MagdalenGreat non-pretentious restaurantThis place serves great tasting food in a non-pretentious way. It's a small restaurant with a family run feel. The tables are mostly well spaced and although the service was a little slow at times, the meal we enjoyed, all 3 courses were excellent. The food quality was very good and I believe they source local ingredients where possible. This place is great for business meals or special occasions. It's not cheap, but you can see what you are paying for on the plate. The food is beautifully presented and all the tastes have been thought through and work well together. The evening I went, there were may fish dishes on the menu and not a lot of meat choices to be honest, but they do have a daily special too. I'd definitely go back13/06/2013 00:00:00Twice bittenThis was the second time we had gone to Magdalen and, given our first meal there we were always confident that it would be a good, if not better. We had our favoured Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc. This was one of the wines you could get by the carafe last time, this time we needed to get the bottle, which was the only negative. Superb starters (Brown crab on toast was wonderful), shared veal main, ok desserts. But still our favourite restaurant in the area. Also 20% off because we visited the Shard beforehand.13/06/2013 00:00:00We'll be back!Food - amazing ingredients used and cooking was inventive and clever. I had the Devon Crab Mayonnaise to start, Duck Leg Confit with lentils and rainbow chard as my main and French Toast to end. And I want to eat it all over again!
Wine - excellent selection and good value as well.
Ambience - Clean lines and quite minimalist, but did not lack soul.
Service - cannot fault it. We were looked after so well and they even wrote 'Happy Birthday' on my wife's desert plate. Nice touch.
We are booking another dinner there next month!08/06/2013 00:00:00Good food close to More London PlceLittle noisy next to the bar by the front window (coffee machine etc). Excellent fish soup, if a little small.05/06/2013 00:00:00Great Night at MagdalenWelcomed as soon as we entered, we were quickly served by attentive staff. Although busy, the ambiance was very relaxing, adding to the enjoyment. I particularly enjoyed my Cornish Hake, served with a delicious borlotti bean stew, while my friend was highly complimentary of the Braised Kid. Although very busy, the staff were always helpful & prompt. All in all, an enjoyable evening with great food.01/06/2013 00:00:00Each time we have been thereEach time we have been there the staff have been exemplary and the food excellent31/05/2013 00:00:00reliable and goodI have eaten here several times now and have always found the food very good; as have all my companions. The seasonal options are excellent. Wine list is varied and interesting. Staff friendly and professional.25/05/2013 00:00:00Excellent food even rememberedExcellent food even remembered it was our anniversary would recommend to any one25/05/2013 00:00:00Cosy/formal British foodFine British dining at this restaurant on Tooley Street. Fantastic meat and game, as well as great pies. A must if you're in the London Bridge vicinity.24/05/2013 00:00:00a very professional but relaxeda very professional but relaxed restaurant, superb ingredients very competently cooked22/05/2013 00:00:00Very solid indeedCooking is of high quality, service attentive and pleasantly unpretentious. It may feel a bit utilitarian, though.17/05/2013 00:00:00A great spot in South LondonI had dinner at Magdalen Friday night with a friend and had been wanting to try this spot for ages. I sometimes struggle to find a place near London Bridge that is good value, quality food, and relatively easy to get a booking. Magdalen did not disappoint and will become a regular staple for me. Lovely flavours and interesting dishes, very good service which is attentive without being patronizing, and a lovely atmosphere. Definitely recommend!10/05/2013 00:00:00Highly recommended.The dining experience at Magdalen is always of the highest quality - one if my favourite restaurants in London. The staff are friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The menu changes frequently but is always interesting.....great combination of tastes and textures. Good wine list and great atmosphere.10/05/2013 00:00:00Magdalen - London BridgeDinner at the Magdalen was nice. I had the hock salad to start; I found the mustard dressing a little overpowering, but my partner loved it. The cuttlefish starter was very good - lots of flavour and a good meaty taste. We both had the hake for main, which I would highly recommend. Flaky and perfectly cooked. The beans providing a nice crunch to complement the softness of the fish. Service was a little rushed and intermittent, as there was only one waitress serving the whole of the upper restaurant. Cost was about £130 for two (3 courses each) with wine and service so reasonable value. The venue itself is well presented, creating a nice atmosphere. It should be noted that tables are close together, but it did not bother us.10/05/2013 00:00:00Magdalen is one of my favouriteMagdalen is one of my favourite venues near London Bridge. Food is great and excellent wine list, well priced.07/05/2013 00:00:00Classy, original and tasty.Overall we had a very good time at Magdalen