From Italy to the Toon! (Marco Polo (Newcastle))

Member Name: cyberem78

Product:	Marco Polo (Newcastle)
Date:	13/05/09 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Large choice of food including seafood. Great service.

Disadvantages: Can be busy and you can hear other diners loudly.

I love Italian food and when eating out I normally opt for 'Frankie and Bennys' restaurants. However, I was recently out with my sister and her family in Newcastle and she insisted we go to this restaurant, Marco Polo. My sister holidays in Italy every year, enjoying the national and regional gastronomy there, and told me this place was as near to the real thing as she could get locally.

The restaurant is located on Dean Street in Newcastle. It is very central to all major attractions in the city and is well provided by transport links such as bus and the Metro trains. There is also parking spaces nearby at street level. I was attending an event at the Theatre Royal and I would recommend this as a place to eat pre-performance.

The interior is classy and comfortable and has a sort of designer appearance. I was concerned it didn't look very child friendly as we had two kids with us but this turned out not to be a problem. Kids can be specially catered for if necessary and if they want can get drawing equipment whilst they wait for your food to arrive. The seats were comfortable and there seemed apt space between tables. Saying this, it was possible to overhear the conversation of the couple sitting closest to us (not that I was eavesdropping!).

The menu uses Italian words to describe the dishes available although an English description of each dish is also provided. I thought the choice of food was very good and was surprised to see some fish based dishes on the menu too. As a vegetarian I was worried by the huge amount of succulent meat dishes detailed on the menu but pleased to see that their veggie dishes are marked with a 'V'. There are three or four to choose from in the pizza area but only one pasta dish is vegetarian- sundried tomato and basil.

I had a standard Margarita pizza which was stonebaked and which had a crisp, powdery base. It was made with fresh ingredients rather than sauce substitutions. It was served in a tall, spinning dish which made it seem more like a sharing pizza than an individual portion. Infact the pizzas are large enough to want to share. The children in my party found it impossible to eat their large portions and had to leave some.

There is a good choice of deserts from simple ice cream to poached rhubarb brulee. I would reccomend the tiramisu!

I think the atmosphere in Marco Polo was quite nice. I got the feeling that the standard of diner here is a bit posher than you'd see in Pizza Hut or Frankie and Benny's! I would recommend this place for couples on a romantic date or groups on a quiet evening out. Although kids are looked after here I got the feeling that they might find it a bit stuffy and grown-up.

The staff were very nice and had a good attitude. I enjoyed the food and didn't have to wait long between courses. Cost wise it was about the same as I would expect to pay in Frankie and Bennys which is great considering this is perhaps a slightly more authentic Italian cuisine experience! I would definately return here.

Check out their PDF menu on their website:

http://www.marcopolonewcastle.com/

Summary: A great Italian restaurant in the heart of Newcastle.