Marco Polo — Restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne

I feel compelled to share my experience of an outstanding meal at Marco Polo last night. This restaurant has been a Newcastle institution since 1974, yet I hadn’t visited for over 20 years after moving away and no longer frequenting the Quayside.

On arrival, we were greeted warmly. Despite being 20 minutes early and the restaurant being busy, we were shown straight to our table. I had requested a window seat—people-watching on Dean Street is a must—and was delighted that this was acknowledged and accommodated.

The menu is extensive without being overwhelming, catering well to different preferences. My husband is a dedicated carnivore, whereas I am a pescatarian, and we both found plenty of appealing options.

To start, we ordered the Crab Crostini and Halloumi with Rocket & Peperonata, both of which were fresh and beautifully presented. For mains, I chose the Rigatoni Arrabbiata—the pasta was perfectly al dente, and the sauce had just the right amount of heat. My husband ordered the Fettuccine Beef Ragu (slow-cooked shin of beef with Chianti and sage), which he described as rich, flavoursome, and one of the best pasta dishes he has had in a long time.

Drinks were equally impressive. I enjoyed a large glass of Farfalla Pinot Grigio Rosé, while my husband took advantage of the cocktail offer with a Blood Orange Negroni, which he declared the best he has ever had—a high compliment indeed.

Service throughout the evening was excellent: friendly, attentive, and efficient without being intrusive. Staff noticed promptly when my glass was empty, offered refills at just the right time, and presented the bill swiftly when requested.

The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, with a lively buzz throughout the three dining rooms. I would recommend booking ahead, especially if you would like a window table.

After such a memorable evening, I am already planning our next visit. Marco Polo remains a true Newcastle gem—outstanding in...

The Marco Polo restaurant in Newcastle has left a lasting impression on me during my two visits. Situated in a bustling area, the restaurant boasts an inviting ambiance that blends modernity with a touch of elegance. The interior décor is tastefully done, with soft lighting that sets a cozy mood for a delightful dining experience.

One of the highlights of Marco Polo is its diverse and enticing menu. Offering a fusion of traditional and contemporary dishes, the restaurant caters to a wide range of palates. On my first visit, I was captivated by their seafood options, particularly the expertly prepared sushi rolls that showcased the freshness of the ingredients. The flavors were well-balanced and the presentation was visually appealing.

During my second visit, I ventured into their meat offerings and was equally impressed. The succulent steaks were cooked to perfection, accompanied by an array of delectable sides that complemented the main course wonderfully.

The service at Marco Polo deserves commendation. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, providing recommendations based on preferences. They also contributed to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant, ensuring that both visits were truly enjoyable.

However, on both occasions, the noise level was a bit higher than anticipated, which might not suit those seeking a more intimate setting. Additionally, the dessert options, while tasty, could have been a bit more innovative to match the creativity seen in the main dishes.

In conclusion, the Marco Polo restaurant in Newcastle is a culinary gem that offers a delightful blend of flavors, an inviting ambiance, and attentive service. While there are minor areas that could be improved, the overall experience is undoubtedly memorable. I look forward to returning to explore more of their offerings...

We were seated by a group of very loud and very, very drunk women. Not entirely the staffs fault but it meant we couldn't hear ourselves.

Despite being turned around and looking at the staff trying to get their attention we were ignored for sometime.

I eventually had to verbally flag a waiter down and state we were ready to order. She disappeared and another waiter appeared who took our drinks order and quickly left leaving before we could state we were ready to order food.

Again we were left for sometime and two couples who came in after us had their orders taken.

Eventually a waiter turned up and apologised for the wait but by then we were already quite annoyed by the whole situation of being ignored and not being able to hear ourselves over the table we were 2 foot away from.

Food was good enough but they need to make sure their staff are scanning tables. The menus should be taken away when you order to make it easier for them to see who has and...