Zanotta’s Ristorante brings Italian cuisine to downtown Madison
BY GREGG PARKER | LIVING 50 PLUS
For a departure from humdrum food choices, irresistible flavors of Italian cuisine have reached Main Street in Madison with the opening of Zanotta’s Ristorante & Jazz.
John and Tammy Hall and their daughter Raegan invite guests to try one of the entrees, appetizers, pasta or flatbreads at their new restaurant at 112 Main Street.
In 2015, John Hall moved to Huntsville with his job at Yulista Aviation. “I explored Madison and stumbled upon its historic downtown. I instantly fell in love with the charm, although at the time, (downtown) lacked foot traffic and energy — despite its beauty,” John said.
Only days into his new job, coworkers took John to Main Street Cafe for lunch. “I really enjoyed the food and atmosphere,” John said. “The owner, Cindy Sensenberger, was walking around greeting guests. I overheard her say she was ready to retire, so I gave her my business card if she wanted to sell.”
“Two years later, she called me out of the blue . . . and the rest is history,” John said.
Fast-forward to today . . . John’s wife Tammy Hall and their daughter Raegan operate Main Street Cafe, along with Lanier Tea House with 35 employees total.
John and Ronnie Williams co-own Zanotta’s, which has 15 employees. The Vine & Oak, downtown’s new wine bar, is co-owned by the Halls, Dan and Rene Wright, and Eric and Nina Soden. Missy Davis, a certified sommelier (trained professional for wines), is General Manager; seven employees are on staff.
The Halls are also partners and investors in Chuck’s Fish at Clift Farm.
Zanotta’s namesake is the grandfather of General Manager Joe Santor. His grandfather was the original builder of the beautiful space.
John recognizes Tammy and Raegan for their solid dedication and leadership with the businesses. “Tammy oversees all operations, and Raegan manages our marketing efforts. Their work is absolutely critical to the success of all our businesses. Although we’re all owners, they are the key to success and growth,” John said.
In opening Zanotta’s (and other properties), John has a broader vision for downtown Madison . . . to help transform downtown into a thriving entertainment district.
However, Humphrey Brothers’ closing was a setback. “We need four establishments within close proximity to qualify for an entertainment district where people can walk around downtown with alcohol from the other establishments,” John said. “Once Lanier House is approved, we’ll meet that requirement — and all of our businesses will be responsible in bringing this vision to life.”
Humphrey Brothers, a cigar-and-jazz lounge, closed in March 2025. “When we reopened the space, we kept Italian and jazz themes but removed the cigars and added breakfast to make it family-friendly and appealing to a broader audience,” John said. “We’re especially excited about our Sunday Italian Brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., which features bottomless mimosas.”
Zanotta’s intends to appeal to all demographics — families, couples, retirees, young professionals.
The structure’s design and build-out are among Zanotta’s striking features. “All credit goes to Joe Santor. His creativity and eye for detail have created a beautiful and inviting atmosphere,” John said. “Joe is an invaluable part of our team.”
An impressive feature at Zanotta’s is its second-floor mezzanine that wraps around the building’s perimeter. The mezzanine serves various uses and events, including the live jazz band’s stage on Fridays through Sundays. Sleek wood for flooring, most walls and accents give a sophisticated feel.
“Dinner has been very well received with consistently great feedback,” John said. His favorite dish is the Tagliata steak.
“Our breakfast and brunch are the hidden gems. I really enjoy all of our breakfast and brunch options; they’re top-notch,” John said.
Zanotta’s serves Illy, a premium Italian coffee, in all espresso drinks including lattes and cappuccinos. For drip coffee, they use Black Rifle Coffee Company.
Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. offers various Italian beers and wines, along with an extensive list of unique craft cocktails. “Our drink menu is a big part of the overall experience,” John said.
On one day, the brunch menu can feature whipped ricotta on sourdough with choice of honey, candied pecans and seasonal fruit – or – blistered tomatoes and basil sauce served with house potatoes. The cafe’s coffee selections range from espresso or caffe doppio to macchiato.
For dinner, guests can start with house-made meatballs or bruschetta. Salad choices are a classic Caesar, house with candied pecans and oranges or a wedge with bacon.
Dinner entrees align with Italian tastes with risotto, pasta piccata, chicken (or veal or eggplant/zucchini) parmesan, vegetables primavera or steak tagliata. Rounding out dinner are meatball or Italian beef sandwiches, build-your-own pasta and flatbreads. Don’t forget a dessert, like olive oil cake with berry compote.
Zanotta’s Ristorante is located at 112 Main Street in downtown Madison. For more information and hours, call 256-325-3002, email zanottasristorante@gmail.com, or go to zanottasristorante.com. You can also find them on Facebook.
The Vine and Oak
Around the corner from Zanotta’s, another option for downtown libations and tastes is The Vine and Oak.
Savoring a fine vintage of wine or tasting a golden blend of smooth whiskey now can please discriminating consumers at this cozy establishment.
“Ronnie Williams built the two-story building where the wine bar is located at 69 Martin Street. My partners Dan and Eric really liked the location and thought this would be a great fit for The Vine and Oak,” John Hall said.
Relaxation and discerning taste are keystones for The Vine and Oak’s concept. Plush furnishings, comfortable sofas and easy chairs invite guests for a pleasant visit. The handsome bar is an impressive decor component.
Throughout the bar, large-screen televisions entertain the clientele. The Vine and Oak offers charcuterie boards and small desserts, ideal for sharing and savoring. Guests can buy bottles of wine and liquor, along with merchandise.
A wide variety of wines are available — whites, red, rose and champagne. A wine membership will include discounts and specific selections of wine, John said. “We take special orders and recommendations from members and customers that give us a good idea what the locals desire.”
The Vine and Oak is open on Tuesday through Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 2 to 11 p.m.; and Happy Hour, 3 to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit thevineandoak.com.