San Marco's Ristorante — Restaurant in Port Colborne

A small intimate restaurant at the edge of the downtown core. San Marcos provides you with lovely ambieunce and impecible service. What makes San Marcos stand out to me is the chef. I have to christen the chef the "Alcemist of Flavour". On my visit, I had the Canadiana salad composed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, candied walnuts, onion, feta cheese with a maple reduction dressing. I could not get enough of this salad. The maple dressing really puts this salad over the top. Not over powering with maple, just enough sweetness to balance the feta cheese. My main was the Shrimp Stuffed Haddock. Fish is a very tricky dish to have in restaurants for me. Some chefs overcook the fish and you end up with a dry substance. The haddock was moist and flaky and the basil cream sauce was divine. There is a reason that I call this chef an Alcemist! The sauce really compliments the haddock and shrimp nicely. Not only in presentation, but also with flavour. The dish was served with roasted potatoes, brussel sprouts and carrots. I have to mention that I do not care for brussel sprouts, but I have to admit that the sprouts were delicious! This is a restaurant that I would recommend for special occassions, celebrations, and for people who love great tasting food. I have to say that I would love to see the maple dressing bottled for purchase. It was the show...

Excellent service. Hot, flavorful abundant meals. Seated immediately without a reservation. Our table of three enjoyed starters consisting of the feature seafood chowder with potato and pancetta (incredibly delicious and layered with flavors). Garlic shrimp with lemon that was the best we've ever had. Dinner consisted of fresh crab cakes with shrimp, the featured beef tenderloin with goat cheese, and chicken picatta with fettuccini Alfredo. The portions were large, served steaming hot, and satisfyingly popping with layers of flavour. The meal was served with a generous basket of complimentary bread and focaccia served with white bean garlic pesto spread - incredibly delicious and fresh. The red wine suggested by our server was exquisite and beautifully complimented the meal. Extremely well done by everyone on staff. The kitchen staff clearly take pride in creating something special for each guest. We are looking forward to a return visit. Our server truly made our evening memorable with outstanding customer service combined with good humour and attention to detail. So...

I have been going to San Marco's since it opened, and have always highly recommended it, up until my last visit. I had originally started a review on the night it occurred and took it down, so a lot of thought has gone into this one. When we went on October 13, I ordered the exact same favourite dish I always order, I was very disappointed, I ended up not eating most of it. It was flavourless, and not nicely plated as it usually was. After questioning that the appetizer we ordered was actually the correct one, we saw very little of our waitstaff. I had gone with the intent of purchasing a gift card for a "Thank you", but did not in case they had a poor experience. Has the chef or ownership changed? I have not recommend my past favourite "to go to" restaurant since. It has been suggested by some out of town friends that we get together to go, as I have always recommended it. Not sure if this is going to...