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Cafe Magnolia Reviews List
Cafe Magnolia
Cafe Magnolia offers a casual, intimate, but contemporary dining experience. Stringent standards of excellence in service, food presentation, and quality ingredients, married with delicious innovative and traditional cuisine concepts, complete the dining experience.
This winning combination earned the attention from readers of the Patriot News when they voted Cafe Magnolia "Best New Restaurant" in 2003. Awards have also been received from Central PA Magazine, Harrisburg Magazine, and The Carlise Sentinel.
See more Cafe Magnolia details
66 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 66 reviews
5 stars
(35)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(40)
- fit for foodies(32)
- special occasion(25)
- great for lunch(18)
- good for groups(15)
- romantic(14)
Cafe Magnolia Reviews List
Review 1 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were disappointed in both our entrees lack flavor . Salads are very good."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dinner with frinds
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was wonderful!! One of my friends had the petite filet and grilled lobster tail, the meat was very tough for filet of beef. I would not recommend this choice. This will not stop us from returning to this fine restaurant :)"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 3 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Can't believe this was the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Can't believe this was the first time. We will definitely return again soon."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Hidden Secret!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is awesome, I always thought they just had sandwiches and then one of our friends took us to dinner there. We love it and have been back many times since!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went for dinner on a week
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for dinner on a week night with a friend whom I had not seen for quite a while so we had a lot of catching up to do. The waitress was attentive but not intrusive and we did not feel rushed. We had a lovely evening and the food (as always) was terrific."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Relaxing atmosphere: We enjoyed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Relaxing atmosphere: We enjoyed all of our meals. The menu has a very nice diverse selection of food."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great evening with friends
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had three couples and it was very relaxed, the food and service were excellent. We had good conversation in a quiet atmosphere. They gave us separate bills with no hassle."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Go here!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love the wide ranging menu from top shelf items to simple fresh salads. Everything is fresh and prepared in house-no factory food here! We had 2 kids with us, and the staff was great(so were the kids). We ordered brisket-no need for a knife, the steak sandwich was tender, I had Jess's favorite salad--and now it us mine too. Desserts are made in-house... Good coffee... Fantastic evening for our group. Looking forward to arm weather and cafe seating!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I've like the food every time
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've like the food every time I've been there, altho my dining partner thought hers was bland this time. Service has always been excellant. The main room is too nosy. I prefer the small prch area."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2013
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Review 10 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Change the map link!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Good food at a reasonable price. The staff were quite accommodating, given BYOB status and that we also brought our own dessert! Thank you for a good birthday celebration for a party of four!
The one negative was the fault of Open-Table, rather than the restaurant; the OT reservation on iPhone worked well except that the map link was to some place completely unrelated, and about 10 miles from the restaurant.
Staff were helpful over the phone. Once we actually got to the correct location we had a very good dining experience."
The one negative was the fault of Open-Table, rather than the restaurant; the OT reservation on iPhone worked well except that the map link was to some place completely unrelated, and about 10 miles from the restaurant.
Staff were helpful over the phone. Once we actually got to the correct location we had a very good dining experience."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice meal but seating was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice meal but seating was tight."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a delightful experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a delightful experience. Our waitress was friendly and helpful and our food was presented beautifully and in a timely manner.I have eaten at your restaurant several times and have always had a pleasant experience. I will be back again and I will always recommend your establishment."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A very nice menu. Hard to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A very nice menu. Hard to decide what to get. Portions good size. Friends had crab cakes which they loved. My steak sandwich was very tasty."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 14 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was great! I only
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was great! I only wish there was some music playing....it was a little too quiet."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
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Review 15 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food is unique and excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is unique and excellent"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Local Place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Cafe Magnolia is a great local place. We love to go there for a nice date night or celebratory dinner. We have always had excellent service and the quality of food is great. There menu offers something for everyone. We highly recommend."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have eaten at this restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have eaten at this restaurant many times. You can't beat their lobster mac n cheese. I also love the magnolia wrap at lunch, which is served with a tasty pasta salad. This time I had the steak and lobster. My SO had the salmon and lobster bisque. He loved the lobster bisque - the best he had had anywhere! My lobster was not great,but the steak was very good. It was served with asparagus and smashed potatoes. The potatoes were lacking salt and were not very flavorful even when I added it. The salmon was served with a delicious risotto and asparagus. Good place to eat!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Heaven.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"I was alerted by email of your 10th anniversary celebration and called my old boss Susan who is another huge Magnolia fan to see if she wanted to share the experience. It was a surreal experience. Our waiter Geno can banter,flirt,answer menu questions,put the food on the table and do it all while seeming to dance!No kidding!The strawberry coconut salad was inspired. Taste,texture and aroma. Tempted to order another salad and skip the entree. Steak and Tail was perfect.Lumpy potaotoes with mushrooms and truffle sauce plus asaparagu spears complemented the meats to a tee. Lime citronella ice desert. Yes, yes, YES!!!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 19 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We came to celebrate two
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We came to celebrate two birthdays. The starter salads were good, especially the strawberry salad (there is an up charge for that option). The rolls were crusty and seemed quite stale. The key west scallops were sensational but my husbands NY strip was tough. My guess is that he just got a grisly piece of meat because the other entrees at our table were delicious. Although the steak was disappointing, especially with the price we paid, I would still tecommend Cafe Magnolia if you haven't tried it. It is a BYOB which allowed us to bring champagne to make the night even more special. Service was great and the noise level was manageable. Tiramisu dessert was light and creamy."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was excellent, the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was excellent, the noise level and crowded seating made the overall experience just fair."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
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Review 21 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was My first visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"This was My first visit to this restaurant and I have to tell You what a Great Find.I acually live a hour away, but My girlfriend works close to this restaurant.After reviewing the menu online I knew this would be something that she would like.Our visit was on Valentines Day and it turned out to be one of the greatest valentines dinners that we have ever had. We can not wait to go back and try some different things from the menu. Thanks so much."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best restaurant in Central
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Best restaurant in Central PA, wish we found it sooner."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We always enjoy dining at Cafe Magnolia. It is a wonderful tranquil setting with a deck for summer outdoor dining. The restaurant is BYOB. The food is always fantastic. Weekend specials, especially the steaks, are extraordinary. The staff prides itself on providing great service and they are friendly and accommodating."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Quaint, friendly, local restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Quaint, friendly, local restaurant with very good food. BYOB policy keeps dining cost reasonable if you like a glass of wine with dinner."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good food at reasonable prices
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice local Restaurant with Good food. I had the Sheepshead (a fish) special and it was very good. However as I used to spearfish for sheepshead, it didn't taste quite like I was expecting. It was very good but not great. The other entrees in our party of 4 were cooked the way the diners like them and they praised the taste. Reservations are a must. It is a bright spot in the bleak Harrisburg area dining scene."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Cafe Magnolia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Magnolia is a local restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"Magnolia is a local restaurant for me but it has been quite a while since I have been there. I was pleasantly surprised at the experience. There were completely new dishes on the menu and the prices were very reasonable (NY strip w/coconut shrimp-$24 and all meals come with soup or salad and a starch). There were 4 of us in our party and we were all very satisfied. BYOB is a real plus for me as well and I love that we can now make reservations there through open table."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2012
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Cafe Magnolia
Based on the average of (40) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic