We went to Fratelli's during Madison Restaurant Week and had an excellent meal! I ordered the steak and lobster, while my partner has a linguini with seafood in a tasty cream sauce. Each came with a choice of lobster bisque soup or crostini with lox and other yummy toppings as the first course. Dessert was panna cotta or tiramisu, and both were excellent. But what I was really impressed with was the service. Even with a full dining room, everyone was on their game and provided a great experience. If you haven't eaten at Fratelli's, make a point of visiting there. You won't be disappointed. read more

This had been our local Italian eatery. I never thought the food was very good but my parents who are in their mid 70s liked it because it was close. The ambiance sucks. We came one evening about 40 minutes before the kitchen closed an hour and 10 minutes before the business closed. It immediately became clear that the hostess/server was not interested in serving us, but refused to tell us that they were done for the evening and instead provided the single rudest serving experience I've ever had in my life. It was absolutely appalling. It felt like a Saturday Night Live skit, and she seemed shocked when we decided to leave halfway through ordering. I'll never come back here unless that woman is fired. I'm not a person prone to complaining too much or getting upset with servers. This was just so far and beyond anything I've ever experienced. Just crazy. read more

We popped in for a quick bite and it was fabulous! Some of the best chicken piccata I've had in a long time! Dessert was insane, definitely recommend the crème brûlée. They have a gluten free pasta option to swap traditional pasta and it was an incredible texture. read more

Fratelli's Trattoria - Chicken piccata - Pizza Near Me - Monona, Wisconsin

I won't come back. I wanted just gf pasta (which they have and I appreciate) with marinara sauce. They don't do a "build your own pasta". Waitress suggested something that was on menu that had a tomato basil sauce and some other things w it. I got that. A salad that had pears in it was good. The dish that I got was good, but the waitress was snooty and the restaurant was not at all flexible with menu items. read more

I hadn't realized this place moved into this spot, so we decided to check it out. This place is great, and I'll definitely be back. As you enter, there is a decent sized bar off to your right with a few high top tables. To your left is the dining room, which is cozy and intimate. Someone at a table near us was having what looked like a margarita, and that made me want a margarita. So, instead of getting a bottle of wine, we both got a margarita. It was not what the other person was drinking, but oh my was this one of the best margaritas I've had in recent memory! It was SO good. It had a lot of ice in it, so next time I might ask for it straight up just so I can savor it and not let the ice water it down. We also had delicious bread brought to the table with a plate of olive oil and balsamic. The bread was cut into nice little pieces, was warm, and had a delightful texture where the outside was slightly crisped but not enough to impede your bite and the inside was just warm and soft. The have a nice, varied menu and it was hard to decide what to get. I was really craving marinara sauce, so I ended up going with the Cappellaci Di Salsiccia which was a meat and cheese enclosed pasta with marinara. And it was delicious. It also came out very beautifully plated. My dining mate ordered the Penne Pollo e Pesto and loved it. I'm not wild about pesto, but had to sample a bit and the way the pesto clung to the penne was really tasty. They also have a ragu lasagna and chicken piccata on their menu that I can't wait to try. As we were leaving, I saw a sign with two of their featured fall cocktails and both sounded incredible. I will have to be back for all of these things!! read more

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Don't judge a book by its cover. I was visiting family and when we pulled into the parking lot I was not impressed. But kept an open mind and left very happy. We started with the antipasti misto. It was a good size with nice variety. We also ordered the bruschetta which was good. We were a large party and everyone ordered a variety of dishes and we were very pleased. Make a reservation read more

We headed here for a restaurant week dinner and everything was just okay. It was pretty busy but we were able to get space at the bar, where the bartender was quite attentive. Our appetizers were good (prosciutto and melon with balsamic) and my husband enjoyed his pasta dish, but I found my dish to be on the overcooked side. The most disappointing part of the meal was actually the dessert - the Panna Cotta had far too much gelatin which made it basically inedible (I love desserts so the fact that I couldn't even eat half of the Panna Cotta is really unusual). I also recall that there was a pretty strong smell of disinfectant throughout the restaurant during our meal which didn't help. Might be worth trying again outside of restaurant week but overall we just weren't impressed. read more

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Had high hopes but the service was very slow at 8 pm on a Friday (about half full occupancy) and the pasta was so salty I couldn't finish it. My +1 was happier with their meal - a ravioli. Took 50 min for two pasta dishes to come out. Many vegetarian and at least two vegan entrees. read more

Fratelli's Trattoria - Ravioli - Pizza Near Me - Monona, Wisconsin

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Took my teenage son here for dinner. It was our first time here and definitely will not be our last. I'm always hesitant to get pasta in Madison, as it tends to never live up to my expectations. This place is different. Service was good. Food was amazing. We had two different appetizers, the mozzarella marinara and arancini. Both were divine. My son opted for spaghetti and meatballs and loved it. I had Gio's fettuccine and was happy with my choice. We will definitely return and have already recommended to friends. read more

