Nostrano is owned by former Chicago Chefs Tim and Elizabeth Dahl, who have honed their skills in some of Chicago’s finest restaurants, such as Blackbird, Boka, Naha, Charlie Trotters and NoMi. Nostrano offers seasonal, Italian-influenced small plates, entrees and desserts created in-house from local ingredients. Nostrano’s wine list features selections from small producers throughout the Mediterranean region, and its unique cocktail list highlights classic cocktails from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
"Our first time here, and the food is very good, if not excellent. The portions were small. My $11.00 salad could have been placed in the palm of my hand. The main course was a little bit more generous, but not much. Wines were $11 to $13 a glass. Deserts.....$11.00 was typical. The interior was nice, but nothing special. Service was good.
If this were New York, Chicago, or L.A, I might be more comfortable with all of this, but it's Madison, WI.
Verdict: For Madison, overpriced, small portions, of for the most part, very good food."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Seriously some of the best cocktails I have had. Cudos to the bartender. Our desert, a carmel ice-cream espresso concoction, was also outstanding as were our appetizers, a salumi tray and a grilled octopus offering. I found my entree, a game hen, to be tasty but slightly too salty for my taste, while everyone else in my group seemed super happy with their choices. We were there late and mid-week so it was not very busy and felt quite intimate, but is perhaps quite different during more popular times. Recommended!"
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"We were shown to our table right away and were asked whether we were heading to the theatre after dinner. We were dining prior to a show and I was very pleased that they were considerate of timing. The ambiance was friendly, the decorating very interesting and the prices were reasonable. The food was great, the dessert was outstanding and the waitress and other staff were very pleasant. The facilities were very clean though a bit dimly lit and though there was a hook for a purse or coat, there was no where to set a strapless handbag in the ladies room."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Date night at Nostrano upon the recommendation of my friend in the CIA (Culinary). Made a reservation a week in advance. Arrived early, took a seat at the bar. We both asked to sample a couple of the beers on tap and were instead served the whole glass. We were surprised to be served a glass instead of sample, the bartender insulted us by saying that not once was a "sample" mentioned, directly in front of us. We were then seated next to the noisy bus-boy station and were given an inattentive waitress who took very long to get back to us. Food was good, but nothing like what I'd heard/was expecting. Left a tip in cash, was charged (on my card) for the meal plus the cash that I left. Had to call in to resolve the issue. Very disappointed."
Dined on 5/31/2013
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"Unfortunately, our trip to Madison to sample the best of fell short when we went to Nostrano. To be brief, the appetizers were great, but the dinner was so poor and the waitress's response to our polite compliant about the entree was so abysmal, we paid and left without dessert (one of the reasons we came in the first place given the favorable James Beard mention). I would not return."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"Nostrano's menu is small, but focused. The plates are small, so doing an appetizer and an entree would make the average person confortably full. If you are like me, however, you won't be able to pass up the yummy dessert menu, and I would definitely recommend saving a little room for that. I had the braised pancetta, and it was delicious, although it seems like it should belong more on a fall/winter menu, since it's pretty hearty. The cocktails are also wonderful, but pretty pricey for the small size (all are around $10-11). For dessert I did the Baked Ganache, and it was awesome. For two people, with one drink each, appetizer, entree and dessert to share, you can plan to spend around $100."
Dined on 5/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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"Excellent food and service, and the best drink I have ever been served. Ask for the Fistful of Dollars- you won't be disappointed Perfect for a casual evening out."
Dined on 5/31/2013
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"Each dish was lacking in something. The olive oil served with the bread tasted old, the scallop appetizer was doused with vinegar and one of the scallops was broken and the pasta dish was boring and under seasoned. Dessert was also underwhelming. The price was very expensive. Sadly, I will not return to Nostrano, except maybe for a cocktail."
Dined on 5/31/2013
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"The specialty cocktails were superb! The ingredients were fresh and the entrees had what seemed like layers of different components that all blended together perfectly."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion
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"Dinner for two people with one drink each was $105. I had soup (it was watery) and what I would describe as a bowl of fancy Mac and Cheese with a fancy hotdog thrown in that cost $22. It was over salted. My drink was delicious, but at $10 each I didn't feel like spending that for another one. My husband had rabbit for $27 that had a very small piece of meat and a sausage. He also had the soup. He said it tasted good, but agreed that it was pricey for what he got. We have rabbits in the backyard that are free. We enjoy dining out frequently in Madison and especially enjoy Madison Originals. We don't mind spending $75 for a nice dinner. We will not be going back to Nostrano."
Dined on 5/22/2013
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"My wife and I stopped in for a quick lunch the other day and were extremely pleased with the quality of the service, the food -- from the homemade rhubarb soda to the near-perfect pasta to the astonishing dessert, and the reasonable price. The menu is small and focused, which is a good thing but will probably wind up limiting our visits if it doesn't rotate often."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Unique options. Delicious food. Great service. Welcoming yet professional decor. Wine was overpriced, everything else was reasonable. One of my best dining experiences in Madison"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"I am not sure how to classify the cuisine. How about modern Italian bistro done with imagination using very high quality ingredients. All three courses were outstanding in every way. Will return as often as possible, as I live 90 miles away. Nostrano is worthy of a journey or detour."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We had a great meal at Nostrano - delicious soup, great charcuterie, and really fabulous pasta. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 20 for Nostrano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
Great Mother's Day Dinner
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)5/5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My wife and I took a mini-vacation over the weekend and chose Nostrano for a Mother's Day celebration. Overall, had a great experience and plan on eating there again.