restaurant. It is beautifully decorated - understated yet warmly charming. The sense of luxury created by the classy decor is slightly undermined by the paper tablecothes, however. The menu was really interesting - a lot of unusual things that I have never tried, including pig's head! This made a delicious starter. The main course we had of veal and rabbit were delicious and just the right size. One side of herb fried potatos was easily enough to share. The puddings were also lovely. Service was friendly without being overly fussy. A decent first experience here - I would certainly come back.03/05/2013 00:00:00Awkward QuartetLunch for a group of four, one a vegetarian, another who does not eat fish, Magdalen catered for all our needs, with the food, portions and service all very good. With free water on the table, which is always appreciated, the total bill came to £174 including a £36 bottle of wine and the 12.5% service charge, which for central London is good value at under £45 per head.01/05/2013 00:00:00Excellent food and atmosphereA really lovely restaurant, smart and well presented without being at all pretentious. Excellent food, all the dishes had an interesting twist to them and simple things e.g. broccoli and egg starter was clever and tasty with its anchovy based sauce. Really recommend!27/04/2013 00:00:00Great little restaurantI went here for a quick dinner with my mother. The food was lovely and the service attentive without being intrusive. I am looking forward to returning when I am not in such a rush.24/04/2013 00:00:00Understatingly fabulous. MagdalenUnderstatingly fabulous. Magdalen has a neighbourhood restaurant feel about it, with little fuss and great atmosphere, and very reasonably priced. The food is superb, with classic french fare cooked to perfection; the rabbit was the best I've had, almost pink and so tender. The fish in the stew was so tasty albeit just a tad overcooked (probably from its way from the kitchen to our table) but thats just nit--picking. Will definately be returning, repeatedly.18/04/2013 00:00:00seasonal and british at its bestThis place does really amazing food which is at its best with meaty fayre but also does ses food really well. The wine list was good and has even has improved.17/04/2013 00:00:00Birthday treatWe had been for a birthday celebration to the Shard/View and I googled to find near by restaurants for a meal after. The restaurant was a real treat and we enjoyed being able to eat really good food in a quiet atmosphere with some excellent wine. Thank you13/04/2013 00:00:00as usual good variety of food,as usual good variety of food, well cooked and presented. Good cheerful service in freindly relaxed amtoshpere and at resonable prices for London. Always a pleasure t odine at thsi restuarant09/04/2013 00:00:00Great venue for special occasions,Great venue for special occasions, ideal for couples. Service was great, food very well presented and tasty. But if you're not a foodie that is not the place for you.06/04/2013 00:00:00British food served brilliantlyMagdalen is a lovely welcoming restaurant. The staff are very attentive without over-doing it. The interior decor is very classy and confortable. Our food was lovely - high end but classic British fare. The prices are a little higher than we would normally pay but really worth it for such quality. We had a lovely evening and cold fault anything in the experience.04/04/2013 00:00:00Top DrawerA nice romantic table for two. Service impeccable, friendly, efficient, knowledgeable but discreet. Amazing wine list.
Started with Lamd Tongue with a soft fried egg. Served in a rustic frying pan. Amazing taste. Pigs Cheek for Main on Celeriac Pure and fried Italian leaf. Side of cabbage. All perfectly cooked. A nice light dessert of the salted caramel chocolates (Posh Rolo's). Food amazing, setting devine, service perfect. I will return........03/04/2013 00:00:00FabulousMy third visit and Magdalen never disappoints. Delicious food, helpful, friendly staff.02/04/2013 00:00:00The service was quite slow,The service was quite slow, but the food was good.
Thanks!28/03/2013 00:00:00Delicious as always!I am never disappointed by the food here. The menu is always different and exciting, and the food is delicious. I can never resist having a full 3-course meal, plus the warm salted caramels. It can be noisy if it is busy as the restaurant has wooden floors and high ceilings, but that does not detract from the experience. It is not the cheapest restaurant but it is well worth the extra money.26/03/2013 00:00:00Celebration LunchGood venue. Food and service excellent. Would recommend it to everyone. What a wonderful find !15/03/2013 00:00:00Could be in ParisWe had the fixed lunch, an excellent combination which reminded us of these small restaurants you find in Paris. Readers should look at Jay Rayner's review of 2007 - he cites Adam Platt of the New York Nagazine who describes this type of cuisine as 'haute barnyard' which you can also get at St John in Clerkenwell. I'm still undecided about this cuisine in general but specifically the dishes I had ( Brandade of salt cod and garlic followed by Venison with Polenta were very hearty and filling for a cold day in March ). The pudding - Tarte Tatin cooked for two - was large and beautifully burned ( i.e. caramelised) , just the way I like it.