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We have been meaning to try this place since it opened and man are we sad that we waited so long! This restaurant is on par with the North End in Boston and if you know anything about Italian food that is saying something! We called at 5pm and asked if we could be seated at 5:30pm and they said that would work. We got the last two-person table when we arrived, which was perfect. They do have many six-person tables for larger parties as well and could move some together for even larger parties but I would recommend scheduling ahead for something like that since it is a busy place and that is a lot to coordinate in a small setting. The ambiance and service were also wonderful and every single staff member was so sweet. We were immediately seated, given water, menus, and an olive oil and bread appetizer. The specials menu changes every Friday and the regular menu is fairly extensive so there are a ton of options. We started with the calamari which is the best I've had in Madison. It was cooked to the perfect consistency and the breading is extremely light so you can actually taste and enjoy the flavors of the calamari. We then ordered a burrata and arugula salad from the specials menu and it was truly spectacular: an easy 5 out of 5 stars. The prosciutto and pesto on top were wonderful additions that added to the flavor profile. It was served on top of crostini as well which added a fun crunch. We will order it every time it's available. We ended with the homemade stuffed lobster pasta which was delicious but as others have said the pasta itself was a little too thick for our tastes. We were too full but dessert but based on the other food and looking at everyone else's I bet they are amazing as well. I saw people actively complimenting them to their tablemates as well as the servers. We will absolutely be back and will start taking guests here when they visit town too as it is amazing food for a decent price and enjoyable atmosphere. We're excited to try the rest of the menu as well as it all sounds amazing! read more

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I like it here the mozzarella stick was amazing like nothing I've ever had before the sauce the cheese just delicious. the garlic bread was great but off to much seasoning in some places not enough in others. The ceaser salad was not great but the croutons were the best thing I've ever had! I felt a bit like the staff didn't want us here. The place is very fancy definitely not a casual dining experience. It costs a lot but it's what I expect from somewhere this fancy (96 $ for 3) read more

Fratelli's Trattoria - My dog thinks the ceaser salad is ok - Pizza Near Me - Monona, Wisconsin

With a reservation in hand on a Saturday night we finally made it to this newer and apparently very popular establishment in Monona. We had never been in this building when it was the previous restaurant so we were surprised when we were led into the basement. Though nicely decorated it felt like we were in a basement so that was a strike. They did pump in a mix of Italian music and lots of Sinatra which was appropriate. The service was generally good but not great - attentive at times and then gone when needed. The four of us started with a bottle of wine which was reasonably priced. We all ordered a caesar salad with our mains - it was good with the anchovies. I got the chicken parm. It was a huge portion. Big isn't always better. The chicken was a bit dry so more sauce would have helped. It came with a spiral pasta which was OK but not my preferred with this dish. The Gio fettuccini was more successful as was the chicken saltimbocca that others ordered. In general the food was good and the prices not too bad but in the end I did not feel like I would rush back here for my Italian food fix. Perhaps it was being sent to the basement to eat... read more

Came here after going to a packers game in Madison and it was the perfect place to end the night. It was such a loud day and after walking into this restaurant, it was exactly what I needed! It was nice and quiet! We were able to be seated right away! The place is fairly simple by design but it was pretty fancy! The staff was very nice! We were quick to order because we were so hungry! The menu had a lot of options that it was hard to decide but I ended up ordering the chicken piccata and my husband got the chicken Parmesan! The food came out pretty quick and we were amazed at the portions! For the price, you definitely get a good amount! Not only that but the food was delicious! The linguine pasta was so good! I was obsessed with it! The chicken was flavorful and the texture was well executed! My husband said his chicken Parmesan was well breaded and good amount of sauce! We couldn't finish our meals because of the portions but of course there was room for dessert! We ordered the cannolis and I was pleased! I never had a cannoli with pistachio before but I'm happy I tried because it was so good! The cannoli was kind of hard but the inside was creamy and sweet! We were so happy we ate here and I definitely recommend it! read more

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We had an amazing dining experience thanks to Oneiro. They were incredibly attentive, friendly, and professional throughout our meal. Their recommendations were spot-on, and they made sure we had everything we needed without being intrusive. Their positive attitude and warm personality truly enhanced our evening. We'll definitely be back and hope to be served by them again. Thank you for the exceptional service! And the Food it was delicious!! read more

Fratelli's Trattoria - Pizza Near Me - Monona, Wisconsin

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Our second time dining here and we were just as impressed as the first time! Service was amazing. Atmosphere delightful. Food delish. We did not feel cramped (as other reviews suggested) - a very comfortable room space. A delightful culinary experience. Oh, my husband is VERY picky about his pasta; he gave it a two thumbs up rating!! We will return. read more

