Onesto
221 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Onesto Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
221 N Broadway
Milwaukee, WI, 53202 - Phone (414) 308-1600
- Website https://onestomke.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
- Mon : 11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Jennifer C.
Onesto popped up on my radar because Yelp had a lunch even there but I couldn't go. When I found a coupon for Onesto in the City Tin I got for 2015, I was super excited. When we walked in, I noticed that the decor was simple but yet classy. My husband and I sat at the bar - we started out with the cheese & meat board (for me) and a bowl of soup (for the hubby). On the board, there was salami, 2 kind of cheese, and some miscellaneous other things. It was all very good. My husband got some cauliflower soup and it was delicious & creamy. We were also served bread (which is made fresh daily) and it was nice & fluffy. I could have just eaten the bread all day. I got the Local Mushroom Tortellini & and it was delicious. I loved the mushrooms and the pasta was to die for. It was full of flavor and I couldn't stop eating it. My husband got Fusilli and he really enjoyed it as well. We didn't get any dessert because we were so full but maybe next time :-)
(5)Mharajoy S.
My friend and I attended an event in Onesto and we really liked the event space upstairs. I like the brick walls. The lighting on the walls made the space. There is a bar and separate restrooms upstairs. It's definitely a space for smaller events. During the event, we were able to sample their jar appetizers. My fave was their white bean dip walnut pesto. It was delicious. The dip is like a hummus, but they used white beans instead of chick peas. After the event, we went downstairs to order from the menu. They offer free bread with butter or olive oil. My friend and I appreciate the room temperature butter. We were able to spread it on the bread without any problem. For the main meals, I got the Wild Mushroom Ragu with home made Gnocchi. I didn't realize that this is how fresh gnocchi should taste like! They were like very fluffy light pillows. The red sauce with mushrooms on top of the gnocchi tasted good, but I'm not sure if I would order the same dish again. I wanted some meat with it for some reason. My friend had the Local Mushroom Tortellini and I loved the whole dish! I had food envy. I liked the creamy white sauce. The mushroom in the tortellini tasted meaty that I didn't care that it doesn't have actual meat. I will have to come back to order the tortellini and try the other menu items. Great service. Great food. Great space.
(4)Jerry J.
Loved Palms and had great hopes for the establishment that followed and now Onesto - Big disappointment! - service was great but chicken parmesan was dried out, meat balls were solid as rocks -but oddly were flavorful and salad dressings lacked any umph - total mis-fire by the kitchen - the 3rd ward is becoming ocean drive - the masses will eat whatever is dished out as long as they have something to drink - and 5th ward is lincoln road mall - venture over the bridge to the south - don't waste foodie $$$ here
(1)Cathy D.
Third time here. The service is always good. Tonight we had Amber and she was fantastic. The food and appetizers have great flavors. Love the jars!!
(5)Patricia B.
I had a great experience at Onesto over the Labor Day holiday. I just popped in for a small plate and a glass of rose. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I had their delicious cream of mushroom soup and a few glasses of their Rose. It's a good place to go if you tend to dine alone. When I come back to Milwaukee, I will certainly come back here.
(5)Veronica S.
This place is amazing! The food is traditional Italian made with super fresh and local ingredients. I went with my mom and aunt to celebrate moving to Milwaukee. It's in a cool building in the third ward. The atmosphere and decor are elegant but not snooty and very cozy. Our server was great! He was super attentive and helpful, playing along with our jokes and many questions. At one point the manager came over to help with wine choices and see how we were doing. The food is so delicious! Rich and fresh but not heavy at all. All of the pasta dishes were great, we all tasted each other's meals and couldn't decide whose was best. It was five star food and it was so reasonably priced! I will be back and highly recommend this place to others.
(5)Clay K.
Visited Onesto today for lunch and was duly impressed. it occupies the same space where Palms used to be and the interior is about the same as it was then, exposed brick walls, cozy tables and banquettes. One issue is that if you sit toward the front you get a serious chill ever time the door opens. They badly need a double door or some solution to that. These are the same folks that are running nearby Smoke Shack and Water Buffalo, among others. I've dined at them all and feel this is their flagship. We started with the burrata with tomato confit and walnut pesto. The burrata was the perfect texture, not runny, but perfectly unctuous. The tomato and pesto were delicious. I will say that this dish, to me, would benefit from a touch of acid like a few drizzles of balsamic or a thinly sliced grannysmith apple. We next had Arugula Prosciutto salad with oyster mushrooms, celery, red grapes, balsamic vinaigrette. This was a delicious salad and it's great to see the often eschewed element of celery in this dish. It's an Italian mother size portion loaded with delicious prosciutto. They make all their own bread and pasta here and it really shows. The next dish was Bolognese -housemade spaghetti, brisket. Brisket? YES! Brisket. There's no weird ground mystery meat in this Bolognese but rather hale portions of wonderfully tender braised brisket. The dish is hearty and wonderful. It may very well be the best Bolognese I've ever had. Kudos. While I like a slower pace, this being lunch, the service was a bit on the slow side. I will definitely be back as there is clearly something very good going here.
(4)Katalin S.
We had the Baratta and Tuna appetizers--both were amazing. Dinner included the eggplant, fusilli, bolagnase, gnocchi and a side of meatballs. We also tried 3 of their mixed drinks. Everything we had was outstanding. The pasta was cooked well, this sauces were flavorful and robust, and the drinks were smooth and delicious. So glad I finally got to try this place! My sister and I are both GF, and felt like we had many options and were well cared for. Thank you to our server, Laura, and Onesto for the great evening!
(5)Bob C.
I've been there several times now, and it's one of my wife's favorite Third Ward spots. I'm trying to get used to the notion of a beef brisket bolognese, but it still seems odd to me, though I've had it twice now. The atmosphere is pleasant and the servers have been very attentive.
(3)Mattie L.
Yay Onesto! My boyfriend and I decided to stop here on a whim (and per good Yelp reviews!) Our waiter Tyler was very sweet and helpful, and was very excited it was our anniversary weekend. We ordered the baked provolone for an app, which was delicious. It came with a sweet marinara dipping sauce, a creamy cream cheese and provolone spread, and 2 different kinds of bread to put them on. It was very straight forward and yummy. I got their mushroom bisque, which was also very straight forward and a bit salty, however I chocked it up to just being a bisque, which I believe are supposed to be slighty salty. I ate it all, and I was impressed with the amount of mushrooms in it. Not skimping! My boyfriend got a side Caesar salad, which he enjoyed, it even came with an anchovy on top! For an entree, I got the Sweet Corn Ravioli, which I was torn about. It was delicious, however there was barely any filling. It was supposed to have ricotta and corn inside and there were maybe 3-4 corn kernels in each and I could barely, if at all, taste the ricotta. What I could taste was delicious though, and the corn added a nice crunch, which was a nice twist. Just needed some more filling! The ravioli itself was to die for, I believe they make all of their pastas in house and you can tell. The stand out for me was my boyfriend's dish, the Fusilli, which he added chicken to. I kept picking at it, and he said it didn't even necessarily need the chicken it was so good. However, the chicken was great, and the truffle oil in the dish was light, yet was the star of the dish for sure. Amazing. If we make it back to Milwaukee we are going back to get this dish! Yum. And again, pasta quality was top notch. Tyler was nice enough to comp us a dessert for our anniversary, yay! We chose a lemon ricotta cheesecake, which was to die for. They make the ricotta cheese, as the desserts homemade and you can definitely tell. If they have it when you go, GET IT. It was light and fluffy and fresh and amazing. My boyfriend doesn't even like cheesecake and he was singing it's praises. I got excited about the food, but other notable mentions were the restaurant was beautiful, we really enjoyed the atmosphere, the high ceilings make it feel airy inside, and exposed brick walls brings a warmth to the rooms. The employees we interacted with and saw at other tables were all SUPER nice, the hostess and another guy that was up at the front door were very excited when we told them we were out of town and gave us lots of suggestions to do. As I said, our waiter Tyler was great, and we also got to see a nearby waiter interacting with another table and he was jovial and engaging with them as well. We will be back. Well done, Onesto.
(4)Jennifer R.
Onesto lives up to its name: honest. All the way around. Great Italian food, wonderful people, attentive service in a warm and inviting atmosphere. I should back up and tell you I have always had fond memories in this space. The day I signed my lease to relocate here, I celebrated by stopping into what was then known as the Palm to have a drink. The bartender took good care of me and I wound up having a great time chatting up patrons at the bar. It sealed the deal on what has been one of the smartest moves I ever made. So it's those positive vibes that envelop me what I enter Onesto today. Now a Hospitality Democracy restaurant, owner Joe Sorge, manager Matt Bensen and the rest of the staff take that positive experience to the next level. Updating to tell you about the diverse, handcrafted cocktails available here. They make infusions, syrups and other blends that elevate the humble cocktail here. I had a virgin watermelon mojito that was truly over the top refreshing. Onesto is added to my list venues with outstanding alcohol-free cocktails for those who choose that route. Recently I met up with friends before going to event at the Broadway Theatre Centre. It was a cold, rainy night and inside Onesto couldn't have been more welcoming, a respite to relax and take shelter from the nasty weather. We enjoyed an amazing jar of fig and gorgonzola spread that was so delicious we were licking spoons of it. The bruscetta was good. The burrata was also good, although all of us felt Morel's was better. Had I not had Morel's first I would have enjoyed Onesto's more. The bread served with our appetizers was fresh, delicate and chewy. Mmm. The real treat however is the pasta. Think scratch made, fresh made pasta you might find in an Italian grandmother's kitchen. I've sampled the fusilli and the tortelloni and they were equally delicious. It was the gnocchi with wild mushroom sauce that was exceptional. Perfectly cooked and made little pillows of pasta. I can't get the texture and flavor of that dish out of my mind. Truly savory. And then, there's dessert! Can you say chocolate pot de creme? Wow! Like chocolate ganache on a spoon. Rich, indulgent and totally satisfying. Onesto is the total package of dining in the Third Ward. Mangia!
(5)Lauren E.