Enjoyed the beer selection, which complimented the food. The highlight of the evening was the Affogato for dessert.
May even stop in for beer and Affogato next time in town."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"My first time at this restaurant and I can't say enough good things about it! Service was great and the food was superb, especially the chocolate ganache dessert with kumquats that was to die for. We'll definitely go back again."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We were told by a friend in Chicago about a new place to eat in Madison called Nostrano's. So we decided to try it the next night. I must say that I have never tasted squash soup that delicious in my life~ even my own! The snapper was amazing as well. I am not sure why there is not beef on the menu, but left without that as a choice we were just as happy with the fish. If there was a place their menu would improve, it would be in the gluten free selections. I would have ordered something else but it required bread and there was not a gluten free bread offered.The dessert didn't have enough gelato to go with the AWESOME chocolate ! It would be okay with me to skip all that other stuff and give the dish 2 scoops of gelato ! We will be back!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"Nostrano may now be my favorite restaurant in Madison. The food was fresh, seasonal, and so delicious! We started with the olives and salumi board - a must! - then shared a refreshing panzanella salad with fava beans, pea shoots, radishes, and a fresh herb dressing. We thoroughly enjoyed our entrees (whole wheat pappardelle with lamb ragu and rabbit boudin blanc and confit with gnocchi). The flavors were rich and complex. The wine, suggested by our waiter to be paired with our entrees, was perfect. We finished with the basque cake - the best! Amazing dinner, start to finish! Can't wait to go back again!"
Dined on 04/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Great cocktails in a very nice atmosphere. The food is great as they combine interesting ingredients together. However, I still think that for the price you pay, the portions are rather small."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"While we would have appreciated a sightly larger menu, we were both more than pleased with our choices. Each dish featured a complex blend of subtle flavors, and they were presented beautifully. Our waitress was helpful and responsive without being intrusive. The noise level was high--but that seems to be the case in every Madison restaurant we go to. (We enjoy conversation as much as food!) Need to make special mention of the coffee: outstanding!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"FOUND THIS PLACE BY CHANCE, WHAT A TREAT. THERE WERE FOUR IN OUR GROUP, AND WE ALL COULD NOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD ABOUT IT. QUINN WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL WAITER, FOOD INFORMER...."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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"The menu provided a difficult choice, as the select dishes that they offer are all really unique and well thought out. Portion sizes are perfect- rich and decadent, while not too filling. Save room for dessert!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"I was not able to attend, but the other people that did attend said the experience was outstanding. We are all planning to come again. I hope I can attend the next time. Thanks for taking such good care of them. Ruth Ellen"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
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"The appetizers and desserts were exceptional. I had the Rabbit Boudin Blanc & Confit and must say it was scarce on rabbit...a few shreds and a rather large sausage composed of pork and rabbit, which was really quite bland."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Great view of the Capitol. It was a little bright inside. The service was terrific and prompt. I had the apple dessert with molasses gelato and it may be the best dessert I have ever had!"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"Excellent, as usual. Told the server we had a time pressure [concert], and all came promptly. We had a large course and, of course, a dessert each. Definitely save room for dessert! The server offered to bring the check while we had dessert, so we could make our curtain time, very thoughtful."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"As usual, the food was amazing. All four of us ordered something different so we could share. The orchiette and paparadelle were by far my favorite as I love their pasta. The rabbit with gnocchi was everyone else's favorite followed closely by the orchiette."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Service was not as expected, especially in celebration of our 21 year wedding anniversary. Another waitress had to constantly inform our waitress to attend our table. It became quite annoying as the dinner service went on."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"It's kind of hard to try to characterize how we felt about Nostrano. The menu is well thought out and has good variety of more complex entree options etc. That said, the cost relative to the dishes was a bit high. Drinks were very expensive as well, and in our case, poorly mixed and with cheaper alcohols. One of the Old Fashioned's was more booze than anything and lacked the right flavors. The seating arrangement of the booths made it hard for two couples to converse across the table as well. Overall, it was decent food, and service was fine, but it just wasn't enough that I'd recommend it."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"We reserved two tables at Nostrano and the wait staff was very accommodating when our party turned out to have one additional person. The olives and bread ap was great (ask for focaccia and oil if you don't like olives) and the salami board was also very good. The entrees I would recommend the most would be the orishette pasta and the lamb ragu which were both divine. Reviews on the hen were not as positive from two people in our group. With the meal I had I would highly recommend - the wine list was large but not overwhelming, the ambiance was one of the best downtown and the service was top notch and professional."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The place itself is cute and in a nice location. The service was friendly and prompt. The olive plate and the carmel sea salt desert were the highlights. The dinners were creative and put together well, my only complaint is that both were very salty. We had the Guinea hen and the fenel sausage. I also feel that they are slightly overpriced for what they serve."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"I was really disappointed with the quality of the food served at Nostrano. I ordered pasta with a pesto sauce that was tasteless and cold. My husband ordered a meat dish, rabbit, and it was really good, but not enough. A pricey restaurant, not suited for Madison's restaurant scene. Not coming back."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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