When it comes to chain restaurants, usually I steer very clear. Over processed foods, menus that cater for the entirety of the UK, rather than the individual town and bad service are usually aspects that come as part and parcel. However, I have two exceptions. One of which, is Prezzos.
Regardless of the location, I absolutely adore Prezzos and seem to have conducted my own little tour of their restaurants nationwide (I counted ten). They have a very simple Italian menu, with a number of really exciting dishes – and a number of ‘firm favourites’, making it the perfect go-to for a great meal. You know what you’re getting – and you know it’s going to be good. The staff are always really welcoming, without fail – and the decor is luxurious, yet the price tag is very affordable. You really can’t go wrong.
So when I was invited to try out some of the new additions for their Christmas menu at our local Bournemouth branch, I jumped at the chance. Sion and I were to celebrate our one year anniversary at the start of November, making it the perfect occasion for a guilt-free three course meal.
Although Prezzo’s are still offering their original menu, each table features a hand-picked festive selection, with new dishes such as pea and ham hock soup, goat’s cheese and vegetable risotto and chocolate and chocolate orange truffle slice (mmm). With a set menu (including a glass of prosecco) to suit all tastes, their Christmas menu is perfect for work parties, social get-togethers and family dinners alike.
Sion and I opted for a bread board to start, which featured a number of delicious baked treats, including fresh rosemary foccacia, garlic bread, pesto and ciabatta, dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sion also tried the pulled pork flatbread, while I had some more garlic mozzarella pizza bread. Despite both being under £6, which is extremely reasonable for a starter, they were well made, piping hot and extremely fresh.
Although several of the festive items looked very tempting, I eventually (after much deliberation) chose the saffron salmon for my main course, which featured broccoli, green beans and new potatoes in a gorgeously creamy sauce.
Sion went for the classic Spaghetti Bolognese, perhaps less festive but I quote, nevertheless ‘delicious’.
Although we’d eaten enough for four diners already, the pudding menu was far too enticing to miss out on – and we saw it as our opportunity to really get our teeth into (quite literally) some of the new festive additions. We umm-ed and ahh-ed over whether to get the chocolate orange truffle slice (who could resist) or the chocolate fudge cake, and eventually settled on the honeycomb smash cheesecake and the chocolate brownie cake and ice cream. Very. Difficult. Decision.
If you’re on the lookout for a fantastic, high quality yet affordable chain restaurant near you, make sure you have a look for your nearest Prezzo’s here (link). The Christmas menu is incredible, considering the value for money – and would be ideal for on budget, yet tasty work parties or friendly get-togethers.
Have you visited Prezzo recently – or tried their new Christmas menu? I’d love to know what you think!
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