Marco Polo Pizzeria in Suffolk Coastal

Had a reservation tonight for my birthday. Got there and restaurant is closed. Booked on the online booking system so it would have been easy to advise me my booking was cancelled. Really bad behaviour. Went up the road to the Grey Mare unannounced and luckily they could fit us in. Said we’d dodged a bullet as this restaurant does this all the time. So beware consumers. You are better off calling in on speck than booking ahead. 🙃

I had a delicious pizza here. Staff were very courteous too. A good experience. I will definitely go back.

I first reviewed Marco Polo back in 2021 and was so impressed that I predicted we would become regular customers. I was right.

We hadn’t visited Marco Polo for some time so went on Tuesday evening. Although the restaurant was quiet, the waitress wanted to seat us next to a family with very little space between the tables. As we wanted a bit more space we asked to sit at another table. I ordered a large house red and my wife asked for a fresh orange juice but they didn't have any. My wife opted for the Market Menu whilst I went for the main menu. I ordered Capesante alla Veneziana, described as baked scallop cooked with brandy and garlic topped with breadcrumbs, followed by salmon tagliatelle, my wife had bruschetta and tropicale pizza. My scallop starter arrived and was not as expected, it was a big handful of breadcrumbs with a chopped up scallop mixed into it, no taste of brandy or garlic and some plain lettuce at the side without any dressing on. After searching for the pieces of scallop there was a lot of breadcrumbs left. The waiter asked ‘how was it’ and I said it wasn’t as expected and he said he had never seen it served like that before and he even asked the chef who said he hadn’t but that was how it was served there. It certainly wasn’t as described. The salmon tagliatelle was better. My wife’s bruschetta was OK but she thought the pizza didn’t taste of anything. To top it off, we weren’t charged the rate on the Market Menu for the bruschetta and pizza, £14.95, but the full price, nearly £20 ! We hadn’t been for a while but it will be a long time before we go back.

What a shame, we were so looking forward to trying this place as it advertises a best Italian Restaurant award for 2022, but unfortunately it failed to impress in many ways. Firstly, let me tell you that it was very quiet on a Saturday night, we were seated in the big room at the back of the restaurant which had one other couple in. The room lacked atmosphere, was chilly and many of fancy modern bulbs were blown. There was even a cheap looking air freshener (the type you buy from a £1 shop) on the window sill as though it was a vase! Was it there to cover up a smell??? Next the service was slow, despite being quite, and the food was poor. We sat there a good 10 minutes before being asked if we wanted a drink. The waiter gave off a nonchalant, "everything in my own time" attitude. I know its an Italian Restaurant but we're not in Italy. Back to the food, there was a very poor choice of vegetarian dishes, I ordered the polenta and spinach with gorgonzola starter and was very disappointed. There was a large pile of very watery spinach on two thin slices of polenta with bit of rocket leaves on the side. No idea where the gorgonzola was, unless it was mixed in with the spinach. As you probably know spinach doesn't taste of much so the dish lacked any flavour. For the main course I ordered tagliatelle with porcine mushrooms and my husband ordered tagliatelle with salmon, usually a favourite of his. Unfortunately they were both dry and once again lacked flavour. We were expecting them to be in a cream sauce but no it was plain tagliatelle with just mushrooms and salmon added, probably our fault for not reading the menu properly as it didn't mention any sauce. It was so lacking in flavour that I had to ask for salt. I wish I'd had the pizza instead! Other observations are; all 3 of the toilet seats in the ladies were broken and there was a large hole under the cold hand dryer, which was very wobbly and about to drop off, see photos. They don't sell small glasses of wine, just medium or large, I wonder why, could it be due to more profit???? I asked the waiter if it was usually this quiet and he said it was very busy last night and is busy tomorrow night, funny that! The coffee was in a small cup, only 3/4 full, and its wasn't an expresso. This place is definitely on the way down and certainly doesn't merit its award. Needless to say we won't be going back.

Have been looking for a good Italian restaurant in our area for a while as the ones we have used before the pandemic have not been as good since reopenings. Now it’s been a while since we last visited this restaurant and what a pleasent surprise it was absolutely amazing. The service was brilliant but the food was out of this world and the best Italian food we have tasted for ages. Will certainly be happy to visit again.

Excellent food and staff would definitely visit again the staff were really friendly and the food was delicious

Stopped here for a meal recently and found the restaurant very pleasant. Nice decor and a good size. It was unfortunate that they were having problems with the power supply and were unable to offer the food we wanted, but that's not their fault and they were at least trying to do something about it, by having a generator. Nice friendly service, and the food we did order was excellent.

Ordered bruschetta which came as a soggy piece of brown bread with far too many tomatoes and not a lot of anything else. Spinach and ricotta cannelloni was served on a flat plate and had been microwaved as there were hot and cold spots! Such a shame as the restaurant looks great. Only thing we enjoyed was the background music. Won't be returning.

Beautiful food, great prices and fantastic service! Tasha was very friendly and attentive and made our visit seamless. The food was delicious and of amazing quality, made in an open fronted kitchen by the friendly chefs. Their prices are unbeatable for the quality of food and service received, highly recommend! 🤌🏻

We used to be very regular customers to the original Pack Horse. In more recent years, the Marco Polo had lost some of its originality and appeal. However, we are very pleased to state, this visit the restaurant and bar is the best it has ever been. The service was absolutely excellent. We were made to feel welcomed and very spoiled. The young lady behind the bar was lovely and very engaging, offering us cocktails and fun conversation. We were allowed sufficient time to enjoy our starters, to feel relaxed and without being rushed into our main course. Our waiter, I assume, manager was incredibly friendly and we talked about our travels and his life in Italy. An absolute joy to be able chat in a very genuine and open manner. A level of personal attention that the place had once lost, but we are glad to say is back in abundance. We are very much looking forward to becoming regular customers again.

We had an absolutely brilliant meal here. The portion sizes are so generous, the food is delicious, the waitress remembered everyone's order off by heart when she brought our meals, and there were 3 groups of Italians also eating there which was of course a great sign! Will definitely be going again.

We popped in for a late lunch and we all were amazed at how well presented and tasty the food was.We will definitely be returning. Best food in the area.

It was a warm evening and the front windows were open. This meant that we had the noise of all the traffic in one ear and the loud 'background' music in the other. The staff were all very pleasant. Most of the food was quite good and the portions generous. One of the pasta dishes - tagliatelli - was ultra bland and beige and did not seem to have a trace of the promised gorgonzola in it. When asked about it, having left half of it, our complaint was taken seriously and we were not charged for it. This was good but it had spoilt our meal. I doubt that we shall return.

Excellent food and service. Nice and quick for the hungry children. Made our daughter a childrens carbonara even though not on the children's menu!

We enjoy coming here as a family. There’s always a warm welcome on the arrival. Staff are very attentive and friendly. Today we decided to have a Market Menu which is an excellent value especially when you dine with three kids. The atmosphere is very...

Staff Brilliant very friendly and Attentive. Food delicious, relaxed atmosphere. Did not rush us out even though we were the last customers. Would not hesitate to come back.

Love this place thank you for the lovely food as always. Have been coming for quite a while and the food is always excellent, great prices and staff are lovely

Came for an anniversary meal here tonight. The servers were absolutely lovely, the pizzas were amazing and we would definitely visit again!

The food was amazing! The staff were incredibly friendly and lovely. A super atmosphere and an delightful experience :)

Really enjoyable evening. Food was amazing left very full and happy, great staff will definitely be back again

Fabuloys food set in a nicely well lit restaurant. 2 courses from £17.. Well worth it. Table side service for lobster. Amazing.. Will defo be back again with the hubby. Lots of diffrent wines to choose from Very spacious

Met friends here for an evening meal. The food was amazing and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Our friends were staying in a local hotel and were struggling to get a taxi, so the owners gave them a lift free of charge. Absolutely...

We thought we would give Marco Polo's another try - as we had heard some good reviews recently - 3 Adults & 2 very hungry children. Really good experience. Food was great and we received fantastic Service from all the Staff they were very friendly,...

Fabulous food, very friendly staff , excellent choice & quality, repeat diners , always recommend to all family & friends , will be back

Just popped in to see if we could get a table. We choose the market menu that had a really comprehensive choice. Usually the pricier items are excluded in offers like this but here they were still included like calamari and steak. We had two...

Excellent service and food from Marco Polo. We had a fresh vegetarian pizza with a beautiful rustic base, and a delicious al dente mushroom tagliatelle, which they were able to make dairy free. Staff were very attentive and friendly. We will definitely be back soon!

Just left this restaurant after waiting 50 minutues for 2 simple pasta dishes. It wasn't busy. There was no interaction from the staff, it was soulless, bland and unwelcoming. The chap who appeared to be front of house walked round with the charisma of a...