As we are two months in to 2015 and my boyfriend and I had yet to successfully use a City Tin coaster, we spun the City Tin spinner and it landed on Onesto. We went for dinner on a Thursday night and upon arrival I was happy with Onesto's swanky yet relaxed vibe and the fact that we did not forget our CT coaster at home this time! We called ahead to reserve a table but by our 8:30 reservation the restaurant was about half full. Unfortunately we were sitting very close to a trio of women who grew louder as their meal (and wine) went on. However, our waiter was attentive and the noise did not spoil our dinner. We ordered drinks and skipped an appetizer although the jars looked promising. I am glad they still brought us a healthy sample of their in-house bread as I am a huge crunchy bread fan. My boyfriend got the brisket bolognese and I chose the mushroom tortellini. Both dishes were enjoyable while not mind-blowing. Overall I think Onesto has a couple things going for it including their location, ambiance, and homemade bread/pasta. I would go back but probably for lunch instead of dinner, their sandwiches look worth a try!
(4)Shannon C.
We wandered into Onesto for dinner tonight and were VERY disappointed. We sat at a two-top by the bar. The speaker was directly over our head, so the terrible elevator music they were playing was loud and right above us. We asked the server if they could maybe turn it down a bit - I wouldn't normally ask, but considering that there was only one other table in the bar area, I figured they wouldn't care. The server said she'd have to ask the manager. The manager comes to the table and basically says that they keep the bar music louder than the dining room, so if we want a quieter experience we'd have to move over there. Are you kidding me? It felt weird that they would rather move us across the restaurant than turn down the music a bit. We were both awkward and thought, okay, we'll move. The manager turned abruptly away to lead us to our new table, leaving us to carry our waters, menus, and coats/hats etc. It was extremely rude, and I was pretty much in shock that it happened. I mean, I understand keeping the music louder in the bar area, but then to make us feel like we needed to move AND have us carry our stuff plus the waters and menus? Please. But okay, whatever. Just because the manager is an ass (can I say that on Yelp?) doesn't mean that the food will be terrible or that the server isn't good. On the contrary, our server was actually really nice, and I felt bad that her manager started off our experience on such a bad note. However, the Caesar salad we ordered was bland and tasted like something we could have picked up from Pick 'N' Save - plus there was no anchovy taste. Disappointing. The bread and butter that was brought to our table was decent. The husb ordered the the mushroom ragu with meatballs. It was very salty. The housemade gnocchi was pretty good, but the sauce was so over seasoned that it masked the flavors of the main components of the dish. My chicken breast was cooked perfectly, and the crispiness of the outside was delicious. However, the basil sauce tasted like Prego and was very oily. The side of local mushrooms I ordered was also cooked to perfection, but they were very salty as well. And the prosciutto was a lump on top of the chicken that did not complement the rest of the dish - I didn't eat most of it and ended up giving it to the husb. Overall, we didn't really enjoy our time at Onesto and will most likely not go there again. The few bright spots - our server, the perfectly done chicken breast and mushrooms, homemade gnocchi - were overshadowed by the weird experience we had with the manager and the overwhelming saltiness and oiliness of both our dishes.
(2)Nishan P.
Who eats lunch right before attending a Yelp lunch event? This guy! I immediately regretted my lapse in judgment upon seeing the spread Onesto had put out for Yelpers and vowed to return for a meal. The opportunity was afforded me a few weeks later when I found myself in the Third Ward at midday. The host was very welcoming and seated me by the window with a full view of the activity on Broadway. A basket of warm crusty bread and salted butter soon appeared on the table. When I asked my server for recommendations, she claimed to be a huge fan of mushrooms and suggested the Wild Mushroom Ragu with Gnocchi. She also mentioned liking the Local Mushroom Tortelloni with a Pecorino Chive Cream Sauce. More in the mood for stuffed pasta than the gnocchi, I ordered the tortelloni. While awaiting my meal I browsed Yelp reviews and found several positive mentions of the ragu. When I next saw my server, I flagged her down to see if I could change my order to her first suggestion. She checked with the kitchen and learned they had already plated my meal. As I was digging into the tortelloni, my server surprised me with a smaller plate of the ragu saying the chef felt I should get to taste it. What a nice gesture. I liked the Wild Mushroom Ragu more than the Local Mushroom Tortelloni but would gladly order either again. The food and the considerate service at Onesto impressed me. I will be back.
(5)Meredith G.
Just happened to be able to by chance grab someone's cancelled reservation one night and I'm so glad we did. The food was really fresh and was high quality but the price wasn't exorbitant. The service was great and we were impressed that the host went out of his way to let us know he had just received a cancelled reservation as we were leaving disheartened that it was so busy. We would definitely go back. Great addition to the neighborhood.
(5)Corey C.
Located in the energetic 3rd ward, the decor features a lot of bare stained wood beams and simple lines. We elected to sit outside at one of their sidewalk tables, with the requisite traffic and construction noise. (Not the restaurants fault). We were made by the host to stand and wait in the hallway for 10 min until the servers were ready even though the tables were vacant. I would have preferred to wait for the servers seated at my table if they were backed up. The service was great once we were seated. We started with the mushroom goat cheese jar spread for their house baked bread. It was good, but a bit more gimmick than it delivers. It would have been nice if the bread was warm, and the butter wasn't cold and hard. But still yummy. For entrees, we enjoyed the mushroom tortelloni and Fusilli with Asperagus and truffle oil. The tortelloni was perfectly cooked, and the flavors were perfectly balanced. But it was a bit more subtle of flavor than I like. The Fusilli was more to my liking, with a similar balance of creamy earthy flavors, kicked up by the truffle oil.
(4)Mila G.
I was dining solo on a recent business excursion so I opted to sit at the bar (also no table were available) . The bartender, Eric, was friendly and offered solid recommendations. I took 1 of his 2 - the Caesar salad. I also went with the wild mushroom ragu with gnocchi b/c I was trying to avoid spaghetti (his recco was the bolognese). Eric mentioned that the bread and pasta are fresh and home made and everything is made from scratch. The caesar salad was chopped and not overly dressed with a real anchovy on top! The bread was pretty good but not so good that I ate the whole basket, which I may have done once before. The mushroom ragu was nice - not overly fragrant or pungent or sweet - just right and the gnocchi were little pillows of goodness. No room for dessert BC I devoured both the salad and the gnocchi. Nice ambience - dark and moody in an cool way. A good place for a date or catch up with girlfriends or for a meal that tastes much better than what you can get in a hotel room.
(4)Sherwin C.
Excellent food at excellent prices. In particular, two types of items really stood out for me which were the fresh bread and fresh pasta. The breads, whether the one served before the meal or the ones used in sandwiches have a very nice crust to them with a flavorful and meat-like consistency to the dough. In particular, the housemade ciabatta that comes with the mussels has a very aromatic flavor and delicious crispy texture. The pasta has a very nice bouncy, yet firm al-dente texture and is accompanied by thoughtful, fresh preparations that showcase fresh ingredients and aren't too salty. This is because the flavor is provided by the fresh vegetables and protein and isn't too dependent on the sauce. Definitely visit for a great value and delicious food.
(5)Laura A.
I had the ragu, which was fine. Super soft gnocchi, but didn't love the sauce. Husband had the brisket spaghetti, which we both liked. Service was solid. We were like 5 minutes late for happy hour, but they have great selection and deals! I would go back for that.
(3)Jess S.
My sister and I were exploring Third Ward and stumbled upon Onesto. I'd heard the name, so we checked it out. For realz... I'm so happy we did! The food was awesome and a great lunch value! The lunch portion was a hefty size, so I imagine the dinner portions are pretty nice. We ended up sitting outside, but peaked inside and the decor was lovely. To start, they provided us with a good portion of bread. We ordered a "jar" of ricotta/tomato jam to accompany the bread. The ingredients were simple and fresh. We had the gnocchi w/mushroom ragu & spaghetti with brisket. Both were delicious! The homemade noodles were superb a pleasant touch to both dishes. I definitely plan to return and explore more of their dishes!
(5)Martha G.
Great little place! Surprised there aren't more reviews about it. Made a reservation for dinner at 8:30 Sunday. When I arrived it was very quiet, but I guess that's because Sundays in Milwaukee are quiet apparently. I was seated immediately at a high top table next to the bar. The decor is lovely and is a nice place to bring someone on a date or just to make yourself feel special :-) My server was Danny, who gave great service and excellent suggestions. I was in the mood for some dry white wine, mussels and pasta. So he suggested this great tasting Falanghina wine from Italy, the Mussels appetizer as a meal with linguine and a house salad. I also wanted to try a cheese board so I ordered one of those. And to my surprise, it was happy hour all day Sunday :-) Danny of course let me try the Falanghina before he brought the glass out (8 oz for 5oz price hh). I loved it, but just stuck to one glass, had to get up the next morning lol. The cheese board was ok, I'm not usually a gorgonzola fan, but figured I give it another try- nope not really for me. The other cheese was yummy. The board also came with roasted garlic, walnuts and grapes. My house salad had mixed greens, red onions, and green grape tomatoes. Was a nice simple salad. But the best part was my main dish of mussels and linguine (which by the way is not on the menu, but they'll make it for you). I took my first bite and realized that the texture of the linguine was different than what I am used to- why- because they make their pasta and bread fresh daily! I thought that was awesome. The mussels had a nice not too thick not too thin tomato sauce, great for soaking any extra up with bread/crostinis. I do however wish the sauce was a little less salted than what I had. Didn't get to order dessert cause I noticed them cleaning up and I felt bad keeping them there any longer than they had to be so I asked for the check. I will try to make it back while I'm still in Milwaukee.
(5)Jennifer P.
I'm not usually an appetizer kind of person, but I'm a huge fan of their "jars." Definitely a great way to start a meal and make the basic bread basket experience a little more special. I'm especially fond of the ricotta & tomato confit and the fig, toasted walnut & gorgonzola. Both times I've gone here (this week for DDW and once previously), I've had the bolognese. It's too darn good to resist! The meatball sliders are also nothing to scoff at. Service has always been very good, and I love the atmosphere. It's hard to go wrong with cream city brick, though it can get a bit dark if you're seated away from the windows. It's definitely a bit ritzier than my usual lunch choice, but it would be a great location for a business lunch or a special dinner. I'm dying to come back while not on the clock so I can try one of those tempting cocktails!
(4)Andy K.
Can't keep my hands off the bread OMG I just want to eat the crap out of it. Perfectly crusty on the outside and smushy in the middle and served with a nice chunk of salted butter. I missed the sweet corn ravioli but have had their squash variant twice now. It's hard to believe, but these are better than the ones at La Merenda. It's not a huge portion so it works great for lunch. The staff here is super nice and service is what I'd expect at any of Joe S's establishments. I definitely foresee Onesto in my lunch rotation.
