When it comes to evening dining in North Berwick, options may be limited, but fortunately, the striking Lawn Restaurant at the Marine Hotel more than makes up for it, and their newly launched Italian menu is a very indulgent affair.
Since I was driving, I enjoyed a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz that tasted just as delightful as its alcoholic counterpart. Throughout the evening, there was also a generous selection of Italian red and white wines, expertly chosen by sommelier Phillipe from their extensive wine list.
To start our culinary journey, we were presented with some of the most delectable Cerignola Green and Black olives, I have ever tasted. A true delight for the taste buds. These Italian olives are known for their large size and firm, meaty texture. Expect a buttery smoothness with a subtle sweetness that gently unfolds. They have a mild, nutty flavour with hints of almond and a faintly tangy finish. Overall, they offer a refined and understated taste that's incredibly satisfying.
We were drooling from the onset - from slicing through the Burrata, courgette and mint scapece £12 with our knife as it gently broke through the delicate outer shell, revealing the creamy interior as it began to ooze out; to the flavour sensation that was the Chicken Valdostana with parma ham, pecorino cheese and bulla cheese £28. The chicken was tender and juicy, serving as the perfect canvas for the savoury, slightly salty Parma ham that enveloped it. The Pecorino cheese added a nutty sharpness, while the Bulla cheese introduced a rich, creamy undertone that bound the flavours together.
Grilled Tiger Prawn in garlic, rosemary and a sweet and sour buffalo tomato confit £29 was a tantilising dish. The prawns were succulent and slightly charred, giving them a smoky flavour that blended harmoniously with the fragrant garlic and aromatic rosemary. The sweet and sour buffalo tomato confit added a burst of vibrant flavours, balancing the dish with its tangy sweetness and subtle acidity; whilst the Rosemary, truffle and parmesan Fries £8 are a must have side. Each big and chunky chip was a symphony of textures and flavours: the crunch of the fries, the depth of the truffle, the freshness of the rosemary, and the savoury hit of the cheese.
Soft, salty and succulent Pork Meatballs were a massive hit whilst the Mussels Marinara £12 with tomato and chilli served with bruschetta was bursting with bold, vibrant flavours. Mixed leaf and herb salads £6 with parmesan shavings and shallot vinegar delivered a medley of fresh, vibrant flavours cleansing the palate for more food.
There was plenty of pasta from casarecce to tagliatelli, to bucatini elegantly twisted around a pronged fork served tableside with lashings of parmesan to the most incredible Wild Mushroom Risotto with sage, pinenut and parmesan £22.
There’s sourdough pizza’s too but with so much on offer, I never got round to tasting them. They looked scrumptious though with a thin base perfectly bubbled edges with more drool worthy toppings.
The star of the show for me, without a doubt, was the Chateaubriand to share £90 served with creamed spinach, merlot reduction, salsa verde and bearnaise. Visually, it is a beautifully thick cut, seared to a perfect golden brown crust on the outside. Sliced, it revealed a warm, rosy-red centre that was incredibly inviting. The texture was tender and succulent, practically melting in your mouth with each bite. The flavour was rich and beefy, with a subtle juiciness that comes from the precise cooking. It's savoury, with hints of a slight smokiness from the sear, creating an indulgent and satisfying dish.
The Lawn have excelled themselves with this menu. It’s possibly one of the best Italian menus I’ve had the pleasure of eating in recent years,...
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