I can't say enough about this place. A bit hard to find at first due to smaller signage and modest outdoor building, but what an Oasis inside! The indoor section is very upscale and classy, but the outdoor space was beautiful and relaxing; a tiny vacation paradise! The table vibe with small modern lanterns was an ambient vibe and there was a fire pit as well. The food and the DRINKS!! My mouth is watering just thinking about them! Drinks that you could easily get drunk on because they're delicious, and the tapas style unusual Peruvian dishes were SO good. Not necessarily a place for kids or teens unless they have very open minded palates, but for adults? I'd go there every weekend. Service was perfect! My only suggestion is to turn down the music ;especially if you're going to play hip hop where they are dropping the f-bomb. We had an 83 year old lady with us. Just some constructive feedback. read more

We came here for dinner and drinks and had a great time. They have both indoor and outdoor seating with heat lamps. Menu includes Peruvian inspired dishes. We ordered several cocktails and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Couch surfer, tarantula, oob fashioned, face-lift, cool hand Luke, and black mamba. I highly recommend trying as many cocktails off their menu so you can experience their cocktail expertise. read more

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Wow on food and cocktails. Just a fa lot fest. So delicious and always a surprise. It's a great atmosphere too. read more

Magnus on Water - Shrimp anticucho - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Why doesn't Yelp allow for 6 stars? INCREDIBLE Cocktail bar worth the trip. No, I don't care if a trip would require you to drive 2 hours-- it's worth it. Aren't you listening? :-) Super list of craft cocktails, and an incredible Peruvian chef making some of the tastiest dishes this side of the Andes. Go here, order lots of tasty drinks and dishes, engage in some witty banter with Jonathan at the bar, and wonder (like I do) why you don't come here weekly. This is easily one of the best date night locations (and cocktail bars) in a 200 mile radius-- and yes, I know Portland is in that range. *wink* read more

Overrated imo. Ate there with another couple and had a bunch of tapas and cocktails. Left the dinner not particularly full or satisfied. Too much vegetarian type fare which I'm fine with but the stuff with meat left much to be desired imo. Not worth the price point and portion size imo. read more

In a town getting a lot of goody buzz, this is by far the best food and best drinks. We love going here in part because the staff is so amazing. It is small, so make a reservation. read more

Magnus on water might just be the best meal I've ever had in my entire life. The waiter was awesome and walked us through the concept menu, recommended dishes, and really had a grasp on what we might like. The drink I had here was by far the best drink of my entire life. The foam on top was so good and truly I have yet to find anything that compares. All of the food was great. I've never had a branzino, let alone a full fish, and it was a special they had and it was so good! Every bite was perfect and I am just waiting until I can get back here. If I could give this place 6 stars then I would. read more

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Delicious "Peruvian" restaurant in Biddeford. I put quotes because it's quite elevated Peruvian food. Very inventive. Service was great and friendly and the ambiance was excellent. We felt right at home at the bar; everyone was super friendly and chatty. read more

For a number of years, we've talked about going to Magnus, but just hadn't made it. What a mistake! We made it there tonight, and it was delightful. The wine list was perfect for outdoor dining and the cocktails were just the ticket for a summer evening. We shared the lettuces salad which was very simple but really tasty, plus an order of fried yuca, which was prepared perfectly - crispy and tasty! We also shared papas huancainas, which are deep fried purple potatoes with a tangy sauce over them. Their take on pork and beans was simply perfect. The pork belly has been marinated, then grilled and the beans were delicious and tangy. Two of their mcMagnus chicken sandwiches were amazing. Paired with fried plantains. Made for a really delicious upscale fast food chicken sandwich. What a fantastic meal!! read more

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If you are looking for a high end meal, and great cocktails this is your place. We started off with the cabbage salad and sashimi which were both delicious with a nice hint of spice. Next we had the eggplant and yuca fries that were seasoned well and perfectly prepared. Finally we had the most amazing chicken sandwich and the ribs and beans. All I can say is Wow. Finished it off with the best Tres leches you will ever had We sat at the bar and Emma our bartender was so exceptional, and welcoming you will ever experience. read more