(4)Kelly B.
After my lunch here yesterday, a well deserved update is in order! I came in a little after two, and I was the only one in the restaurant. There were a few staff sitting in the dining area on their computers, but no one spoke. The bartender was very friendly and he discussed a few wine options with me. I chose to go with the Pinot Grigio on tap - an 8 oz pour. I remembered being underwhelmed by the portion sizes at dinner on my first visit, so I decided to start with something light before my meal - I opted for the cheese/meat board. At $7 per person, I was in heaven. It was served with a dish of nuts, a dish of dried fruit, a half head of warm roasted garlic (which I appreciated since other places serve it cold), a generous portion of meat slices and two kinds of cheese. Halfway through nibbling he brought out some fresh made bread, which he explained is baked daily just for Onesto in their own bakery beside Holey Moley (which they also own). It was great, and served with salted butter, which they do not make. I was torn between the spaghetti bolognese with brisket, or the meatballs. He suggested a welcome compromise so I got the bolognese with a side of meatballs (2). I honestly thought that my lunch portion of the spaghetti was bigger than my dinner portion - which could have something to do with the fact that I single handedly demolished the whole board first. The spaghetti, which is made fresh in house daily, was cooked to an absolutely perfect al dente. The bolognese was a pleasant mix of sauce, oil and vegetables if a little heavy handed with the oil - there were pools gathering around the pasta. I also personally found it a little too sweet - but it was nicely balanced with the dollops of fresh hand-grated parmesan that the bartender loaded on for me. My reservation was that the meatballs were pretty dry, especially as they cooled down... however this was all overshadowed by the star of the dish : THE BRISKET. HOLEY MOLEY people this was the most decadent, aromatic melt-in-your-mouth brisket I've ever had the pleasure of devouring. I asked for details and the bartender said it was marinated 24 hours with burgundy and the sauce. I literally couldn't even. It blew every other brisket out of the water. Did I mention I loved the brisket? Even better than at Joe's other restaurant - Smoke Shack! My server was attentive, my drinks were tasty and I left deliciously stuffed. I am happy to report that this was one of the most delicious meals I've had in a LONG time. Thanks Joe!
(5)Neel K.
Wow.....thank you people of Yelp!!!!! This place was awesome. The went on a Wednesday night before attending the Milwaukee Theater. The had a 5:30pm reservation and did not have trouble finding parking on the street. There is paid meter parking that is free after 6pm. They sat us near the bar area next to the window. It was a nice view and relatively quiet. Our server immediately brought our drinks which we stuck with wine and beer. The apps we ordered were the bruschetta and the tomato and ricotta jar. My kids LOVED the bruschetta!!!! It had the perfect mix of sweet with tangy, the honey adds such a spectacular depth I would have never expected. For dinner we ordered the Ragu, corn ravioli, and the fusilli, all of which were excellent. My absolute favorite was the gnocchi. The flavor of the potato and the tomato mixed so well it was like an explosion of taste in your mouth. For desert we tried a pumpkin thing which was an interesting texture that was semi frozen and absolutely wonderful. We also tried the lemon cheesecake which was refreshing and light, a perfect way to end the meal. Overall a wonderful restaurant that is EXCELLENT for vegetarians. We look forward to going back.
(5)Katie K.
We had a really nice dinner at Onesto. My review will be short because Carrie G covers this place so well. Sean started with Mussels and me the Fig Goat Cheese jar. The mussels. WOW. This is one of Sean's favorite dishes and I hate them every time Not today folks. The were so soft, tender. Just perfect. A record for me, I had five. Highly recommend. The fig jar was interesting. The walnut, goat cheese and fig really do pair well together. Thank you fellow yelpers for suggesting this. I wouldn't have ordered it otherwise. It is sweet, I don't think Sean liked this aspect. Dinner for me was Salmon. Not the best I have had, not the worst. Don't get me wrong, it just doesn't stand out. I did eat the clams with it, another first for me. Yum, Yum. Perfect. Sean had the mushroom gnocchi, another yelp favorite. People, this isn't like any gnocchi we have had before. It is pillowy soft. The pasta is that good/fresh. I absolutely will try other pasta here in the future. Portions are on the smaller side so make sure to order a salad, appetizer ect. if you're that hungry, or a large plate Midwesterner. No shame, I just get to order more this way then. Drinks, I had three cocktails...oh yes, hard work weekend at the hospital, and I really just wanted something nice with gin. The Aviation delivered and went beyond my wildest expectations. Seriously, Gin lovers, this is now my favorite gin drink in the city (sorry rumpus room community effort you are number 2 now). Can I have one every night. I really tasted the violet undertone. I will dream of this cocktail until we meet again. The blackberry mojito was terrific also. I dislike seltzer so they added more liqueur less seltzer and it was nice. Bike ride home nice. Desert. Chocolate cake with carmel and pistachio brittle. What??? Just fantastic. Sean didn't want to share. You must try this. I had a lime cheesecake. It was also really, really good. Service. Everyone was really friendly. A bit slow a times but no complaints overall.
(5)Sean B.
4.4 trending up. Hint:I think the serving sizes are fine, but I hear some people complain, so Use Smaller Plates, they are much larger than needed. Happily came here the first time on National Noodle Day, and stretched the definition by getting Wild Mushroom gnocchi and it was a great choice. I predicted and hoped they would join City Tin to increase business, and they did, so you must go! Starter of mussels, and ender of pistachio brittle were also the toppest of notches. My wife's happiest moment may been the introduction to the Aviation cocktail, so much so that I've stared making a version at home. On later trips enjoyed more fresh pasta. Other main entree choice for me is the Brisket Bolognese, and it may easily be served at the tastiest restaurants in Italy. Thanks to a Yelp event, tried a meatball slider which wouldn't order, and was amazed at how it was so tasty without being the least greasy. It is Italian, so not the beer selection I prefer, yet the tap wines do go great with the food. Hadn't enjoyed a Pinot Grigio like that in a long time. Services is with huge smiles, yet slow, especially considering the non crowds early on. I expect when everything is dialed in this will make 5 star next year.
(4)Kelly R.
Snagged a reservation last Friday for Onesto with three other friends - all of us newbies, looking to try something new before a show at the Riverside. (You can reserve online - bonus). The ambiance at Onesto is...sexy but comfortable. Dim lighting, candles, a sparkling tree outside the window, and the cozy feel would make this a great date spot. That being said, however, the large bar area, reasonable prices, and friendly service make this place accessible for groups of friends or even a solo pit stop for happy hour. It's a place that makes you want to sit and stay awhile. If there was a fire place here, I might never leave in the winter! Our group started with the fig & Gorgonzola jar, as well as a bottle of Italian red wine. Our server was fairly knowledgeable about the wine selection, as she gave me a perfect recommendation based on what I described to her as being my taste. We shared a bottle of the Quattro Mani...very nice! The fig jar was a great way to start our meal, as well - thanks Carrie G for the recommendation. Though fairly small, the four of us each enjoyed a few scoops on some of the crusty bread and we found it to be satisfying.(Note: bread is baked in-house, and boy was it tasty. Perfectly chewy!) For my meal, I enjoyed a small Cesar salad (house-made croutons, fresh dressing) and the sweet corn ravioli. I LOVED this ravioli - hearty but light, and OH that butter sauce. This is a great fall meal. Another friend got the same thing, and he loved it just as much. Others at our table enjoyed the ragout and the fusilli. Everyone was pleased with their meal & the portions, though not large, were enough to fill us up. (I actually enjoyed the size - oftentimes, I feel like pasta is WAY overdone). The texture on my pasta was perfect and you can tell the difference, for sure...this isn't your normal Olive Garden stuff, people. I also have to give a shout-out to the cream of mushroom soup enjoyed by one of my table-mates...as it was incredibly delicious. Our server was very attentive, friendly, and warm. The manager stopped by our table, as well, to chat with us. We felt welcomed, well-taken care of, and at ease throughout. After our meal, we wandered upstairs for a gallery night, even running into owner Joe S (Hi Joe!). Would definitely recommend a visit here, and am looking forward to returning! Salute!
(4)Marisol M.
I would really give 4.5 just because the bread they gave me was cold but everything else was great! The service and the food was good. I was very pleasant
(5)Erin D.
I LOVE this place. Great for dinner but an amazing place to go for lunch. There are lunch portions, which I think is less common to see these days and I love that! You should absolutely have to try a "jar". Filled with a melange of items, the jars are served with bread/crustable goodies that serve as the perfect accompaniment to whatever is on your jar! Personally, I am a little obsessed with the fusilli pasta (truffle awesomeness).
(5)Carrie G.