I was very excited to try this place. We went on Friday night. The bar was empty except for 3 people leaving. We asked him "What's your favorite thing on the menu?" He responded with "Oh I like it all, I've tried almost everything on the menu." He could have upsold. The bartender was not busy but he wasn't on it. We had to ask for every drink except the first one and half the night it was us and 2 other people. The most was 8 people at the bar at some point, yet every time we had to flag him down. The bar was also filthy with old food debri on the metal sections that connect the pad to the bar and on the padded bar area. TVs were on with sound but then there was Italian music blasting, maybe just have one or the other. It's also very bright in the restaurant, not homey/cozy. I was super hopeful for the pastas and although the flavors were good, both were overcooked. The sauce had broke and the steak was super chewy. We asked for boxes and we both had drinks yet, and he brought us the bill but he never once asked us how our meal was or if we needed anything else. Unfortunately I don't think we would return. read more

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Very nice little spot for Italian. Excellent salad. It's possible for two people to have a nice meal with a bottle of wine and not break the bank. The pastas we had were tasty and in my case enough for a work lunch on Monday. Super attentive staff. We ended up in the basement level, which actually felt kind of special and cute. read more

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Wonderful meal with my family. Went with the chefs choice. Solid! Closer to a 4.5. Brought our son there and did well with it!

I eat at Fratelli's regularly and I love the food which is a nice mix of meat, seafood and traditional Italian dishes. The service is warm and welcoming and definitely caring. The wait staff really know what they are doing. My kids worked in this restaurant when it was The Colonial Inn and the interior hasn't changed a lot but so what?!? I go there for the wonderful food and friendly service. read more

By far some of the best Italian we have had in years. So authentic and clearly prepared freshly. The presentation is beautiful too! The staff was friendly and very attentive. read more

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I ordered to go and they were true to their time. The staff was super nice and made sure that I was welcomed and taken care of even though I was getting it to go. I ordered a side salad because the pictures looked like small portions but no. I received quite a bit of pasta and it was delicious!! read more

Great food and service, we would come back again. Ordered a different bunch of things from the menu and enjoyed them all read more

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Food very good Service in the dinning room very good. Bartender terrible, slow, not good not checking on for another round , and thus is when there are only 2 other people st the bar they could stand a big upgrade here. read more

Couldn't resist their Winter Restaurant Week menu. And wow, it didn't disappoint. The owners of the old Angelo's in Monona have done a fantastic job updating the space and creating a wonderful atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional dining establishment in Wisconsin. Attentive waitstaff and beautifully presented dishes. And probably one of the best Negronis in town. Bravo. Can't wait to go back. read more

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Our first time here and it was very nice. Food was excellent and service good. Nothing has been changed inside since Angelo's which was a little disappointing, we expected a new look. We thought the lighting could have been turned down few notches and the bartender needs a little more training but all in all a decent place. The food is definitely the star here. read more

I was hungry for Italian food and we decided to go to Fratelli's Trattoria as we had been there once before and it was amazing. We were seated right away by a very friendly host and our waiter came up pretty quickly to take our drink order. They had a specials menu for summer drinks, which I like! Our drinks were very good and they brought out fresh bread and balsamic vinegar and oil to go with it. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer! Oh my goodness... It brought us back to our favorite restaurant ever and we both were thrilled! I ordered the lobster stuffed pockets... Which were actually large sized tortellini with a lobster sauce! It was honestly the best food I have had in a really long time, and I cook Italian food, so I'm pretty picky! My husband got the squid ink pasta with seafood and he loved his meal and ate every bit on his plate! I was so full, but I wanted to try their tiramisu. I took it in a to go box, and it was very good! If I had any comments, it would be that the pasta in my dish was thicker than what my husband and I do for ravioli and tortellini. We go down to three or four on our pasta machine, and this was probably a five or six. It was very good but a little bit toothy. I definitely would not take points off for it because some people like their pasta a little thicker. If you like homemade pasta and really good Italian food, this place is a must try! read more

5 stars for the food: Excellent authentic Italian dishes that will make you want to say, "Mama, Mia!" outloud, for real. :) I really love the chicken parmigiana and the special menu seafood pasta with the shrimp, scallops, and mussels. Truly some amazing and unique pasta sauces. Get something other than chicken Alfredo for the best food. Skip the lobster ravioli, as the other reviews say, it's way too thickly rolled. 2 stars for the service and drink list: the drink list is just not up to the standard of most restaurants (or townie bars, for that matter). I also don't know why they're serving margaritas with Italian food but okay! Service is slow, spotty, and they have forgotten me for over 45 minutes before on a busy night, but maybe they will improve. Great for a date night where you want to talk, but not for a special occasion meal or if you need to make it to an event after. Unless you're feeling like you need an adrenaline rush and want to live on the edge. read more

