Magdalena, A Maryland Bistro
205 E Biddle St, Baltimore
(410) 514-0303
Recent Reviews
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The food was flavourful especially the flame beets, barbecue (roasted) carrots, and the white yam curry soup (it is a must). Lamb is worth ordering as well
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Upon arrival, we sat down at the bar and try to make conversation with the bartender aboutwhat he uses for his mixology in making drinks. He just brushed us off and made it very clear he was not interested in making conversation. Our dining experience was not wonderful. Our server never brought my appetizer and only mentioned it when the other three people at the table were halfway into eating theirs!! Two of us at the table got a wine flight and they were not brought out until we were well into eating our main meal 
We had our wedding dinner there in December 2021 and the food was spectacular. We would occasionally go back and had great culinary experience. However, at our last visit, we were very disappointed. The food quality is not what it used to be. The menu attempts to be creative but the flavors clashed and I wish I could say it was average, but it simply did not taste good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Outstanding food, cocktails, service, and ambiance. The restaurant feels luxurious without being pretentious and is extremely comfortable and cozy. Menu is focused, but offers a nice variety for all courses. Some of the most thoughtful and delicious food combinations we've had. It seems like a lot of care and thought has been given to every detail to create a memorable experience. Perfect for a special occasion, but will surely be back before that.
For the cost of dinner I would have rather gone anywhere else. There is a reason that the hotel has Michelin stars and not the restaurants
We expected a bit more sandwiches and sweets on a 3 tiered platter, as well as the tea (earl grey) more robust.
One of the entrees came to the table cold, twice. The other entrees were not as flavorful as expected but the presentation was beautiful. The ambiance was amazing and the service and interactions were wonderful. The other entrees. Our celebration was for the evening was marvelous.
Strange. Ok for a nice meal but won’t be back.
Food was bland. Over priced for what you get. Won’t be back as there are many other places crafting much better food and drink for 1/2 the price.
An “ok” hotel bar, not worth going to if you are local looking for fine dinging.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Exceptional from start to finish. Herb- and vegetable-forward entrees and starters, botanical cocktails, and twists on twists for the dessert options. We consider a night at Magdalena to be the ultimate splurge. Sure, we could visit a little more often and just have one course. However, it's such an exceptional dining experience that it's like taking in an elaborate artwork. The layers and textures are all part of the savored memories the next day.
Made note during reservation of celebrating hubby's birthday, driving from an hour plus away. Booked at 5pm when eatery opens but arrived 20 mins early so as to not be late (holiday w/end). Asked valet upon arrival to freshen up & escorted to lovely warm lobby with fireplace in hotel above.Totally shocked coming out of ladies room when valet escorted us back downstairs to cold waiting area to sit out last 15 mins & enter restaurant from outside -temps in 30s. (Apparently the hotel had an open bar in lobby and they must've been worried that we might “help ourselves” even tho it was in a different room -manager even came to check on husband while I was in ladies room.No offer to wait out last 15 minutes upstairs where there was direct indoor access to the restaurant ) .The food was truly delicious and wait staff good but unresponsive when glass accidentally knocked over during meal - we had to clean up ourselves with no offer of replacing wet napkin. Only acknowledged birthday w/ tiny candle in paid dessert. We realize profit margins are slim but would've spent more if hospitality had been better. We are seasoned international travelers that dressed nicely, arrived early to honor reservation but felt (literally) left out in the cold awaiting what we'd hoped would be a special occasion . Not planning to go back even tho food was delicious. Go for the taste if in area but don't bother to use for a celebration
Restaurantji Recommends
Went here for my partner’s birthday - the whole place was pretty quiet for a Wednesday evening in November. The service was excellent, including our waiter Randall. It’s clear they take a lot of pride in their food. We got bread, beets, and lamb ragu cheese curds to start and the New York strip and scallops for mains - everything was truly delicious. Definitely on the pricier side, but wasn’t disappointed by anything. Nice for a really special occasion - would love to try sit in the courtyard when it’s warmer out!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was outstanding, but even more importantly, the server Randall was incredibly knowledgeable and kind!
High Tea at Magdalena was not very desirable. As I have experienced many high teas, this one was in a lower scale. The menus presentation was quite nice . The salad was quite bland and without any taste . The teas were fine though limited. A selection of six of which three were very similar in smell . And the small sandwiches and pastries did not serve any excitement in the presentation nor in the taste .
Each sandwich has a small spread . The pastries and especially the scone was also very bland.
I suggest that whoever created this high tea visit The Palace in NYC high tea or even a Four Seasons High Tea to bring back some better ideas
For the cost of high tea the value is not here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
This is a special meal, in a special venue with unmatched milieu. We experienced the Bistro towards the end of summer and were lucky enough to be able to sit outdoors in the courtyard, nestled within ivy covered walls. It's perfect for a special date or a romantic outing. Service is very attentive. You feel pampered!
The food is tasty, carefully prepared and beautifully presented. The menu options and flavors are not stand-out but quite good. They could get more inventive and boost the flavors and textures to match the atmosphere, and compete to be one of the best tables in the city. But it's promising, plan to try it again when we return for a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Wonderful service and wonderful food. I will definitely return to the hotel and the restaurant.
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