Fabiola's Spaghetti House & Deli

Madison, 1301 Regent St, Madison, WI 53715, United States | ★ 4.4 (161 Review)

📞 +1 608-256-0600

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Description

Fabiola’s Spaghetti House & Deli is a tribute to the traditional red sauce restaurants that once graced Madison's historic Greenbush neighborhood. Fabiola’s menu draws inspiration from Madison’s bygone supper clubs and our neighborhood’s rich Italian and Jewish heritage.

Dinner service, including pastas, steaks & chops, and old school Italian American classics begins at 5:00 to 10:00 PM.

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 Fabiola's Spaghetti House & Deli
 Fabiola's Spaghetti House & Deli
 Fabiola's Spaghetti House & Deli
 Fabiola's Spaghetti House & Deli
 Fabiola's Spaghetti House & Deli
 Fabiola's Spaghetti House & Deli

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Reviews

Orna Babad

★ 5

Had a great time at Fabiola’s. Excellent food in an intimate atmosphere. Pasta and tiramisu were fantastic. But highlight of the evening was the service. In addition to being attentive and responsive, our server Keith was a true food and wine connoisseur. He told us about the specials in such a descriptive and appetizing way, with genuine relish, that almost everyone in our party changed our order. Same thing happened when he described the desserts 😀. Management should get rid of menus and just have Keith describe all the dishes lol. Overall, fun time and will definitely return and recommend!

Source: Google

Klavo Hunter

★ 3

The food is very good, but the interior design of the restaurant reflects a lot of sound with hard surfaces. You can hear every single person talking at once. This place needs some rugs on the wall to absorb sound. It was really a problem!

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Donovan Artilo

★ 5

My wife and I really enjoyed our dinner here. Our server Ada was fantastic, and I can’t recommend the chicken parm enough. If you’re looking for some hearty Italian food in Madison, this is the place to go.

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Henry Steinberger

★ 2

Avoid the slimy eggplant. It was awful. Wish I’d gone with the gnocchi. My husband like his Sunday Sauce special with pasta and meats. Surprisingly empty on a Sunday night so we got seat d quickly. Don’t be discouraged y the full parking lot as many people park and go elsewhere. Bread plate for $6.50 is also less than spectacular. Not worth ordering. They used to have great breakfasts and that menu is still on line, but it’s no longer available. Another disappointment.

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Sacha Magder

★ 5

Very tasty seasonal dishes, great pasta and a fun vibe. Very cool wine list and all very affordable.
Also the bookstore bar adjacent to the dining room is a vibe and we'll absolutely check that out next time.
Thanks so much!

Source: Google

Slaw Yer

★ 5

The food here is closer to a 5 but there are a few drawbacks that make it more of a 4.6 but I cant give them that rating on google. This place is better than your average resturaunt & over all a solid choice to go to if you are craving home cooked italian. The atmosphere & decor are wonderful & attract you inside. The drinks are strong & they also have a very nice wine list. For dinner I got the Linguine Vongole for $27 which was a little salty but still delicous, it is a smaller serving than other dishes but im ok with that, though I would have happily eaten more because it was so good. It also had a lot of sauce but no bread or anything to use for it. My SO got Spaghetti Puttanesca for $24 which was good, not wow but still good. We'd probably order something else next time but werent unhappy with it, if we were served it we would happily eat it again, and the vegetables were cooked perfect! (flavorful & not mushy) Dessert was a 3" canoli for $7, which was fine but not worth it imo. My biggest complaint was just our server, she appeared to be a college student who seemed to think it ok to make fun of customers.

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B Dubs

★ 1

Food was very mid and way overpriced. I’d prefer Olive Garden.

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David Carbon

★ 1

Bizarre experience. Food was fine (hence our third visit in 16 months). Service was fine, initially at least, then inexplicably rude. Management integrity was missing in action, or missing entirely.

My wife and I had dinner there Friday. Along with drinks, my wife ordered the pork chop. I ordered a dozen oysters, which at the waiter’s suggestion, was split half and half, West coast and East.

All was well until the bill came: $115 for two, before tip. Not cheap by any means, partly because it was a small occasion for us and partly because we had been charged $42 for the dozen oysters. This was puzzling because that was $10 more than the $32 price of a dozen of the more expensive West coast oysters. Was this correct?

The waiter took our question to the manager and returned all of 15 seconds later with what must have been a well prepared answer. “You ordered 1/2 dozen West coast oysters and 1/2 dozen East coast oysters. That comes to $42”.

Okay, now the price of 1/2 dozen oysters is indeed higher — far higher — per oyster, than the price for a dozen. Which is why we ordered a full dozen. Now, not only were all 12 oysters being charged at the higher West Coast price, but another $10 was added in on top of that. Did we miss something?

I started to ask the waiter as much. But before I could get two words out, he cut me short. “Look”, he said, and loudly enough to turn several heads, “the price of a 1/2 dozen West coast oysters and 1/2 dozen East coast oysters comes to $42. It’s there on the menu as plain as day”. And he walked away.

Did we really just hear that? Without another word, I signed the bill and we left.

While dubious practice, charging a dozen mixed oysters each at the highest individual price is not a big deal. Charging an extra $10 on top of that, however, for the privilege of eating cheaper oysters, just isn’t cricket. Top it all off with an inexplicably rude waiter and what’s ‘plain as day’ is that we won’t be headed back.

Source: Google

yezzz-_-

★ 2

Aggressively average. The service was good, the food was, ok at best. My pasta was two different donenesses. There were two pasta dishes served to us, one was steaming hot where mine was just warm enough to be passable. The flavor was good and no better. This was my first time visiting, I will maybe return again to see if the experience is any different, but I will not be rushing back.

Source: Google

SJ

★ 1

From all of the positive reviews, we were excited to try this place. Very disappointed. Our server was nice enough, but it didn’t make up for the horrid food. We ordered the bread appetizer, gnocchi, spaghetti and meatballs. All of it absolutely awful. The gnocchi was pasty and the sauce had zero Gorgonzola anything; just a bath of creamed Campbell’s tomato soup. The meatballs were spicy, and somewhat decent, but near zero sauce, uncooked garlic, and just plain bland. Both entrees came with asparagus that had no flavor. The food came fast. Microwave fast. They took forever to get our drinks saying they only had one bartender. It was 5:00 pm and very, VERY few people. We so wanted to love it, but will not be back.

Source: Google

T Truehouse

★ 5

This was our first time having dinner there and the experience was great. Fabiola's is attached to Leopold's bookstore and coffee bar. It has a smallish parking lot in front so be advised to look in the neighborhood for additional parking.

The service is friendly and the overall energy of the place is youthful and positive They don't take reservations, but you can place your name and party size on their virtual waiting list and they will text you with estimated wait times and when your table is ready. In the meantime, there are books to browse and a full bar in Leopold's.

They offer a decent variety of menu choices, including some rather large cuts of pork and steak. Two members of our party had vegetarian pasta courses, and two of us ordered spaghetti and meatballs, which we enjoyed. The meatballs are generous and comprised of beef, veal, and pork and seasoned well. The pasta was cooked perfectly and there were sauteed green beans (with flavor and snap) and glazed carrot slices served on the side (see photo). Though we did not try dessert, they offer cannoli and gelato.

This is a great place for a date, and you can order dinner for two under $100 (we even shared a bottle of wine). But this place seems to be quite popular, so you may wish to arrive early.

Source: Google

Jeff Porter

★ 5

Have been multiple times and bring friends who haven't tried yet.
Always well enjoyed !

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Serina Vanesler

★ 5

I got the spaghetti and meatballs. Best meatballs I’ve had in a very long time. The spaghetti was good, but my friend got the gnocchi and that was sooooo tasty. Melts in your mouth and the sauce is great. The bread basket as an app blew me away. That olive oil and the dates on the focaccia?? Amazing. The tiramisu isn’t on the dessert menu so you need to ask for it. It’s also very good.

Source: Google

cabadger11

★ 5

The food and service are exceptional. The staff care about their customers & obviously want to make your experience a positive one.

The ambiance varies, depending on the section in which you are seated. But it always has an authentic Italian energy.

Desserts are yummy. You'll want to revisit Fabi's again & again in order to enjoy the whole menu.

Source: Google

Ashley Gwen Patrick

★ 5

If you want to experience The Bear irl come to Fabiola’s. From top to bottom, the staff is incredible and they strive to bring customers joy with each course. You won’t be disappointed with the fare or cocktails. Truly a lovely experience!

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Antonio

★ 5

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Connor Hurley

★ 5

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Andrea Potos

★ 5

The vibe is one of old-fashioned (in the best way) enveloping warmth (like your nana's house), and beauty. A place that feels like home. The food has become consistently excellent.

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Chris Hooker

★ 5

This is a wonderful Italian restaurant. The food is delicious. Staff are friendly and accommodating. I showed up with a group of 13 people (Their largest table seats 8). It was no problem. They combined tables and were able to seat all of us together in about 15 minutes. I had the pork chop. This is a large tomahawk style chop with a side of potato and roasted broccoli. Everything on my plate looked great and was delicious. Overall experience was excellent!
Tip: There is a non-menue appetizer of fish fingers, shrimp, and calamari. All fried, but worth getting

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Kristie Pulvermacher

★ 5

Fantastic everything.

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Susan Dwyer

★ 3

A small thing but charging for a diet coke refill seemed a little too much. I was not told there was a charge for refills. It was a small glass, mostly ice, and from the bar fountain.
Seems a little stingy given the prices charged for food.

Source: Google

Mary Kocsis

★ 5

We stumbled into Fabiola’s during a college visit to UW Madison. Being Italian myself it’s hard to impress me with Italian food, but my family - all 4 of us - were blown away by the quality of food and the taste. It is clear that Sam knows what he is doing. The owner, Sam, is also a nice Italian man. He was so humble as we gushed about how wonderful his food is. “We have a great team in the kitchen” he kept saying. We even came back the following night to try something different. Even though this establishment is 2 hours from our home, we will make the trip just to see what Sam is up to.

Source: Google

Meredith Kruse

★ 5

Our whole family loves Fabiola's! The food is always good, and my kiddo can't get enough of their next-level kiddie cocktails. Pair it with a stop into the bookstore that's attached for a fun night!

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Daniela Lehmkuhl

★ 5

Had dinner at Fabiola’s the other night. I really dig the vibe in there. Sat at the bar and the bartender, Maya, was a pro. Started with the orange and fennel salad w watermelon radish and apricot dressing. Outstanding. Next, had the linguine vongole. Their Manila clams were next level. Amazing texture, sweetness, and a ton of them in the dish.

If you haven’t gone, go check it out. This is an amazing addition to the Italian dining scene in Madison.

Source: Google

Alys Dickerson

★ 5

Stumbled upon this sweet setting while looking for a spot for brunch. Has their crab cake Benedict and it was amazing!

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Michael Heffernan

★ 5

My wife and I used to be regulars at Josie’s which was just dow the street until it closed about 10-12 years ago, and we are happy to see that another red sauce Italian restaurant has opened in the neighborhood.
The cocktails were excellent, especially my Roman Inn Manhattan although it was a bit pricey. The entrees were very good, spaghetti and meatballs and a chicken dish, but both were very heavy on the garlic, which would be a turn-off for many although not for us. We’ll be back.

Source: Google

Camila Trimberger

★ 5

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Lilly Hackman

★ 5

Wonderful, delicious food and a cozy atmosphere! Very cool reimagining of the space. Everyone working was welcoming and awesome. We’ll definitely be back!

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Justin Love

★ 4

We stopped here tonight in hopes of a classic Italian eatery; however, the restaurant was far from that. This is definitely more of an upscale Italian restaurant with some classics, but definitely has some interesting takes on Italian dishes.

The spicy penne was very delicious and had a smokey flavor to it. I would highly recommend it.

As for the not so good. They really should have a kids menu listed somewhere and have more options available other than just spaghetti and meatballs. Also the bread isn't free, which is a a huge downside.

If you like a classic glass of iced tea: don't bother asking for this. It was almost as clear as a glass of water and tasted like it was made near tea leaves.

Other than those minor issues, I would recommend this place to anyone that likes pasta and is looking for some good food.

Source: Google

Gail Hutchison

★ 4

This place is a 'keeper'. In an old Rocky Rocco's that you would think would be 'meh', but it's better than that... by quite a bit. Weirdly, they didn't have some 'standard' Italian fare (no lasagna or ravioli), but you get over that pretty quickly because it has scads of GOOD choices, like Eggplant Parmigiana. The place is small, so got a little loud-- but it's 'fun loud', so can't hate that. Really, it was inventive, charming, cute and well done. Support this one-- they more than deserve it!

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Everson Pierce

★ 5

Great spot for date night! The steak on special is top notch. East coast oysters are also the bomb.

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Chelsea Qi

★ 5

Tiramisu🥳

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Anna Fasola

★ 5

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Gabrielle Brabender

★ 5

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Elahe Sadeghi

★ 5

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Judith Beldner

★ 5

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Maureen O'Leary

★ 5

Service was extraordinary!

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Dennis Hill

★ 2

This was a disaster. Who is cooking here? Do they have any idea what they're doing? The Sunday gravy was anything but. It was a mush of onions and oil. The meats on the side in a dollop of the same mush were between pathetic and repulsive. The meagre piece of beef which was supposed to be short rib was small and sweet! The Fraboni's sausage was unlike any I've had before (I've shopped at Fraboni's for nearly 50 years.) The meatball was OK, not as good as mine, but OK. Did the kitchen forget about tomatoes in the sauce? Growing up my family used to go to Riker's Island for Sunday dinner. And Sunday gravy was the order of the day. Big pot of fabulous red sauce, pork chops, meatballs, sausage simmering on the stove. What meals we had! Lemme tell you. You haven't a clue.

Source: Google

Lenny Snellman

★ 1

While visiting my daughter’s family in Madison, we went to Fabiola’s. We were seated at 6:30 and ordered by 6:40. Our drinks and bread came promptly. However, by 7:40, still no main course. My wife asked the server if she could check on our food. She apologetically came back and said it would be 5 more minutes. Then the owner came and said that it would be 4-5 minutes, no sympathy or apology, just “the kitchen has been behind all night.” We waited close to 15 more minutes, were ready to leave, when the food came. Pasta meals were good but very dry pork chop and other meal not what was ordered. No one returned to ask how the food was. Server responded kindly when told one order was wrong and removed it from the bill. As we left the restaurant, my wife told the owner that we were disappointed with our experience. His response was “you were disrespectful to my server and you have to leave.” My daughter asked what we did or said that was disrespectful. His response, “you have to leave.” My 8 year old granddaughter began crying, saying no one can talk to my mom like that. There are lots of choices for good food and service in Madison. I would avoid Fabiola’s.

Source: Google

Holly Johnson

★ 5

Fabiola’s Spaghetti House is an absolute gem and has quickly become our new favorite date spot.
You absolutely must get the Sunday Gravy and Meatballs! It is a dish I dream about. I will warn you, if it says spicy, it means spicy! The Spicy Penne Alla Vodka is delicious but so spicy it was hard to finish (I am a wimp when it comes to spice). I do wish they had tiramisu on their dessert menu.
If you're looking for amazing Italian food in Madison, this is the place!

Source: Google

Kristina Shirk

★ 4

A good Italian place rises from the ashes of Rocky Rocco's. Staff was great, and the space is just fun to be in.

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Ben Voeck

★ 5

Very nicely put together restaurant. The service was polite and personable. The food was extremely good with a perfect proportion. Alfredo was nice and rich with great taste.

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Michael McCollum

★ 5

There’s a rich authentic taste of Madison at Fabiola’s. From matzah ball soup with a broth that will nourish your soul to Italian dishes that will feed your Tuscan heart. You simply can’t go wrong at Fabiola’s, everything you touch is kismet - like savoring a memory of Madison from long ago.

While the dishes are extraordinary and savory, the service is also high caliber, and the restaurant has an ambience that becomes a warm, welcoming, living vibe.

When a great restaurant has more going on than the delicious noshes they’re serving — and when that “something more” is a warm, welcoming vibe — that’s a rare and exceptional experience.

~ Mazels ~

Source: Google

Tre Younger

★ 5

The food was awesome, we ordered 3 entrée all came with nice portions and the food was hot. The only thing that I didn't like as I wanted a warm up on my decaf coffee she said they only make one cup at a time and she would have to go next store to get it at the book store.

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Rubi Hayim

★ 5

I dined alone this time. The salmon was perfectly cooked, and the service was excellent. Thank you, Jolie! I never felt rushed. They even made coffee for me! I will definitely come back again.

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Amber Ensign

★ 5

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Charles Kurt

★ 3

Randomly chose Fabiola’s as we were in the area and were craving Italian.

I’ll start with the positives-
We were greated by a friendly hostess as soon as we walked in. The waitress was also very nice and attentive. This place has great vibes and ambience, very nicely decorated as well.

The negatives-
The stuffed Artichoke was ok but not great, we questioned if we would get sick as something was off about it.
The spaghetti and meatballs were not that great for being a Spaghetti house. Meatballs were ok tasting but very dry. The sauce was too sweet for my liking. The eggplant parm was Ok but nothing to brag about.

The pricing for this place is a bit up there, a little sticker shock. I believe the basket of bread which is usually free at Italian places was $6 … Same with a side salad that usually is included with a meal at most places is another $6 or so.

Source: Google

B H

★ 3

We had a mixed experience, we may try again... The weirdest part was that our waitress kept removing things (swiftly and silently) before we were done. She took the bread plates away while we were still eating the bread, my partner had just picked up his bread off the plate and was taking a bite when she swooped in and grabbed his plate. Then she took the bread basket, which still had bread, while we were still eating our meal. The water was taken away as soon as we asked for the check. It was truly one of the more bizarre experiences I've had. The food was mixed. The roasted potatoes were perfection. My partner had the gnocchi which was really good. I had whitefish which was just okay, it was a little on the fishy side for whitefish and not well-seasoned. The bread was a little disappointing, Madison has so many good bakeries so expectations are high. I would like to try their spaghetti. We were at a tiny table and my chair was sticking out in a walkway to the four-season area. It wasn't great and I felt like I was sitting in another room. This was done to fit one more table in that section, which is a shame.

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Mike Reisman

★ 1

The place is very cute, service was amazing. The food on the other hand is highway robbery.

We ordered "Rigatoni w/ Sunday Gravy $27 BEEF SHORT RIB BRACIOLE, HOUSE MADE MEATBALLS & FRABONI’S HOT ITALIAN SAUSAGE"

We got a single meatball, half of a sausage that was from Fraboni's, and a half dollar size, bizarre chunk of what may have been short rib.

The menu says "meatballs." There is an "s" on that word. Nonna would have been highly disappointed.

The sauce had sprigs and stems in it that I had to sort through, discovering with each bite.

I can't believe this place has such a high ratings. The server made our time here great.

We also had the Gorgonzola Romaine “Wedge”, Spicy Penne Alla Vodka... Same story, portions are not appropriate. Disappointed.

Side note, Leopold's next door is great.

Source: Google

Holly_J

★ 5

The gravy is amazing and the meatballs might be the best I’ve ever had. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

J H

★ 5

I love this place. I had an old fashioned (or2), the bread basket, chicken parm and desert. Everything was spot on.service, the food, the atmosphere…the owner came around and I told him how much I liked it and he just glowed. Obviously proud. Good kitchen staff and good supervision makes a huge difference… I’ll definitely be back!

Source: Google

Marie Tam Turner

★ 5

Second time eating at Fabiola’s last night, and it was a delight again. We walked in and were seated as a party of three immediately. Pretty amazing for a Friday night, and we were appreciative. The atmosphere there is some of the best, with their cozy and comfy vibe. The lighting is low enough to create a feeling of warmth but bright enough to read their menu easily. Bonus points that the menus are printed on a paper that has a pearl finish, so it actually catches the available light for even easier reading. Attention to detail is definitely a big part of Fabiola’s game plan. It carries through to the food itself. Our party had a plate of olives to start. Ours seemed to be a generous plate made up of castelvetranos in a delicious olive oil. We then had the rigatoni with Sunday gravy; the chicken Parmesan; and the eggplant Parmesan. All are very generous portions as well. The rigatoni has been consistently great; just as good as when we first had it. It will be a continual hit if they keep it up. The eggplant Parmesan was a heaping plate of perfectly al dente spaghetti with marinara and several pieces of delicious eggplant. I could not stop eating it until my entire plate was empty. The chicken Parmesan was a bit overcooked but flavorful, and the pasta aglio e olio was cooked to perfection. We were nearing the end of our meal when the manager came by to chat and ask us how everything was. He was so kind and courteous and truly interested in hearing our thoughts. When he heard that the chicken was slightly overcooked, he took the time to immediately go back to the kitchen to let them know. He then offered our table a complimentary dessert. In this day and age, this is something that I rarely see; but it just shows the caliber of establishment that is Fabiola’s. They take care of you because they do care. Our desserts were a selection of the most delicious gelato, made right in Sheboygan, WI. Creamy but not heavy and bursting with flavor. Fabiola’s is a must if you’re looking for some consistently delicious Italian food in a lovely space with some of the most amazing staff and management you could ask for. You, your stomach, and your heart will feel good coming here!

