NEO Restaurant: Testing out the new 'it' spot.

Suspended in a glass bowl overlooking Bournemouth’s seafront, is the newly built NEO restaurant, or rather newly completed I should say. Townspeople have been waiting with baited breath for years to see what would finally take up residence in the empty premises. Just as folk were about to give up, the owners of said premises made the big announcement.

My stirring curiosity lead me to further investigate, and ever in the exhausting pursuit of helping readers (Someone's got to do it), we set the date and the impending review was arranged.

Myself and the team arrived at NEO the Friday of the Wheels Festival and in true Friday spirit began our experience with some sinful libations: an Espresso Martini, a Pear and Elderflower Bramble and the ultimate ‘holiday drink’, a classic Mojito. All of which went down rather smoothly, probably a little too smoothly for twelve in the afternoon.

As our cocktails made an appearance (and a swift exit) our hostess made herself known. She met us with the warmest of smiles and instantly made us feel at home. It might be something that you never notice, but the top-notch restaurant professionals (like those at NEO) are always seeking to execute ‘hospitality moments’ – those little touches that go above and beyond the expected level of service and trust me their team really went all out.

As our time at the bar came to a close, we were taken to our table on the top floor. Sat by the floor-to-floor window that allowed us to gaze out over the buzzing seafront. As a selection of fast cars whizzed by and the sun began to peak through the clouds, a sense of deep routed inner peace set in. I wasn’t sure if it was the decadent atmosphere or my alcoholic buzz but I knew one thing for certain: I had no intention of moving for quite some time. The menus arrived and moments later (after some assistance from their fabulous staff) we made our selections.

Above everything I must say how flawless the service was. We had a series of waiters and waitresses that looked after us, all of whom were extremely attentive and what’s more is they really knew the menu inside and out.

Sat in a plush chair, musing the finer things in life, wine in hand naturally; it was one of those ‘life is good’ kinds of moments, the only thing with the ability halt my contemplation in that moment, was the food arriving. I had ordered something quite special: ‘Smoked Goats Cheese’ and I couldn’t gather my cutlery quick enough! Sat on top of a bed of artichokes, plum tomatoes, kalamata olives and baby leaves, was a delicate crostini topped with an ample disc of goats cheese. Everything worked so well together, the saltiness from the olives the buttery crostini, all playing their parts in supporting the punchy flavour of the cheese. Nothing was ordinary, every ingredient was special and of a specific variety to suit this dish. Somehow my fork had made its way over to my guest’s plate, who was enjoying the scallops. They were perhaps the best I have ever had, possessing a moreish silky texture and balanced with the welcomed addition of super crispy bacon.

For main I decided to opt for the chicken, a rather more conventional option compared to previous reviews, but when I read it came with a lemon and thyme risotto I was hook, line and sinker, sold! The chicken itself was well cooked, though I was a tiny bit disappointed with the gravy – perhaps in my head I imagined a creamier or even sharper sauce to compliment the risotto. Speaking of, the risotto was utterly delicious – perfectly cooked (al dente) and every grain of rice had taken on the pungent flavour of the herbs.

I don’t think I could have lived with myself, being unable to provide a full and well-rounded review, so logically I had to choose a dessert and I decided that the ‘Dark Chocolate Torte’ would be the one that most would likely crave. It didn’t disappoint. The torte centre was much like a thick mousse, airy and rich with delectable chocolate flavour. Mixed with the coffee infused Baileys ice cream and the confit orange it was a match made in heaven.

Great hospitality, stunning surroundings, and a beautiful setting make for perfect partners for such delicious food.

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E: info@neorestaurant.co.uk W: neorestaurant.co.uk T: 01202 203610