Absolutely fantastic experience. Food exceptional. Service fantastic. Sergio was friendly, funny and made you feel ver welcomed. Was like being in the family kitchen.

The best place ever, never been to a place quite like it!! The food, drinks, the staff everything was excellent. Very welcoming and very good vibes. Will definitely be coming back here!!

A thoroughly enjoyable experience start to finish. Staff so accommodating and chatty. Made to feel part of the Marco Polo family and this was our first time back since changing hands. We’ll be back for more 2-4-£10!

Excellent food, staff were lovely and the service was great. Starter was lovely and I managed to have an Italian Beer that I never heard of that called Menabrea which I thought was better than Moretti. The lady that served us that sometimes helps on...

After a pleasant drive over the moors my wife and I visited, on the recommendation of my mother. The interior has been decorated with style since its days as the Pack Horse. There was a fixed price menu with a wide choice of Italian dishes...

Me and my partner went here for a meal last night, iv got to say it the best meal iv been for in a long time. The staff where so friendly and lovely to talk to. My partner had rang up to book are table...

Called for dinner with a friend I'd not seen for ages. We have both driven past many times before so this was the first time we had both been inside and it didnt disappoint. We had a lovely meal, garlic bread was amazing and we...

The food was passable but the wine and drinks are ridiculously overpriced and won't be visiting again

Went to Marco Polo,to give it the benefit of doubt after having a very average meal,last year.Must say the pizzas have improved. Our only quibble is the lack of seating in the bar area to have a drink before/after the meal.It would be a good...

A very nice restaurant. Staff were very nice and helpful. Only draw back, trying to use the disabled toilet you needed muscles to open and close the door. Food was delicious, the Tiramisu was to die for. Over all a lovely visit.

Everything about our experience at Marco Polo was so bad I don't even know where to begin. Upon entry it is soulless, drab, lacks warmth and hospitality (we should have walked then tbh). The food was just awful. My 12yr old could have prepped and...

Don’t drive past stop and visit , we were pleasantly surprised great staff and food . Well worth a visit.

Had a great evening with lovely friendly staff for our works v belated Christmas party. 16 of us enjoyed, pizza, pasta, and a varied drinks menu and the fabulous hospitality of the staff. Thank you we will be back.

What can I say, never disappoints, Sergio always knows and advises if there is a special he thinks I will enjoy, tonight was a lovely Ribeye steak, capers, anchovies and garlic, Franco thank you it was deliziosa, I was taken out my comfort zone with...

Our second time here and both times food has been absolutley first class, staff and owner couldnt do more to make you feel welcome cant wait to return

We visit here a few times a month now. Sometimes as a couple and other times as a family with children. The owner couldn’t be any more helpful and welcoming to all ages. The food is impeccable and the deserts are beautiful! I would highly...

We love going out for tea as a family especially when they make you feel like family lovely place well and truly worth it amazing

Just been to Marco Polo on grain Rd. Good food for me and my son as usual. We are regulars here always great food and great service

Thorough disappointment. Wish we’d read reviews first and wouldn’t have booked. I had sea bass. The tiniest portion imaginable served with mashed potatoes and sliced raw potato. Nothing else apart from two decorative tiny slices of courgette. £17:95! Total rip off and totally beige! Husband’s...

Visited Marco Polo for a family evening meal. Food was fantastic. Crazy board starter was a tasty variety beautifully presented. Chicken Diane juicy with a lovely sauce. Garlic bread was delicious, Kids enjoyed their pizza and calzone, all cooked in a wood fired pizza oven....

We visited the restaurant last year and thought it was absolutely fantastic , the manager and family staff were great and shared the specials , they were second to none ... Called tonight for dinner with my grandchildren and heres the detailed summary : My...

Our 3rd visit and have absolutely no complaints, we are quite fussy so surprised to read other reviews. Really enjoyed our meals every time and service was good. This occasion there were 8 of us. Very enjoyable.

Decided to give this restaurant another try as when it was a previous named restaurant it wasn’t great. If it was possible to give a zero star rating I would. So to start with on our arrival (me with a baby in a pram, 2...

Very disappointed at a family gathering the room was cold and Un atmospheric ,drinks order came quickly unfortunately the house white wine was unpalatable and when we mentioned this tothe waitress she replied don’t worry about it ???? This then set the scene for the...

Had a double Birthday meal here on the 20th January, for 8 people. On arrival there were 4 people in the restaurant. We duly ordered our drinks which came pretty quickly. Then ordered our main meals off the two course menu. I chose to have...

