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Magna Kainan, Denver, CO

Magna Kainan

4.5
4.5
102 Reviews
$31 to $50
Filipino

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 26 times today
  • Lively
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
Magna Kainan is the passion project of Chef Carlo Lamagna, Food & Wine’s 2021 Best New Chef and 2022 James Beard finalist and Chef Max Mackissock (Michelin recommended A5 Steakhouse and Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded Ash’Kara). Kainan, which means “eatery” in Tagalog, will be a refined, woodfired approach to Filipino comfort food..
At Magna Kainan, just like our sister restaurant in Portland, Oregon, Magna Kusina, our mission is to share the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Filipino cuisine and culture through a contemporary lens. Whether you’re new to our culinary heritage or a longtime fan, we aim to create an experience that resonates deeply and sparks joy and connection.
We believe in the power of food to bring people together. Our doors are open to everyone, and we look forward to creating a space where great meals, creative cocktails and a warm, welcoming ambiance unite us all. As we say in our family, “Mangan tayon!”—Let’s Eat!

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Filipino, Asian
  • Hours of Operation
    Happy Hour Daily 16:00–17:00 Fri 22:00–23:45 Dinner Daily 17:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (720) 524-8684
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Carlo Lamagna
  • Area
    River North (Denver)
  • Cross Street
    1350 40th Street. 40th and Walnut<br />Suite 120
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 102 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Magna Kainan offers a vibrant Filipino dining experience with "amazing food and service." Guests rave about the "spectacular Lunar New Year event" and "family style dinner" that feels "personal and intimate." The "crispy pork belly" and "Laing" are highlights, while the "cocktails are top-notch." A Denver gem!
102 Reviews
  1. Ryan

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a great meal at Manga Kainan. The Lechon Liempo, Lumpia Shanghai, Kinilaw, and Adobo Fried Rice were delicious. The cocktails were also tasty and overall great vibe in the restaurant. Couldn't recommend it more
    Magna KainanResponded 1 day ago
    Ryan, thank you so much for dining with us and taking the time to review us. I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Lechon Liempo, Lumpia Shanghai, Kinilaw, and Adobo Fried Rice—some of our true favorites. We appreciate your support and can’t wait to have you back—be sure to say hello next time! Christina Stone, General Manager

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  2. Danielle

    VIP

    Denver

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved sitting at the chef’s counter! The chef and our server were both very knowledgeable and fun to visit with when we had questions. I definitely think we ordered too much but we just couldn’t help ourselves! I heard they have karaoke coming up on Fridays soon and I can’t wait to be back.
    Magna KainanResponded 1 day ago
    Hi Danielle, I am so glad to hear you had a great time at the chef’s counter! And hey, there’s no such thing as ordering too much—it just gives you more to enjoy! Our next karaoke night is Valentine’s Day R&B Woo Your Boo Night is starting at 9:30 PM. If you can make it, be sure to say hi! If not, follow us on social media for updates on future karaoke nights—we’d love to have you join the fun! Christina Stone, General Manager

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  3. Scott

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    I appreciate the attempt to introduce higher end Filipino cuisine to Denver. However, I think the restaurant has gotten ahead of itself on what it can charge its guests - specifically the 20% service charge. One might expect such a charge at restaurants that have already established themselves as fine destinations, with the accolades to go with it. Magna Kainan has been open for less than three months. Additionally, the service received did not equate to a 20% service a guest would tip for. While the waitstaff was amiable and served orders properly, they did not perform at that ‘excellent’ standard that warrants a 20% tip. Imposing a service charge is not a phenomenon isolated to Magna Kainan, but it does leave a sour tastes in enough guests’ mouths that they might reconsider visiting or revisiting this establishment.
    Magna KainanResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you Scott, for sharing your perspective. We appreciate your feedback and understand that service charges can be a point of discussion. Our goal is to create a sustainable model that supports our entire team while delivering a high-quality dining experience. All of our restaurants utilize this 20% service model to ensure that every team member, from the kitchen to the front of house, is fairly compensated for their role in creating your dining experience. That being said, we recognize that service is just as important as the food, and we’re always working to refine and improve. Your thoughts are valuable, and we truly appreciate you giving us a try. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future. Christina Stone, General Manager

