Ego Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar on Pleasant Street in Lytham is a laid back establishment that really embodies the unapologetic pleasure-seeking way of life that part of the world is famous for.
It looks the part – exposed brickwork, olive green and brown walls and seating, wooden panelling and flooring warmed up with fairy and tea lights throughout the restaurant. The kitchen is open dispelling tantalising smells across the restaurant and jazz music plays subtly in the background. The waiters are smart and efficient and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Oh yes, this is the right place for a siesta.
When the sun is shining, glass doors and windows along the length of the building allow the light to fill it. And on the precious days we are blessed with sunshine and warmth, an outdoor terrace lets you take full advantage of al fresco dining.
My family visited on the afternoon of Mother’s Day when the restaurant was full with like-minded parties of numerous generations, from toddlers to pensioners, all seemingly enjoying themselves.
Choosing from a special menu for the event, I opted for chargrilled rump steak served with peppercorn sauce, potatoes and vegetables followed by warm chocolate brownie with fudge sauce and ice cream. My meal was cooked to perfection and flavoursome, the steak tender, and the brownie was one of the best I’ve ever tasted (and there have been many) – rich and gooey.
The rest of my party, comprising meat, fish-only, fussy and pregnant eaters, sampled just about everything else on the menu and were all very impressed, and most importantly, satisfied. This is not always easy to achieve for a family whose biggest love in life is food!
Singled out for special mention were the paprika flavoured calamari, honey glazed Iberian belly pork, salmon fillet with leek, pancetta and white wine sauce and sticky toffee pudding.
Most of these dishes are available on the main menu, which also offers pastas, pizzas and risottos in addition to a wide variety of Mediterranean inspired dishes. They hold regular themed nights and there’s a fixed price menu on offer throughout the week.
The menu offered two and three course options, £17.95 and £20.95 respectively, which represented good value for money on a special occasion, and at the end of the meal the mothers in our party were presented with gifts of primulas, which was a nice touch. All the menus are available to view on the website and you can book a table online too. They’re also on Facebook and Twitter
Ego Lytham is currently one of eight restaurants nationwide but there is a distinct local feel to it. The venue is stylish yet unpretentious, modern but welcoming. There’s a family feel and a sense of taking time to enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace.
I’ve visited previously on a Friday night when the restaurant adopts a mellow evening vibe. There’s also a separate bar with seating which is open late – perfect for a pre or post-dinner cocktail. Conveniently located in the town centre, there’s also a public car park (paid) right next to the venue.
Ego is a particularly lovely destination to treat or impress someone.