubbery octopus that many a restaurant serves. This is a 3-hour-braised tentacle that is tender, juicy and then quickly charred crisp in their wood-fired oven just prior to serving. Served on a bed of stewed chickpeas, this dish is divine – get it before the menu changes for the season!

Whether you want a salad and pizza on a week night or three courses on Saturday, the staff is more than willing to accommodate your needs at the bar. The food and drink are served with the same care and attention to detail as at the table. And, best of all, you don’t need a reservation at the bar – just some luck at getting a couple of stools at this very popular place. Stop in to see why.

Lombardino’s Restaurant & Bar, 2500 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705
Tel: 608.238.1922 / Fax: 608.218.9810

Hours:
Sunday, Tuesday –Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday:  5:00 – 10:00pm
Closed Mondays

Check out my latest on local eats and treats in the Green Living & Locally Grown section of this site!