Never, never, have we had a worse experience (now in our 60's). Drinks served immediately, good effort, with menus. Ordered within 5 mins, things looking good. We never saw any service for 55mins, which sitting close to 'the action' from the kitchen was like we...

The restaurant is very well decorated and lighting was dim (as I like it) apart from in the back room where we were sat. It was a bit bright. We were a table of 7, on a long table. Would have preferred round table as...

Loved the place, really relaxed great menu perfect for families kids are loved by the Italians and the owners are true Italians with the best pizzas I have ever had!! Total bill was £50 with drinks can’t recommend this place enough will definitely be going...

The first time we ate here it was fantastic. Tonight it was not very good. Service was very poor and the food was not up to expectations. Several items were not available on the menu which I can understand, but just to substitute something without...

Having just enjoyed the most wonderful lunch with friends felt it only right to leave this review. We dined as a party of four,on arrival we were met by the front of house and shown to our table,a short time later we were presented with...

First visit here and the Restaurant is tasteful in decor and we got a very nice first impression. Food was pretty average though; nothing special at all. Disappointed that almost half of the desserts were not available. The strawberry cheesecake was just plain cheesecake with...

This was the first time we've been to the restaurant since it's been re-opened. We were really impressed by the new restaurant and the food served. The atmosphere was really relaxed, the service was good too. All the food served was delicious and what we...

Wonderfully good. Extremely tasty, fresh food. Wait was what would be expected for an a-la-Carte restaurant. Nice decor very clean

Table of 9,. Put on a long rectangular table , which makes conversation difficult. Had to ask for another round of drinks twice after ordering. Food brought out in a haphazard way - 2 dishes brought without potatoes and a few minutes the rest and...

Very disorganized from the start. One and a half hour wait for main courses. Only a couple of tables occupied but service extremely slow. Soggy pizzas, no tomato sauce on cannelloni etc.

Restaurant was very quiet. Really poor service, mains took an age to come even though we had only ordered pizzas and simple pasta dishes. The pizza bases were way to thin for the amount of cheese and toppings, they just turned to mush! Awful food.

This was the first visit since pack horse days. We popped in on the spur of the moment for lunch. No offer on for Saturday but we enjoyed it just the same. Front of house friendly and attentive. Cooking and presentation was great with attention...

Not been in a few years, not since Pack Horse & Pack days, so due a visit. 5:15 on a Wednesday, 2 or 3 other tables occupied! Choose Menabrea lager, quite nice. Sat to study the menu, opting for “Market” menu. Think we ordered too...

we came here for my dads Birthday and we had a very poor experience especially as we are all Italian and enjoy italian home made food , as a group of 11 we all got starters and mains so we did spend a lot for...

The food was nice and portions were of a good size although my dish tasted slightly metallic. The main problem was the noise from the room and the loud music playing with the warbling, it honestly put me off. Triple glazing is needed as the...

Sono per lavoro in zona Blackburn e ormai quasi ogni sera vengo a mangiare in questo bellissimo locale, hanno davvero...

This was our first visit, we’ve past it numerous times and said we must make the effort and get there, it was well worth the effort. It was a lovely entrance and reception area with a well stocked aquarium set up by the restaurant itself....

We visited the restaurant on a Friday and it was very quiet when we were seated. The waiting service was good but the starters still took 30 minutes to arrive. We then received the main - a pasta and a “special” fillet steak with lobster....

5 out of 5 and I would give it 10 if I could! We have not been for more than a year and we decided to go on our wedding anniversary as a treat. I have to say we definitely made the right choice! The...

We had a great meal at the Marco Polo last night, the staff were also amazing and made you feel welcome If your looking for amazing home cooked Italian food and good sized portions then this is the place for you Keep room for the...

My husband and I have dined here quite a few times since lockdowns lifted, as a couple and also with family and children. The staff are friendly and very attentive without being over bearing. The atmosphere is lovely and it is clean and lovely decor....

We have just celebrated a birthday here and the food was AMAZING !! Everyone's looked delicious and I had the best pasta dish I have ever eaten, Tagliatelle with lobster. The staff were lovely and friendly too and the restaurant looks good. Would recommend to...

family run restaurant that oozes passion, WOW WOW WOW the best , not only is the food amazing but front of house make you feel welcome and special. I am a foodie and love dining out ,MY GO TO RESTAURANT BY FAR

I honestly would find it hard to find anything negative to say about the actual place or the staff. We all (10 of us ) loved the decor and atmosphere and then the food came, which was stunningly presented and tasted wonderful. I can’t recommend...

