Ricardo’s Kouzzina: Exquisite Italian Seafood Dining Experience in Madison

We were seated immediately. The host took and brought our drink orders. A few minutes later our waitress arrived and took our food order. Food came out from the kitchen in about 5 minutes. Fresh bread rolls with butter a Caesar salad and two pasta dishes. Both were okay but lacked flavor.

Ricardo’s is absolutely one of our favorites. The food is always prepared well, great service and atmosphere. Ricardo, his family and staff word very hard to make sure your dining experience is a good one. Top this off with Ricardo’s being known for one of the finest pork chops in the land!

We came for a day trip to Madison and found this beautiful restaurant for lunch. It used to be an ice house and some of the things used then are in the decor. Absolutely beautiful and clean. We both ordered the shrimp Santorini. I loved it! It could use a little bit more seasoning but everyone has their preferences. The bread was good and my husband ordered the Caesar salad and the dressing was perfect. I'd definitely come back again.

What many owners / operators of restaurants fail to grasp is your staff IS your success. You can have a prime location, with the most wonderful food, and great prices. Yet, the people who directly interact with your patrons will be your face. My party interacted with Leann. I have nothing I can contribute regarding the rest of the Ricardo team, but when you visit... ASK FOR LEANN. Food was great... but that's expected right? Prices were reasonable... a good thing. But Leann took AWESOME care of us. Honestly, all the food was good. I know my team had the calamari, shrimp and peta bread. We had the salmon, filets, beef tips, and lasagna. I seem to recall the dessert my guys trying was the peanut butter pie, salted caramel cake, and a couple of other things. No-one had any complaints regarding anything they had. BUT... I asked so Leann nudged me to the Banana Pie!!! O-M-G!!! Skip the meal and get THAT pie! Leann is now my FAVORITE HUMAN!

The Food was excellent! We had a little bit of a crowd, celebrating 3 birthdays, probably 12 people. The staff was very accommodating and nice. Our main waitress was Sommer B. And she was sweet, funny, and able to make recommendations to those who didn't know what they wanted. The atmosphere was cozy and clean. They don't waste any time clearing unused dishes and filling drinks which I really appreciate. Parking lot is very small but there are alternative parking areas nearby. I was my first time eating here and felt very welcome and food was delicious, I will be back.

Outstanding dining experience! Relaxed atmosphere, great service & delicious food. Absolutely will be back very soon! The pork chop is a must!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ricardo’s in Madison offers a wonderful dining experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the staff is attentive and welcoming, and the food is absolutely outstanding. Every detail—from service to flavor—was exceptional. Highly recommend!

It was my wife’s birthday and I needed somewhere close by, upscale but not extravagant. I checked out the website , looked nice, they took reservations so sure let’s give it a try. Reservations at 8, right on time. Walked in seated right away by the hostess. The standard server will be with you shortly here are your menus. Our waitress Summer had the timing down. Just as we figured out what we wanted from the drink menu she arrived. An old fashioned is our go to so two Seasonal Old Fashioned to start. We also ordered the baked Feta for appetizer. The interior is warm and open. Tables and chairs have plenty of room We sat overlooking the bar area (the bar is at a lower level). Only thing I would change is sitting at a table vs a High top. Drinks and appetizer arrived promptly. The baked feta was so good warm and creamy, tomatoes and seasoning provided depth. Summer provided the specials of the day as well as her thoughts on various entree. My wife originally was looking at a pasta w shrimp. Summer brought to our attention the pork chop - she said I know you think of how good can a pork chop be but ours is really amazing. So my wife changed her mind and went with the pork chop. I elected for the Red Fish atop orzo. Entrees arrived and wow they looked perfect. That pork chop was thick, nice crisp sear topped with apples ( sautéed perfectly not soggy). My red fish was well seasoned and tasted great. What amazed me was the spinach and tomato orzo! So creamy and subtle it complimented the fish so well. You can’t have a Birthday without desert. Again Summer provided great recommendations and insights. Salted Caramel cheesecake for the birthday girl and I had the crème brûlée cheesecake cake. Both were very good not too dense and not fluff. The flavors were not overpowering so you enjoy the flies well as the taste of cheesecake. Price was what I expected, it’s not bar food , priced appropriately. Remember I said reservations were at 8 ? They close at 9 and not once did we feel rushed. The staff, especially Summer treated us like the first customer of the evening. My wife digs the whole singing happy birthday , the dessert had the happy birthday message and Summer discreetly asked if she would like the happy Birthday song. They did, and looked like they had fun doing it. Awesome place we will definitely go back!