Source: Google

Dorothy Steffens

★ 5

Where to begin? Fabiola's Spaghetti House and Deli is an absolute gem. I have dined there on many occasions, both at the bar and also in the dining room with friends and family.

The host, waitstaff, bartenders and cooks are all #1 in my opinion. The staff are wonderful, patient and ready to take care of you whether it is your first time as a customer, or you stop in for a drink and appetizer.

The drinks are magnificent and the bartenders are attentive. The Food, oh where to start! My favorites are the wedge salad, the charcuterie and bread, the sausages and peppers, chicken vesuvio, escarole and beans, and the penne alla vodka, just to name a few.

And if you are in the mood for an aperitif look no further than the expansive list of Amaro's.

The Greenbush neighborhood is alive and well. Stop in some day, you won't be disappointed. The mastermind and proprietor, Mr Samuel Brown will very likely BE IN THE HOUSE!!!!!

Source: Google

Jane Schroeder

★ 5

I have had the pleasure of dining at Fabiola’s several times. The food is ample, delicious, and I especially enjoy the spaghetti & meatballs, wedge salad, and wine list. The staff is engaging, and I always feel relaxed and welcomed there with my friends. In Madison’s robust dining scene, Fabiola’s and Leopold’s are among the best! Jane Schroeder, Owner @ Kaleidoscope Event Design

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Kathleen Ricci

★ 5

Fabiola's is a neighborhood gem! I've been a regular customer since it opened, and have considered it warm, welcoming, and consistently delicious. I've brought out of town guests who have loved the vibe, food and wine, proclaiming the chicken Vesuvio better than what they've had in Chicago. I recently held my daughter's baby shower in the beautiful solarium room, and the guests all raved (and are still raving) about our special Italian lunch, served by a fabulous staff and offering a selection of scrumptious pastas, vegetarian options and desserts.
(After dinner, visit the adjoining bookstore for a nightcap, espresso or to browse!)

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Jim Healy

★ 5

Great food served in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Sausage is tops. The whole Fabiola’s/Leopold’s operation is one of the best things to happen to Madison in recent years.

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Thunder Jane

★ 1

The expensive meals were not served to the table at the same time. Why call a salad a wedge at all if it isn't a wedge salad? Yes, the menu describes the salad, but why call it wedge? One order was completely wrong. The replacement meal was wrong. I was charged full price for the food that I couldn't eat. I talked to the manager who chose not to address the problems. With so many great dining options in town, this one won't last.

Source: Google

T Lyons

★ 1

Party of 5. We were seated early enough to be the only party in the 'glass' room. After checking with the server for meals without cheese, cream, or milk, I ordered the item suggested. It arrived covered in cheese. All 5 of us got meals at different times. I had to send my food back. It came remade without meatballs. The meatballs had cheese. Did I want sausage? Sure. I slowly ate the noodles so that others at the table could begin their meal. I finished the noodles when sausage arrived 15 minutes later. The meal was charged full price. I contacted the owner who made no effort to correct. Others should eat elsewhere.

Source: Google

M Mejia

★ 5

Maija took such great care of us at the bar! Super friendly and personable. Great drinks and good food. M

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Carolyn Valentine Blakley

★ 5

Good food & drinks, excellent service! Ask for Maija, she took great care of us ❤️‍🩹

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John Swissler

★ 3

I had chicken marsala and the chicken wasn't very warm. Like it had sat out for a long time while waiting for the meals for the rest of our party. We waited a very long time for food to come out. Additionally, the pasta was extremely spicy. The menu description said nothing about spiciness and it tasted like the cook dumped a few pounds of chili pepper in. Service was good other than the unexplained long wait for meals. I'd return if others insisted but not on my own volition.

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Theresa B

★ 5

An absolute gem of a restaurant and our new favorite. Linguine with clams was heaven - everything was!

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Randy Wiggins

★ 4

Our first visit started with a sherried manhattan and a paloma in the bookstore bar while waiting for a table. Both were well garnished and tasty. The antipasto and bread basket were disappointing, but the entrees were a big improvement. They come with a vegetable, and on this visit it was delicious roasted broccolini. The meatballs were very light and flavorful. The eggplant parmesan was not crispy, but the flavor benefited from some fresh basil leaves. Our server was friendly and attentive.

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Madison Mayer

★ 4

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Tempestt Ballenger

★ 4

Nice atmosphere, cute vibe. The food was good but there was just something I can’t put my finger on that was missing for me. The drinks are strong so thankfully there was bread on the table to soak some of it up. Overall it was a nice experience and the staff was nice! I’d be willing to try it out again sometime!

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John Beckstrand

★ 5

Fabulous Italian supper club.

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Frank Ranallo

★ 5

It is an absolutely wonderful restaurant. Much more than just pasta. Excellent food and some of the best service I have had in any restaurant. Everyone is so friendly. The owner was there and recommended an excellent (and very reasonable) Super Tuscan for our wine.

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Travis Robbins

★ 5

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Carl Creager

★ 4

My fiancée and I had a reasonably good experience at Fabiola's, but the main issue for us was value. Most entrees will run you around $25-30 and feel like they should be $4-6 less for what you get. The food is solid, but not mind blowing and definitely not the best Italian in the city. Specifically avoid the artichoke appetizer, which for us was one small, slightly undercooked artichoke for $15.
I had the chicken parm and she had the Chicken Vesuvio. Both tasted good but were a little overpriced, as I've said. The Sunday Gravy is excellent but only a limited number of portions are made each day (so show up early in the evening if you'd like that).

Overall, Fabiola's is a pretty good restaurant with a good atmosphere and service, but somewhat overpriced food for what you get.

Source: Google

Gabriel Padilla

★ 2

Got the meatballs and spaghetti which really didn't come with any sauce on top. I can make a better spaghetti and meatballs than they can. We also have the chicken marsala. It wasn't very good either. It wasn't flavorful at all, Kind of bland. And for 87 bucks you should at least get some sauce. Free bread would have been nice.

Source: Google

Rose

★ 5

Sam got us a table very quickly and that made our night very special. The gnocchi was heavenly.

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Alexis Montgomery

★ 5

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Mark Kemper

★ 5

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C. Lor

★ 5

Went there for drinks to celebrate our 10 years of marriage and the staff were all amazing and so caring. The two bartenders that we spoke with were so kind and went above and beyond for us. They made our night so special and we were elated with everything from the conversations with them, to the atmosphere, the music, and especially the drinks. What a special and wonderful place with such great staff. Thank you so much for making our night!

Source: Google

Martin S

★ 5

Great food! Fueled up before my half Ironman with a great plate of the spaghetti and meat balls.

Warm environment, the bar area to the right as you enter looks great too. A real gem in Madison. Vegetarian menu online with options listed

Source: Google

Marissa Weiss

★ 5

Went here last night for the first time and will definitely be back! The waitress was so kind and our food came out hot, fresh, quickly, and delicious! Highly recommend the bread basket for an appetizer and the vodka pasta for an entree.

Source: Google

Jeff Clark

★ 5

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Tim Hagen

★ 5

Great red sauce Italian and cocktails. This is a new favorite neighborhood stop!

