Marco Island has a lot of wonderful restaurants, some right on the water and others tucked away in the historic streets of the island’s quaint downtown. Yet, few capture the spirit of island fine dining better than Marco Prime. With a name the same as that of its home, Marco Prime in Marco Island is your answer for an inspiring and romantic evening of spectacular food.
Marco Prime Steak and Seafood is an experience to remember. It is one that captures the essence of fine dining on Marco Island with dimly-lit ambiance, simple décor, warm patio seating, and a fusion of culinary influences.
Making Marco Prime
The restaurant was established by the Carvelli family. The family has used their many years of dining experience to craft a riveting and varied menu. They sought to merge cultures, like French and Asian, through a range of fine dining dishes.
The current executive chef is Franceso Carvelli, an Italian native who firmly decided to pursue culinary school at the age of 13. He came to the United States in his 20s to help with his brother’s Marco Island restaurant, DaVinci’s. Now, he is a key factor in Marco Prime’s quick success.
The Marco Prime Menu
The core of the Marco Prime sunset menu is divided into three main sections: hot small plates, crudo & ceviche, and house specialties.
Hot Small Plates
Menu highlights from the hot small plates include the Spiced Calamari, made with Asian spices, sweet chili sauce, and roasted garlic aioli, and Lobster Mac and Cheese, which is made with smoked Gouda, Fontina cheese, and mascarpone. You can also indulge in some their more innovative hot plate dishes, including the Grilled Spanish Octopus, Foie Gras, and Seared Jumbo Scallops.
Crudo & Ceviche
Moving on to the second major menu category, you have crudo & ceviche. This includes the Spicy Tuna Tower, which comes with seaweed salad, black rice, orange-ginger jus, and the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, with toast points, onions, shaved Pecorino parmigiano, and topped with black truffle oil and Boursin cheese.
House Specialties
Finally, take a bit of one of the 13 signature dishes. They include Jumbo Sea Scallops, Charred Salmon, and Grouper Dynamito, a local Florida fish stuffed with Spicy Blue Crab Meat, and house mashed potatoes, spinach, and kimchi butter sauce on the side.
The premiere signature dish is the breathtaking Surf & Turf, a 6oz petite filet mignon and 5oz cold water lobster tail – perfect for those who can’t decide.
You can also order from a selection of sides, soups, salads, and the signature Marco Prime oysters. Guests can also enjoy items from a refreshing cold plate menu, which features three options: shrimp cocktail, lump blue crab, and a ceviche-seafood salad combination.
Ambience and the Bar
Obviously, Marco Prime makes for one of the finest restaurants in Marco Island for special occasions. The menu alone sells the restaurant with its delicious dishes packed with local staples, but the stunning décor is an added bonus.
The bar really sets the tone of elegance. Choose from one of 10 main signature cocktails. It’s a delightful mix of margaritas, manhattans, and the crisp Cucumber Cooler.
Marco Prime also has a select bar food menu. It features 10 to 15 items, including smaller versions of main menu dishes. You can find the Spicy Tuna Tower, Tuna Tartare, Wagyu Sliders, Calamari Tempura, and others on this dedicated smaller bar menu. It’s a great way to come in for a post-dinner drink and snack-size offering.
The Marco Prime hours are 4 p.m. to about 10 p.m. every day. Reservations are highly recommended. Reach out to us for any details on places to stay, top attractions, and dining experiences on the island.