Marco’s New York Italian in Brentwood comes from acclaimed chef Marco Pierre White, who has brought his New York Italian concept to Essex, mixing familiar Italian favourites with American influences across a menu of pasta, pizza, seafood, steaks and sharing plates. Located on Brook Street within the Holiday Inn, the restaurant has capabilities for private dining and group gatherings, ideal for relaxed get-togethers with friends.
The restaurant actively welcomes group celebrations, with a ‘Toast Together’ offering that includes a complimentary drink for each guest when dining in a party of eight or more. It's an easy spot to book for birthdays, reunions, family days out and more.
For a sociable start, the small plates lend themselves well to sharing around the table. Rosemary focaccia comes with extra virgin olive oil, while stone-baked dough balls can be served with garlic butter and soft herbs or with tomato ragù, ’nduja, aged Parmesan and mozzarella. Elsewhere, there is salt and pepper calamari with chilli and lemon mayonnaise, beetroot and goat’s cheese salad with Merlot dressing and candied walnuts, and crispy New York buffalo wings with blue cheese dip.
The sourdough pizzas cover the classics as well as a few more substantial combinations. Margherita keeps things simple with mozzarella, tomato and basil, while Prosciutto de Parma adds rocket and aged Parmesan. Basilico uses buffalo mozzarella and Piccolo tomatoes, and there are also pepperoni, goat’s cheese and vegan Marinara options. For guests after something more substantial, the NYC Grill is a major draw. Choices include Delmonico’s ribeye, New York strip sirloin and tenderloin fillet, alongside a Bistecca alla Fiorentina T-bone served with Koffmann fries and sauces or butters.
The wider menu includes dishes such as pollo Milanese tagliolini with tomato ragù and Parmesan, grilled salmon Béarnaise with roasted Piccolo tomatoes and fries, or aubergine parmigiana ravioli. Gnocchi Sophia Loren, made with Blue Stilton and aged Italian hard cheese, adds another vegetarian option.