Sardine is just not my favorite brunch spot in Madison. Though I like the atmosphere and decor, as well as the service, the food always leaves me feeling underwhelmed. I found the Croque Monsieur to be unnecessarily large and overwhelming when I ordered it, but went another time and had a beet and farro dish that was far too small and hardly filling. That being said, the portions are inconsistent and the flavors are just average.
It's a nice place to bring a group in terms of aesthetics, but my experience with the food has been pretty unforgettable for the price.