- Attraction: Casetta Kitchen and Counter
- Location: 222 West Washington Ave, Suite 30, Madison, WI 53703
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.casettakitchen.com/
Downtown Madison harbors a culinary treasure that transforms the humble sandwich into an art form. Casetta Kitchen and Counter isn’t just another lunch spot – it’s where Italian-American tradition meets modern craftsmanship, creating sandwiches so exceptional that one visitor compared them to their favorite from a Parisian café.
This counter-style deli has quietly earned recognition as Wisconsin’s top sandwich destination, drawing food lovers who understand that great ingredients and expert technique can elevate even the simplest meal.
Opened by childhood friends James Juedes and Tommy Gering, Casetta brings together decades of culinary expertise in an intimate downtown setting.
The name itself means “little house” in Italian, perfectly capturing the welcoming atmosphere where every sandwich is crafted with the care you’d expect in a family kitchen.
Signature Sandwiches Worth The Trip
The Porchetta Experience: At the heart of Casetta’s appeal lies their slow-roasted porchetta – boneless suckling pig that’s been lovingly prepared and thinly sliced to perfection. Served on fresh focaccia with authentic Italian ingredients, this signature creation showcases why Food Network recognized Casetta as Madison’s go-to destination for exceptional pork preparations.
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Keep Exploring →Turkey Perfection: Don’t overlook what might be Madison’s finest turkey sandwich, featuring house-sliced turkey, provolone, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickles, and their signature green sauce on your choice of bread. The attention to detail shines through in every component, from the perfectly marinated cucumbers to the house-made toppings that transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
The Italian Classic: This powerhouse sandwich layers capicola, ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone with fresh vegetables, house-made oil and vinegar, and marinated hot peppers. Each bite delivers authentic Italian flavors that transport you straight to a bustling deli in Little Italy.
Fresh Focaccia Foundation: Every sandwich begins with bread baked fresh in-house daily. The focaccia provides the perfect foundation – sturdy enough to hold generous fillings yet tender enough to let the flavors shine through. For those seeking alternatives, their Dutch crunch and seeded hero options offer equally impressive results.
House-Made Excellence: What sets these sandwiches apart isn’t just the premium meats and cheeses sliced to order, but the thoughtful house-made elements like aioli, green sauce, and specialty vinaigrettes that add layers of flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
Beyond Sandwiches
Legendary Chocolate Chip Cookies: No visit is complete without trying Casetta’s famous chocolate chip cookies topped with sea salt. These treats have achieved almost cult status among regulars, with many visitors planning their entire meal around saving room for dessert.
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Discover MoreExceptional Soups: The pasta e fagioli deserves special recognition for its rich tomato base, perfect seasoning, and chunks of Italian sausage. Made fresh daily, their soups provide the perfect complement to any sandwich order.
Rotating Sides: The kitchen keeps things interesting with seasonal offerings like roasted beet salad with crème fraîche and dill, or fingerling potato salad mixed with tangy artichoke hearts and light vinaigrette. These elevated sides prove that even the supporting players receive careful attention.
Atmosphere & Setting
Modern Minimalist Design: The space showcases clean lines and contemporary touches, with attractive wood-topped bar seating and white subway tile accents creating a sophisticated yet approachable environment. The recent renovation transformed this downtown location into a bright, welcoming space that feels both professional and comfortable.
Counter Service Charm: You’ll order at the counter where you can watch skilled sandwich artists craft each creation with precision and care. The open kitchen concept adds to the authentic deli experience while ensuring transparency in food preparation.
Prime Downtown Location: Situated on West Washington Avenue in the heart of Madison’s business district, Casetta occupies the ground floor of a modern office building. The central location makes it easily accessible for both office workers and visitors exploring downtown Madison.
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Keep Exploring →Intimate Scale: The “little house” concept comes through in the cozy dimensions that create an intimate dining experience. While the space isn’t large, the thoughtful layout maximizes comfort without feeling cramped.
Other Considerations
Lunch-Focused Hours: Casetta operates Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, catering primarily to the lunch crowd. This limited schedule means planning ahead is essential, but also ensures peak freshness for every ingredient.
Premium Pricing with Value: Expect to pay $10-13 for most sandwiches, placing Casetta in the premium category for Madison lunch spots. However, the generous portions, high-quality ingredients, and exceptional preparation justify the investment. Many visitors find the sandwiches large enough to split or save half for later.
Limited Weekend Service: The restaurant is closed on weekends during regular lunch hours, though they occasionally offer special events and take-home dinner options. This makes weekday visits essential for experiencing their regular menu.
Potential Wait Times: Popular lunch hours can result in longer waits, especially as online orders sometimes take priority over walk-in customers. Arriving slightly before or after the noon rush typically provides faster service.
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Discover MoreCatering Excellence: For groups, Casetta offers impressive catering options featuring sandwich boxes, large-format salads, and their famous cookies. This service extends their quality beyond individual visits to special events and business meetings.
Casetta Kitchen and Counter
📍 222 West Washington Ave, Suite 30, Madison, WI 53703