Source: Google

Charles Sackett

★ 1

The staff is fantastic, friendly, and attentive. That's the best part. The not-so-best part is that ownership appears to not care about what customers think, what they experience, have to say, or write in these reviews. You'll see no responses to bad reviews, just as I have received NO RESPONSES to two emails that I sent regarding an experience. I know these emails were read, as I have a browser extension that let's me know when they have been read. My reason for contacting ownership was a simple matter, but it makes all the difference in the world to a customer being able to make choices that will directly influence his/her/their experience. Not caring about my questions or my experience sent a very strong message, and it was not a good one. It was a message of arrogance, ambivalence, and "we don't need your business." All I did was ask a question, the rest of my email was solidly positive.

Do better, ownership of Fabiola's. You've got a great wait staff (5-star for them) and your customers deserve knowing that you care about our experience. Why should we spend our money when you don't?

The bartenders on the Leopold's side are also nice and friendly but most of them appear as though their bartending training was completed by someone who has never bartended.

Source: Google

morgan elizabeth

★ 5

food is amazing. they offer large portions, so that is why the price may be a bit much for some. I had the chicken parmesan and it came with two chicken breasts, a seasonal vegetable, and pasta e olio. breadbasket is so worth it. ambiance is amazing, too. like you’re in italy in the 50s. candlelit dinner too. jolie was an amazing server! she has such a bright personality that elevated our entire experience.

Source: Google

Michael Stonecipher

★ 5

I had the rigatoni with sunday gravy. Very tasty.

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Marcos Navarro

★ 4

Atmosphere was fine, it's a quiet place. Service was friendly but there is no table service as you order most things at the front, and only the food is brought to you once done. I have some suggestions for the minestrone we got served was bland and non traditional minestrone. It was more like escarole and bean soup and a little bland. The Bowen which is the eggplant sandwich is a bit on the bland side as the flavor is only carried by the toppings and the eggplant itself doesn’t have any. Matzo soup was fantastic, so were the fraboni and the chicken vodka sandwiches. The dinner menu is good but could use a few more vegetarian options like a pasta a la norma or a cacio e pepe. Their sfogliatelle is made in house which is amazing and have really great flavor. Their apricot rugelach was pretty delicious. Excited for this place!

Source: Google

JOHN FORD

★ 5

Best gnocchi I've ever had. Everything was great about this place. Super nice staff, tasty food, great atmosphere with great piano tunes.

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Corey Dobson

★ 5

AMAZING food and authentic Italian food and drinks! A must stop for first dates or family gatherings! Ask for Alex the manager and bartender! He will serve up a specialized concoction of goodness exclusive to your tastes.

Source: Google

Mardy Kaufman

★ 5

Great food, wonderful ambience and energy.

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cal derra

★ 5

Legit. This is real Italian. Not American "Eye-Talian" like I'm used to in Chicago. The Aranciata (stuffed fried rice balls) were amazing. Cocktials were perfect. Mains were just right. Light, refreshing, seasonal sauces and vegetables. So many Italian places need to take note. My main was Great Lakes whitefish, garlic potatoes, and broccolini, all served in a butter sauce. The sauce wasn't greasy like so many imitators. It was refreshing and light with just the right amount of herbs and lemon. Phenomenal. And the bookstore bar next door is awesome too.

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Casey Kavanaugh

★ 5

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Carmelo Ticali

★ 5

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Hannah Stuart

★ 5

So yummy and such a fun vibe!! I will be back!!!

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Andrea Roloff

★ 5

Had the most amazing experience at Fabiola’s the other night! Service was top tier and the pasta dishes were delicious! Haven’t had Italian this good in a long, long time! A must visit!

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Katy Sticha

★ 4

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Lisa Veldran

★ 2

Went for lunch. Had the Milton sandwich, roast beef and horseradish. For $16.50 not enough horseradish and the bread roll was stale and hard could hardly swallow even after chewing alot. Little side of fresh arugula dressed in lemon juice and olive oil. First time here probably will not be a repeat customer. Friends love it but many go for the breakfast service so that may be the difference.

Source: Google

Jeffrey Guarneri

★ 5

Magnifico! As a native of the Northeast Corridor, it’s been hard to find delis like this out here in Madison. This place is a gem, and its blend of Italian- and Jewish-American food is a winning addition to our food scene and a callback to the neighborhood’s roots. Here’s hoping to many more years!

Source: Google

Fred Grossenbach

★ 3

This place was highly recommended in a recent newspaper review. We were both disappointed in the food and the prices. Every Italian place I've been to recently comes with a salad and free bread. This place charges $6.50 for a basket of bread and no salad with the meal. Ambiance is okay. Service was good.

Source: Google

Los Reviews

★ 5

Fabiola’s and Leopold’s are gorgeous establishments. When you walk in, you immediately feel the warmth and comfort of a cozy cafe and bar. Fabiola’s menu is small, but orchestrated incredibly. Each menu item beckons for you.

The seating area of the restaurant is classy and old-school, and full of art, while still feeling comfortable. There are multiple facets that pay homage to the Rocky Rococo’s that occupied its walls for many years prior.

The eggs benedict here was stellar. The Nueske’s ham is the perfect addition. The eggs were perfectly poached, and the sauce was smooth and creamy, with no sign of any shortcut.

We had the shakshuka as well. A North African staple, we thoroughly enjoyed this, and it was well seasoned. We did feel it was missing something, but could not put our finger on it. With the skill coming from this kitchen, I do believe this dish will continue getting better as they continue serving it.

We had a few pieces of their two types of rugelach. Maybe a few more pieces than we should’ve had, lol. We were huge fans of the chocolate one. The apricot one would be better for someone who isn’t obsessed with chocolate. They were both baked beautifully and served fresh.

THE APPLE CAKE! Absolutely the star of the show, in our opinion. The only way we could see a disagreement about this, is if someone didn’t like apples or cake. It’s perfectly moist, with a sweet touch of spice. The apples have bite but still melt in your mouth. It’s a unique dish, a traditional Jewish dessert, as we were told. We’ve never had anything like it in Madison. This is a perfect delicacy.

Overall, this place is incredible. We’re going to be repeat customers for all of time. I’d also like to mention that they do not serve sides a la carte, but they very kindly made an exception for us. We have a picky 5 year old who wasn’t interested in any of the (absolutely incredible sounding) dishes on the menu, so we asked if we could get a side of eggs and Neuske’s bacon. They very sweetly obliged, and treated us like friends. They checked in on us multiple times, and they were clearly genuinely concerned about what we thought of the food, and how we were doing. Top tier customer service. The atmosphere is still in the works, but is beautiful.

Source: Google

Patrick Kuhl

★ 5

Absolutely phenomenal food and staff. Can't wait to go back. I'll be judging all future chicken parmesan dishes on the one I had here.

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Glenn Fung

★ 5

Good food. Large dishes. The Brancino had a lot of flavor!

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Marko Jurkovich

★ 5

I’ll be back for da spaghetti 🤌🍝🤌

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Kim Davies

★ 5

We love Fabiola's! The service is great, the food is amazing, and the drinks are fantastic classics.
I am obsessed with their Spicy Penne Alla Vodka.

Source: Google

Ali Eng

★ 3

Really wanted to love this place, hoping it would be like the Chicago, Grampas deli, Little Italy type Italian food I’ve been searching for. Would give 3.5 stars if googled allowed. Positives included very friendly service, meatballs were very good, and drinks were tasty. The bar seemed cozy and would probable come back her for a drink if in the neighborhood.
However, If charging $30-$50 per person I want to be blown away. Google is saying 10-20 per person. This is. probably for lunch/brunch but dinner is definitely going to be $30+. Pasta Vongole was swimming in butter and didn’t have the typical white wine taste and portion was very small. Chicken parm was good enough but the carrots and beans on this plate and the spaghetti and meatballs and rigatoni w/gravy seemed like an afterthought and didn’t go with the rest of the meal. $6.50 for an ordinary bread basket, that should be complementary. Dessert menu was underwhelming. May be back to try again after a while. Though many other upscale dining in Madison or similar/quality of Italian at other places in Madison for significantly less $$$.

Source: Google

HazelBlue12

★ 5

Food was excellent, service was amazing. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Don’t keep looking for a place just go here trust me! Decent portions and reasonable prices for upscale Italian cuisine.

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Jolie Daugherty

★ 5

Drove by this place and thought it would be cool to check out for my friend's birthday. It is a large building but split with a bookstore bar. The cute checked tablecloths and interesting tile art created a fun and quirky ambience. Our waitress Keana told us how seriously they take birthdays and started us off right!! The food was delicious (I ate the spicy penne vodka--perfection and my friend had the fettuccine Alfredo with mushrooms--yum). I love how their wines were shown by region. The Lombrusco was excellent--needed airing to better taste the fruits so over time it got better. Though there were limited tables we were not rushed. We ate on a Monday. This is a great place to go! Very glad we chose it!!

Source: Google

Jiho Kim

★ 5

훈제연어 에그 베네딕트는 맛있고 특히 같이 나오는 감자 팬케이크 같은 latke 를 아내가 맛있어했다. 리젠트 샌드위치는 프로슈토와 새콤매콤함이 어우러져 산뜻했고 또 같이나온 루꼴라 샐러드도 별거없어보이는데 달짝지근한 소스가 맛있어 중독성있었다.
가격은 생각보다 조금 있었지만 맛은 있었다. 파스타는 저녁에만 먹을 수 있다고 해서 다음엔 저녁에 와보고 싶다.

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Dan Burnett

★ 4

Did a dinner here on a Friday night and had a blast. The service was prompt and attentive, with friendly delivery and helpful recommendations. The chicken in the chicken vesuvio was very well done, though the potatoes and carrots were quite overcooked. The paired green beans were fine. The bread basket was a highlight, and the drinks we ordered were pretty good. I would return and try a different dish before finalizing judgement, but overall not bad.

Source: Google

Friend Of The Show

★ 5

An absolute favorite. Pasta is always perfectly al dente, served hot and fresh, and flavorful. Excited for what's to come!

Source: Google

Gary Tallard

★ 5

I like the new look of the restaurant it's a nice change .
The food was good & the staff was polite

Source: Google

Barbara Lawton

★ 5

An evening at Fabiola’s is akin to going to a great dinner party in a beautiful home. Owner Sam Brown will greet you at the door; you will be awash in his warm hospitality all night. He is the quintessential attentive host, who has the stamp of his good taste on all that is delivered to your table. Don’t skip the antipasto platter: this is no ho-hum collection but rather an abundant and artful selection of delicious vegetables, cheese and meats unlike any you’ve seen before. Do get the great bread with it. You won’t go wrong no matter where you land on the menu for your entree; our table tasted chicken parmesan, whitefish, a lamb special, gnocchi and clams, all to groans of pleasure. And then there was their desserts — the most delicate cannoli ever, spumoni in a chocolate shell, gelato that tasted like freshly picked fruit. A both lively and comforting experience. Magic.

Source: Google

Andy Ladd

★ 5

My wife and I, who consider ourselves good Italian cooks, were pleasantly surprised by our experience. It's rare to find truly authentic Italian cuisine in Madison, and even rarer to say this, but we enjoyed a meal that wasn’t made at home. The food was excellent, and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate my allergies, crafting a special dish just for me. The owner took the time to stop by and chat, adding a nice touch to our evening. We highly recommend this place and are thrilled to have such a fantastic new Italian dining option in town.

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Hannah Haynes

★ 5

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William Beimers

★ 4

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Rosetta Meschisi

★ 3

If you don’t like spicy food, read this review.

I recently dined at Fabiola's, an Italian restaurant known for its beautiful ambiance, especially in the dimly lit evening setting. My family and were excited to try out their menu.

To start, we ordered the Escarola and Beans as an antipasto along with a basket of bread.

The Escarola and Beans were flavorful, but they were unexpectedly spicy.

We also tried the Melanzane alla Parmigiana and the Chicken Marsala, both of which were also surprisingly spicy, contrary to what we expected from these classic dishes. It would have been helpful if the menu indicated the spiciness level of each dish or offered the option to have the spice on the side.

Three out of the four dishes we ordered turned out to be spicy, which was a bit overwhelming for some in our group.

Setting aside the spice issue, we thoroughly enjoyed the La Capranera Fiano wine we ordered, which complemented our meal beautifully.

The service was excellent as well, attentive and friendly throughout our dining experience.

One minor suggestion would be to serve the bread and focaccia slightly warmed, as it would enhance the overall dining experience.

In conclusion, while we appreciated the lovely ambiance, good wine, and attentive service at Fabiola's, we recommend that diners inquire in advance about the spiciness level of certain dishes to avoid any surprises.

Source: Google

John Flood

★ 5

Great place. Great food. Great drinks. I got the gnocchi and it was phenomenal!!! Very tasty! All other customers seemed happy too! Was my first time here. I’ll be back!

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Darcy Maxwell

★ 5

What a wonderful first visit! It certainly will not be our last. Loved waiting for our table with a drink and browsing books. The service was top notch. The pasta was perfect. Pricing was very fair. Highly recommend!

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Maggie Munson

★ 5

Incredible hospitality and great food!

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Mike Raemisch

★ 5

Love this place. Wish I was there for dinner. Lunch was outstanding

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ag_pineapples dolls

★ 5

I never write reviews (unless it’s really bad), but this place is an exception. It is a perfect 10 (or even 11!), in food, ambiance and service. I was visiting Madison, and saw this adorable restaurant on the outside. Then I walked inside. This restaurant belongs in a movie scene. Straight off of Friends. I’ve never seen a cuter restaurant. The food. One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve been too (and I live in Chicago). I got the Sunday pasta, fabulous! My friend got fettuccine. The vegetables is what made us sooo amazing for me. Love. Service is great. Servers only had a few tables which made it work very well. If you’re looking for an affordable, delicious, aesthetically pleasing dinner, I can’t recommend this place enough. If I am ever back in Madison I will be coming here again.

Source: Google

Erin Hesse

★ 5

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Shayanne Trader

★ 5

My partner and I went to Fabiola’s for dinner a few weeks ago and had a lovely time. Our server Lauren was excellent; super friendly and knowledgeable. We got the bread basket, the wedge salad, spaghetti w/ meatballs, chicken vesuvio, and a couple glasses of wine. All of the food was delicious and I felt the portions were great for the price point. Today we did take out for lunch and got the regent and the chicken parm sandwiches and a cup of the matzah ball soup. I was impressed with how large the sandwiches and soup were! Overall great experiences both times. We will definitely be going back!

