Nestled in the heart of Madison, WI, One & Only has quickly become a standout destination for food lovers and casual diners alike. Reviews highlight the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere, characterized by abundant natural light and striking artwork, creating an inviting environment. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, with dishes like the mushroom and Brie sandwich perfectly complemented by a zesty arugula salad, showcasing the chef's meticulous attention to flavor balance. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, providing an exciting variety that pairs beautifully with the menu offerings, including fresh oysters and expertly prepared Dan Dan Rice. Guests appreciate the connectivity between the chef and patrons, enhancing their dining experience. From delectable mussels in a rich white sauce to flavorful harissa charred mushrooms, the menu reflects a commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. One & Only is not just a dining establishment; it’s an essential addition to Madison's culinary landscape. With consistently praised service and a commitment to excellence, this restaurant promises to leave diners eagerly anticipating their next visit. Whether seeking a delightful lunch or a celebratory dinner, One & Only invites guests to savor distinctive flavors in an enchanting setting.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Photos
Reviews For One & Only
Paul Levine
May 20,2025
I stopped in here for lunch on their first day open and I was thrilled by the experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant is great. The place is full of light with great artwork on the walls and an open, inviting feel. The beer tap menu is fantastic with a wide variety of styles of both foreign and domestic beers. The food is what absolutely blew me away. I had a mushroom and Brie sandwich with caramelized onions. I don’t normally rave about sandwiches at all, but this was just a masterfully crafted meal. The simple sandwich was enhanced with brilliantly balanced seasonings and perfectly cooked ingredients. It was paired with a lovely fresh arugula salad with a tart vinaigrette that paired wonderfully with the sweetness of the sandwich. I also had the mussels which were well-sourced and perfectly cooked in a delicious white sauce that I could barely resist drinking down! This is a fantastic addition to the Madison culinary scene and I’ll be rushing back soon to see what else they can do!
Sam Kislia
May 10,2025
Stopped in for the first time for a Sunday lunch & a cocktail. Staff were incredibly welcoming and warm! Atmosphere felt elevated without being stuffy. Will absolutely be back any time I’m in town.
jhoanna muñoz
Apr 27,2025
Yesterday we were celebrating valentine's day and our anniversary at a place called @oneandonly in madison. I have to tell you the food is spectacular. They have many pluses but one of them without a doubt is the communication that the chef has with his guests, my husband is a very shy man but to see him yesterday talking to the chef about the food was wonderful. If I had to rate the restaurant I would give it 100/10.
Randy J
Apr 22,2025
Stopped for first time for cocktails and oysters for wife’s birthday. Amazing cocktails!! Staff engaging and friendly. Oysters delicious. Can’t wait to return for dinner there.
N Kessenich
Apr 17,2025
Had dinner at One and Only last night for the first time. First of all the restaurants is beautiful great vibe. Food was delicious from oysters to cheese curds. Steak and salad all was fresh and seasoned to perfection. I can’t say enough about the amazing staff. They were attentive and very accommodating to our every need. Definitely plan on going back
Neal Silbert
Feb 22,2025
The one and only is a fine madison, wi restaurant in Monroe street. Parking in the street is usually available before 6 pm. After 6 pm you may need to drive into nearby residential streets. The food is consistently delicious except for most of the desserts. The Keylime pie is always delicious and has big fans. I love bread pudding, however, it was cooked in a very different style that rendered it dry and more crunchy.l - not what I preferred. The appetizers are delicious and varied. The entrees are fantastic most recently the special chicken Parmesan was incredibly tasty and very nicely breaded. I enjoyed the polenta previously, and they were very kind to add some pork belly on top of it, which is a delicious twist. as a homage to prior establishment in the same location, brasserie v, they have a delicious collection of Belgian ales. For those that like brown drinks, they seem to have a pretty good collection of rye and bourbon as well though I haven’t tried it overall this is a great new favorite restaurant and the prices are reasonable for a medium higher end restaurant.
jayson nelson
Feb 15,2025
Lovely experience! Decor was impressive and inviting. Bartender was knowledgeable and helpful. Beer was served in proper glass. Cocktail was tasty and beautiful. Outstanding fries and beef tartare. Only wish we lived closer.
Allison Nguyen
Feb 14,2025
Visited One & Only on day 5 of being open and was impressed by the clean, contemporary decor and delicious food. They had a lot of interesting, local offerings for food and a great draft list. A bit on the pricier side, but the food didn’t disappoint. We ordered the pork chops and the evening special for tonight which was a mussel pasta with lardon. The cacio e pepe polenta that came with the pork chops was the star of that plate. The pasta was hand made and the sauce was delicious! Rich flavor and the portion size wasn’t overwhelming. The service was quick and the wait staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They do offer happy hour 3-5 and have discount on their house wine and 2 oysters. They’re still working out the kinks of being a new restaurant, but I’d definitely stop in and give it a try!
Reviews For One & Only