If you're looking for a relaxed spot for this year's Christmas party in Brentwood, Marco's New York Italian Brentwood offers a hearty Italian-inspired menu designed by none other than celebrity chef Marco Pierre White.
The restaurant itself has a smart but not overly fussy look. Lime-green banquettes bring colour to the dining room, alongside patterned flooring, contemporary seating and black-and-white photography lining the walls. Tables can accommodate larger groups without losing the buzzy restaurant atmosphere, making it work easily for festive team dinners.
Marco Pierre White’s New York Italian concept mixes Italian comfort food with the classic appeal of an American grill. Start by ordering a few smaller dishes for the table: Neapolitan crocchette combine tomato, mozzarella and Italian hard cheese, while classic baked meatballs come in rich pomodoro sauce with toasted focaccia and garlic butter. An avocado Caesar or panzanella with Piccolo tomatoes, capers and Merlot dressing offers something lighter.
The large plates are easy to fall into with comforting, rich dishes that are just what you need on a cold December's evening, especially before a night out. Think tagliolini carbonara with smoked pancetta, hen’s egg and aged Parmesan, traditional baked lasagne with ragù alla Bolognese, or spinach and ricotta cannelloni for vegetarians. Alternatively, grilled sea trout alla Siciliana comes with red peppers and capers, while hickory-smoked BBQ ribs arrive with house slaw and Koffmann fries.
Anyone embracing the American side of the menu can head straight for the grill. Surf and turf pairs New York strip sirloin with garlic king prawns and chimichurri; steak and ribs brings together butcher’s steak and sticky pork ribs; and the Great American Burger piles Monterey Jack, cured bacon and barbecue glaze into a brioche bun. Sides such as baked mac and cheese and garlic king prawns can turn dinner into a proper feast.