Magnolia Restó — Restaurant in Mendoza

Another 10 out of 10. I woke up from a luxurious nap around 8:30 scavenging for some dinner like a wild animal. Magnolia Restó popped up and I quickly made a 9:45 dinner reservation. The restaurant is on a lively, loud street— lots of people outside eating, drinking, music, etc. the interior has very high ceilings with tables and bar seating available, in addition to a loft that I didn’t go to but I assume has additional seating. Let’s discuss the food.

I was in Mendoza for WINE not cocktails, and so that’s what I started with: a crisp, neutral glass of rosé. It was delicious. The wine was accompanied by 3 types of bread with a basil butter that I swear was the best butter I’ve ever eaten. 10 out of 10. For food I started with the Pejerrey ceviche (duh) and an intriguing melon gazpacho with burrata. The ceviche easily had the richest most flavorful leche de tigre I’ve ever had (very celery forward, and I hate celery). The burrata was so creative, so many flavors coming together and all complimented each other extremely well— black garlic, mushrooms, and some SALTY cured ham chips. The flavors were all there but everything was quite salty so I’ll say 9 out of 10 on the apps. Would 100% order again with a giant glass of water. I wasn’t quite feeling a heavy entree so I opted for the Magret de Pato (duck). Let me just say…. Apart from Sun Wah in Chicago this was the best duck I’ve eaten. So JUICCYYYYY see that video chile. You see the juices running??? 🏃🏾😭 20 of 10 for creativity. The mustard carmelized onions with the tomato marmalade and the tonkatsu sauce??? Are you kidding????? Everything melded together perfectly and I sat there chewing on it and savoring until about 11:20pm. At that point the waiter surprised me with a glass of cab franc from the famous Trapiche bodega in Mendoza. So fruity and so perfect to go with the sweetness of the marmalade and the fattiness of the duck. Whewww. After I gobbled that up I had to get dessert because of course well yes! I had to get the passion fruit crème brûlée which did not disappoint. 10 out of 10. This was the first time I was the final person in the restaurant. All this food for about 45 USD, I was shocked. I’ll definitely be returning.

My waiter was Diego. Pay him more!!!!!! Such a sweetheart and so attentive and helpful with...

Exceptional dining experience. Magnolia isn't on the Michelin guide (yet) but it absolutely should be!

The burrata starter was deliciously creamy and the peas and berries added a unique twist. And things only got better from there! The grilled trout was prepared precisely to the ordered temperature and was complemented incredibly well by the ginger & apple chutney. Super interesting and one of the most memorable fish dishes I've had in a long time. And then the Pumpkin Gnocchi: decadently divine! Every bite explodes in your mouth with rich flavors.

The bar was exceptional as well. Both of their specialty Negronis were fantastic. The Negroni Rosatto was a refreshing twist on the classic. And their Sideral Negroni, with a local Mendoza vermouth, was possibly the best Negroni I've ever had.

To top it all off, we tried two desserts and both were exquisite. Their passion fruit creme brulee was delicious. But what truly elevated the evening was the incredible Pear in Malbec! Paying tribute to the region's star wine, the pear is marinated in Malbec and then placed upon a bed of mascarpone cream with pistachios. It is absolutely superb! A must have dessert.

Service was attentive and excellent as well. All around an...

Immaculate. The food was exquisite. We didnt have a reservation, though they were happy to accomadate us with the choice of a table for 2 or a seat at the bar; and as per usual I chose to sit at the bar. I've always found as a former bartender that the experience at the bar is more enjoyable as you're subjected to the visual experience of the bartender working his magic with the beverages. We both ordered wine and our meals which were fantastic dishes! Following our main courses we decided to indulge in some dessert. I announced to the bartender 3 options I was pondering, and asked him to choose the best for me. Let me say that he did not disappoint. The Banana dessert was outstanding. We finished with another beverage, followed with an espresso. The service was outstanding. This evenings experience has encouraged us to return during our stay in Mendoza and try other meals off the menu. Try Josefina! You will not be disappointed.

P.S our bartenders name was Manuel, and his customer service is outstanding....