Magna Kainan

Review summary

1. JT

   JenTos

   Denver3 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   The place is fine, but everything about it feels like it's trying too hard. Our server was over the top effusive, and while I really appreciate good service and attentiveness, this was disingenuous and borderline obnoxious. No amount of trendy dishware will make up for the over-priced food; far too common in this Globeville/RiNo neighborhood. The salmon and lamb were tasty, but we don't need to go back.
   

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2. L

   Laurie VIP

   Denver28 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Ate here during restaurant week. It was quite tasty and different from other cuisines in Denver. The drinks are very creative and pleasant to look at. We ate at the Chef's Counter - the best way to watch and learn and enjoy your meal. Everything we had was quite good - pork fried rice, salmon, a skewer of chicken, lamb in a hearty sauce, pork belly, cabbage, the rolls with 2 different butters and the egg cake for dessert. Attractive restaurant and not too loud; it's definitely worth trying to see if you enjoy Filipino food. We're likely to bring friends next time we go back.
   

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3. C

   Crystal VIP

   Las Vegas8 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was okay - some dishes were way better than others. The fish was undercooked on my second course, but the sauce and the crisp on it was DIVINE. They really lost us with the poor service. We waited a very long time for our entrees and tables that sat after us got their food first. In my opinion, the whole situation should’ve been handled better which I honestly think is a poor training issue with their staff. Now they DID comp our drinks which was super nice and we do appreciate it but we probably won’t be back. Which is a shame because I really wanted to like it!
   

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Denver1 review

   3.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 2

   We were seated in the back room, and if they try to put you there, I’d recommend saying no! The acoustics were pretty bad, making it quite loud, it was hard to hear each other. That said, the food was good, and the service was great!
   

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5. S

   Susan

   Denver1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 9, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was delicious and unique. The drinks also were beautiful to look at and again unique. In spite of the chaos of Restaurant Week, the service was friendly and prompt. We highly recommend this restaurant. The only request: turn down the music a little.
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York City2 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on March 9, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   We recently dined at Magng Kainan during Restaurant Week, and overall, it was a mixed experience. The ambience was really nice—warm and inviting, making for a pleasant dining atmosphere. We opted for the Restaurant Week menu, which featured some items not available on the regular menu. The skewer appetizers were a highlight—charred beautifully and packed with flavor. However, the main dishes were a bit of a letdown. The lechon belly lacked seasoning, though the accompanying sauce helped elevate it. The lamb caldereta, while well-cooked and flavorful, was overpowered by the taste of olives—rather than feeling like a creative twist, it seemed more like an oversight. When I mentioned this to our server, there was no effort to address it, which was disappointing. Service-wise, I wasn’t impressed. The staff simply placed the dishes in front of us without any explanation, leaving us to refer back to the menu to understand the components of our meal. Additionally, I had noted in the reservation that I was celebrating my birthday, but there was no acknowledgment of it at all—not even a simple "Happy Birthday" from the staff. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it did feel like a missed opportunity to make the experience more special. The saving grace of the night was the bibingka for dessert—easily the standout dish! It was served individually, cooked in a banana leaf with a wonderful charred flavor. However, I later noticed that on subsequent days, they switched to baking it in a sheet pan and cutting it into squares. While that might be more efficient, I personally preferred the original presentation. This dessert deserves a spot on their regular menu! Overall, while some dishes fell short and service could be improved, I’d still be open to giving Magna Kainan another try.
   

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7. d

   denverfoodie

   Denver1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was outstanding, unique flavors with varied ingredients. Loved it!
   

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8. C

   Clare

   Denver1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Really impressed. A comfortably casual, yet exciting atmosphere. The portions were generous. The lumpia, adobo fried rice, inasal chicken and pandesal were all perfect. Cannot wait to come back!
   

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9. K

   Kate

   Denver1 review

   4.0

   Dined on March 8, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Overall, it was a good experience. We had the kordero, lumpia shanghai, tokwa, adobo fried rice, and and the kare-kare. Our favorites were the lumpia shanghai, tokwa, and kordero. The kare-kare was a bit of a let down. It was missing something - salt or spice but was a flat way to end the meal.
   

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10. W

    Whitney VIP

    Denver6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    This place is so special! Our server was really knowledgeable and helpful guiding us through the menu, the n/a drinks are just as fabulous as the cocktails, and the food is exciting yet familiar, and so comforting and delicious. I will be back!
    

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