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Magnus has been one of favorites since they opened and for so many reasons; the cocktails, the atmosphere, and more than anything, the people. But it was never for the food. Don't get me wrong... it was fine. Just paled in comparison to the other things. But there's a new chef and the menu is BOMB! Upon my first time seeing it I could tell there was a new chef and suspected he/she was Peruvian. He is But that's not all. According to his coworkers, he's also a beautiful soul and the energy in the kitchen is highly positive. You can taste it. In fact, everyone here acts like it's a privilege to work here. We just love it! The McMagnus is very recommended if you like fried chicken. The best I've ever tasted. read more

Magnus on Water - Facelift: vodka, coconut, orange blossom, hibiscus, lime and guava-banana foam. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

Magnus is one of those restaurants that manages to be extremely creative with both their food and drink menus, yet when you're eating and drinking everything feels cozy and familiar. Their cocktails are incredibly unique. Blyth and Burrows and Portland Hunt & Alpine are the only places that immediately come to mind that are in the same realm (I'm sure I'm missing some...), so if you're looking to drink something you've never had before, I'd definitely recommend Magnus!! For food, it's definitely not cheap eating, but it is incredible eating. We've never tasted something here that we felt we overpaid for. Every element of every dish is well thought-out. They had a braised beef shank special a little while back that we still talk about. Service is extremely inclusive and friendly, and the design in the restaurant is stunning. If you're in the area and want to experience something new, you have to give Magnus a try!! read more

Magnus on Water - Delicious beef shank, foccacia and salad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

I can't say enough about this restaurant. First of all, it is adorable and cozy and romantic. The wait staff and owner and Chef and hostess are amazing. Then there's the food. It is comfort food with the most delicious flare. This is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. read more

Magnus on Water - The base is cabbage and there's Reggiano Parmesan cheese and trumpet mushrooms and sunflower seeds, etc. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Great place. Great food. Interesting Peruvian cooking Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzx

Great place for drinks and snacks in Biddeford ! Service is stellar! The place is gorgeous! One feels transported to London or NYC with the chic decor and smart crowd. The food is very good. We both had their fried chicken sandwich which was outstanding! read more

Can I give it six stars? I don't offer that lightly. But I would if I could. This has been on our list forever - and my only regret is that we didn't make the trip sooner. Well worth the 30 minute drive - and I think we're gonna have a much better relationship with our friends in this area as an excuse to keep coming back. not that we need one. the food far exceeded my greatest expectation and the service was so genuine and authentically engaging that I wan to go back tomorrow. and the next day. this group loves what they do, and they do it well. put this to the top of your list if you're in the area - or even if you're not. It's that good, capiche? read more

This place!!! Extremely inventive and balanced cocktail and mocktail menu. The food was creative and delicious - nothing on the menu struck me as something I wouldn't order, and it was quite inventive. Ambiance and staff (both behind and in front of the bar) were top notch. If I lived here this would be my local. Foodies, don't miss it. read more

The food is absolutely delish!!! They serve you in chapters. We had the Lettuces OMG talking about tickling your taste buds. Pumpkin seeds egg and a delish dressing. Then we had the Yuca potatoes with a yummy dip that was my husbands 2nd chapter my 2nd chapter was Papa Huancaina if you can't take spice don't get this one however i absolutely loved it!!! 3rd chapter my husband had pork and beans he cleaned his plate I had the McMagnus which is a juicy crunchy breaded chicken sandwich I was full by the time it came out but I was able to take in a few more bites very yummy with fried plantain chips the Epilogue my husband and I shared the tres leche cake we got it to go and it was fire!!! The service was absolutely pleasant professional and classy. The ambiance was sophisticated and classy I loved the vibe the music playing in the background was a whole grove. If you like sophisticated trendy places this is your spot. My husband brought me to this restaurant for my birthday and I can say I was extremely pleased from the time we walked into the door until we left I will come here again. PS I ordered the awkwardly social drink sooooo sooooo soooo good!!! And the glass it's in is fancy I loved everything about this restaurant read more