Great! It was just what we needed for a low key date night with tasty Italian American. The part I appreciated most was the quality and care the chef took with the produce--unexpected delight! The salad we got was packed with a variety and bounty of well prepared veg very lightly and evenly dressed--artichoke, hearts of palm, shaved celery, cucumbers, onions, and generous avocado half cubed and tossed in the salad and half beautifully sliced on top clearly moments before serving. The arugula and basil combo on top of the arancini rice balls was different and flavorful. The pasta and chicken was a bit salty for me but my partner liked it. Chicken was perfectly cooked. Service was warm, efficient, attentive to detail. This is the kind of place that pours olive oil on a plate at seating, is full of quiet chatter, and plays Frank Sinatra. Nice but casual. Sometimes that's just what you want especially when the food is as good a value and fresh as this. read more

This is a really, really good place for dinner. They replaced the beloved Angelo's, who ended their long tenure. Fratelli's is very clem & comfortable with very friendly service. We had only one hiccup with our dinner ... a cocktail ... and it was improved immediately and with a smile. Lasagna, Bucatini alla Amatriciana, and Rigatoni alla Pana were all so good! Pastas were all perfectly cooked, and the sauces flavorful, balanced, and nicely plated. Plentiful portions. The wine and cocktail went very well with our meal. We will go back! read more

Fantastic food! So fresh and tasty. Fresh mozzarella on the bruschetta melts in your mouth. Wonderful service. Highly recommend! read more

Fratelli's Trattoria - Enjoying a birthday dinner for Nancy with Mom. - Pizza Near Me - Monona, Wisconsin

It was O.K. Walking through the door, it was clear someone was wearing waaay too much perfume. Not sure who, but the only thing I should be smelling Walking through the door is food. I ordered the Capellini alla Daviola. The shrimp was cooked well. Not overcooked. But the sauce was so sweet. The pasta was overcooked as well, but not as bad as my mother-in-laws pasta dish. The service was good. Our waiter was attentive and she even offered suggestions. I wouldn't say no to a return, I would steer clear of any tomatoe sauce dish. read more

Best pasta in Madison so far. The portion was huge too. Couldn't finish it. Bread was crunchy outside and soft inside, loved it. read more

Fratelli's Trattoria - Pizza Near Me - Monona, Wisconsin

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Great pizza & amazing menu with a lot of options. The people were really nice and accommodating as well! Delicious Tiramisu and great vibes overall read more

The Italian food we had at Fratelli's Trattoria was delicious. In addition the customer service was great. I would highly recommend giving this place a try. read more

I waited patiently for a few minutes to be served a drink while the bartender was on the phone. They had to be told by another employee to acknowledge me. Rude service, badly mixed drink. Didn't stay for the food. ​ read more

The food was good though a little spicy. Prices were good. Service was SLOW. We were a group of 6. We asked for 3 checks and they said no though last time we were there they did allow us to have separate checks. When one check came we gave 3 credit cards and they said no to that. There is a sign posted by the front door that is very easy to miss that explains the ridiculous rules. If you plan to come with a group and want separate checks - don't bother. read more

Hands down the best Italian food in the greater Madison area. Flavorful, authentic, and fabulous service. Have been twice and already can't wait to go back! read more

The food here is amazing, and since the restaurant was full on a Thursday evening, many people are already aware of this fact. We started with the Arancini. There were three, and they were perfection! Two of us had Prosecco with our entres, and my son had Spotted Cow. Gio's Fettucini, the hand-made Gnocchi, and the Rigatoni Primavera were our main dishes, and all three were good, but the gnocchi was especially so with the creamy pesto sauce! The dessert was wonderful and complimentary for my son! I had cannolis, which were much lighter than some others I've had. I prefer them this way. The tiramisu was also light and delicious. My son was served a profiterole with ice cream and a lighted candle, and the staff serenaded him with Happy Birthday!! The staff is awesome. We will return often. I want to try more of the fantastic offerings! Notes: The dining room is not overly large. Please make reservations for busy times. There is a bar and the hours are 3:30 - 9:30 Sun thru Thurs and 3:30 - 10:00 on Fri and Sat. read more

I'm an Italian food snob, and this restaurant DID NOT disappoint!!! I make my own ravioli, gnocchi, red sauce, lasagna etc from scratch, so I'm picky! Everything at our large table was loved by all. (Birthday dinner for a member of an Italian family.) We began at the bar and they had nice drink specials and all staff was super friendly! Definitely will be going back! read more

We went last night for the first time, great service and welcoming atmosphere. Calamari, house salad (Italian and balsamic dressing were both great), tomato bisque and split the lobster stuffed shells. We added mushrooms and zucchini to the dish. Everything was fantastic. Can't wait to go back. read more