Magnus on Water — Restaurant in Biddeford

Wow! is the first that comes to mind. My girlfriend had been gushing about this place the last two months and I had read all the owners' bios and was highly impressed. And then, from the moment I reached out to the co-owner Brittany Saliwanchik to mention that it was my girlfriend's birthday, I was blown away by the fast and sincere response. We even shared a few laughs via email, proving that Brittany is clearly capable of showing emotion even through words on a screen.

Then, we arrived at the gorgeous location in Biddeford, Maine. I first noticed a rainbow flag on the door entrance, making me feel instantly welcomed. And we were greeted promptly by the hostess and Brittany came over quickly to meet us as well. She knew it was us by the reservation time (that or she is psychic which I'm nearly convinced she is! haha). She sat us down at a nice two-top right up front but outside near the entrance. She brought us bubbly (hilarious joke we laughed about in email, as I took her literal when she asked if my girlfriend liked bubbles) She was meaning champagne but joked that she wished she could fill a big clawfoot bathtub up with bubbles for my gf to sit back and relax in while she fed us gourmet food! hahaha and then the food came. First, we had Pigglette (I am forgetting the entire name so I apologize). It was basically the most delicious smoked pork served cold and paired with homemade pickles and local whole wheat bread from Bread and Friends Bakery in Portland, Maine. So fresh and delicious and all three complimented each other perfectly. Then we had Littleneck Clams that were to die for. The broth that I believe was garlic and sherry...either way, it was so delicious that we had to turn up the bowl after (no shame). The entrée highlight was seared Duck. Oh my good lord was this the most perfectly seared Duck. Now, I'll be honest, Duck is typically a hit or miss for me. But chef Ben Jackson is definitely not an amateur. He surely knows what he is doing. It's no wonder he is a James Beard award nominated chef. I had to buy him a drink and then we discovered that we attended college together but just didn't know it! What a wild discovery. Then came the dessert, a milk chocolate wafer (I could be wrong; apologies) with a blueberry compote on top. It was simply divine. Throw in the most perfectly suggested (by Brittany of course) Bourbon cocktail for me called Happy Camper (Bourbon, blood orange, vanilla, lemon, & almond) and what my gf called one of the best Gin cocktails she has had entitled Herringbone (Japanese gin, dry vermouth, watercress, green peppercorn, & ramp oil), we were in euphoric heaven. Oh! and not to mention, Brittany recommended after dinner cordials that I had never heard of before called Amaros. I had the Cynar and I had wanted something that was coffee like. Brittany admitted they didn't have that but suggested this and it actually did have a slight coffee like taste to it. Just marvelous.

Okay, so this is indeed the longest review I have ever written but it had to be written. I just can't say enough about how amazing this experience was. It's so hard to find a place like this anywhere, let alone in Maine. From the service to the food, to the drinks...even the restrooms. The attention to detail this restaurant has, the sense of collaboration between the entire staff, the atmosphere....Magnus on Water knows how to deliver an epic experience. I can't wait to come back!!!! Thank you, Brittany and Ben. And Brian Catapang...and the entire staff for everything. Keep doing what you're doing! You've got what it takes to take...

If i could give Magnus on Water seven stars out of five, I would.

Magnus is a special place that has built something truly unique in the Biddeford & Portland area. I lived in downtown Biddo during much of the Pandemic, and having Magnus in the neighborhood was like a beacon in the darkness for me. I could walk down the street into a safe, joyous, and welcoming community space where my friends and I could celebrate over a delicious drink and a meal, while also feeling good that we weren't going to be catching or spreading COVID, because of their well-advertised, and common-sense, COVID/vax-card policies.

The team behind Magnus are the best, and their commitment to excellent hospitality is evident from the minute you step in the door. I always feel like I'm being welcomed into my old friend's home by Brittany and the front of house when I arrive. And I haven't found a better cocktail in all my travels than the magical elixirs that Brian concocts along w/ Daniel--two of the most hospitable, dedicated, and talented bartenders in all the land. You really can't go wrong w/ anything they carefully create for you from behind the bar--but the wonderfully curated selection of straight spirits, wines and beers is also worthy of deep exploration.

AND the food--let's not forget the food! You would be hard pressed to find a better meal round these parts than the delicious, local, sustainable, comforting yet inventive plates that Chef Ben Jackson and right-hand man Jimmy are slinging out from Magnus' kitchen on a nightly basis. I'm already looking forward to my next visit--and you...

Small eclectic restaurant with exceptional food. I was very unfamiliar with most of the menu but extremely happy with all our food and will definitely return. Salad was simple but beautifully plated and fresh, a great start to a meal. Not sure how to even describe the potato appetizer except to say try it. It is served cold and potato is creamy and sauce was exceptional, the flavors melted together for a beautiful dish. Tried two shrimp, they sell individually which is a great way to try an item without having to commit to a full meal, although I probably could have eaten a half dozen. Served head on and skewered the shrimp was tender and had a great sauce that had really nice heat. Eggplant probably the best I have ever had. Unique take on the dish as you get two very thick breaded and fried slices of eggplant. Crispy crispy crispy on the outside and melt in your mouth eggplant on the inside. Not sure how they can achieve that crunch and creaminess in one bite but they do. The pasta it is served with also delicious, has a nice bite and flavorful sauce. I believe I heard them say it was a local fresh pasta. Honestly cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. Go and try items you may never have heard of. You will not be...