Magnus on Water - Awkwardly Social Drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Return 13 months later The entire experience is beyond incredible From drink to food and incredible service. Do not pass go ...go directly. Do not miss this gem. read more

Magnus on Water - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

Amazing! Just amazing. Here we go..... My husband and I literally decided Saturday morning to do a quick road trip from Boston to Biddeford and made a last minute reservation at the Lincoln Hotel (review on that too later). The Lincoln has a restaurant on premise that was over booked and we needed to find somewhere to eat, pronto. Most spots close around 9 pm, so know this going in. I was scrolling Yelp and was discouraged until I fell upon Mangus. I called, was so politely told to come on down and the kitchen was open until 10:30! Yippee. They held us 2 seats at the bar and then the magic started happening! I wish I took pictures but we were starving and chowed down appropriately! From the amazing homemade focaccia, to the roasted squash delicata to the pork Coppa, I can't even explain the flavors. Beyond! But the real magic was with Brian, one of the restaurant partners and head mixologist! Damn Brian. You can mix a mean drink and do with so much love. He and my husband started chatting about a drink he orders at a Boston restaurant and Brian not only recreated it , but did it the next level up! Service beyond service, food beyond food, cocktails beyond cocktails!! BRAVA!!!! read more

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Magnus on the Water is a gem in Biddeford, incredible cocktails, especially the Boulevardier, and food that's both creative and comforting. We had the chicken and it was phenomenal. We sat at the bar where our liquid artists, Jonathan and Isabella worked like a dream team -- friendly, funny, and insanely skilled. The vibe? Warm, inviting, and unforgettable. Our visit to Magnus was a delight from start to finish. A must-visit. read more

A memorable dining experience in Biddeford, Maine. The atmosphere, food and waitstaff made for a pleasurable meal. Scott helped us choose two inspirational cocktails to start. My wife and I shared two small plates: Raddichio salad + yuca fries and one large plate of braised short rib. For dessert, we each enjoyed a picarone, a sweet potato donut & pineapple-Montenegro sauce. Magnus on the Water is definitely on our "we'll be back" list. read more

Magnus on Water - inspirational cocktails with vodka (top) and bourbon (Lodi) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Went back again, and another phenomenal meal. Our party had one of each of the entrees and they did not disappoint. Definitely the best food in Biddeford. This time we sat at the bar and that was a fun experience interacting with the staff. Highly recommend! read more

Magnus is such a hidden gem in downtown Biddeford! It's very unassuming with a small storefront, but an absolute gem! The the carrots and the rabbit are standouts, and their extensive cocktail list had something for everyone in our party. Service was amazing too- our server was so informative in navigating the menu! We vacation in Biddeford annually and can't wait to come back next year! read more

Decidedly not my jam. Take a look at their small menu online and you'll quickly be able to determine if it's yours. Your options are limited, it's very expensive (if you split 2 apps and each have 2 drinks, you're at $100), but the presentation of the food and the atmosphere are very nice... well, minus sitting outside during rush hour horn honks in the summer. It's one of the only fancy restaurants in Biddeford with Elda, the food photographs and tastes delicious, the interior design and patio are very nice, and it will keep getting written about in the content factories forever. My GF and I drive by it daily and try to guess if it will be open: beautiful thursday evening, nope; Friday? Sometimes! Sometimes not! Obviously someone is backing this place with a LOT of money. I live a 10 minute walk away but I'm rarely drawn here except for the occasional patio drink. It feels out of place to me, but perhaps it's ahead of it's time. If you're trying to impress someone and money is truly no object, I would probably still go to one of the amazing restaurants in Portland, but you would have a very nice time here. It's undoubtably scratching someone's itch. read more

I really like this restaurant. Small plates. Interesting drinks. Cozy in the winter. And then the summer months are sitting outside with little fire pits that are awesome. It's a great spot. To have dinner or drinks. read more

Incredible cocktails, food, service and ambiance... The side chick glassware is adorable!!

