Otto Dilba started Detroit-style pizza spot Molten Monkey in December 2024, following the closure and sale of Ale Asylum, the microbrewery he co-founded roughly 20 years ago.
The restaurant took over the former Salvatore’s Tomato Pies space on East Johnson Street in Madison, marking a new chapter for Dilba, who also spent much of his early career working in restaurants.
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Dilba himself designed the moody “pizza lounge” interior of Molten Monkey, and a number of his own artistic works adorn its walls. He said the goal was to create a cozy atmosphere, nestled in one of his favorite Madison neighborhoods.
In addition to pizza — which Dilba said took several attempts to perfect — the restaurant serves beer, “Monkey Styx” breadsticks, salads and more.
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Rather than expansion, Dilba said he’s focused on continuing to perfect Molten Monkey’s operations and potentially launch pizza-centered events in collaboration with other Madison restaurateurs.
