Magnus on Water is a globally acclaimed 1 PIN (Awarded by The Pinnacle Bar in 2024) bar and restaurant that features Peruvian-inspired comfort food from Chef Rafael Zimmerman. Bar Director Brian Catapang helms the celebrated cocktail program at Magnus, with rotating, seasonal drinks to compliment the colorful flavors of Raf’s food. Sustainability is paramount to us, and we work with farmers & fisherman who are respectful of Mother Earth, while working diligently to minimize waste.
Our space is polished, but still intimate and cozy, and in the summer Magnus on Water has a large outdoor patio, complete with gardens and fire pits. A private dining room is available for large parties and for full or partial event rentals.
Kimberly Bertrand
Magnus on Water is an absolute gem. We stumbled upon this spot while staying at The Lincoln Hotel. We booked seats at the bar – though the patio looked especially inviting on a crisp fall evening – and had the pleasure of chatting with co-owner Cat (ask him why it’s called Magnus on Water), JB (his Southern boy name!) & Isabella (who donated a very cool nutmeg grinder from her Granny’s closet).
The cocktail program is top-tier …if brown liquor is your thing, don’t miss the Stiletto & the Oob Fashion. The food is creative, thoughtful, & full of flavor. Standouts for us were the Amberjack Tiradito and the Corn Huancaína. And whatever you do, save room for the chocolate cake …it’s unmissable.
Service and food were both 10/10. If we lived nearby, this would be a regular in our rotation.
… moremarissa masse
Seriously one of the best meals my husband and I have had in a while. The cocktails were creative and delicious and the food was phenomenal. My steak was cooked absolutely perfect. It’s a little pricy, but it is so worth it. My husband and I got 4 cocktails, 2 entrees, and 2 starters for around $150. The staff is so knowledgeable and kind and the outdoor seating is especially beautiful. We live in RI and we already plan on going back next summer. The cucumber salad is to die for. Get it. I mean it.
… moreIzzy Defrancesco
Truly one of the best dining experiences we’ve had. The service and atmosphere is amazing, the cocktails are unreal and the quality is unmatched. A unique menu and experience you won’t forget. Sit at the bar for a fun evening !!
… moreKathy D
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 disappointed.
… moreGeoffrey Bove
We were so impressed with everything here. From our greeting host to our bartenders and servers, perfect. The drinks were amazing, like everyone states. And the food – carefully and artfully prepared and presented, but I would have been as impressed if I could not have seen it.
… moreUchizi Phakati
Magnus on Water is a standout dining experience that truly elevates what’s possible in a small town. From the moment you walk in, the warm and stylish interior sets the tone, sophisticated yet inviting. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between upscale and relaxed, making it ideal for a special night out or just an evening to treat yourself.
The customer service is impeccable; attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. Every dish we tried was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious, with clear attention to detail and quality ingredients. It’s clear that the team here cares deeply about both the food and the overall experience.
Magnus on Water is a gem, and we’re lucky to have it in town. Already looking forward to our next visit!
… moreJ C
I’m overdue in writing a review. I’ve been coming to Magnus regularly since summer 2021, and the program has only improved over time (which is difficult to do given what a stellar start they had!).
I love the move to Peruvian inspired food menus, and of course, Cat’s bar program is the best in New England, and I would even argue on the east coast. The staff are always attentive and friendly, bringing a very local, unpretentious charm to the experience. Love coming back when I’m in the area.
… moreJohn Chang
BEST cocktails we have ever had. One of the owners was a bartender and makes the cocktails himself, and the whole bar team works together for inspiration of their cocktails. A must try!
Food was on the expensive side but good!
… moreCourtney Yeager
This was our second time visiting, and we were again blown out of the water (no pun intended) by their creative menu, knowledgeable staff, and stellar service. We feel like this restaurant exceeds expectations and beats most restaurants in Portland. Even with a dietary restriction (gluten-free), I felt like I had so many options to choose from—and a tough time making decisions. The chocolate cake with the quinoa crunchies on top was divine. Can’t recommend this spot enough!
… moreShawn Kumar
This place is a hidden gem in Biddeford. They are already on the map due to the James Beard nomination and well deserved. The drinks were extremely high caliber. I had 3 different types of old fashions and each was better than the next. They put a lot of effort and though into each cocktail and it shows. The drinks are inventive, well balanced, strong and subtle, and displayed very elegantly. I’d definitely go back
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