North Berwick, nestled in East Lothian, Scotland, is a charming coastal town brimming with history and natural beauty. Known for its stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs, it offers breathtaking views across the Firth of Forth to the Isle of May. The town is home to the renowned Scottish Seabird Centre, where visitors can observe puffins, gannets, and other marine life up close. Wander through the quaint streets lined with independent shops, cosy cafes, and traditional pubs, or explore the nearby ancient ruins of Tantallon Castle. North Berwick effortlessly combines the allure of seaside relaxation with rich cultural experiences, making it a delightful destination for all.

When it comes to evening dining in North Berwick, options may be limited, but fortunately, the striking Lawn Restaurant at the Marine Hotel more than makes up for it, and their newly launched Italian menu is a very indulgent affair.

Review of the new Italian menu at The Lawn, North Berwick

We journeyed along the picturesque East Lothian coastline from Portobello to North Berwick to taste their new menu. What awaited us was an unexpected banquet, as every dish on the menu was presented before us, with a continuous flow of plates emerging from the kitchen.

The decor at The Lawn in the Marine Hotel is a tasteful blend of elegance and modern sophistication. The space features a soothing palette of earthy tones and deep greens. Chic, comfortable seating areas are complemented by large windows that offer stunning views of Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth. Thoughtful touches such as brass fittings, soft lighting, and traditional art create a warm and inviting ambiance. The design seamlessly marries the hotel's historic charm with a fresh, contemporary feel, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

The restaurant is spacious enough to accommodate large gatherings, evidenced by our long table that comfortably seated up to 20 guests.

For those planning to dine here, North Berwick is easily accessible by regular train services, reliable bus routes, or by car, with ample free parking available at the hotel. You can of course opt to stay in one of their very luxurious rooms too.

Since I was driving, I enjoyed a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz that tasted just as delightful as its alcoholic counterpart. Throughout the evening, there was also a generous selection of Italian red and white wines, expertly chosen by sommelier Phillipe from their extensive wine list.

To start our culinary journey, we were presented with some of the most delectable Cerignola Green and Black olives, I have ever tasted. A true delight for the taste buds. These Italian olives are known for their large size and firm, meaty texture. Expect a buttery smoothness with a subtle sweetness that gently unfolds. They have a mild, nutty flavour with hints of almond and a faintly tangy finish. Overall, they offer a refined and understated taste that's incredibly satisfying.

With the exception of one or two dishes, every other dish from the Antipasti, Primi and Secondi menus was available to tuck into.

We were drooling from the onset - from slicing through the Burrata, courgette and mint scapece £12 with our knife as it gently broke through the delicate outer shell, revealing the creamy interior as it began to ooze out; to the flavour sensation that was the Chicken Valdostana with parma ham, pecorino cheese and bulla cheese £28. The chicken was tender and juicy, serving as the perfect canvas for the savoury, slightly salty Parma ham that enveloped it. The Pecorino cheese added a nutty sharpness, while the Bulla cheese introduced a rich, creamy undertone that bound the flavours together.

Grilled Tiger Prawn in garlic, rosemary and a sweet and sour buffalo tomato confit £29 was a tantilising dish. The prawns were succulent and slightly charred, giving them a smoky flavour that blended harmoniously with the fragrant garlic and aromatic rosemary. The sweet and sour buffalo tomato confit added a burst of vibrant flavours, balancing the dish with its tangy sweetness and subtle acidity; whilst the Rosemary, truffle and parmesan Fries £8 are a must have side. Each big and chunky chip was a symphony of textures and flavours: the crunch of the fries, the depth of the truffle, the freshness of the rosemary, and the savoury hit of the cheese.

Soft, salty and succulent Pork Meatballs were a massive hit whilst the Mussels Marinara £12 with tomato and chilli served with bruschetta was bursting with bold, vibrant flavours. Mixed leaf and herb salads £6 with parmesan shavings and shallot vinegar delivered a medley of fresh, vibrant flavours cleansing the palate for more food.

There was plenty of pasta from casarecce to tagliatelli, to bucatini elegantly twisted around a pronged fork served tableside with lashings of parmesan to the most incredible Wild Mushroom Risotto with sage, pinenut and parmesan £22.

There’s sourdough pizza’s too but with so much on offer, I never got round to tasting them. They looked scrumptious though with a thin base perfectly bubbled edges with more drool worthy toppings.

The star of the show for me, without a doubt, was the Chateaubriand to share £90 served with creamed spinach, merlot reduction, salsa verde and bearnaise. Visually, it is a beautifully thick cut, seared to a perfect golden brown crust on the outside. Sliced, it revealed a warm, rosy-red centre that was incredibly inviting. The texture was tender and succulent, practically melting in your mouth with each bite. The flavour was rich and beefy, with a subtle juiciness that comes from the precise cooking. It's savoury, with hints of a slight smokiness from the sear, creating an indulgent and satisfying dish.

The Lawn have excelled themselves with this menu. It’s possibly one of the best Italian menus I’ve had the pleasure of eating in recent years, in Scotland. It’s like taking a sensory trip to the heart of Italy. Picture the warm, inviting aroma of truffles, garlic and simmering tomatoes. Each dish is a work of art from a menu that marries the flavours of Italy with quality Scottish produce - traditional dishes, regional specialities, Italian wines and liqueurs. The first bite of al dente pasta, perfectly cooked and generously coated in a rich, flavourful sauce, is pure bliss whilst fresh herbs like basil and rosemary add aromatic layers and creamy cheeses melt in your mouth.

Desserts were an indulgent finale, and we chose the velvety and ever so light tiramisu.

Eating Italian food here at The Lawn, is an experience that goes beyond just a meal. It’s a journey into the heart of Italian culture, where every dish is crafted with passion, tradition, and the finest ingredients and allows you to immerse yourself in an authentic and unforgettable culinary adventure. The ambiance is warm and inviting, reminiscent of a family gathering, making every moment special. Pair this with exceptional wines and the artistry of master chefs, and you have a dining experience that’s not only delicious but also soulful and memorable.

Highly recommended!

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE LAWN

• Reservations are recommended

• Can cater for allergies but must be informed at time of order

• Hotel is dog friendly not sure about restaurant

The Lawn, Marine Hotel, 18 Cromwell Rd, North Berwick EH39 4LZ www.lawnrestaurant.co.uk

My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10

I was invited by The Lawn to review their menu.

Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.

TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.

Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk