Lombardinos is getting five stars not because it was one of the finest Italian restaurants I have experienced. It's getting five stars because Lombardinos meets all expectations with excellence. Pastas, pizzas, service, cocktails etc. are all wonderful and are at a good price point. My Caesar salad was done correctly and classic. The Spaghetti Bolognese was robust, with just the right amount of saucing. I will admit, I found the Spaghetti and meatballs over sauced, but that's my preference. Pastas were all done al dente, in the Italian manner.
Bartenders were engaging and poured Wisconsin true. Now that I live in Utah, two cocktails at Lombardinos were plenty. We ordered a pizza to go, and left happy. Seventeen years ago Lombardinos went through a needed metamorphosis and has become one of Madison's best restaurants. Bravo!