Fabiola's Spaghetti House & Deli

"I never write reviews (unless it’s really bad), but this place is an exception. It is a perfect 10 (or even 11!), in food, ambiance and service. I was visiting Madison, and saw this adorable restaurant on the outside. Then I walked inside. This restaurant belongs in a movie scene. Straight off of Friends. I’ve never seen a cuter restaurant. The food. One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve been too (and I live in Chicago). I got the Sunday pasta, fabulous! My friend got fettuccine. The vegetables is what made us sooo amazing for me. Love. Service is great. Servers only had a few tables which made it work very well. If you’re looking for an affordable, delicious, aesthetically pleasing dinner, I can’t recommend this place enough. If I am ever back in Madison I will be coming here again."

"This was our first time having dinner there and the experience was great. Fabiola's is attached to Leopold's bookstore and coffee bar. It has smallish parking lot in front so be advised to look in the neighborhood for additional parking. The service is friendly and the overall energy of the place is youthful and energetic. They don't take reservations, but you can place your name and party size on their virtual waiting list and they will text you when with estimated wait times and when your table is ready. In the mean time, there are books to browse and a full bar in Leopold's. They offer a decent variety of menu choices, including some rather large cuts of pork and steak. Two members of our party had vegetarian pasta courses, and two of us ordered spaghetti and meatballs, which we enjoyed. The meatballs are generous and comprised of beef, veal, and pork and seasoned well. The pasta was cooked perfectly and there were sauteed green beans (with flavor and snap) and glazed carrot slices served on the side (see photo). Though we did not try dessert, they offer cannoli and gelato. This is a great place for a date, and you can order dinner for two under $100 (we even shared a bottle of wine). But this place seems to be quite popular, so you may wish to arrive early."

"We finally made our way to Fabiola’s for dinner. It was primetime Saturday night and we had a short wait for a table. Spent our time looking over the book selection at the adjoining bar/book store. Great atmosphere, the place was alive and had good energy. We had a nice little table for two. We started out with a couple glasses of Pinot Grigio and the antipasto and bread. Great flavors. For the main course I ordered Rigatoni with Sunday sauce. Everything came together nicely and I would highly recommend. I was certain that I was going to have plenty to take home, but I couldn’t stop myself from eating it all. The sausage had a nice kick and the meatball reminded me of the meatballs my father would hand press - delicious. Service was exceptional and the kitchen was quick. Two thumbs up and all the stars. My highest recommendation."

"At our new favorite restaurant and deli for brunch again.. this time we tried two different Egg Benedicts with homemade Latkes (sour cream baked inside the latkes). My Jewish husband said the latkes were the best he ever had. They even accommodated my daughter’s dietary preference for scrambled eggs on the side. Also my daughter and I loved the Jewish apple cake, and we took home some rugelach for a snack but couldn’t wait. The rugelach was perfect as well. Best Hanukkah gift ever having Fabiola’s down the street. We can’t wait to try their Italian dinner menu."

"I really loved my spicy vodka chicken parm sandwich! The chicken cutlets were so thin and crispy, and it was delivered still piping hot. The vodka sauce and cheese melted perfectly together, and the sesame studded bread was the perfect balance of crusty and soft. My boyfriend ordered the meatball sandwich, which he also said was incredibly delicious! The vintage Italian restaurant feel in the dining area is super cozy, and all the staff we spoke with were friendly. There are a lot more sandwiches on the menu that I am excited to try, so we will definitely be back!"