I wasn't going to write a review at first but it has been heavy on my mind since I left...my brother and I came here because these Yelp reviews would have you thinking this place is amazing- whoever is actually writing these is either getting paid or has never in their life had good Italian food. We both ordered apps I got a salad which was literally nothing but iceberg lettuce with mozzeralla and Italian...that's it. My brother got shrimp cocktail which was 8 itty bitty shrimp with a overly ketchup cocktail sauce which was gross. We both ordered drinks which came in these tiny kid cups with Pepsi product so stale you could taste it. I got the chicken Parmesan. When it came out I literally looked at my brother like this was a joke. I got a tiny teacup plate worth of noodles with sauce that tasted less quiality and Ragu. Authentic chicken parm is fried to order and then baked. This was a microwaved chicken pattie from Walmart with a sub par not even robust sauce and cheap cheese. I get this place is not as busy but DO NOT CLAIM AUTHENTIC. Me and my brother left after spending almost 80$ still hungry and wish we would have just went to Olive Garden. I would normally never bash a small local restraint but this guy is a crook selling people this stuff. these people on here are tasteless and have never been to Italy. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!!
Dewey Linville
Excellent food, well prepared. Loved the lasagna and shrimp with pasta. Garlic bread was wonderfull. Service was outstanding, friendly and cordial. Highly recommend.
Jesse Marks
Visited from out of town. What a bizarre exterior and decoration of the space. But the food was yummy!
Rick K.
An historic diamond of Italian cuisine that lies in the rough. Truly authentic Italian cuisine (yes, they are from Sicily) with food that belies it's dated exterior. It's simple in it's stripped down menu with "made from scratch" food that is delizioso. Walk in and be cast back in time when John (that is how he wanted the owners to address him) Cash and his crew used to come in on the regular. Ask for John's booth if you don't believe me. The brother hosts (Giuseppe and Chef Biagio Sosta) create a family environment that makes you feel at home. An institution since the brothers bought it in 1983 & while there is no longer live music here (the stage remains) it remains a culinary treasure hidden for discovery in plain sight in Madison. Our favorite low key date night go-to....but great things are meant to shared. Buon appetito!!!! It is my friends Squisito!
Kathy Bunch
Food is awesome. Service is excellent. We go here at least monthly. I hope they never sale and I can always get such great food. The cheese cake is amazing. I always get mine to go. Because I am stuffed from the lasagna and garlic bread.
Tonya Liz
Do not judge a book by its cover.
Sarah M.
This place this something special, the food is amazing and the service is even better. A great spot for a comfortable family feel. I literally never write reviews for anything but for places that truly impress me. Will most definitely be becoming again and will tell all my friends and family about it!
Erin Buckley
? don’t judge by what you see from the road! ?We pulled in and did a u-turn. While waiting for a break in the traffic to pull out, I read reviews saying the same thing - don’t judge by the building!We trusted the internet and it did not disappoint! The staff was great! Food was excellent!
Anne Watson
We have not been to a restaurant since covid, with exception of a couple of outdoor venues. We thought this had outdoor, but no matter. We had the whole place to ourselves, as if we rented it out. It was amazing! Guisepe guided us through the menu. He was VERY helpful and a joy to chat with. It is a traditional family business with hard fast ethnic commitment to each item on menu. Everything is fresh and made the exact way to perfection. What you see is what you get. No need to change anything, cause it is PERFECTO just as it is! We can not wait to go back. It brings you a time of yesteryear! We ordered 7 items and drinks, and even ordered additional to go. It was mouthwatering!
Billy Watson
Wonderful atmosphere , the food and service was excellent!?? Highly recommend if you want authentic Italian cuisine.
Super friendly service and great Italian dishes. We will definitely be back!
Deanna Burton
Our food was delicious, service excellent , and prices were good. It was our first time dining here, but it will definitely not be our last. If you've never been.... GO. You won't regret it.
Glen Kiessling
Best Italian food outside of Italy! Everything is made in house and is perfect. You might wait a bit but it’s worth it. It is an old social club so don’t be surprised when you walk in, you will not be disappointed. Try the cheesecake.
S H.
Smeraldo's is such a hidden gem! The staff are the kindest sweetest humans. The garlic bread, spaghetti and meat sauce, and the lasagna are exactly what you want when you crave Italian. The whole vibe of this place is unbelievable. This place is a nostalgia time capsule. Come try it for yourself you won't regret it!
IrishVixxen
Unbelievably delicious food. I went 2 years ago today according to my timehop and I Will be back next week (if they're still open) because I will be going through Nashville. OMG- can't wait!
I wasn't going to write a review at first but it has been heavy on my mind since I left...my brother and I came here because these Yelp reviews would have you thinking this place is amazing- whoever is actually writing these is either getting paid or has never in their life had good Italian food. We both ordered apps I got a salad which was literally nothing but iceberg lettuce with mozzeralla and Italian...that's it. My brother got shrimp cocktail which was 8 itty bitty shrimp with a overly ketchup cocktail sauce which was gross. We both ordered drinks which came in these tiny kid cups with Pepsi product so stale you could taste it. I got the chicken Parmesan. When it came out I literally looked at my brother like this was a joke. I got a tiny teacup plate worth of noodles with sauce that tasted less quiality and Ragu. Authentic chicken parm is fried to order and then baked. This was a microwaved chicken pattie from Walmart with a sub par not even robust sauce and cheap cheese. I get this place is not as busy but DO NOT CLAIM AUTHENTIC. Me and my brother left after spending almost 80$ still hungry and wish we would have just went to Olive Garden. I would normally never bash a small local restraint but this guy is a crook selling people this stuff. these people on here are tasteless and have never been to Italy. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!!
Excellent food, well prepared. Loved the lasagna and shrimp with pasta. Garlic bread was wonderfull. Service was outstanding, friendly and cordial. Highly recommend.
Visited from out of town. What a bizarre exterior and decoration of the space. But the food was yummy!
An historic diamond of Italian cuisine that lies in the rough. Truly authentic Italian cuisine (yes, they are from Sicily) with food that belies it's dated exterior. It's simple in it's stripped down menu with "made from scratch" food that is delizioso. Walk in and be cast back in time when John (that is how he wanted the owners to address him) Cash and his crew used to come in on the regular. Ask for John's booth if you don't believe me. The brother hosts (Giuseppe and Chef Biagio Sosta) create a family environment that makes you feel at home. An institution since the brothers bought it in 1983 & while there is no longer live music here (the stage remains) it remains a culinary treasure hidden for discovery in plain sight in Madison. Our favorite low key date night go-to....but great things are meant to shared. Buon appetito!!!! It is my friends Squisito!
Food is awesome. Service is excellent. We go here at least monthly. I hope they never sale and I can always get such great food. The cheese cake is amazing. I always get mine to go. Because I am stuffed from the lasagna and garlic bread.
Do not judge a book by its cover.
This place this something special, the food is amazing and the service is even better. A great spot for a comfortable family feel. I literally never write reviews for anything but for places that truly impress me. Will most definitely be becoming again and will tell all my friends and family about it!
? don’t judge by what you see from the road! ?We pulled in and did a u-turn. While waiting for a break in the traffic to pull out, I read reviews saying the same thing - don’t judge by the building!We trusted the internet and it did not disappoint! The staff was great! Food was excellent!
We have not been to a restaurant since covid, with exception of a couple of outdoor venues. We thought this had outdoor, but no matter. We had the whole place to ourselves, as if we rented it out. It was amazing! Guisepe guided us through the menu. He was VERY helpful and a joy to chat with. It is a traditional family business with hard fast ethnic commitment to each item on menu. Everything is fresh and made the exact way to perfection. What you see is what you get. No need to change anything, cause it is PERFECTO just as it is! We can not wait to go back. It brings you a time of yesteryear! We ordered 7 items and drinks, and even ordered additional to go. It was mouthwatering!
Wonderful atmosphere , the food and service was excellent!?? Highly recommend if you want authentic Italian cuisine.
Restaurantji Recommends
Super friendly service and great Italian dishes. We will definitely be back!
Our food was delicious, service excellent , and prices were good. It was our first time dining here, but it will definitely not be our last. If you've never been.... GO. You won't regret it.
Best Italian food outside of Italy! Everything is made in house and is perfect. You might wait a bit but it’s worth it. It is an old social club so don’t be surprised when you walk in, you will not be disappointed. Try the cheesecake.
Smeraldo's is such a hidden gem! The staff are the kindest sweetest humans. The garlic bread, spaghetti and meat sauce, and the lasagna are exactly what you want when you crave Italian. The whole vibe of this place is unbelievable. This place is a nostalgia time capsule. Come try it for yourself you won't regret it!
Unbelievably delicious food. I went 2 years ago today according to my timehop and I Will be back next week (if they're still open) because I will be going through Nashville. OMG- can't wait!