My wife an I ate here on. Friday night three weeks ago. It was a wonderful experience and maybe our best meal in Madison in 2012.
The setting is cozy. Not cramped, but very (very) cozy. This does create a lot of noise and a bit of jostling around, but this all helps create a convivial atmosphere.
This is a very meat-focused restaurant, and not necessarily seasonal, but those are the worst things I can say about APiaFC.
We waited at the bar for no more than fifteen minutes (we arrived after 9pm though) before being taken to our table.
Service was efficient, friendly and knowledgeable.
The food is outstanding.
Duck fat fries: unbelievable. The truffle oil is just a whisper that you almost won't notice until your fourth or fifth fry.
Arancini: deep fried risotto balls with pesto sauce. Crunchy, hot, astounding if out of season...
Duck egg ravioli: the only unsuccessful dish we had, but more related to presentation (it's an ugly brown plate of food) than flavor
Grilled octopus: I will order octopus if it's on a menu knowing it will be over cooked half of the time. Not so here. The octopus was cooked perfectly and subtly hit with vinegar. Delicious.
Chorizo stiffed chicken thigh: simply the best, comfiest dish I've had in Madison this year.
We will definitely return.