We heard Bistro One was excellent and it was.
We were not dressed for such a nice place but on a freezing Thursday night they welcomed us and made us feel like valued customers.
We started with the cheese and proscuitto stuffed mushrooms. Â There were five of them and they were outstanding. Â The house salad comes with an interesting Greek dressing, a nice tomato wedge and marinated onions. Â It was very good.
Steve had the Kalamatra Chicken topped with spinach and tomatoes and he loved it. Â I had the lemon shrimp and it was outstanding. Â The entrees come with a shared 'copper pan' of starch and vegetables. Â The served linguine, a perfect accompaniment to the shrimp, potatoes, glazed carrots and steamed broccoli. Â We could not even finish the copper pot and my 'I don't eat cooked vegetables' husband loved the carrots.
The wine selection was nice and I had two Chianti at $6.25 each. Â Steve ordered baklava and it must have been good because I didn't even get a taste!
The bill was $71 plus tip and worth every penny!
The staff was gracious and the owner Nick was adorable. He came out and chatted several times and said he loved me as I left. Â I love him too and if I ever get back to Madison, Nick's charming Bistro One is #1 on my list.
ONE Bistro that is no doubt NUMBER ONE !!
After walking in and dashing out of another establishment before even ordering we made our way back downtown to find "different" food. Â
A couple of trips hopping across the street we landed at Bistro One based on the posted menu outside the door. Â We had a 15 minute wait before they opened for dinner so we visited the next door book store. Â
They recommended Bistro as the best and said to tell Nick the owner hello.
Walking in we were greeted by none other than Nick ! Â I passed along the well wishes and we were seated in the "best" seat in the house...(my opinion). Â
In this small Ohio River town I was blown away by the menu, the hospitality and the FOOD. Â Nick is not only the owner but the chef..and his Greek heritage comes out not only in his accent but his food.
The special of the night was "Chicken Virginia"...okay, I'll bite and boy was I glad I did...chicken with Prosciutto, cheese, mushrooms and a special Alfredo sauce....Wonderful.  The "Copper Pan Vegetables" a specialty of the house  you don't want to miss added a candied sauteed red cabbage, linguine, broccoli, and Greek potatoes..  My daughter had the tilipia rolled in a special walnut crusted coating and sauteed perfectly.
Add the wonderful food to the most generous pour of wine I have seen in a long time and you have a meal that takes you to heaven on puffy soft clouds. Â We indulged dessert, Â the best Tiramisu I have had this side of the Atlantic.....
Have I sung enough praises for this place yet....??? Â In my opinion NO. Â I would drive the two hours just to have dinner here again. Â
Now in closing ---- the cost -- Amazing !!! Â All of the above, including wine and coffee and we left for under $ 30 dollars each. Â I have paid more than that and scoffed at the meal.
I promise this is a place you will not want to miss if you are headed down to Madison, or anywhere on the Ohio...go out of your way. Â You won't be disappointed.... and tell Nick I said Hello.
Yet an other very good meal with fun and friendly folks at Bistro One...superb calimari...amazing soup...watermelon something seafood stuff which was inventive and decicious...almost lebanese ??
Madison has some terrific independents...check em out !
A terrific mini vacation to be had in this area...lots to do...friendly locals....localy owned hotels and businesses...well worth your time and support
Nice place - would go back again. The Morrocan Chicken and Shrimp with fig puree (confit?) was really good. A side of roast potato chunks, smoky cooked cabbage, fettucini and string beans came to the table in a copper skillet - tasted good and nice presentation. But side salad with creamy Italian dressing was plain and tasteless. And skip the Opa! flaming cheese with ouzo - not worth the price for a couple tablespoons of messy cheese.
Review Source:This was the perfect place for a fun yet romantic dinner. Â
We loved everything we ate. Â We ordered the saganaki appetizer which is a flaming greek cheese. Â The staff sings when they bring it out. Â The house salads come with a greek dressing. Â I ordered the Chicken Schnitzel and my husband ordered the Kalamata Chicken. Â
I wish we were staying in Madison longer so we could eat here more. Â The food was excellent and there were so many things to choose from.