We were at a loss as to where to go for an Italian meal; it seems like 90% of the Italian restaurants in and around Bournemouth that previously scored highly on TripAdvisor before the pandemic are now, very sadly, permanently closed. Nonetheless, perseverance paid off! After about an hour of trying different search criteria, double-checking on Google, and reading menus of the few restaurants that are still open, I found the Marco Polo. Prices are a tad higher than a lot of the competition but we're happy to pay more for quality, and this place has such good reviews that we decided to take a punt... Oh, wow! What a fantastic restaurant! The waitresses were extremely attentive, polite, and thoroughly charming. We were given a bowl of olives and a large jug of ice-water as soon as we were seated; the olives were brined, and this is an old restauranteurs trick to make you buy more drinks...but not here. We ordered a round of drinks, finished them, and didn't get hassled once to buy more, yet the jug of water was constantly topped up without us ever needing to ask. Service was as expected for cooked-to-order food; we had to wait for it (though not an excessive amount of time) but it was so worth it! The baked lemon sole was the finest piece of restaurant-cooked fish I've had in ages, and the lamb chops that my wife chose were absolutely superb - big, meaty chops in a sauce that was utterly divine. Our 8-year-old is one of the fussiest eaters on the planet, ordered pizza, and loved it. We had profiteroles for dessert and they were every bit as good as the main course. It has to be said that from the outside the restaurant doesn't look like much...but don't judge a book by its cover - the place is a hidden gem. In fact, it's so good that we're going back tomorrow night! The only disappointment I have with the place is that we didn't find it 4 nights ago, when we arrived in Bournemouth! I really can't recommend the Marco Polo enough, and judging by the way it was filled to capacity within an hour of our arrival (we were the first customers this evening), those that know it think the same. I would strongly suggest that you book in advance or you won't get a look in; this place is the best restaurant we've eaten at when staying in Bournemouth, and (besides tomorrow), we will most definitely be...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of ordering takeaway from Marco Polo, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience. I phoned in my order for four pizzas and was told they would be ready in about 20 minutes. True to their word, the pizzas were piping hot and ready to go when I arrived.
The pizzas themselves were a delightful surprise. Each one was perfectly crafted, showcasing a superb balance of toppings on a deliciously authentic base. The crust was just the right thickness, crispy on the outside and soft inside, and the sauce was rich and flavorful, complementing the quality of the toppings wonderfully.
What really stood out was the authentic taste that each pizza boasted. It was clear that Marco Polo uses high-quality ingredients, which could be tasted in every bite. The experience was miles ahead of what you'd typically expect from a standard chain pizza.
Overall, the service was quick, the food was outstanding, and the whole experience was hassle-free. I left wondering why anyone would choose the Pizza Hut across the street when Marco Polo offers a superior taste, quality, and overall value. Highly recommend to anyone in the mood for genuine,...
Read moreThis is by far one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to. In the last few months I have been eating here about half a dozen times. Everything I have tried is cooked to perfection. I'm completely addicted to the asparagus and salmon gnocchi! The pizzas are amazing too, crispy base, fluffy dough and a taste explosion. The prices are very decent and the portions are really big. It's so rare to get both good portions and excellent food. The staff is super friendly and welcoming. Somehow they always manage to find me a table even when they are full. Free sweets and a limoncino shot, too - just as it should be! I cannot recommend this restaurant more wholeheartedly! Takeaway...
Read more