Classic Italian spot that's been a fixture in Madison for a long time. We decided to go there based in the strong Yelp ratings.
This was my first visit after hearing about it for some time. Overall I felt the atmosphere was quaint in a classic sort of way and while the service was very good (based in part on my usual "water" test-they kept the water glasses full) the food left me a little flat.
We ordered the "classic" cesear to start but asked them to leave off the olive tapenade and hard boiled egg (neither of which are part of a classic cesear), and it was very good-just enough dressing and a little bit of zing. Their house Italian bread and olive oil was also a nice accompaniment. Unfortunately, Our entrees were nothing to write home about. I had the spaghetti bolignese and my spouse the squash ravioli. My pasta was luke warm and the sauce was just ok in terms of flavor. My wife's ravioli (a dish she orders whenever she finds it on the menu) lacked the character and flavor found at some of the other spots she's had it. Overall I'd have to say this is just ok-very Americanized Italian food and nothing special.
This is one of the few times when I feel the overall rating in Yelp is overstated.