The dining room is airy and spacious, so it can be difficult to hear conversation at the table. The service is typically good. The drink menu is pretty good, but many of the wines by the glass are of pretty poor quality. The food is honestly not all that good. I don't think a city more sophisticated than Madison would tolerate the mediocre quality fare that Sardine regularly dishes up. I've tried nearly everything on the menu and have often been disappointed. But the restaurant is all right. I didn't appreciate, however, the staff booming Arcade Fire the other evening when I was hosting some business guests. Oh, and the food is chock full of raw garlic. Beware.