This Upscale Restaurant In A Former Wisconsin Real Estate Office Offers An Unforgettable Dining Experience
By Ben Jones|Published June 13, 2023
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Ben Jones
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Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
In downtown Madison, there’s something delicious cooking in an impressive space that was once home to desks, file cabinets, and scores of homeowner dreams. Today, Cento is a farm-to-table Wisconsin Italian restaurant that’s tucked into a 1920s building that was once the headquarters of Start Company Realtors, one of the oldest real estate forms in the region. While Stark’s real estate deals are now closing elsewhere, Cento’s food will make you feel right at home.
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The Stark Building was the first real estate office of its kind in Madison. It opened in 1926 in the heart of the city. The Stark Company is a multi-generational firm that still has a large presence in the Madison area, operating out of other locations.
Today in the downtown building, Cento offers a contemporary take on Italian cuisine, focusing on dishes inspired by various regions of Italy. It’s a convenient place for dinner if you’re staying downtown. As the real estate agents say, location, location, location!
The menu features a range of antipasti, pasta, pizza seafood, and meat dishes, highlighting the flavors and ingredients of traditional Italian cooking.
Cento is committed to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The restaurant works closely with local farmers and purveyors to ensure the freshest and highest quality produce, meats, and seafood are incorporated into its dishes.
Cento has an elegant and inviting atmosphere, with a blend of modern and rustic elements in its design. The space is characterized by warm lighting, comfortable seating, and a stylish bar area.
Over the years, Cento has received numerous accolades for its culinary excellence and it has a lot of fans in Madison. Make a reservation and you’ll see why!
Are you thinking about heading to Cento? I am! Learn more about this Wisconsin Italian restaurant on the Cento website. Hungry for more unique Wisconsin dining options? Here’s where to find the best restaurants in Wisconsin.
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