I’ve spoken on my blog at length before about how impressed I’ve been with Prezzo. For a chain restaurant, it manages to maintain a quirky, independent and almost luxurious feel, despite being completely affordable and great quality. If you’re visiting a new city, whether it’s on business or for leisure, I do enjoy venturing off the beaten track to individual restaurants – however if you (like me) struggle to find dishes that cater for an intolerance (or even if you’d rather be assured of the quality and taste) it’s great to go somewhere you know.
With an intense final year of University on the horizon, Danielle and I decided to book in for a bit of comfort food (and champagne) one Saturday lunchtime, all while sampling their brand new (and totally delicious) Autumn menu – which features pumpkin on a pizza (I bet you’ve never heard that one before).
As always, we were greeted warmly by the staff and shown to a brightly lit table overlooking the beach (well, almost). Never needing an excuse to drink something sparkling, we ordered two glasses of rose champagne and perused the immense amount of choice available. Weighing up Pasta or pizza is probably one of life’s best problems to have. Eventually, we both decided to go for neither – opting for some rather adventurous choices instead.
First up was the bruschetta, which Prezzo does spectacularly. Rather than just a handful of sad looking tomatoes and a few onions, these flatbreads were loaded with pesto, flavoursome garlic oil, tomatoes in an assortment of bright colours and red onions. We savoured every last bite, completely forgetting that there was a main course on the agenda.
Danielle chose the pumpkin risotto, a decision I would have joined her on if I wasn’t lactose intolerant. It looked incredible – creamy and hearty, with pumpkin seeds and chunks. An unusual addition to an Italian menu, but one that everyone needs to give a go.
I opted for the Calabrese, which is essentially a mound of gorgeously succulent grilled chicken, red peppers, tomatoes (like a pomodoro sauce but far more flavoursome), onions and spinach. Usually, they add chillies and sausage but I prefer it just with all the veggies. The house fries make for the perfect accompaniment, to dip into all that remaining sauce!
Although we were both extremely full, there is always room for a quick browse of the dessert menu. Dairy-free wise, the Cherry Sorbet was a tempting offering – however I eventually decided upon a peppermint tea, while Danielle had her eye on this masterpiece…
A salted caramel arctic slice. Can you blame her?
If you’re in the market for an evening (or champagne fuelled lunch) out, I’d definitely recommend a look in with Prezzo (if anyone samples the lobster and pumpkin pizza – please let me know what you think). It’s a great chain restaurant with a very chilled atmosphere and it never makes you feel as though you’re just ‘another’ diner in the production line but a genuine, valued customer. They’re always offering ‘20% off’ vouchers online – so it’s often a really great value place to spend an evenings with friends and family!
Have you eaten at Prezzo’s recently? What do you think of the pumpkin risotto or pumpkin and lobster pizza?