Source: Google

Abby Lochmann-Bailkey

★ 5

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Jenny Skrenes

★ 4

We had a great dinner on a busy Sunday evening. Eggplant Parmesan is delicous. The pasta is perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the garlic green beans are awesome. It did take about 15 mins for our server to take our drinks order, at which time we placed our entire order so we weren't waiting for a longer time.

Source: Google

William Bowen

★ 5

We finally made our way to Fabiola’s for dinner. It was primetime Saturday night and we had a short wait for a table. Spent our time looking over the book selection at the adjoining bar/book store. Great atmosphere, the place was alive and had good energy. We had a nice little table for two. We started out with a couple glasses of Pinot Grigio and the antipasto and bread. Great flavors. For the main course I ordered Rigatoni with Sunday sauce. Everything came together nicely and I would highly recommend. I was certain that I was going to have plenty to take home, but I couldn’t stop myself from eating it all. The sausage had a nice kick and the meatball reminded me of the meatballs my father would hand press - delicious. Service was exceptional and the kitchen was quick. Two thumbs up and all the stars. My highest recommendation.

Source: Google

Won Suk Song

★ 4

We went a few weeks ago and the food was a little disappointing for the price point. The service and atmosphere were wonderful though!

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Laura Salinger Johnson

★ 5

Well done. Have been here twice for dinner. Entrees (spicy penne & chicken parm), cocktails, and service were spot on. Highly recommend.

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Keegan Lynch

★ 5

Was sad that Rocky's left but Fabiola's is a noble replacement. A beautiful eatery with great atmosphere, good wine, and delicious pasta. We will return.

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rob

★ 3

I've gone three times now. First time for lunch, second for dinner, and third for brunch.

Lunch was pretty good. The sandwiches have good bread and are sized well. Comparable quality with Alimentari.

Dinner was okay. The ambiance was nice, and grabbing a drink at Leo's while we waited was pleasant. However, our appetizers and entrees arrived essentially at the same time. Escarole and beans did not seem to be sautéed. The garlic had the sharp punch of flavor it loses when its cooked. The pork chop was dry and lacked flavor once the prosciutto was gone.

For brunch I had to try the Lox on a bagel. For $15 I was expecting a nice, thick everything bagel and about an inch of lox and cream cheese, maybe some onion, tomato, and capers. Instead, I got a platter of ingredients that looked great. The fun mostly stopped there. I just wanted a bagel, not a DIY project. The bagel was okay at best. Whole grain, tough (despite being toasted), and not that big (a little larger than the bagels at Bagels Forever, where you can get a lox sandwich for about $5). The lox was tough and stringy (immediately got stuck in my teeth). There was a decent amount, but not as much as I was hoping for. The ratio of lox to tomato was off too, I got six thick slices of tomato. They must give you an entire tomato because one of the slices had lots of the core in it. Id prefer either thinner or fewer slices. Onions were raw, which was fine, but for the price you'd think they'd be picked or made special in some way. Capers were lost in the sauce. It came with lightly dressed arugula on the side. Overall disappointing.

Source: Google

Corey Vann

★ 5

I had dinner there two nights ago. This is certainly Italian authenticity at it's best. I don't eat pork and I appreciated the bartender for letting me know that the meatballs had pork mixed in. I'm here on business and will go back before I leave.

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Erin Bruehlman

★ 5

Great spot for lunch in a convenient location to downtown. The matzo ball soup is a standout. Don’t leave without trying the apple cake!

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Abigail Ernst

★ 5

Five stars all around!!! We loved loved loved our meal at Fabiola’s. Server and owner were super kind and attentive. Food was phenomenal. Can’t wait to come back.

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Jeffrey Mahlum

★ 5

We had a wonderful dining experience! The hostess was very warm and inviting. Our waitress was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The atmosphere is awesome! It feels like an old school Italian restaurant. The spaghetti and meatballs was delicious! The special of the day, capellini siciliano, was one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had. We will definitely be back!

Source: Google

Laura Kastanek

★ 5

The vibes and atmosphere here are immaculate, not to mention the food. I have been several times since opening, and have been left satisfied every time. The food is amazing, everything from their lunch sandwiches to their dinner entrees. The service is also fantastic, and the decor is perfect.

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shelby

★ 5

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Robin Atkinson

★ 5

Really enjoyed this place! Such a great addition to the Regent neighborhood. The chicken parm was super good and filling, wow. But again, juicy and delicious. Want to try the ala vodka. And the service was excellent. Everyone was very kind and attentive.

Source: Google

Laura Gundlach

★ 5

Fabiola’s is an great Italian restaurant and every dish I’ve had has been thoughtfully and deliciously prepared. Madison deserves a great Italian-American restaurant and this is it! I work just up the street, and have visited many times, giving me ample opportunity to try an extensive selection of items on both the lunch and dinner menu, as well as getting to know the proprietor and his lovely family.

For lunch, my favorite sandwich is the “Braxton & Griggs,” a delectable vegetarian option with cauliflower and broccoli, served with yummy greens on the side. The name Braxton and Griggs is a nod to the historic Neighborhood House Community Center located steps away from Fabiola’s. What a way to honor the Italian heritage of the Greenbush Neighborhood, as Neighborhood House served many early Italian immigrants! Thank you to the owner Sam who shared this with me. All Sandwich names have a story/connection behind them! Very unique and thoughtful.

Now on to dinner which is even better than lunch, which is already amazing. You can’t go wrong with the spaghetti and meatballs - huge portion of three giant meatballs on top of flavorful spaghetti and sauce. Plus I love the market vegetables. Almost every pasta is served with carrots and green beans that are perfectly cooked - just a bit crunchy, which I love. Other menu highlights for me are the gnocchi and spicy penne. Love the peas in the penne and the sauce is so good! Salads are to die for - I recommend the Sunday Salad, the dressing is fresh and flavorful. Also the chicken vesuvio! I don’t even know what is in the vesuvio potatos but they are divine.

I could go on and on!!! I would be remiss if I do not mention the DELIGHTFUL spumoni I had for dessert - three different layers of flavored ice cream. And if I mention dessert then I must also talk about the drinks! A menu full of classic cocktails. Who doesn’t love a well done gimlet or martini?? Fabiola’s can do it all!!!

And of course the atmosphere and service are the really stars of the show. The staff - from the host who greeted me at the door with a dazzling smile to the attentive and knowledgeable server, and the talented chefs - all make Fabiola’s the fine restaurant it is. The owner is always present and talks to almost every table, making you feel welcome and special!! The space is absolutely gorgeous, with beautiful artwork, salvaged bar, light fixture that looks like the Guggenheim, and beautiful red leather booths. I took my Italian mother and 98 year old Sicilian papa here and they both adore it.

THANK YOU FABIOLA’S FOR BEING THE GEM THAT YOUR ARE!!!!!!! You have a lifetime customer on your hands!!

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Mark Heiman

★ 5

Lemon drop martini is the way to go, especially paired with spaghetti and meatballs. I loved the veggies on the side. Meatballs are the best I have ever had. Classy place, great atmosphere, great food!

