Magdalena, A Maryland Bistro: A Story of Legacy and Local Flavor

Tucked inside The Ivy Hotel, in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon, Magdalena is more than a restaurant. It’s a tribute—one that blends personal history, local pride, and culinary artistry into something uniquely Maryland.

The name Magdalena carries weight. It comes from our Mr. Eddie Brown’s late grandmother, a woman whose strength, grace, and love for family inspired him to dedicate a part of The Ivy to her legacy. In naming the restaurant after her, he paid homage to the past while creating something beautiful for the present—a space that feels personal, meaningful, and enduring.

Today, Magdalena brings that same intention to every plate. With European elegance and deep Maryland roots, the restaurant has evolved into a celebration of the region’s bounty, culture, and character. From the Eastern Shore to the farms of Western Maryland, the flavors found here tell a story worth savoring.

Led by Chef Scott Bacon, the kitchen draws from classic French techniques, Maryland heritage, and the chef’s own British and Southern roots to create refined, soulful dishes full of personality. Think delicate riffs on iconic local flavors—such as spring peas or stone fruit—presented in ways that feel both comforting and elevated.

The menu is designed to offer a wide range of experiences: a drawn-out, luxurious evening with wine pairings from our award-winning list, or a laid-back dinner of shared small plates in the garden courtyard. It’s food that meets you where you are, and invites you to linger.

But it’s not just the food that makes Magdalena special. The restaurant has undergone a quiet transformation—updated interiors that feel fresh yet familiar, with soft textures and natural tones that blend seamlessly with our ivy-covered courtyard. There’s a renewed sense of warmth and welcome, whether you're coming in from out of town or just around the corner.

And while the bistro has grown and changed, some things remain unchanged: the name, the heart behind it, and the commitment to offering something memorable to Baltimore. At a time when less than 2% of hotels in the U.S. are Black-owned, The Ivy Hotel and Magdalena stand as a proud exception—beautifully built, locally led, and fully rooted in purpose.

And while you won’t find one of our Golden Ticket prizes hidden inside the bistro, let’s just say… if you take a short stroll through Mount Vernon and keep an eye out for historic buildings not unlike our own, you might just uncover something golden this week.