Don Lorenzo’s Resturant. Marlow, Buckinghamshire

Good news travels fast! Don Lorenzo’s restaurant has been open in Marlow for just three months, but it is already well known for it’s vibrant, welcoming environment and superb Italian cuisine. Lance Robinson and Giuseppe have created an Italian paradise on two floors, complete with private dining room. They have even brought their chef over from Naples, for that truly authentic Italian taste. Giuseppe is not only a partner in the business, but also the front of house conductor, orchestrating his team of waitresses and chefs with precision and ease.
With his wide –opened armed welcome, you just know that when this thoroughbred Italian says to you “Make yourself at home”, you really will feel as though you are in his own home. A lovely ambient restaurant with a pretty bowed front bay window, warm timber beams, soft toffee coloured walls and attractive simple crisp white linen.
I instantly decided to choose a starter of home made penne pasta with Parma ham, basil, and radicchio – an interesting combination that surprised me when the imaginative ingredients complimented each other wonderfully. My fiancé chose the seasonal Asparagus tips, and was very pleased to find it simply prepared and so very fresh.
Don Lorenzo offers a well considered and tempting wine list spanning the globe from a deep Spanish Rioja to a South African Pinotage. Having visited numerous Tuscan vineyards I have a particular passion for Italian red wines and was delighted by the choice of such favourites as Chianti classico, Brunello de Montalcino and Amarone truly bringing Italy straight to the table.
With so much fresh fish to choose from my fiancé was really torn between Sea Bass, Tuna, and Dover Sole. Guiseppe recommendation the whole Sea Bass with aubergine, cherry tomato comfit, basil and olive oil. Once tasted he declared that it “was as though it had been hooked straight from the Adriatic”. I equally relished my corn fed Chicken wrapped in Parma ham and served with an Italian favourite – Pecorino cheese. These were accompanied with side dishes of fresh mange tout, courgettes, mushrooms, and peppers in olive oil. Delicious
Impossible to resist the desserts, we chose the Lemon cheesecake, light fresh layers of sponge and cream, and a deeply brandied Tiramisu.
Amidst the sound of chattering voices, and soft Italian music, and the smell of fresh herbs, you can hear old and new friends coming and going. Don Lorenzo’s really is Marlow’s reflection of Umbria and Tuscany, a special haven where you can eat fresh imaginative ingredients and enjoy the laid back and convivial atmosphere.
You will remember the passion for the food, the sophisticated menu, the simplicity of the flavours, the beautiful presentation……… and of course Giuseppe!