Marcos

My mom, dad, and I entered Marcos Ristorante in Lewiston at 6 pm. When she came around the host stand, the hostess was wearing pink Valentine’s “pants.” They certainly fit the occasion, but were a little unexpected for the Italian restaurant. We stayed for two full hours, which was the most European aspect of the restaurant. We weren’t rushed and had plenty of time to converse. 

Too long, didn’t read: Huge portions of reliable Italian food. 8/10.

Atmosphere

The first dining room, directly behind the host stand, was full. We were led to the second room, with six booths along the walls and two tables in the center. This room was at full occupancy, but the spacing made it seem less busy. It wasn’t overly loud as various couples shared handholds or small talk.

The atmosphere included candlelight-like fixtures. Standard Italian restaurant music played (think Dean Martin, 60s music, and Italian ballads). Unfortunately, we were seated at a booth. It wasn’t super comfortable, and we found ourselves far from the table. That is the only complaint we had: booths suck.

The Meal

Otherwise, our visit to Marcos was well received. Denis (or Dennis, perhaps) was our waiter. He and the kitchen staff timed the food appropriately, and we didn’t wait long for each portion. First, my folks ordered wine: a Casalini 2023 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo with notes of deep plum and a dry finish. On its own, fine. With pasta? An excellent pairing. Everything ordered came off their special Valentine’s Menu.

Denis brought us sourdough bread, which was delicious. Amazing with the olive oil. We ordered calamari as an appetizer. Not my favorite, yet it was tender and matched well with the marinara sauce served alongside. With each entree comes a house salad. These were huge and “made with love,” according to Denis. They included cucumbers, tomatoes, and three of the tiniest olives I ever saw. 

My mom ordered the shrimp scampi, while my dad and I got the Tour of Italy: lasagna, chicken parmesan, and fettuccine alfredo (thanks, Denis, for the extra alfredo). All of these were shareable portions. I made sure to eat the small, crispy chicken parmesan portion to get the protein. The lasagna was satisfactory, but I have had some amazing home cooked lasagna. I haven’t had fettuccine alfredo in years, especially after I learned it’s not very Italian. Still, it reminded me of my childhood. Worth all the calories.

For dessert, my mom craved Spumoni (spelled differently by others). This is an ice cream layered with cherries and nuts. By this point, we were all stuffed, but it isn’t going out until you’ve had dessert. I’ll say I had my dairy fill for the next few days. 

As Denis packed our leftovers, the couple behind us (Peter and Pat from Greene) admitted they had split their plate and still had leftovers. 

I had no issues with the food; everything was tasty. This isn’t life-changing Italian, but it’s generous and satisfying. Honestly, I’d rate Marcos at an 8/10, and I’d visit again. 

A review of The Sedgley Place in Greene, Maine