Went for a meal with my wife and another couple to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The staff were very attentive and friendly and the food was amazing! I would highly recommend anyone to book a meal at this restaurant. You won’t be disappointed!

Absolutely brilliant meal. As mentioned above it was a treat from our daughter to us for her dad's birthday. We really enjoy it. We haven't been out much recently and this is our first meal out for a year or more. We will definitely come...

Really enjoyable Thursday night visit with my son , food quality , service and ambience all just perfect . Thank you for a great night . We will see you again soon

The experience that I and my family had was super, unlikely I can only give 5 stars, or not I will give more, the owner is very attentive and the guys in the kitchen they work very well and hard, we was in a busy...

The Marco Polo is a well appointed, well staffed restaurant with ample parking space and excellent cousine which appears to be freshly prepared when ordered. The staff are friendly and extremely helpful, willing to go to great lengths to explain the dishes if required. The...

First time we have visited here,since it was the pack horse,and was not disappointed. We went on Thursday night, and had the 3 course meal for 2 with wine for£30.90.It was fantastic value, and excellent quality. Hubby had chicken livers to start,and I had goats...

Brilliant staff and great food. Never have I known a kid to order a small lemonade and be brought a shot glass of it! Wonderful humour throughout, please don't change! We will be back, very soon! Thank you all

Found this place on TripAdvisor. Food was delicious, staff were as friendly as Covid regulations would allow. Will definitely become regular customers.

Food arrived before stated time , sure it was supermarket food pre made bang in microwave for 5 mins , was on toilet within the hour stomach cramps the lot , partner felt sick after eating it never ever again will I order from here

Only time our family could get together in our bubble, Marco Polo did an amazing takeaway for us so helpful and generous. The food was amazing we were all completely full with fine food and it made not having Christmas Day together a lot easier....

Very disappointed with the food had heard good things but certainly not worth the prices. How 2 slices of normal white bread not even toasted is a bruschetta in your chefs eyes is beyond me 🤷‍♂️ seafood pizza burnt and margarita not cooked enough.... at...

I went there to have pizza , however, I was told their oven is broken down so can't do pizza!! They did not do justice to their name of Italian restaurant. Needs lot of improvement in staff service and food taste.

Had a takeaway meal from here last night as obviously closed due to the lockdown. The pizza, lasagne and cannelloni were delicious. However I would advise you collect rather than have it delivered. I booked the meal at 4pm for 6pm but after several telephone...

Went first time and it was good . 2nd time spent a fortune the food was really bad I’m afraid. Dry garlic bread, sauces on chicken tasteless. Meal if 5 my partner and sons finished before myself and my son got served. Service all over!...

My wife and I visited 1 Nov lovely proper Italian food. Well looked after food lovely all i can say is try.

The dryest cardboard garlic bread I've ever had, complained and was given a slightly better dry cardboard bread. The main arrived on cold plates and soon the food was also cold. I had a fish stew with prawns, calamari and mussels, but unfortunately the whole...

Hi, just had to say thanks, great meal last night each one of the five of us loved it, and an added bonus the three course deal was great value thanks again Ian

Myself and partner ate here again and the food was remarkable as usual, there was a slight problem but marco sorted it and couldn't be more helpful and apologetic, great place great staff and fantastic food, definitely recommend it and there express shop in Darwen...

Myself and my husband had the three course meal and I must say it was absolutely delicious,. The portion sizes were huge (we didn't make it to dessert as too full) and the staff were so lovely! Great meal will deffo be back soon and...

Great restaurant with traditional italian dishes! Very organized and efficient service and the owner has proved a helpful and friendly person. Super recommended!

I went to the Marco Polo on Saturday evening with my husband and elderly mother, the table was booked for 7.30 and we arrived promptly. A very nice lady welcomed us and sat us down, the restaurant is very covid secure with screens between some...

We arrived here on Saturday evening & found it quite busy. We ordered drinks & did not receive them until 20 minutes later ,However it seems they did have a genuine accident in the cellar that probably caused a delay. My starter was chicken livers...

Visited last week and although the decor and ambience was nice and friendly, it wasn't a patch on 'The Pack' for quality unfortunately. Went for the set menu deal and my partner was forced into having 3 courses when realistically only wanted two courses. She...