All washed down with a red which was soft and very drinkable, but I can't remember what it was.13/03/2013 00:00:00Nice food with a soothing ambienceI have been to this restaurant twice now and I have not been disappointed by the standard of their service or food quality. Definitely one that I would return to again in the future.09/03/2013 00:00:00Marvelous Magdalen!A super restaurant in easy walking distance of London Bridge. We have been several times before for special occasions and went back there this time after a 3 year gap. The food is perfect although some of the dishes on the menu have not changed - maybe this is because they are 'favourites'. We were quite happy to have some of the old 'favourites' but it does discourage more frequent repeat visits as we would like to try out more different dishes on a regularly changing menu. The service cannot be faulted and the ambience was just right for us - busy, cosy, quiet but not too quiet, friendly yet discreet! It is expensive but worth it for a special occasion!09/03/2013 00:00:00honest and unpretentiousWe went to Magdalen for an anniversary slap-up dinner, and were not disappointed. Excellent seasonal menu with unfussy food. Well selected ingredients cooked fairly simply to allow them to do their own thing. No fripperies and nothing hiding behind rich sauces or daring presentation. Everything we ordered was delicious. The service was discreet and the waiter knew what he was talking about and recommended a very appropriate wine within our budget. We'll be going again, without question.08/03/2013 00:00:00Excellent experienceAn excellent evening: the cuttlefish and the fish and clam stew deserve special mention. The service was excellent. An interesting menu and a very enjoyable night out.07/03/2013 00:00:00Great foodThis was my first time Magdalen after recommendations! It was good food and service. Lovely neighbourhood restaurant which serves seasonal and very tasty food. I recommend this 100%!!02/03/2013 00:00:00Delicious food for very reasonableDelicious food for very reasonable prices. Service was also very good. Highly recommended.02/03/2013 00:00:00Great evening with friendsLovely atmosphere, fantastic menu (not your everyday typical cuisine - something a little bit special), fine wine and overall a very enjoyable experience.22/02/2013 00:00:00magelen - a must!a warm inviting atmosphere. i didnt know the area at all and was welcomed in with a smile. the food hot, delicicious and perfectly sized portions. the atmosphere buzzing with the tables spread out enough to have an intimate meal plus one could hear when talking! The service constant, on the case yet gave you space. i truly was impressed with the whole evening and would highly recommend.19/02/2013 00:00:00Fantastic foodThis is one of our regular eating places and never let's you down16/02/2013 00:00:00Classic SpecialsA truly outstanding venue - faultless service and amazing food at reasonable prices. A classic lunch venue near Tower Bridge but more for suits than casual dressed dinners. Highly recommended.08/02/2013 00:00:00Just love it, took a friendJust love it, took a friend and it was her first time, in her words "absolutely superb food and service" and why have I not been before?!!.07/02/2013 00:00:00Fantastic dining experienceI have been coming to this restaurant for the last 5 years and it never fails to disappoint. The food is amazing! It's gastro / gormet dining without breaking the bank. Fantastic for evening out with friends or business lunch. I've recently had a baby and have realised it's child friendly too. Well worth a visit!!06/02/2013 00:00:00consistently excellentthere is very rarely a mistake or careless error from this kitchen unlike some better names.02/02/2013 00:00:00Highly recommendedHaving walked past Magdalen on several occasions it is a place that I always wanted to try, and a recent evening of meeting my girlfriends parents provided the perfect opportunity. The menu offers an adventurous mix of dishes which, based on what the four of us were able to sample, were all very well executed. Coupled with a wine list that provided something for all tastes and budgets, Magdalen was the perfect choice and is somewhere that I will definitely be going back to.29/01/2013 16:00:00Just as good as everI love Magdalen for the combination of a really warm yet elegant ambiance and the excellent food. The menu is full of things I want to eat and always has a mix of the more familiar and more adventurous. The service was attentive without being intrusive and when one of our party decided her venison was just a bit too rare for her it was taken away and brought back to her taste without a flicker of hesitation. I go to Magdalen with friends who I want to talk to over a fine meal in an unhurried and welcoming environment, and it hasn't disappointed yet.18/01/2013 16:00:00Direct your feet to Tooley StreetMagdalen is the sort of place you want to return to, again and again It delivers cuisine that is inventive yet confident and tasty.
The food at Magdalen is the attraction, with my wife's grilled squid and my starter both packed with flavour and the pheasant pie really satisfying a mid-winter need for substance but still not overbearing. The wine list is very good and the carafes are a great idea.
The atmosphere is cosy, welcoming and quietly elegant.
Lastly, the service is extremely professional and, where it counted (my wife asked for a variation in her order) it didn't let us down.
For the quality offered, less than £ 60 a head for dinner (starters, mains, wine and aperitif) is quite decent value, in London.16/01/2013 00:00:00Wonderful cooking and greatWonderful cooking and great service. We had the lunchtime special which was both delicious and excellent value. Magdalen will be on my 'recommended' list from now on!15/01/2013 16:00:00Truly Magical restaurantWe ate at Magdalen after a firm recommendation from a 'foodie' friend. It didnt let him down; the food was stunning, atmosphere lovely and cosy, and wonderful, attentive staff, who made it all look easy, but whilst making the whole evening a joy! If only more restaurants followed this lead. We will be back!13/01/2013 16:00:00Excellent serviceThe staff were really great - very warm and helpful but not overbearing. The food was excellent - esp for those who like meat and game. Wines were well priced and the two Riojas (white and red) we chose were great. It was dark and romantic without it being hard to see the food! At the beginning of the evening it seemed a little quiet but the restaurant was full by the end. Intimate but not whispery, not so quiet you feel embarrassed to laugh out loud. Highlights were the fish stew which was served in a pan you could help yourself from at the table. The Tamworth was excellent too. Cheeses were great and sourced from the market nearby (Borough). Not a huge menu - which is always a good thing.19/12/2012 16:00:00