Marco’s NY Italian style served with a smile

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Pulse restaurant reviewer, Emma Norris, went along to Marco’s New York Italian restaurant to see if it is living up to its billing.

Last month, I was invited along to try Marco’s New York Italian, situated inside the Holiday Inn at Saxon Gate in the centre of Milton Keynes’ business district.

Acclaimed chef, restaurateur and TV personality Marco-Pierre White has restaurants UK-wide, including two here in Milton Keynes - Marco’s New York Italian and Marco’s Steakhouse Bar and Grill. White’s branches of New York Italians are motivated by his Italian roots and his affection for the city of New York. Inspired by a mix of Italian traditions and eclectic NYC trends from ‘the city that never sleeps,’ the food at the New York Italian is true to Marco’s ethos; you come to enjoy a casual dining experience at affordable prices with a menu that appeals to everybody that shares Marco’s passion for American and Italian food. Not only is the restaurant a great spot for a business dinner and ideal for drinks with colleagues if you’re staying at The Holiday Inn, the proximity to The Hub and Milton Keynes

Central Station make it a fantastic venue for anybody who wants to experience Central MK’s Nightlife.

The menu boasts a variety of different dishes: from finger food, like the New York buffalo wings and fresh ground beef burgers to the finest quality Campbell Brothers’ steaks and light bites such as salads and seafood.

We entered via the foyer of the Holiday Inn at Saxon Gate which, after its refurbishment, is now particularly modern and spacious, mimicking the atmosphere within Marco’s restaurant; the restaurant space is open plan and vast, without feeling ‘empty,’ with a clean and minimalist feel.

The cocktail selection was great, with a few designated specials, as well as a selection of classics that would be sure to please the masses.

The service is certainly timely and attentive; all of the wait-staff were quick and professional without being overbearing, checking intermittently whether we needed our water topping up or if we wanted anything else to eat. While we settled in, enjoyed our cocktails and looked at the menu, we opted for some nibbles; the Martini Olives with fresh herbs (£4.50) were absolutely huge and, quite frankly, delicious – I could’ve eaten the whole bowl myself!

For starters, we shared the NY Buffalo Wings (£7.95) and the Calamari (£9.50) which were both lightly fried and just the right level of crispy. Our mains arrived in good time - we opted for the Avocado Caesar Salad (£13.95) with the addition of a grilled, smoked chicken breast (£3.75) which I really enjoyed as it was so fresh and light. It was rich with garlic, flakes of parmesan, whole anchovies - a divisive fish, but one I absolutely adore - and lightly dressed in a creamy dressing. The avocado, although subtle, worked well in combination with all the other flavours too. We also shared the Hickory smoked baby back ribs in BBQ sauce with New York fries and coleslaw (£18.95). The ‘slaw was really delicious and evidently freshly prepared, while the ribs fell off the bone as soon as you picked them up – ‘Perfetto!’

There is a good variety of food, all of which would be just as appropriate for a working dinner or for a family feast. From beginning to end, at Marco’s NYI, we were served with a smile.

> Emma is our resident restaurant reviewer. If you would like her to visit and review your restaurant get in touch at mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmaroseeats