Tucked inside the Inn at Great Neck is the newly reimagined Asian fusion dining experience, Marco Polo’s Restaurant and Lounge. The hotel captures chic modern elegance as well as maintaining the art deco inspiration of the Gatsby-era, which Great Neck is regularly associated with. You will enjoy a warm and relaxing dining experience here at the Inn.
Just steps from the front door, take a seat in the comfortable lounge area or pull up a chair at the bar. Marco Polo’s offers some of the finest spirits, domestic and imported beers, both tap and bottle and several select brews from nearby breweries. The wine list has also been redesigned and carefully selected to appeal to the most discriminating wine enthusiasts, with choices ranging from French, American, Italian, Chilean, Argentinian, South African and of course, from some vineyards right here on Long Island.
Popular specialty cocktails include a tangy and refreshing mango mojito, Tequila Sparker (Hornitos tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, simple syrup and champagne) and Love Potion (Gray Whale gin, fresh squeezed lime juice, elderflower liquor and champagne). Some popular classics at the bar include a Dirty Martini, Mai Tai, Long Island iced tea and margaritas.
For an appetizer you will want to try the egg roll sampler (combination of Philly cheesesteak, chicken parmigiana, Bolognese or cheese filled), the Asian vegetable pesto dumplings (vegetable pot stickers served steamed or fried over a bed of Napa cabbage, topped with a delicious pesto sauce and parmesan cheese) or the classic buffalo and garlic fried chicken wings. The appetizer dishes are suitable for sharing with two or three people, but could easily make a great entrée plate for one.
The menu overall, is fairly simple, which makes it easy to zero in on your top choice for dinner (or lunch). You can choose from a Prosecco Ginger Salmon (salmon grilled in sesame oil, dressed with Prosecco, lemon zest, garlic and ginger, served over jasmine rice with a side of sautéed vegetables) or a Teriyaki Chicken Breast for the poultry and seafood choices. Or choose one of three entrée items from the “prime cuts” section (steak stir fry, filet mignon or the Marco Polo teriyaki burger). For something a little in between, choose from a selection of personal flatbread pizzas or a generous helping of one of three pasta plates (penne alla sake, penne al Romano or American-style meatballs over Asian noodles).
Save room for one of the decadent desserts too. In addition to specialty coffees or after-dinner cocktails, you will have a tough time deciding between the wildly popular s’mores egg rolls (chocolate chips and marshmallows hand-rolled and deep fried in an egg roll shell), a brownie sundae, a New York-style cheesecake or a freshly baked plate of Grandma’s cookies (assortment of chocolate chip, double chocolate, oatmeal and lemon cookies).
Marco Polo’s kitchen staff will accommodate dining requests for pint-sized guests, including butter pasta, hamburgers, fries and chicken fingers.
The hotel and restaurant are friendly and accommodating. The wait staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is willing to make some dining suggestions.
Free valet and metered street parking are available.
The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Happy Hour specials are available from Tuesday through Thursday.
Marco Polo’s is located inside the Inn at Great Neck at 30 Cutter Mill Rd. Brasserie Americana, a French American bistro, formerly occupied the restaurant space. The newly reimaged fusion East meets West dining experience reopened just a few weeks ago.
The restaurant can accommodate private and semi-private events, up to 30 people for events such as corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries and other special celebrations. There is also a private VIP dining room that can accommodate up to eight guests and offers leather seating, television and adjustable lighting to set any mood.
You are likely to get easy seating during the week, but reservations are highly recommended for Thursday through Sunday and especially on days when there is much fanfare happening just down the avenue at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, such as changes in command, graduations and high-ranking official visits.
Dine-in, patio service and curbside pickup are available. Delivery service is not available.
Visit www.innatgreatneck.com or call 516-773-2000 for more information and reservations.