This is the pasta Milwaukee has been waiting for. And it's accompanied by some tasty cocktails, innovative appetizers, classic dishes; and some of the most stellar service in town. Two recent visits have certainly demonstrated a consistency in food and service that many long standing restaurants have not achieved. And Onesto has set the bar high in it's short run to date. The classic Milwaukee building (cream city brick, exposed ceilings) is made bit more classy by the dark wood bar and accents from the previous tenant, Bourbon and Tunns. But Onesto makes the space theirs with subtle, yet vibrant artwork and classy white linens. It's upscale without pretension, and presents a welcoming vibe. Let's talk cocktails, because to know me is to know this is an art form I truly respect. In addition to the requisite white and red wines selections, Onesto is ahead of the curve and also boasts some great rose wines. But the real gem on the drink menu is their varied and delicious craft cocktail offerings ($9-12). The traditionals like the Aviation (gin, maraschino, creme de violette, and lemon juice) and the Bellini (44 North nectarine vodka, peach liqueur, orange juice, and prosecco) are represented. They've made a progressive, and great, choice to create Sangria with a Rose wine. And the Blackberry Mojito (a classic, taken to new heights with the use of a housemade Blackberry Shrub) and the Anarita (silver tequila, triple sec, pineapple shrub, and lemon juice) are standouts. Shrubs require not only advanced preparation and planning but the patience to get the right balance, which the bartenders at Onesto have mastered. They also possess the confidence to create cocktails around a lesser known technique. The risk pays in spades as both shrub based concoctions are at the top of their class. The appetizers offered at both lunch and dinner are equally as thoughtful. The "Jars" section has four different spread comprised of simple, quality ingredients ($7). On our first visit we choose the Fig, Goat Cheese and Toasted Walnut Jar and it proved to be an excellent choice, so good we had it on the second visit too. The rich, salty fig puree was perfectly balanced by the creamy, fresh cheese. And the walnuts added the perfect season and crunch to the dish. Fresh baked rustic bread is served on the side. The Burrata Appetizer ($12) is also a great choice that's creatively presented and tastes fantastic. The creamy spreadable cheese is adorned with a tomato confit and a divine walnut pesto and served with a side of the aforementioned bread. The flavors are spot on and pair well together. The pleasant surprise from the appetizer menu is the Honey Roasted Bruschetta ($8). The taste far exceeds any other bruschetta I've had. House made ricotta infused with honey is layered with fresh basil and chopped roma tomatoes on the house bread. However, the simple presentation does not prepare you for the rich and flavorful taste you will experience. The depth of pleasing flavors is endless and your tastebuds will reward you with a dance party for sure. Yet the real star of any meal here has to be the pasta. Not just home made pasta. But FRESH, most-likely-made-mere-hours-before-serving-pasta. I've dined at many Italian restaurants locally and while traveling and I'm challenged to recall a better version. Regardless of the variety you choose, the chorus will repeat those hallowed pasta descriptors of fresh, homemade and wonderful. And once created, the pastas are all beautiful cared for and cooked to the perfect al al dente with the slightest hint of salt. The Wild Mushroom Ragout w/ Gnocchi ($11 lunch portion/$16 dinner) and the Local Mushroom Stuffed Tortellini ($10 lunch/$14 dinner) both aim to please. The tomato base sauce had a richness only achieved by hours and hours of slow cooking, The mushrooms were meaty and plentiful and perfectly seasoned. No one flavor overtook the other leading to bliss in every bite. And the Tortellini was stuffed with small diced mushrooms that held their freshness, and had all the flavors of an delightful spring harvest. As fabulous as the food, the "feather in the cap" here is their stellar service they provide. From hostess to manager to server you will not find a better oiled, well trained operation. On both visits our server was friendly and sincere and truly made us feel welcome. They were both attentive, yet never overbearing. And the fact that they loved what they do, and where they do it, radiated positive vibes that set an excellent tone for the meal. And a (sadly) rarely executed practice at Milwaukee restaurants is the manager stopping by the table. But not at Onesto. On both visits it was clear that they really cared about their customers having a positive experience. I hoping this challenges more local restaurants to do the same.
(5)Katie K.
I've been wanting to eat here for weeks and I finally did, it was amazing. I never took a look around the inside because it was a beautiful evening so I dined on the patio which was also wonderful. Their sangria is amazing and pretty potent. We shared the meat and cheese platter, that came with a sausage (unfortunately I was too busy checking out the food to actually remember what the waitress said about most of this), a blue cheese, a mix of goat and sheep cheese, dried cranberries, walnuts, roasted garlic, and bread. It was my first meat and cheese platter, and it was really good! Then we got the mussels. Best mussels I've ever had (I've only had them 3 or 4 times) but they were so good with the tomato-garlic-wine sauce you get to soak up with the bread. I'm looking forward to a trip back to try their pasta, which is made in house!
(4)Jason B.
I ordered the meatball and pasta. The pasta was suppose to be rigatoni but came out the size of elbow noodles, made thick, and was chewy. The meatballs were overlooked, dry golfball sized and three of them. The sauce was really nonexistent other than the coating it left on the noodles and overpowered with sage (which didn't pair well with the dish). The service was fabulous and the wine we chose was splendid. Too bad the food was near the worst I have had in my 42 States of travel and 43 years of eating.
(1)Jasmine C.
I love all of the previous Hospitality Democracy restaurants, and was excited to try out Onesto. Unfortunately my first experience was rather disappointing - I ordered to take back to my office for lunch (a one block walk), and was so disappointed when I opened up the box. The portion was small, the presentation was completely lacking, and the price extremely inflated for what I received ($15). In addition - the pasta was undercooked, while the chicken was on the dry side. The sweet corn ravioli filling, though, was very good. I'll likely try Onesto again, next time dining-in, to see if it is any better. But, I wouldn't recommend taking out.
(2)Ryan F.
Short review but the resteraunt is worth a mention... highly recommend, the jars are amazing and all the homemade ingredients make every bite absolutely delectable. We went on a weekday evening and the overall vibe was perfect for a classy dinner
(5)M D.
A gem in a city such as Milwaukee. This place has it figured out much more than most. Almost 5 stars. Will definitely be going back and may update my review.
(4)Christine A.
We hosted our rehearsal dinner here, and had an incredible experience! There is a really cool upstairs area with a full bar and cozy, low key feel. The Jars appetizers were a huge hit along with the cheese spread that was laid out before dinner. Then we served family style salads and entrees - my favorites were the gnocchi and the ravioli. Guests raved about the food and the evening was seamless. Great service and outstanding food!!
(5)Joanna T.
For me, Onesto was really a 3.5 but really great service means I'll round up. The space itself is beautiful - the basic layout is the same as previous tenants but I really like the details (lighting, artwork). The whole front opens up to the street which is nice - but it meant it was a little chilly inside last night. We started with a meat/cheese board which included 2 kinds of cheese (a blue and a sheep/goat mix) and one type of sliced sausage along with dried fruit and a whole head of roasted garlic. It was definitely good but a little more variety would have been nice. Of note is the baguette bread they serve with it - I ould have sworn it was Rocket Baby but they actually bake it over at Holey Moley. It's really, really, really good and served with salted butter (yum!). Hubs had a small Caesar which was pretty "meh" - the greens were fresh but the dressing and croutons didn't have much flavor. I kind of felt the same about our entrees - he had the "spaghetti and meatballs" and the pasta itself was delicious but the sauce was way too sweet for me personally (he didn't mind). I went with the brisket bolognese based on our servers description of a truly traditional bolognese (I.e. not tomato based) sauce and it wasn't that at all. Yes, there was the proper veg in there but no wine flavor or milk and way too much tomato. It too was on the sweeter side and the brisket was kind of fatty. I wouldn't order this again. As mentioned above, our server was great - enthusiastic, attentive and genuinely friendly. That seemed to be the case across the board - other servers and the host were really pleasant. Prices (for the Ward) are pretty reasonable with most things under $20. They've got a great happy hour (4-6pm) with drink specials and 8oz. pours of wine for the 5oz. price. I'd probably go back for drinks and some apps (the jar choices looked amazing).
(4)Tim K.
While the pasta tasted fresh there was a complete lack of taste within the sauce. I mean common, isn't Italian a blast of herbs, garlic and flavor?!? This was not just in my dish but my date's as well...(bolognaise + white sauce). To be honest it tasted more lake the pasta than the sauce... Regardless of the food itself, the staff, space and drinks were excellent but that is about the only credit I'll give. I might give it a second chance but why not just walk down a block to Wicked or Lux?
(2)Joel B.
We went here for my Wife's birthday this past week and it was great! New favorite place in the Third Ward. Very good food and excellent service! We will definitely be returning.
(5)Jeff Y.
We've found one of our fav restaurants in MKE. Everything from the appetizer jars to the fresh clams in my pasta was perfect. Great for vegetarians too!
(5)Andrea G.
This place is great! Finally this spot is occupied by a solid restaurant. We will be back. Delicious food and great service. Wine on tap prices may be just a tad steep (should price closer to pizza man). Yes, I did and that did help on the value. I really wanted a cab but didn't want to pay that premium price. I had the Malbec, which was very good and priced fairly. Any chance in considering adding a comparably priced cab?
(4)Denise F.
I have to start this review with saying that I was very excited to try Onesto after reading through many reviews here on Yelp. I really wanted to love it but sadly, I was disappointed. My boyfriend chose to dine here for his birthday last Friday, June 12th. We arrived on time and were greeted by a very friendly host who lead us to our table. We sat for a brief time before our server arrived. She was very friendly and took our drink order. I had the Sangria and it was delicious! Next, we ordered the mussels and when they arrived, our crostini's were burnt. We figured we'd give it a go and unfortunately they tasted burnt also. The mussels themselves were very tasty though. We should have spoken up but decided against it because we didn't want to dampen the mood. Not only that but there is no way the chef or server should not have noticed that they were obviously burnt. Next, we each ordered a caesar salad, no complaints there. Onto our dinner selections. My boyfriend ordered the mushroom ragu which tasted just okay. We are pretty sure that the gnocchi were undercooked. I ordered the bolognese with a side of meatballs. The bolognese was cooked perfectly and the brisket was very good; however, my meatballs were overcooked which made them very dry. I would not say "never again" but I'm pretty sure that when we are in the mood for Italian cuisine, Onesto would not be top on the list.
(2)Carrie C.
Was very excited to try this spot out because I'm still looking for good Italian. Real Italian. Was disappointed. Ok if they put a spin on it...fine....but they DROWN their pasta in sauce link most Americans do. Had the bolognese with spaghetti. A different version but drowned the home base pasta. And we tried gnocchi....they drowned that too, so much it was just too much and we didn't finish it. Gnocchi homemade but could be better. Over cooked? It wasn't soft and delicious.... Appetizer of baked cheese, forget which cheese, cause it was so so. You get sauce with some pasta. Not pasta with a sauce to compliment it. Che peccato. Non 'e quello Che pensavo.... Pasta x americanci. Tutto sugo! Pasta fatta in casa ma troppo sugo.... Si, un peccato daverro
(3)Colleen W.
Once isn't enough. Although, I have only been to Onesto one time, so far, I can't wait to go back. I joined a pal here for a nice, mid-week lunch and while I felt I was being "good," my meal was flavorful. Ok, we cheated a little and had the Buratta to start. Wow - I will get this every time. Fresh cheesy, deliciousness. Then I had the Arugula Prosciutto Salad and their soup special for the day - Butternut Squash. Seemingly simple, but both were delicious, hearty and fresh. So yes, lunch was awesome - but I can't wait to go back for dinner. I've heard amazing things about the pasta! Save me a seat, I'll be back soon!
(5)Stephanie R.