Food, service and atmosphere are all absolutely fantastic. The scallop dish was quite possibly the best scallop dish we've ever had. We will be back!! read more

Oh man....Magnus, you are doing everything right and so much more. I have come to Magnus a couple of times since it has opened, and it is one of the places that is really putting Biddeford on the map. First off, the facility is phenomenal. From the outside to the inside, everything was clearly thought about. There is no sign, so it can be hard to find, but the wooden door in contrast with the hues of blue from the outside, it just matches the whole theme of Magnus. On the inside, it's fairly small with some cafe tables, a bar, and a couple of larger sized both, but everything is done tastefully from the lighting fixtures, the decor, etc. Even to the bathrooms where the walls are decorated with recipes to drinks that worked out, and may not have worked out, everything is well-thought out. The cocktail menu is really where Magnus shines. Don't expect to get a typical drink that you could get anywhere else. The couchsurfer is a cool drink with salt foam on the top, which reminds me of an updated, cool margarita. The Padawan is a drink that tastes healthy, but is insanely delicious.The White Hops Negroni and a cool showpiece, but goes down so easily. Honestly, there hasn't been a drink that I have tried that I didn't like. I'm not a huge tequila guy, but even the drinks with tequila are insanely good. The food that Magnus provides is primarily small plates with a couple of larger plate options. Again, the food does not disappoint. First off, the Masa Hushpuppies are out of this world, and the aioli that it comes with and delicious. The steamed buns are flavorful, the ragout surprising with it's elements of crunch, but amazing, and the chochoyotes is a spicy corn dumpling which was also good. Honestly, this will be a go-to spot whenever I am in the Biddeford area. Definitely some place to check out when you are in the area. read more

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Tried Magnus during a recent vacation via a recommendation from a friend. The cocktails are unreal. We had the tarantula- highly recommend if you like smokey drinks. The clam toast and seasonal salad offerings were also beautifully plated and delicious. We also tried the whole cod and highly recommend. We can't wait to go back. read more

Magnus on Water - Olives, clam toast, salad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

Every dish is divine. A limited menu worth savoring every bite. We had carrots in a pistachio nut butter, along with mixed greens. The swordfish was perfection with a light crunch to the edge on top of melt-in-your-mouth, potatoes, delectable sauce, and yellow and red peppers cooked to the perfect mouth feel. every dish has this perfect blend of incredible flavor and texture. The almond cake with blueberries was out of this world. The service incredible. Highly highly recommend. read more

This place was a terrific new find in Biddeford which is coming up quickly in terms of its food & beverage scene compared with Greater Portland. We loved everything we encountered at Magnus on the water with these small exceptions: The entrance door does not face the road and the signage on the doors that do face the road is indiscernible from the car. Google Maps knew we were at the right place, so after parking directly in front, we could easily see the signage on the doors while we were on foot, directing us to the entrance door around the corner. Secondly, while small menus are all the rage these days and I personally prefer 2 pages or less, this menu is a bit too small for our preference. Only 2 entrees, btw NOT referred to as entrees or main dishes, distinguishable only by price compared with the other menu items, is simply not enough choice for my preference. I'm a carnivore and managed just fine with my 2 dining companions to 'share' all the shareable dishes. The window booth seating was perfect for sharing all the many plates we ordered. The food is not only delicious but eye candy as well for those who appreciate the appearance of their food in addition to the flavor. We were all stuffed by the end of the meal and no scraps went back to the kitchen. Our host and server was delightful. Friendly and willing to chat, stopping by as if on cue when needed, and not lingering when not needed. Perfectly balanced service. The deliveries to the table were timely and in very good order. The wine was an excellent match with the food choices, not easy to achieve with a substantial wine menu which they have. The 'mocktail' was right in line for a 'foodie' celebrating an 18th birthday. I will most definitely recommend this gem to everyone that will listen and look forward to our return in warmer weather to experience the extensive outdoor dining space carved from the hillside above. Magnus on the water wins with this reviewer. Many thanks. read more