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  4. Carrie

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service was excellent, we will definitely be back!
    Magna KainanResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed our food and service. It means a lot to have you as part of the community we’re building here at Magna, and we can’t wait to have you back. Be sure to say hello next time in. Christina Stone, General Manager

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  5. Megan

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved sitting at the chef’s counter! Our waiter was so kind. I loved the cocktails and appreciated the mocktail menu. The pandesal and adobo fried rice can’t be missed. Delicious.
    Magna KainanResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you Megan, I love hearing what dishes stand out, and it sounds like the Pandesal and Adobo Fried Rice left a lasting impression. We can’t wait to have you back for another round—be sure to say hi next time! Christina Stone, General Manager

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  6. John

    VIP

    Denver

    21 reviews

    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I enjoyed sitting at the chef’s counter and watching the chefs work!
    Magna KainanResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you John, I am so glad you enjoyed it, and we can’t wait to have you back for another front-row experience! Christina Stone, General Manager

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  7. David

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Did was good, but not cooked the traditional Filipino way
    Magna KainanResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for giving us a try! Filipino cuisine is so diverse, and everyone has their own take on traditions. Our approach adds a modern spin while still honoring the heart of Chef Carlo's family's flavors and memories. We truly appreciate your perspective and, most of all, thank you for being part of our community. We hope to welcome you back soon to explore more of what we have to offer, make sure to say hello when you do! Christina Stone, General Manager

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  8. Brandon

    VIP

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    The food is fine. You can get better food for less money elsewhere, and with more ambience. The lighting is particularly poor, and the corner table squished against a concrete column separating you from your date isn't great. The best part is honestly the Ube Snack cocktail. Sit at the bar if you can.
    Magna KainanResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you Brandon for taking the time to share your thoughts. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the Ube Snack—it’s definitely a favorite. If you visit again, the bar is always a great spot to soak in the atmosphere, especially during our Happy Hour. Christina Stone, General Manager

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  9. Lora

    VIP

    Denver

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An absolutely phenomenal experience from start to finish. Kaylin G provided outstanding service, always attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. The ambiance was beautiful, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. The food was nothing short of exceptional, bursting with unique and creative flavors that take Filipino-inspired cuisine to another level. If you are Filipino, try to keep an open mind because this is not traditional home-cooked fare. It offers an exciting and innovative twist, though the lechon was a bit undercooked for my taste. I am used to it being fried to crispy perfection, and my mama would be sad to see it any other way. The biggest downside is the portion sizes, which are very small compared to the price being charged. While the food is high quality, the cost does not always feel justified. Gratuity is included in the bill, which is worth noting when planning your visit. Reservations are a must, as this place is always in high demand. If you are looking for a unique dining adventure in a stunning setting, this is a great spot to try.
    Magna KainanResponded on 4 February 2025
    Thank you Lora, so much for your thoughtful and detailed feedback. I’m thrilled to hear you had a lovely experience and that Kaylin provided such outstanding service—we’re lucky to have such a great team. We offer a creative take on Filipino cuisine, and I appreciate your openness to the unique twists we bring to traditional dishes. I hear you on the Lechon—everyone’s mama has their signature version, and that connection to your family's home cooking is always special. Thank you also for your notes on portion sizes and pricing. We’re always striving to balance quality with value, and your feedback helps us reflect on that. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back soon, Be sure to say hello next time in! Christina Stone, General Manager

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  10. Anna

    VIP

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food and service. If you haven’t tried Filipino food, this is the place to go to experience it.
    Magna KainanResponded on 4 February 2025
    Thank you Anna for your enthusiasm and the kind words. I am thrilled you enjoyed the food and service, it means the world to us that you’d recommend us as the place to experience Filipino cuisine. We’re proud to be part of Denver’s vibrant Filipino community, sharing the flavors and culture that we love. Christina Stone, General Manager

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FAQs

Magna Kainan offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (720) 524-8684.

Magna Kainan is rated 4.5 stars by 102 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Magna Kainan

1350 40th St, Denver, CO 80205-3315

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    1350 40th Street. 40th and Walnut<br />Suite 120
  • Area
    River North (Denver)
  • Hours of Operation
    Happy Hour Daily 16:00–17:00 Fri 22:00–23:45 Dinner Daily 17:00–22:00
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Filipino, Asian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Carlo Lamagna
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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