Mr. R expressed some interest in trying Onesto out on NYE, so I jumped at the chance and made a reservation on Open Table several weeks ago. The day before our reservation I received a voicemail from someone at the restaurant asking me to call back to confirm the reservation. I did, and then they asked for a credit card number as there was going to be a New Year's Eve cancellation fee for late cancels/no shows. We arrived about 15 minutes prior to our reservation, but they were able to seat us right away. We took a table by the window in the bar, and I like that they felt nicely secluded. I felt isolated from other diners and people seated at the bar, and that wasn't really a bad thing. Our server came by promptly and offered us complimentary champagne and glasses of water and told us about the special drink and dinner special. I ended up ordering the sage brown butter butternut squash ravioli, and Mr. R chose the mushroom tortelloni, both $14. I also asked for one of the fresh mozzarella and basil jars to start. None of the wines were familiar to me, so I decided on the Rosso di Altesino Sangiovese, $18 for an eight ounce pour, since it was in the opulent and powerful wine section, and I enjoyed it. Our server told us she had made both the bread and the pasta that day, and both breads were great, and I'm not a bread lover. I especially enjoyed the little pointy end of the baguette smeared with some of the soft creamy butter, which had a smattering of salt crystals on it. The crust was hearty and just brown enough to give it great flavor. The interior of the ciabatta was soft and moist and reminded me a bit of my mom's popovers. The fresh mozz jar was nice enough, but I ended up wishing I had chosen another variety, maybe something with a little more in your face flavor. The squash taste really came though in the ravioli, with a fresh, fall flavor. The tortelloni portion seemed almost small, but once I tasted how rich, creamy and delicious it was, I don't think I would have wanted to eat more than that portion. I think that tortelloni would be my choice next time. We listened to the dessert selection and decided to pass, but the lemon ricotta cheesecake would have been my selection. All of the employees we dealt with were very friendly, and our server even offered us water refills after we paid the bill which I appreciate as I have been to some places where they seem to put blinders on and don't see you any more once you pay the bill. My dinner at Onesto was a nice end to 2014.
(4)Steven S.
Unbelievable food! Seriously, one of/if not 'the' best gourmet Italian in the city. Not a lot of time? Pop in and have a 'jar' and a superb glass of wine. Incredible staff too. Seriously! Ask for DAN, he is the best!!!!!!
(5)Dan L.
I swung by Onesto today for a Sunday lunch, which at first was concerning since Italian doesn't typically make a light meal. Onesto has a refreshingly modern take on Italian food, from the smoked chicken, to the portobello sandwich. The uber posh location doesn't hurt either, the people watching on Broadway street in Milwaukee is prime. Pretty hot spot and I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Becky D.
So for Christmas my Mom bought me a City Tin. As someone who hadn't really been keeping up with the changing Milwaukee restaurant scene I hadn't heard of Onesto. I wanted to go to a good lunch on a Saturday and they were one of the few that were open. I didn't go for lunch, but instead dinner. It was fairly busy at 6pm on a Saturday night, but my friend snagged us a couple of seats at the bar. The bar has tons of character and the only atmospheric detractor was a loud party upstairs. The bartender let my friend sample several red wines before she decided on one. I ordered the 'tap' Malbec and really, really liked it. I liked that they let you order either 5 oz or 8. I opted for the larger. To start we ordered the Fig Jar. We were confused by the jar, but figured it out. You add olive oil and it's awesome! The bread they serve is pretty awesome and came with sea salted fresh butter. We had salads. I had the arugula and was not a fan. The dressing was good, but the rest was disappointing. The Panzella my friend got was borderline amazing. Salty garlic croutons, fresh tomatoes, red onion and fresh mozzarella. Yum! Portion size on the salads was definitely entree worthy. We both had leftovers. Dessert was definitely a highlight. I had a pumpkin ice cream carmel dessert that was just so satisfying. It was sweet but had texture and cream. The flourless chocolate cake was equally good and topped with a tasty toffee. I'm glad I found Onesto. I will definitely be back!
(4)Barbara D.
I went there for a Yelp event but expect I'll be back. The staff was friendly in a natural sort of way. More like you would talk to a friend. The food was excellent. I agree with the other reviews on the bread. It is great! When I eat it without butter then you know it's good. We started with Appetizers and then moved on to a selection of salads. My daughter liked the House salad. It was good but I loved the Beet. Try it even if you think you don't like beets. You'll thank me. The selection of Pastas and Sandwiches were good also. This great meal finished with a small assortment of the Desserts. The Flourless Chocolate Cake and Pumpkin Squares were a perfect ending.
(4)Brian Y.
We stopped for an impromptu lunch with our daughter and two year old grandson. We ate outside where he was pleasantly distracted by trucks and nearby construction. What a backdrop for fine dining. Bottom line is that everything from service to food was excellent. By excellent I mean where you can't stop commenting and licking your chops! A second delivery of bread soaked up every drop of sauce. I had the mushroom ragu with gnocchi and it was over the top delicious. Our waitress was helpful, never hovering, but always mysteriously there when needed. Too bad we are from Connecticut and only visit WI a few times a year, or we would be eating here often.
(5)Lori A.
Food was amazing!!! Butternut squash ravioli, seared chicken breast, & spaghetti were great! Wine was wonderful & staff were friendly & knowledgable. Will go back next time we're in Milwaukee!
(5)Sally-Anne K.
I've done both dine-in and carryout from Onesto about a half dozen times now and it is by far worth 5 stars. The dine-in experience is fantastic. My girlfriends and I were seated at a table in the window overlooking the twinkling Christmas lights outside. The atmosphere was warm and cozy and we could have sat there all night talking! My friends and I started with the tap wine (awesome) and bread and oil. You could tell the bread was fresh; crispy on the outside and perfectly chewy on the inside. For our entrees, I had the wild mushroom ragu, and my friends had salmon and spaghetti with meatballs. Unfortunately, our waitress informed us that the kitchen burnt my friend's meatballs but they comped her entree for the inconvenience. We didn't even care that we waited a little longer for our food because the atmosphere was so inviting and we were having such a good time! The staff was very apologetic about the mishap and handled it in an extremely professional manner. Everyone loved their entrees and then we enjoyed the chocolate cake and the frozen pumpkin dessert, both of which were gone in about 10 seconds flat. Moving on -- each time we order takeout, the food is piping hot and nothing loses its flavor. Takeout is always touchy - especially Italian - but we have never had a disappointing experience. For takeout, we've ordered the wild mushroom ragu, the salmon, the brisket bolognese, the spaghetti and meatballs, the fig/walnut/Gorgonzola jar, the honey roasted bruschetta and the meat/cheese plate. Everything always tastes amazing. From a food standpoint: The wild mushroom ragu is my favorite. The sauce is light and full of flavor. The fresh pasta is the perfect texture. The mushrooms are thick and juicy, never overdone. What I like most about it is that the dish is not heavy at all. The portion size is perfect and you never feel stuffed. The fig/walnut/Gorgonzola jar is delicious. The flavors mix so well together; savory walnuts, fig and strong Gorgonzola. The honey roasted bruschetta is served on grilled bread which adds a nice dimension to your typical Roma tomatoes, basil and cheese. The honey mixed in? Phenomenal. Bottom line? Go. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Eva S.
Great food, AMAZING service. We were there for my birthday and the manager came over to congratulate me and gave us two desserts on the house. Great ambiance and pricing. It was my first time but I'll definetely be back.
(5)Allysha H.
Let's say this rating is a 4.7, because it is ALMOST as good as it gets. Onesto is the next best gem in Milwaukee. Atmosphere hasn't changed much since Palm Springs, but the drinks have gotten way better! Cocktails and tap wine make the dining experience that much sweeter. You've probably read the other reviews describing the Mason Jar appetizers - what a wonderful, fun, and delicious way to start the evening. We had the fig and goat cheese jar and the tomato confit and ricotta cheese jar. Paired with homemade bread, it was just fantastic. Plenty to split between two people. We also split the fennel and zucchini salad which was very good, but nothing to write home about. For dinner, we split a pasta dish and a main course; the Fusili in truffle cream and Grilled Eggplant Cannelloni. WOW! Incredible homemade pasta, the truffle cream was delicate and rich, yet surprisingly light. The eggplant cannelloni was a fun twist on a gluten free, carb free dish. It had a lot of detailed favors, most attributed to the sage marinara sauce. Staff was friendly, prompt, and helpful. Overall great dining experience.
(4)Shawn M.
Visited on Easter Sunday with a friend. We were going to go to Swig and then saw that that god awful place Bourbon & Tunn's (where I had the worst meal of my life--no joke) and decided to look at the menu at Onesto instead. Milwaukee, being the bear that it is, has lot of good casual places, but really lacks a little bit farther up the market. I felt that this location was much nicer than the other Hospitality Democracy restaurants that it is owned by. Swig, Water Buffalo, etc. As for the food: Sangria--quite boozy, delicious. Bread--Clearly fresh-made, has a nice multi-layered taste. The accompanying butter with Portuguese sea salt was a nice accent. Burrata--Impeccable. House-made burrata is hard to come by in these parts and this one was perfect. Could use more of the walnut pesto and the tomato confit but maybe that's just me. Carmelized Cauliflower--We got this side and shared it. Very, very good. Not too cooked, but still bursting with flavor. Bolognese--My friend had this dish, and while I did not try it, he was impressed. The brisket is substantial. Pasta freshly made and cooked right. One of the best meals he's had in Milwaukee, he says. Butternut Squash Ravioli--This was the crowning dish of the night. The pasta's freshness cannot be overstated. The sage was great as well, and the flavors of the butternut squash were intricate and nuanced. Not the overpowering buttery dish that you might usually expect. I will definitely be back. We were very happy with the service as well. Marguerite was helpful, funny, friendly, and attentive. I always appreciate a server who approaches the table when needed but doesn't distract me by hovering at short distance. The host who also sat us was very nice and professional.
(5)Phil G.
This place is perfect for a date night, a business meeting, or just drinks. And lunch rocks too! I truly love this place, and for good reason. 1 - The food - Everything I've eaten here has been amazing. The fig jar is unique and delish. The spaghetti and meatballs are unlike anything I've ever had, with a mixture of pork and beef, and fresh pasta. And everything else made me very happy too!! 2 - The drinks - Craft cocktails. Tap wine. Bottle wine. Craft beer. All unlike anywhere else in Milwaukee, all clearly intentionally selected. They stand alone well. And they pair with the meals so nicely. 3 - The staff - Every staff member truly gets it. They know the menu, they know the drink menu and they are nice about it. And one thing you might not expect but d fantastic. 4 - The bread - OK, this is a little thing, but this is a HUGE thing for me. I love bread, and I have loved every bread I have tried here. Freshly made, with just the right amount of crunch on the crust. Yum!! OK, let's not forget about the salads. Sorry. Wow. I love the salads. The beet salad is one of the best salads I have ever had, and the Caesar salad is made with yellow anchovies, which are the only anchovies I like, is to kill for, especially if you add chicken. Yumm-oh!! Go to Onesto. Tell them Phil sent you. You'll thank me for it.
(5)Gary S.
For me it was serviceable but not great. Definitely some highs and lows. Appetizer of Burrata cheese and very nice bread was great, although it would've been better if the bread was warm. For mains, I had the short ribs, which were done well but were dry and desperately needed a sauce of some kind. The potato preparation along with it was again fairly tasteless and pedestrian. Mushroom tortellini was a bit bland and needed salt, an easy enough fix. Main problem was that the dish was cold. Not even warm, but basically room temperature. (The short rib had a similar problem, though not as bad) The last main course for our party was the fillet which was done very well. The person in our party that ordered the mushroom tortellini also got a side order of meatballs which were standout. I thought they were the best thing we were served. Cheesecake for dessert with an olive oil and basil glaze was very nice. Service was your standard college kids, Earnest, tried hard, not seasoned professionals though. All in all, a decent experience, good not great. The restaurant is fairly new and possibly will develop overtime. With focus and concentration it could be exceptionally good.
(3)Maria S.
I had a very nice dinner here. EXCELLENT waitstaff, reasonable prices and good food. I wish there was something to be done to make the space feel a bit more cozy... it's a little too open for me, but none-the-less and lovely place to dine. The real tragedy of the evening is that I am unable to eat dairy right now and could try the many cheese items on the menu. I thought the food was solid. Not food I would rave about to everyone I see, but good, honest food... which I think is what they were going for. Good bread,although I would have preferred it to be warm though now that I write that, in all my time in Italy no one ever served me warm bread, solid wine list, fresh and tasty salad. The pasta is really good... I'm not always a fan when people make their own pasta but this one is done right. I thought the meatballs were a little crisp for my liking but the flavor was great, I noticed other reviews say the same. I think they need to work on this or add something to the recipe to give them more moisture. Other people have mentioned there isn't enough sauce, perhaps these people haven't dined in Italy. Italians actually make fun of Italian American food because they say our pasta is more like soup. The lightness of the sauce is very authentic. My husband had the ravioli and it was also good, although could have used a little bit more flavor. I will look forward to seeing how this place evolves... I am a huge fan of the other hospitality democracy restaurants... I'm sure this one will continue to impress.
(4)Jeff C.
One of my new favorite restaurants. The atmosphere is very nice. The food is fantastic. I had the sweet corn ravioli. It was the right combination of brown butter sauce and the seasoning. The appetizers were also really good - especially the honey bruschetta. And the service is also tremendous. Check this place out.
(5)Francis R.
Stumbled upon this place after checking out the street and art festival they had going on over Labor Day weekend. I must say we really lucked out because the place next door had a 45 minute wait for a party of 2 and we were absolutely starving! Upon seated we learn of their Sunday happy hour was all day long and included 8oz pours of wine for the cost of a 5oz pour and $5 on their rose sangria and negroni! Sweet deal! Since it was our first time, we weren't too sure what to order so we went for the arugula salad, italian sandwich, and took the suggestion of our server for the brisket bolognese pasta. All of them were great but the brisket bolognese... oh man... never been a huge fan of spaghetti in general, but that is spaghetti done right! I'm literally drooling writing this review and remember how bomb that was. The made from scratch ingredients really does make all the difference! I would definitely come back here in a heart beat if I'm back in the Milwaukee area. Hopefully soon... :) 'Til next time, cheers!
(5)Amy A.
I can only comment on the carryout as I have not dined inside Onesto. However, the food is so good, I felt that it deserves a 5-star yelp for takeout! I am not often in the Milwaukee area, but we passed the town on a long distance drive. We were looking for lunch spots and it was getting close to 2 pm. Unfortunatley, most places near Milwaukee close at 2 pm (only to reopen again at 4 or 5 pm...what do they do in that time? Nap?) so our options were limited. Came across the 4.5 star yelp reviews for this expensive little Italian place (lunch served until 4 pm then switches over to dinner menu), so we decided to order a few items for carryout continuing on our drive. Parking is metered, but very few open spots in sight. We were lucky to snag a spot on the same block so we could pick up our food. I couldn't decide, and knew the servings were relatively small, so we ordered a LOT of food. One thing to note is that their pasta seem very mushroom-centric. The SO is not a fan of mushrooms, so he was a little put off by it. I, on the other hand, LOVE mushrooms. Also, they give you crusty Italian bread with butter that is also very fresh and delicious. Wild Mushroom Ragu with housemade gnocchi - OMG, the BEST gnocchi I have ever had. Soft, airy, little pillows of goodness. The SO was not a fan of the sauce and said a cream or pesto would have been better paired. Butternut Squash Ravioli with sage brown butter - Hands down the BEST butternut squash ravioli I have ever had. Thin homemade pasta with delicate squash filling. The star was the sage brown butter sauce though. Yes, a bit oily (it's butter!) but sooooo amazingly good! Fusilli with asparagus, cremini mushrooms, truffle cream - I loved this dish! Great balance of cream with veggies. Again, the SO was not a fan due to the mushrooms. Bolognese with housemade spaghetti, brisket - We ordered this with gluten free fusilli and it was good. Not really like any bolognese in Italy that we've had, but no complaints. It was more like a beef brisket stew. The gluten free pasta was delicious though - not gritty or grainy. Meatballs & Pasta with berkshire pork, grassfed beef, sage marinara - Amazing meatballs, but they are small and the lunch portion only came with 2. The pasta was hollow tube pasta that was a bit too al dente for my taste (it didn't just have a bite - it was hard). I thought it was coming with homemade linguini based on the photos on their website. The pasta in this dish was the only disappointment. If I ever pass through Milwaukee again, I would definitely put Onesto on my list of places to eat. Great showing!!
(5)LoisGrace G.
The location is great, waitress was very nice. Food was so-so. We shared mussels, the sauce was good, mussels were sparing, given they're not expensive that's odd. I had the house salad, my husband the Caesar . My salad had wilted lettuce and the dressing was not very good ( it was suppose to be balsamic but was not any balsamic I've ever had). They made a big deal about their bread being made on premises but it wasn't very special. My husband had the bolognese , I had the scallops . Both were okay, the cauliflower that came with the scallops was actually better then the scallops themselves . Given the meal, we decided to skip dessert and probably won't be going back. Nothing was terrible, nothing was great.
(3)Timothy S.
The food was outstanding. I had the Wild Mushroom Ragu and the gnocchi was done perfectly. It was tender and the ragu had a great flavor. My wife enjoyed Fusilli which was also excellent. We enjoyed the fresh made bread with a Fig, Toasted Walnut, Gorgonzola "jar" to spread as our appetizer and the Arugula Prosciutto salad (for two). Both were great. Prices are reasonable. I recommend sitting in the dining area. The bar tables are a bit noisy and crowded. There was a strange delay seating us. We arrived and the hostess greeted us and then said we needed to talk with the maitre'd who did nothing other than look at his seating chart and wait for the hostess to return. Since it was our first time in the restaurant, they could have been a little more helpful in recommending a seating location. She later did come and talk with us to inquire about our meal and she was very friendly.
(4)Debi B.
Wonderful! Our favorite new Italian restaurant! Had the special (sauteed scallops over caramelized onion risotto), the eggplant cannelloni, and bolgonese. All superb! Cosmo and dirty martini were perfect as was the service. Highly recommend!
(5)Bert B.
An oasis on a busy day in a busy season. Our table and service for 6 was really calm in a full restaurant. The layout reduced noise without isolation. The menu was simple and stimulating. I'm a try something new every time kind of guy and there were many choices to bring be back. A small menu, wine and drink list still provided a wide variety for our large party. All dishes were praised 3 Filets, 2 pastas and Eggplant disappeared with high praise for soup and bread with Jars appetizers.
(4)Rebecca S.
I'll rate the restaurant two stars for atmosphere and the other star for service and food. I understand Friday nights can get very busy. First, we waited patiently near the bar for a table for two for nearly an hour. My husband barely got the bartenders attention and finally we were served. I was told by an experienced patron not to order the pasta. She said if you are Italian then you might want to stay away from the pasta dishes. My husband and I had the appetizer of homemade hard crusted bread with a jar of fig-Gorgonzola spread. It was superb but the bread could've been heated. Next, we both ordered a pasta dish and a bottle of red Italian wine for $32. Linguini with clams was nothing but tasteless pasta with a nondescript white sauce. My pasta was meatballs and some rather gummy sauce with homemade pasta I'd rather not taste again. The three smaller than golfball size meatballs were burnt and dry! Would I go back for a $100 plus meal? Probably not, but thanks for trying to impress. Thanks for offering to make it 'right'. My husband and I have have plenty of other places to go to and life is too short to drink 'bad wine'.
(2)Robert C.
Onesto has an above average Italian menu. The wine selection has a nice variety to go with their menu. I sat at the bar while waiting for the rest of my dinning guest to arrive and had the "Onesto Fashioned". The Onesto Fashioned was what you would expect in a Wisconsin old fashioned. We were then seated at a table by the bar for dinner. We ordered the baked provolone as an appetizer and it came with Onesto' s fresh in-house baked bread. The appetizer was very good. For dinner I ordered the Bolognese. House made spaghetti with brisket. The brisket was a little light but the pasta was very good. The friends we were out with were celebrating being newly engaged and the waiter/hostess brought over two nice desserts and glasses of champagne for everyone. It was very nice touch to a nice evening.
(4)Katie D.
Went here for dinner last night with my sisters and absolutely loved it! All three of us enjoyed our entrees thoroughly. Everything tastes incredibly fresh and delicious. I'll definitely be back again!
(5)Craig A.
