Zur Mägd — Restaurant in Basel

Although I've known Adriano the owner, chef, from since I first arrived in Basel some nearly 30 years ago (he was a waiter at Landskrongarten back then), and I've eaten at most places he's worked over the years (Landskrongarten, Kronen in Binningen, Birseckerhof), I've never got around to eating at the Mägd. Finally a mutual friend suggested a dinner there last night and I jumped at the opportunity. I had a fabulous meal - seriously. I totally agree with Boris K's title - passionate and honest Italian cooking. Says it all. Someone had recommended the stuffed squid which I had as a starter - oh my God was it good. Although the squid was a little tough, it didn't matter because the stuffing and the broth were so damned good, I was in heaven. And for main, I had the prawn ravioli - all homemade - also fabulous. The highlight, however, was the tripe! I'm not big on tripe and although I've made an effort on and off, it's never convinced me. This time, our friend ordered it, I tried it and I was blown away! Incredibly good. The sauce and preparation was simply smashing. And even more amazing are his prices - where on earth do you get such good food at such reasonable prices? Bravo Adriano - you have found the perfect recipe on all levels. Service was excellent, food was to die for - wine was a bit of a disaster but it worked out in the end. We tried their open Sicilian white which is made of muscat grapes but not sweet - it really didn't work for us at all! It may be an acquired taste! As I said, it worked out in the end and didn't put a dent in the overall enjoyment of the food or...

I had a good experience 4 years ago so when I found myself in Basel again, I went back. The food was as good as I remembered but the service was not. We got there just before the kitchen opens at 6pm so it wasn’t busy. We were seated but that’s about it. No order for drinks or menu. After about 10 minutes we were told the kitchen opens at 6pm. That’s fine we waited. We ordered as soon as we got our menu. The dishes came slowly even though they were not busy at the time. As they got busy things were forgotten. We had to ask for different things multiple times. Finally when I paid, I was charged my home currency (CAD). I asked to pay in CHF and my server refused. First saying that it’s not much of a difference. Then saying that I had to put my pin in first. That was strange but I believed him. Sure enough I wasn’t given the option to change. The receipt showed there was a 3.95% markup on the exchange! My credit card only charges 2.5%. I can’t believe what a gouge it was. I was thoroughly disappointed how my second experience turns out. I will not return again. There are so many good restaurants in Basel. Why waste it on those who don’t appreciate...

Difficult dinner we have had today. Arriving too early, super well managed by the staff. Big thanks. Please have a look the photos to judge what was delivered. Starter was somehow overly fried and covered by mayonnaise, primi called cozze had 3 mussels and also osso bucco wasn’t making it up. Mist. Ah, the wine also didn’t match the year listed in the menu and logically was served a bit late. All in all not at all what we hoped to get. What an Amazing dinner. Sorry guys but Basel has definitively way better offerings this...