Some restaurants serve an excellent meal. Maydan creates an experience…read more
This reservation had been on my wish list for quite some time, and when everything finally aligned, it exceeded every expectation.
The restaurant itself is stunning. Walking in, you're immediately greeted by the massive open hearth where much of the cooking happens. Watching the chefs tend the fire throughout the evening adds another layer to the experience and sets the tone before your first bite even arrives.
Our server explained the tasting menu ($95 per person) and optional wine pairing ($75 pp), but we decided to order à la carte--and I wouldn't change a thing.
We started with the Carrot Havuç spread. It was impossibly light, silky, and beautifully whipped. I'll admit, the bread seemed understated at first, but after the first bite, it became clear that the spread was meant to be the star. Every bite was packed with flavor.
The lamb shish kebab was incredibly tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.
The Omani shrimp arrived with five enormous shrimp that were cooked flawlessly.
Then came the whole roasted chicken.
Watching it roast over the fire as we entered made us excited, but nothing prepared us for how incredible it would taste. It was, without question, some of the best chicken I've ever eaten. Moist, deeply flavorful, beautifully seasoned, and delicious completely on its own. It came with an accompanying sauce that was excellent, but honestly, use it sparingly--you don't want anything distracting from the chicken itself. When a dish can stand entirely on its own, that's greatness.
Since it was a whole chicken, we happily went home with leftovers (which felt like winning the lottery).
The cocktails deserve their own standing ovation. A special thank you to Nancy upstairs-- Great bartenders don't just make drinks--they elevate the entire experience, and she certainly did.
The Serpent was beautifully balanced with bright citrus and herbal notes, while the Medina Palmer was refreshing, unique, and one of the most memorable cocktails I've had in a long time. Every drink felt carefully crafted rather than simply mixed.
In the beginning of our night they asked if we were celebrating anything and I immediately answered, "my friend graduated from nursing school." Little did we know, they came with glasses of bubbly at the end of our dining experience to celebrate! Such a lovely gesture to end our evening.
The word that kept coming up throughout dinner was divine.
Service was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about guiding us through the menu.
A few practical tips:
* Reservations book well in advance, so plan ahead.
* Street parking is limited. We chose to Uber and were glad we did.
This was one of those meals where every course made us look at each other and say, "Wow."
I can't wait to return.