Osteria Papavero
A cozy Italian gem serving authentic Tuscan-inspired cuisine with a focus on house-cured meats and an extensive wine list.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Osteria Papavero
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy Italian gem serving authentic Tuscan-inspired cuisine with a focus on house-cured meats and an extensive wine list.
Make Reservations
The dining room is small, so reservations are highly recommended, especially for intimate meals.
Try Housemade Meats
Don't miss the in-house cured meats and cheese board, a true highlight for food enthusiasts.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
House-Cured Meats & Cheese Board
Experience exceptional, authentic Italian flavors with housemade cured meats and unique cheese selections.
Cozy & Inviting Atmosphere
Enjoy a cozy and intimate dining experience, perfect for dates or small group gatherings.
Authentic Tuscan Italian Flavors
Savor authentic Italian cuisine infused with the flavors and techniques of the Tuscan Coast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
The dining room is small, so reservations are highly recommended, especially for intimate meals.
Try Housemade Meats
Don't miss the in-house cured meats and cheese board, a true highlight for food enthusiasts.
Embrace the Atmosphere
Visit during warmer months when the garage door opens for an outdoor feel, enhancing the cozy vibe.
Explore the Wine List
Savor delicious desserts and discover interesting fried bread from the complimentary basket.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
The dining room is small, so reservations are highly recommended, especially for intimate meals.
Try Housemade Meats
Don't miss the in-house cured meats and cheese board, a true highlight for food enthusiasts.
Embrace the Atmosphere
Visit during warmer months when the garage door opens for an outdoor feel, enhancing the cozy vibe.
Explore the Wine List
Savor delicious desserts and discover interesting fried bread from the complimentary basket.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Osteria Papavero is celebrated for its authentic Italian flavors and cozy, intimate atmosphere, making it a favorite for dates and small gatherings. Diners rave about the house-made cured meats and delicious desserts. While many praise the food and service, some reviews mention minor issues with service attentiveness and occasional disappointment with pasta dishes.
"This is a very small dining room, perfect for a date or very small group of friends. The food was excellent and the portions were perfectly acceptable, considering price and atmosphere. You can tell they take a lot of pride in their dishes, and though they're Italian this is t your typical Italian restaurant. I'll go back, for sure."
Kassye Deggs
"My friend and I have a tradition of going to Osteria Papavero each May to celebrate the end of the semester. It’s definitely Madison’s hidden gem. Great menu, very cozy atmosphere. I really like their complimentary bread basket that has interesting fried bread. Pastas, appetizers and desserts are superb! 🤌🏼 Looking forward to going back there again!"
Yekaterina Pak
"One of my favorite Italian restaurants in Madison, with a daily rotating menu. We sat at the high top and had a nice open window view. My favorite was the pasta — extremely fresh and the sausage was cooked perfectly. Great place for fresh Italian food and rich but not heavy flavors."
Felicia Chang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the dining room is small, so it's highly recommended to make reservations in advance to secure a table.
Guests frequently recommend the house-made cured meats and cheese board, as well as the delicious pasta and desserts.
Yes, the restaurant is noted as a fantastic spot for vegetarians and vegans, with accommodating and helpful staff.
The atmosphere is described as cozy, laid-back, and inviting, perfect for an intimate date or a small group gathering.
Yes, the restaurant features seasonal menus with traditional Italian dishes, and specials often rotate.
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First SettlementOsteria Papavero chef Francesco Mangano brings the flavors and techniques of the Tuscan Coast to Madison in this quaint Capitol-area joint. The focus here is on technique and tradition, evidenced by everything from the sculptural furnishings crafted by local artisan Aaron Laux to the shareable-heavy menu. Those looking to try a little bit of everything should start with an antipasto tray, which offers a rotating selection of plant-based or seafood nibbles.
Valentine's Day in Madison: 16 spots to dine with your sweetie | Food & Drink
James Beard-nominated chef/owner Francesco Managano has been touring Spain for the last 11 years, including a recent six-week stint. This Valentine's Day, the Papavero kitchen will turn out a selection of Spanish tapas ($8-$15/each) including coca (Catalan pizza) with burrata, tomatoes and boquerones (anchovies), chicken pintxos on skewers, carabineros (Spanish prawns) a la plancha with sea salt, montadito (seared foie gras and apple confit on toast) and torrija, a Spanish-style French toast with pastry cream. From a fresh frisée and smoked salmon salad and fried eggplant with honey to braised beef tripe with garbanzos and chorizo, this will be a night at Papavero like no other.
Romantic Restaurants in Madison, WI
Semifinalist Francesco Mangano at Osteria Papavero makes traditional, rustic Italian fare with a twist. Emerging Chef Semifinalist Jamie Brown-Soukaseume (Hoang) from Ahan is known for her vibrant Asian-inspired dishes at a brand-new expanded restaurant in the eccentric Willy Street neighborhood. At Madison Sourdough, Semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker Andrew Hutchison is known for his breads and cafe that make for a sweet date day lunch or breakfast.
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Chef and owner Francesco Mangano is from Bologna, in the heart of Italy’s Food Valley, and his dual commitment to tradition and local sourcing for this rustic fare earned him a nomination for a James Beard Award in 2023. Their specials menu changes frequently, and whether you’re here for a fine dinner, casual plate sharing or even dessert, you’re in good hands. Standouts include the wild boar ragout and the gramigna pasta with asparagus and fresh ricotta.
Best Italian Restaurants in the Madison, WI Area
You can stop by Osteria Papavero for a delicious Italian lunch during your break at work, or you can spend the evening at this restaurant for dinner. Some of Osteria Papavero’s dinner menu options include a braised lentil soup with paprika, cumin, carrot and onion called lenticchie, the Antipasto di Pesce made with octopus, calamari, scallops, gigante bean salad, and other ingredients; or the daily risotto.
Cozy up at 11 businesses specializing in homemade pasta | Dining & Drink
Diners are in for an educational experience at Osteria Papavero, a 15-year-old restaurant. Head chef and owner Francesco Mangano’s memories of cooking, eating and traveling with his family have largely shaped his outlook on food. “Food is also culture, so if you stop cooking certain things, products, cuts, vegetables … those ways of doing things get lost in time and then they disappear,” he says.
15 Best Restaurants in Madison WI You Must Try
One of the top Italian restaurants in Madison WI, Osteria Papavero is a charming and relaxed restaurant that boasts the best dining experience. It is located in East Wilson and is a great lunch/dinner place for Italian food in Madison Wisconsin. They have seasonal menus with traditional Italian dishes and feature a wide selection of Italian wines that pair up nicely with the dishes.
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They’re very casual and offer traditional Italian in a laid-back and comfortable setting. If you’re craving basic Italian with phenomenal flavor, Osteria Papavero will exceed your expectations. Patrons at Osteria Papavero suggest the Pappardelle Al Cinghiale, the Salumi E Formaggi, and Tortellini, but most go back for the desserts on offer.
A Madison Wisconsin Bed And Breakfast
Osteria Papavero: 128 E Wilson St, downtown Madison near Capitol Square. Seasonal Italian fare with an emphasis on wild game featuring delicious entrees, panini, soups, pasta, and an extensive wine list in a cozy restaurant.
The Best Soups in Madison
Osteria Papavero: Go for the Wild Mushroom Soup if you’re looking for rich and hearty flavors. And before you go, get to know more about Papavero’s Chef Francesco Mangano.
Highest-rated Seafood Restaurants in Madison by Diners
- Rating: 4.1/5 (250 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 128 East Wilson St. Madison, Wisconsin - Categories: italian, comfort food, seafood- Read more on Yelp
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