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Jackie Thompson

★ 5

The Food & service is OUTSTANDING! The meatballs are handmade & the size
Of them makes this a staple dish to experience! The entire staff keeps the space clean & enjoyable with welcoming attitudes. I love to bringing my family & friends here for an amazing experience every time. 10/10 definitely recommend!

Source: Google

Abby S

★ 5

Food is phenomenal. Highly recommend the gnocchi!! The wine and drink selection has something for everyone. The atmosphere is one you won’t find on this side of Madison.

Source: Google

Chris Livanos

★ 1

I ordered Eggplant Parmesan, and it was a small portion of soggy, warm flavorless mush on top of unseasoned spaghetti that tasted like it had been sitting in hot unsalted water all day. It was inedible.

The entry way has a bunch of gourmet Italian deli products to make you think you are getting real Italian food, but the food is so bad they might as well scoop garbage out of the dumpster and stick it in the microwave. Maybe that's what they do. It sure tastes that way.

This place claims to be a tribute to the Greenbush neighborhood's Italian roots. I don't usually like writing harsh reviews, but I feel like I have to say something since Fabiola's is such a cynical insult to what's left of Madison's Italian American community. My wife said that if her Italian grandmother, who came from Naples, was served junk like this, she would have gone into the kitchen and cussed out whoever cooked it.

Source: Google

Michelle Livanos

★ 1

Step one for anyone cooking pasta is to salt the boiling water when cooking the pasta. It is the first thing anyone learns in how to cook any type of pasta.

The spaghetti was overcooked and unsalted. It was horrendous and that was the start where the whole meal slides into inedible. My stomache is not happy, today.

I had some trepidation. American Italian food is not exactly gourmet. But I was willing to give it a try. Sure, well done retro could be good. Well, this was not well done and it was not good. It was a travesty and an insult to Italian Americans. I could have gone in that kitchen and cooked a better meal. I ordered the Pasta Puttanesca. I just couldn't eat it. The pasta was unsalted, and over cooked, as mentioned above. The anchovies were of inferior quality. The olives were of the canned Sysco variety. There was a strange mix of canned tomatoes and fresh cherry tomates. The garlic was not golden and sauteed. Everything tasted like it was boiled, like all the ingredients were dumped in the pan at the same time, and someone stood over and said, "Cook!"

In addition, the sides were reprehensible. There were over cooked green beans. Of course, if the pasta was overcooked, why wouldn't the sides? Then there were these brown round discs of an indeterminable vegetable. I couldn't tell what they were. I thought maybe sweet potato, because of the color. Nope -they were freaking carrots! Overcooked, of course! And boiled.

The wedge salad I had was delicious, and so was the $5 bread basket, with mediocre olive oil on the side. The service was excellent. I think our wait person knew how our meal was going to go - and assured us that the lunch menu is nothing at all like the dinner menu. I will take that hint.

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Linda Atkins

★ 5

Fantastic lunch, great barista, wonderful staff.

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jacob gasser

★ 5

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Mikaela Powers

★ 3

Nice staff and cute inside, Benedict was plain. At lunch only sandwiches, breakfast (Benedict’s), and fish are available. Don’t expect any pasta options before 5.

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John Kuehl

★ 5

I'm so grateful for places like this in Madison: places with taste, places that know what they are trying to be and invest in pulling it off.

Fabiola's makes me want to be a regular that the staff knows when I come in with my wife on a Friday night. They put the order in for spaghetti and meatballs and Chicken Vesuvius as soon as they see us, and the bread plate is out in a hurry. The wine flows. We leave full.

I hope is the Madison's Porta Bella for the next 30 years.

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richard baker

★ 5

The meatballs were delicious!
The pork chop amazing
NYC atmosphere
Lively fun restaurant.

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Christina R

★ 4

Had the chicken vesuvio and it was amazing.

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Maddie Batzli

★ 4

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Mae

★ 5

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Siena Brown

★ 5

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Nyre Blume

★ 5

Very nice elegant family vibe Italian restaurant. Italian dishes are delicious. Service was friendly and helpful when asked about the new foods to try. Brandon you rock! Thanks for making our wedding anniversary so special.

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David Kruse

★ 5

Been for lunch twice…this week. Gives Casseta a run for their money in the sandwich department.

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Dennis Coyier

★ 5

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Lucy Liu

★ 5

Excited that the place is finally open for dinner! Great ambiance and friendly staff. Food is delicious and served in large portions. Definitely will come back

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Kelly Trevillian

★ 5

I enjoyed my first dinner at Fabiola’s and it certainly won’t be my last. The atmosphere is delightful and the food was unique and delectable. The owner is so welcoming and I am looking forward to trying another dish and the lunch menu!

Source: Google

Jessica Brooks

★ 5

At our new favorite restaurant and deli for brunch again.. this time we tried two different Egg Benedicts with homemade Latkes (sour cream baked inside the latkes). My Jewish husband said the latkes were the best he ever had. They even accommodated my daughter’s dietary preference for scrambled eggs on the side.

Also my daughter and I loved the Jewish apple cake, and we took home some rugelach for a snack but couldn’t wait. The rugelach was perfect as well. Best Hanukkah gift ever having Fabiola’s down the street. We can’t wait to try their Italian dinner menu.

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Kimberley Hampton

★ 5

Popular with the locals, great sandwiches and salads

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Patrick Harvey

★ 5

I've been working my way through the menu and have loved everything I've tried! The Murray is my favorite so far, but I can't wait to taste them all - the portions are very generous, too. Grabbing a sandwich, then heading next door to Leo's to read and sip on some Vietnamese Iced Coffee is a tasty and tasteful way to spend an afternoon!

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Tommy Pierre

★ 2

Very disappointing - sandwich was $16 for a very small portion size. Taste was ok, but the bread was rock hard and lacking enough giardiniera and meat. All their other options seemed equally as expensive for sandwiches that should cost no more than $10

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Alex Hall

★ 3

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Austin Campbell

★ 3

The food was okay. Some of the options were great like “The Chandler” with pork and broccoli. I got the spicy chicken parm and it was okay, nothing special. The atmosphere is great but the food quality does not stand up to the food price.

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Andrew Gross

★ 4

Being from Philly it was insane to see that a sandwich shop in Madison had a roast pork, broccoli rabe, provolone hoagie on the menu, so I had to go. It didn’t disappoint! First bite had me feeling like I was back home.

Suggestion: add the option to include roasted peppers. Also, maybe have Parmesan and hot pepper flakes on the table.

The owner is great, I came the day before but they were closed so he gave me a complimentary slice of apple cake!

Would definitely recommend.

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M

★ 5

I only got a cappuccino but i will be back for some food soon. The ambiance is so unique and welcoming! My drink was good and I am excited to be back.

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Stevie Crutcher

★ 5

I really loved my spicy vodka chicken parm sandwich! The chicken cutlets were so thin and crispy, and it was delivered still piping hot. The vodka sauce and cheese melted perfectly together, and the sesame studded bread was the perfect balance of crusty and soft. My boyfriend ordered the meatball sandwich, which he also said was incredibly delicious! The vintage Italian restaurant feel in the dining area is super cozy, and all the staff we spoke with were friendly. There are a lot more sandwiches on the menu that I am excited to try, so we will definitely be back!

Source: Google