Marco's New York Italian Restaurant, Leeds

It was only a matter of time before Leeds born celebrity chef Marco Pierre White opened a restaurant in his home city. It has been 2 years in the planning with the new Leeds restaurant opening at the beginning of May.

Situated in the Merrion Centre the restaurant is just around the corner from the Leeds Arena. Also on the same site is the newly opened Ibis Styles hotel that has a direct entrance into the restaurant.

Being close to the Leeds Arena the restaurant does get very busy when there is an event on, so reservations are recommended as hotel guests also choose to dine in this stylish restaurant. There is also a lot of general interest in this exciting new restaurant destination.

Although quite large the Leeds restaurant is not as big as the Sheffield or Birmingham Marco's I have visited.

On arrival we were asked if we wanted to have a pre dinner drink in the bar, but we chose to go straight for our meal. The atmosphere was lively with a very mixed clientele.

What we found outstanding was the level of service: the staff who were from the varied places of Italy, Gran Canaria and Yorkshire were friendly, observant and well trained.

The main menu seems to concentrate on pastas, steaks, burgers and pizza, although I was surprised to find only one pizza on there which was the Speciality Pizza of the Day.

I seem to remember the menu being more extensive in their other restaurants, although it is early days yet at the Leeds restaurant as they intend to extend the menu to even offer afternoon high tea in the future.

We shared the Cheesy Garlic Pizza Bread off the While You Wait Menu. This large, tasty delight was big enough for 2 to share. I went for the Speciality Pizza of the Day which was a marguerite with salami and with the option of cherry tomatoes or mushrooms on top.

I found the pizza to be very thin like you would be served in Naples, but the taste was boosted by the parmesan cheese which you can have sprinkled on top.

My partner's choice of Polla Alla Valdostana was chicken breast, prosciutto, Fontina cheese and spaghetti pomodoro with fresh basil. The verdict was that the dish was very 'moreish' but it might have been better it the chicken had been cut into pieces rather than as a whole chicken breast. The side salad ordered as an extra was very fresh, thankfully.

Desserts of Knickerbocker Glory and New York Baked Cheesecake were both excellent. The waiter brought over two shots of Limoncello which rounded off a perfect dining experience.

I liked the light airy, comfortable restaurant and was also impressed with the nod to some local Yorkshire talent of past and present: if you need to visit the rest rooms downstairs do not miss the photos at the bottom of the steps of Billy Bremner and Don Revie, Ricky Wilson from the Kaiser Chiefs, Nicola Adams and the Brownlee Brothers.

All winners in their class and so is this superlative, affordable and highly enjoyable restaurant.

Marco's New York Italian, Wade Lane, Leeds LS2 8NJ
For reservations phone: 0113 831 4350
www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk