Marco Paulo, Mount Edgecombe

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031 502 2221 Click to reveal

Restaurant description

Marco Nico first became known in the restaurant industry in Natal in 1989 with the opening of his first restaurant, La Bucca di Bacco in Umhlanga. When he sold the business he had a restraint of trade on Italian food so he decided to experiment with Latino food and he went on to open the first of the successful "El" group, El Cubano in Florida Road.

Shortly after that he and his business partner, Martin Lombaard, opened El Turko in Windermere Road which will always be remembered for its vibe, the Turkish Tigers and the three legged chairs that threatened to topple over on even the most sober guests. In 1995 they opened a third restaurant, this time in Westville, and with the restraint of trade no longer an issue Marco was able to go back to his Italian roots and El Guappo became the Italian Quarter. It was at El Guappo where Marco met his wife, Kerryne.

Marco's list of restaurants continued to grow and included Ciao Itallia in Westville and Havana Grill and Wine Bar in the Suncoast Casino. His talents as a chef and a businessman have seen him consulting to Singita Private Game Reserve and many restaurants in the greater Durban area. It was whilst consulting on the Cargo Hold for the Ushaka project that Marco met Paul.

In 2007 they made a decision to find premises to open yet another restaurant, Marco Paulo, a clever play on words using their names. Marco lives by his belief in 'The Sophistication of Simplicity,' his food is always made using the freshest local produce. It has been described as being 'Soul Food' it is simple yet inventive, and most of all delicious.

Marco is supported by a team of chefs in the kitchen, most of whom have worked with him for a number of years. His kitchen is a finely tuned machine; everyone knows their place and works according to his standard.
About Paul Sheppard (PAULO)

Paul studied with the International Hotel School, working 3 properties, namely the Royal, The Riverside and Quarters Hotel.

During this period Paul also helped open and manage Cat Man Du, a cocktail bar and restuarant on Windermere road.

In 2004 Paul was approached by uShaka Marine World to facilitate in the opening of the ship wreck restaurants. Once open Paul stayed to Manage one of the restaurants for a further year. This is where Paul met Marco, whilst consulting for the Three Cities Group on the Cargo Hold restaunrant.

In 2005 Paul joined the Italian trattoria on Florida Road, Spiga D Oro. Here he was senior manager and saw the restaurant grow into one of Durban's most successful.