This was a wonderful find by my wife tonight! We had been here a few years ago when it was the Palms. They have a happy hour until 6, and the low lighting and jazz playing were a perfect ending for the work day. We both had the pepper soup - that was outstanding. I had the salmon with small clams, that was perfectly done in a tasty base sauce. My wife loved the arugula and fennel salad. We'll be back maybe on a weekend if parking works out. This is one of the best restaurants in the Third Ward!
(5)John G.
We were a table of 6 and started out sharing some of the "jars" with fresh bread. We shared the mozzarella lemon jar which was very refreshing and the gorgonzola jar which was also quite good. I had the small caesar which was good. Our server kept the bread coming which was appreciated. I had the Meatballs and pasta which was good but it didn't knock my socks off. The meatballs were rather dry and the red sauce lacked zing. I did try the Wild Mushroom Tortelloni that my other half had and it was quite good. Our service was excellent and none of us had dessert. One of our friends, who did not have a salad, said that she wasn't full and she's not a big eater. I had the perfect amount of food. The ambiance is quite nice and the sound control was perfect for conversation. I am a hard grader and the average Meatball and Pasta entre' left me thinking that I could find better Italian food in town so I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again. But, overall, it was above average.
(3)J B.
Service was perfect! Bread was heavenly. Brisket pasta could have had a lot more meat. Mushroom pasta needed more food. Portions are small. Meatballs were overdone. We will try again!
(3)Dan W.
I had a great dinner here with my wife and some friends. My wife loved her Aviation cocktail and said it was perfect, not too sweet. I had the Caesar Salad and sweet corn ravioli in brown butter (awesome) and my wife had the house salad and the grilled eggplant cannelloni in marinara. Everyone in our group raved about the food. It's a good value considering the quality of the food.
(5)Charlie W.
The meatball sliders were solid, the happy hour deals sounded amazing, and they looked to have a great selection of gluten free
(4)Emily H.
Delicious homemade spaghetti and meatballs. One of the best cheese plates I've ever had. Great beer menu. Excellent service. Great prices for lunch.
(5)Chris V.
This new Italian restaurant is a great addition to the dining options in the Third Ward. Our server was appropriately enthusiast and well versed on the menu, a delightful addition to a wonderful meal. We enjoy a jar, for us a layered mixture of figs, gorgonzola and walnuts. My wife and I enjoyed a corn stuffed ravioli and an asparagus, mushroom fusilli. They were delicious. Our side of caramelized cauliflower was a wonderful addition. The prices are very reasonable (pastas $14, meat/seafood dishes low 20's). We will be back.
(5)Rob P.
We tried Onesto for the first time on Valentines Day for an early dinner before the theater. After splitting a very generous and fresh Panzanella salad (the kale was not tough nor the red onions overpowering, but the ciabatta was a bit soggy), we both shared the Wild Mushroom Ragu and the Fusilli with added grilled chicken. Both pasta dishes were delicious. The ragu had a mysteriously pleasant smoky flavor, and the fusilli with asparagus was very tasty and not too creamy. The portion sizes were just right and with cocktails we got out of there for less than the price of the V-Day special, and made it in plenty of time for the curtain. We sat in the bar area, which was more lively and fun than the dining room. We'd recommend Onesto for a fun casual night out. Enjoy!
(4)Z Z.
No expectations going into the new italian place, hostess was sweet - waiter was friendly and offered suggestions. The celery salad was so over dressed it literally stung my tongue.. The date jar was 'ok'. The bread was cold and tough so it was a bit of tearing with the teeth, looking like a dinosaur, as my hubs gazes at me on our date. The pasta dish we shared, I forget, was decent. The thing that bothered me the most? I kept seeing what I thought was the entire kitchen staff going to the restroom, which is located in the dining room. One by one there they went. My mind started to wonder "god I hope they are washing their hands" "why do I have to see this, think about this, as our soupy salad is being placed on the table?". Hey I realize, when you gotta go, you gotta go. But come on, it was like they were going in, one right after the other to check something out, share a smoke, who knows.. I like to think all kitchens wash hands, wear gloves, and maybe the food just magically appears, rather than think about kitchen personnel using the restroom.
(2)Cosmo K.
Wine great, jar appetizer great, mussels great. Mushroom pasta was wonderful. No problem having a conversation. We were seated on time for our Saturday night reservation. Will be back for more pasta!
(4)Zane B.
Great ambience in a good spot in 3rd ward. Attentive staff and a nice selection of wine. I did not care for my entree (pasta and meatballs), as the pasta and meatballs seemed a little dry. I will go back and will try something else. Overall...good addition to mke!
(4)Mark P.
We made our 1st visit to Onesto yesterday evening, 2/28/015. We had thoroughly good time & experience here. Everyone at Onesto was open and welcoming. The 3rd ward neighborhood is fresh and modern and the restaurant is gorgeous inside with a positive & energetic feel. Our waiter was great and the food just right. We tried the fig, gorgonzola, and walnut jar. This was unique and filling so get ready. We split a prosciutto salad which was equally good. My wife had the Wild Mushroom Ragu and I worked my way through an outstanding Bolognese and we ordered a side of the meatballs which were super good. We sampled both dishes and were very pleased! I know some have said the portions are small but, in our view they are just right and we were filled to the gills at the close. We finished up with a chocolate cake style desert with crumbled peanut brittle, we shared this one and it was simply fantastic. The manager stopped out to check on us and talk. He was genuine, engaged, and clearly making sure our experience was high quality. Pricing is very reasonable. We will be back here again. Check out Onesto!
(4)Sandy O.
FRESH PASTA!!!! I LOVE fresh pasta. But I am getting ahead of myself. Recently I had dinner with my husband and our teenage daughter. We ordered lots of food and two hours later left full and happy. We arrived and were seated at a tall table by the windows. They have a nice wine and cocktail menu, I opted for an 8 oz pour of the Malbec that is on tap (yes on tap). For appetizers we had the Burrata - a house made soft Italian cheese served with tomato confit and walnut pesto. I love this cheese! They bring bread too, but I recommend it without, so you can really appreciate the details of the cheese. (Although the house made bread was really great. They have olive oil or salted butter as options.) We also had the Baked Provolone. It was in the cutest pot with a side of marinara. This was very good too - a much more bold flavor than the Burrata. For dinners we had the Brisket Bolognese, Sweet Corn Ravioli (served in a brown butter sauce), Wild Mushroom Ragu over gnocchi, Mushroom Tortelloni (served with a pecorino chive cream sauce) and the Smoked Chicken (served on top of a beautiful red sauce, with prosciutto). I can't speak for the chicken because my daughter realized after she ate the last bite that she forgot to share - but I did taste the sauce and it was nice and bright. She enjoyed the smoke and said the portion size was perfect. As for the pasta, it was wonderful! Everything was cooked perfectly for me. I like my pasta with a bit of a bite and there was no mushy pasta here. The tortelloni was amazing! The mushrooms inside were so fresh and where the pasta was pinched it was nice and firm - loved it! The gnocchi was so fluffy. They were bigger than I expected, but very delicious. The sweet corn ravioli was a great balance of sweet and savory and the brisket was full of flavor. The dishes were not over sauced which allowed you to enjoy all the ingredients on the plate. For dessert we had the cheesecake - which involved lemon, a basil sauce, and a graham cracker crust - and a flourless chocolate cake with pistachio brittle. Both were really good. I preferred the chocolate cake, because it went so well with the cup of Hawthorne coffee I was enjoying. Obviously we left with leftovers, but had we not went a bit out of control with our order, the portion sizes would have been great - plenty to eat, but not so huge that you should expect extra. The prices were amazing for the quality of the food! The bread and pastas are all made fresh at their kitchen one block to the east. Italian food is my favorite... and Onesto nailed it for me. It was the second day for the restaurant and the service went really well - our server was familiar with all the entire menu and the timing of our dishes was great. They only negatives were the wine was served a bit cold for me, I would have liked just a little more sauce on the tortelloni (YUM) and the to-go boxes didn't stay closed very well. If it seems like I am splitting hairs, I am - I was really very happy with my entire experience and I will definitely be back.
(5)Elijah J.
We had lunch here and it was pretty darn good. Started with baked provolone. We shared a caesar salad and loved the meatball sliders. Jeffery was our server and guided us to a wonderful meal. Ask for him as your server and he will not disappoint.
(5)Anne H.
Great menu! We enjoyed everything we had. Anxious to return.
(5)Sandy P.
I had better pour myself a glass of wine to write this review. So I can get myself back into the mood. I was so happy to see Onesto move into the 3rd Ward. As an employee of a business in that area, a good pasta dinner or even creative italian food in general was something that was lacking in our neighborhood. This is not the gluttonous old-school italian joint that you might find on Rush St in Chicago. These are creative dishes that utilize the freshest ingredients in a portion size that should leave you perfectly satisfied at the end of the night. We started our evening with some really interesting cocktails that were more than your average restaurant concoctions. These involved fresh basil and pureed berried and creative liquors that are not always on my radar, but will be now. The one that stuck out the most to me was the Basil Smash. Try it, you will love it. We split a few appetizers between our group. First was a jar or yumminess with fig and gorgonzola and nuts. It was presented in a small mason jar with a loaf of crusty bread. Seriously -- we ran out of bread and the last few bits at the bottom of the jar may have been eaten with a spoon, but no one at my table will admit to it. Second, we had the burrata, BURRATA!!! I have had it one other time at a restaurant in Los Angeles and have wished to see it on a menu ever since. Its like the moltenlavacake of the mozzarella world. Firm exterior, creamy center, one of the food wonders of the world. I wouldn't normally even comment about a house salad, but I have to. It has firm, bright green cerignola olives. My favorite olive in all the land. What? You don't know what I am talking about? You are totally missing out. Meaty, briney, tangy...FAR SUPERIOR than it's black or kalamata cousins. But then, of course, we have to talk about the homemade fresh pasta. It that had just the right bite to it that you can only find when a pasta is fresh. Not that blah, mushy stuff that is overcooked and lacking texture. This is the pasta that I dream about; similar to what I have had in NYC or the North End of Boston. The only other place I have ever found that perfect bite was in my own kitchen and that involved a half day of preparation and truckload of dishes. So much easier to just hop down to the 3rd Ward instead. To top off the perfect pasta, my friend tried the creamy mushroom tortelloni; stuffed with the things dreams are made of. Sure it SAYS they are local mushrooms, but it tastes so rich and decadent, it think that there may be unicorn dust and glitter in there as well. Really, it was that good. For me, I tried the sweet corn and ricotta ravioli; it was topped with caramelized onions and brown butter. There isnt a word I just typed that doesnt make me tear up a little thinking about how delicious that ravioli was. What a unique and delicious combination. My other tablemates tried the Crispy Salmon and the Filet respectively. I didnt get to taste theirs, but those plates were licked clean, so it had to be good. It took me two days to recover from the blissful food coma I was in when I left Onesto. Amazingly, it only took an hour or two to start plotting my next visit.
