Magdalena

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Maryland Bistro Rooted in the Chesapeake

Magdalena occupies a quietly distinguished address inside The Ivy Hotel on East Biddle Street, where the kitchen's guiding philosophy is as straightforward as it is demanding: source close to home, cook from scratch, and let the seasons lead. The menu draws on the rich bounty of the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic farmland, with relationships between the kitchen and local farmers and purveyors sitting at the heart of everything on the plate.

The result is a bistro menu that shifts with genuine intention. Starters might include Dressed Local Oysters with cucumber mignonette and pickled chilis, or Black Trumpet & Farmer's Cheese "Dumplings" finished with truffle sorghum butter and Lancaster Manchego. Among the entrees, Tilghman Island Blue Catfish arrives with Sea Island peas and preserved tomato vinaigrette, while a Harissa Glazed Lamb Loin is balanced by pistachio tapenade and date ketchup. Chef Josi's house-made bread of the moment — offered for the table alongside seasonal butter — signals the kitchen's commitment to craft at every level.

The Drinks Program

Magdalena's wine list earned a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, a recognition that reflects both the depth of the cellar and the team's genuine enthusiasm for sharing it. The private Wine Cellar dining space, available for up to thirteen guests, allows diners to choose from a selection of 100-point wines to accompany a personalized menu — an experience that sits comfortably at the intersection of education and indulgence. After-dinner sips extend to a thoughtfully assembled Madeira flight and a range of dessert wines spanning Sauternes to Vin Santo.

The cocktail program, led by Max Burge, takes an equally considered approach. A "Hollywood in Baltimore" series pays homage to films shot in the city — think a Bacon Fat Washed Aspen Vodka espresso drink inspired by Barry Levinson's Diner, or a mezcal cocktail named for The Sum of All Fears — while modern classics and a full mocktail menu round out the offering. Hyper-seasonal fruits, rare spirits, and small-batch concoctions give every drink a clear point of view.

Private Dining and Atmosphere

Five distinct private spaces make Magdalena a natural choice for intimate gatherings and larger celebrations alike. The Garden Room overlooks The Ivy's walled courtyard; the Treasury offers a more romantic setting; the Tasting Room is designed around the restaurant's curated whiskey collection. Each space comes with a dedicated team and a bespoke menu built around locally inspired cuisine — the same from-scratch bistro cooking available in the main dining room, tailored to the occasion.