Fantastic meal in the delightful little space. Superb service. Limited menu is the only drawback. Duck confit was excellent, as was the clam toast. Highly recommend. read more

I had the perfect solo dinner at the bar here. A glass of wine with the piparra peppers and swordfish. The swordfish was next level. Staff were friendly and attentive, highly recommend it here to treat yourself. read more

Food was delicious, but the portions are very, very small, and the prices are very high. You will love the fish dishes. I wish there were more vegetables on the menu. But my partner will not go back because he left hungry. read more

My wife and I have been coming on a regular basis to Magnus for the past 2-3 months. Regular means once a week. We obviously like the place a lot. The drinks are first rate - they take a lot of care in the preparation of the drinks - look carefully at the ice cubes and you will see what I mean. The food is far above what people usually think of as bar food. The preparation and quality of the ingredients is first class. The service from the wait staff and the bartenders is excellent. Definitely one of the best restaurants (and bars) in Biddeford. Don M Michaels read more

Loved Magnus so much I can't wait to go back for dinner! My friend and I got a couple appetizers to share, the tuna crudo, and a special that was an experiment from the chef, both were fabulous! The chefs skill and knowledge is clearly reflected in the food, very creative and delicious flavors; it was such a treat! I'm sure dinner would be incredible just based on the attention to detail in the appetizers. I wish I got pictures because the plating was beautiful as well. Our bartender was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, THE best espresso martini we've ever had (and we've had quite a few) we'd go back just for that lol. Ambiance was great, we sat at the bar. Next time I'd love to sit outside by the fire pits it's so beautiful at night with the lights, such a cozy elegant comfortable vibe. Very clean and you can tell so much thought went into every detail of the interior space. Thank you again! can't wait to come back read more

Really cute outdoor patio, surrounded by pink flamingoes, heat lamps, and 90s hip hop beats. They're taking a lot of safety precautions by spacing out the tables, but the whole experience leaves a lot to be desired. On a scale from 1-5: - Food: 3 - Ambiance: 4 - Service: 1 The entire menu is available with a scan of a QR code at your table, which is a nice touch. But the rest of the night just made me think I should've just ordered takeout. I definitely understand the need to keep everything as contactless as possible given the circumstances, but everything is served on disposable plating, which they then tell you to throw away yourself. You are told to pick up your own food, bring it to your table, and if you have any issues with your food, you then have to search for someone to complain to -- half the time there's nobody in sight. It's expensive dining prices for a very cafeteria-like experience. Eating out for sure is different now, and precautions are merited. But I think the whole experience would have felt warmer, more palatable with just a few of the traditional touches to eating out: - Check on your table. You can still be distanced, wearing a mask. But ask your patrons if their food is ok or if they need anything. I wouldn't ignore guests in my own home, you certainly shouldn't ignore your guests in a place of business. - Don't make your guests throw away and clean their own tables. We tipped of course, but why? We had to run inside to beg for a plate, or a cup. It was like Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego? with any type of service at all. - Listen to your customers' concerns. Be nice. When we had a question about our food and thought a plate hadn't come out, the hostess was combative and didn't even want to listen to us. Overall, the food was ok. Brussel sprouts were amazing, carnitas tacos average, mackerel toast meh. It's the kind of world where we have to be as cautious with sanitation and distancing as possible, but I'm still a big believer that simple small touches can make a dining experience feel warm, inviting, and some semblance of what we were used to when going out to eat. Take note, you'll probably get better service at home... read more

We were blown away by this gem of a restaurant in Biddeford. The small plate style allowed us to enjoy a range of flavor profiles presented in delightfully unique ways. The cocktail menu matched the food in its creativity. We can't wait to return! read more

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Random stop for dinner on a Saturday night while passing through. Small menu, nice ambiance, very good food.