(5)David S.
The hottest new Italian joint in town. The food is good. Speciality baked breads come complimentary. One of their presentations used 'jars' as a vehicle for dip combinations. Clever enough. They have a variety of rocket salads which was a good size. I will defiantly go back. No 5th stay because of the prices. They attempt to have specials for drinks all day Sunday. A 8oz pour of wine for their 5os price. Considering the 5oz pours range from 8/9$ and up, it's not really a 'special' in my book.
(4)Megan C.
Where the portions lack , the flavor excels . I started with a Third Ward Manhattan ,served in a martini glass Excellent flavor and didn't taste to boozy . I ordered the mushroom bisque to start , which was a typical soup .The boyfriend got the pasta with meatballs . Best meatballs I've ever had , and they weren't over cooked like I find at most restaurants . I don't have a Italian grandma , but if I did I imagine these would even beat hers . The sauce was sweet and flavored well with other spices . I got the scallops which came with cauliflower . They grill the cauliflower with a sauce that compliments it quite nicely ( I believe it's a pesto based sauce ). We finished with a dessert that was a flowerless chocolate cake with a butterscotch crumble. It had a honey drizzle It tasted like nothing I've ever tasted before and should be a big turn on for all you gluten heads out there ! Won't be a regular spot only because of the pricey price , but a definite go to for special occasions or a date night !
(5)Lauren F.
Excellent food. They make all their bread and pasta fresh in the morning. The butternut squash ravioli was one of the best meals I've ever had. SO GOOD
(5)Nancy B.
Amazing food and friendly service. I like it that the menu specifies vegetarian options, which are plenty. The butternut squash ravioli is delicious. The honey glazed bruschetta is a perfect starter.
(5)Jeff S.
Great food, super service at a reasonable price. Portions could be larger. I had the meatballs pasta. This comprised of three meatballs and a pasta with a red sauce @ $15.00. You can get 2meatballs as a side for $4.00. Seems a little unbalanced. Don't get me wrong though, these were the best meatballs I've ever had. Had I known this I would have ordered an extra side. I did order a specialty mixed drink that was ok, its base was Rye but only faint traces of Rye was detected. Again they just needed to do just a little more. There are many interesting sounding restaurants in Milwaukee, I am glad we choose this one! The pleasure was ours.
(4)Danielle R.
A friend and I went here for dinner. We were treated nicely by the hostess and who I assume was the manager/owner and seated right away despite not having reservations. Our waiter was nice- we gave him a hard time, and he went right along with it. Nice atmosphere. The food was great- I'm glad I found a place near home for yummy italian food. And the drinks were great too. Very impressed!
(5)Michael M.
Ducked in to step away from the art festival for a quick lunch. Loved it. Wine selections few but thoughtful and available as small or larger pours. Good crusty bread with rosemary infused olive oil. Salami sandwich on same bread was good and served with phenomenal sweet potato chips with texture reminiscent of those plantain chips served at Cuban restaurants. The star was the sweet corn ravioli. Sweet and creamy without being heavy. Cant wait to come back for the dinner portion. Service friendly and prompt. Will come back with friends and family.
(5)Tanya M.
Onesto is newly opened in the Third Ward, right next to Swig on Broadway. They have a nice space with high ceilings and extremely friendly staff. The hostess was so excited and happy to greet and seat us. Our waitress was very talkative and also genuinely seemed to like what she was doing. That's always a good sign to have positive people to interact with during a meal! We started out with a couple of cocktails. I went with the Fragola, which is like a strawberry lemonade with a bell and whistle (strawberry balsamic shrub & ketle one citroen). It was very sweet. We had the Baked Provolone as an appetizer and this was also good. It wasn't served with bread, and I thought it was a little strange to eat a pot of gooey cheese on its own so I asked for bread and ate it à la baked goat cheese tapas. Maybe it's an Italian or Wisconsin thing I'm not well versed in yet. I ordered the Brisket Bolognese pasta as my entree. Yes, homemade pasta, this is. It tasted fresh and the brisket was a different meat to mix with pasta. I do wish there was more sauce or something else to pull it together. There was the slightest tomato base, but I could only tell when I looked for it. Otherwise, it was a bit dry and felt like I was eating plain buttered or oiled pasta with a side of brisket every few bites. Maybe it's an Italian thing again. Overall, good experience at Onesto for a new place in the area. A little pricey and it didn't have a wow factor for me, but I'd give it another shot to try some other items.
(3)Lori L.
Thank you Milwaukee city tin for bringing us to Onesto. Onesto is part of the Hospitality Democracy group that owns five other restaurants in Milwaukee including AJ Bomber's, Swig, Water Buffalo, Smoke Shack and Holey Moley. Ironically Onesto is directly next door to Swig...so close they could probably share servers. My husband and I decided to try Onesto for lunch. He was craving a good meatball sandwich and ordered the meatball sliders. I tried a bite and they were very flavorful and filling. The only negative is that you don't get to choose a side dish. It comes with sweet potato chips whether you like it or not. I was torn between the Fusilli and the Mushroom Tortelloni and opted for the latter. As they state when you sit down they make all of their own pasta, bread and ricotta. The pasta dish was perfectly portioned for lunch and for $10 you can't go wrong. The service was good but don't expect to run in for a really quick lunch. We will definitely be back to try the dinner. The only downside is the location because parking can be an issue in the Third Ward. I found a street spot so I don't know if they have their own parking lot.
(4)Renee H.
Fantastic dinner. We started with the bruschetta, the white bean dip and the special risotto cakes. I don't even know where to start. So many good flavors. The only way to make risotto better is to make it into a cake. Melt in your mouth good. I ordered the bolognese and loved it. It's a favorite dish of mine and I can be picky about it. The mushroom ragu was also ordered. Not a bite was left even with all the starters we got. I will absolutely return. We had wonderful service.
(5)Gene S.
Travelled up from the suburbs of Chicago to spend a night in Milwaukee and picked Onesto as the place for dinner based on the reviews and it didn't disappoint. While it might strike you at first as being an overly-priced, perhaps snobby Italian restaurant...it is none of those things. It's actually a pretty unpretentious place. My wife and I started off with their burrata appetizer. I'm not big on cheese, but the cheese was rich and creamy and made an excellent spread on their very good homemade Italian bread. The pesto sauce was an added treat. Speaking of their bread, it comes with a pat of butter with some sea salt on top. Different and, of course, very tasty. I ordered a small dinner salad. For $4, this was solidly good, was a nice size and a great deal at that price. My entree was a disappointment. I ordered the seared chicken. It came with pancetta and served in a red sauce. The chicken was not very fresh and the entree as a whole just "didn't have it". However, my wife ordered the fusilli and the truffle cream they use is TO DIE FOR. It was outstanding! For dessert, we had a flourless chocolate cake made with olive oil and covered in something close to peanut brittle pieces. It was very, very good. No complaints with the service. In fact, our waitress was pretty sharp. Definitely recommend the next time you're in the Third Ward area.
(4)Ian P.
Onesto, in a very short amount of time, has taken the crown in the Third Ward, and here's why. Onesto (which is cleverly Italian for 'honest'), is a modern and spunky but grown up take on Italian food. Their menu is limited, but with good reason. Everything they do, they do well, and pairs exceptionally with other items on the menu. Their building, located directly in the middle of the Third Ward, is nestled away in the middle of the street behind outdoor seating and between the many great places to visit in that ward. With a full bar, multiple dining rooms, and multiple levels, the tone and atmosphere of the entire place feels warm, comfortable, inviting, and honest. It achieves all of this without the pretension however. Portions are plenty fair, and while the place is a bit on the pricey side, everything about it is worth it. Staff have been friendly and inviting every time I have been here, and now that I have tried about half of their menu, I can't wait to go back. Some of the best dishes have got to include the meat and cheese board, the arugula prosciutto salad, and the wild mushroom ragu, which was an great combination. I am just a little head over heels for how this restaurant manages to reinvigorate Italian meals in a completely new way. It feels like a new but familiar experience each time I'm here, and that's how a restaurant becomes a regular for me.
(5)Jean L.
WOW. I came here after striking out twice on a "no wait" request in two other restaurants. This one seemed quiet, so i was apprehensive about trying it. ..but I was hungry so went for it. Let me start by saying I hate spaghetti. I don't know why, I just do. But holy goodness their spaghetti was AMAZING. The only thing that could make it better was a bigger portion. I also had a salad and that was awesome - very fresh tasting and not too heavily dressed. The sandwich I ordered was a little unimpressive, but the spaghetti made up for it. The reason this is 5 stars instead of 4 though? The waiter was so passionate about the food, you couldn't help but love it. PS cell phone reception is dead here, and it's a shame they don't allow you on their wifi.
(5)Tim H.
We went to Onesto for the third time last weekend. This place has a great vibe and atmosphere. The staff is polite and professional especially the waiters - Joe & Laura! excellent service. The food has always been delicious. I had the eggplant which was delicious in a fantastic red sauce. The cheese board is delicious and there were no qualms about making changes to the friend who did not like blue cheese. I felt like I was in some NYC restaurant with Midwest charm. Thank you to those who work at Onesto for taking pride in making our dining experience so great.
(5)Julie D.
This restaurant is so-so. The food was okay. The toasted bread in our mussels appetizer was burnt and the scallops in my main meal were over-cooked and gummy. I love scallops and there's no way that plate should have went out as a meal. Wine is EXTREMELY over priced. $18 for a glass of wine at a place that's geared towards people that aren't well off is ridiculous and uncalled for. On the bright side, our server was amazing, so, if you want "MEH" food and a glass of wine that's almost twice what it's worth -- then Onesto is for you. There's far too many great places to eat in Milwaukee to go back here and spend my hard earned money.
(2)