Comforting Italian.
Prezzo Italian Restaurant on Glasshouse Street in Soho is just steps away from theatres, bars, classy shopping on Piccadilly, and the Tube station and throngs of red buses are right there. The perfect spot for tourists to relax and have a bite, but also for us locals too!
This branch of Prezzo is both warm and welcoming on a cold winter’s day. The staff are first class, being both friendly and well informed about the menu. Our fellow guests were indeed a combination of visitors and Londoners, including some who seemed to be regulars. That is always a good sign in a city with so many dining opportunities.
At Prezzo there is something for every taste and dietary need. There are gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and kids’ menus to ensure that everyone can find something delicious to eat.
My guest ordered a cocktail. Long Island Iced Tea made with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, cola, and lemon juice was a tall glass and full of flavour from the spirits, balanced with sharpness from the lemon. A thirst-quencher with a kick!
Garlic Chicken Pastacini was my starter, and it was new to me. It’s a twist on arancini which are those filled and deep-fried rice balls. Here it was macaroni pasta baked in a creamy garlic béchamel sauce with shredded chicken and mozzarella, coated in golden breadcrumbs and fried. They were served with a pestonnaise dip and topped with parmesan. These crunchy little delights are addictive. I would, if in a rush, come into Prezzo for just a plate of these and a nice glass of red!
Tomato Bruschetta was my guest’s first course. Crisp toasted ciabatta was topped with cherry tomatoes, red onion, balsamic glaze and basil pesto. A simple and light dish, but that glaze elevated this classic.
Marry Me Chicken Rigatoni was my main course. The name is intriguing! It originated in 2016 from a recipe developed by an editor at the food publication Delish. A colleague tasted the dish and said, “I’d marry you for that chicken!”. It is indeed a winner! It’s a rich and creamy combination of roast chicken breast in a garlic, sun-dried tomato, chilli and cream sauce coating rigatoni pasta. There was just the perfect heat from the spice to give balance to this dish.
My lunch companion was tempted by Wild Mushroom Ravioli, and it was another outstanding plate. Ravioli with spinach in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with toasted pine nuts, was a generous portion of comfort. OK, Prezzo is a chain restaurant, but its food is up there with more celebrated Italian restaurants in London.
Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake was our dessert and it’s available on the Christmas menu. It should be kept on after the festive season. I am a cheesecake maker and eater, and it’s given me some inspiration – and I can’t often say that after visiting a restaurant! Caramelised digestive base, baked cheesecake, light vanilla sponge, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, served with cherry compote and chocolate sauce was an impressive and well-composed wedge of dessert which was so good that I will be emulating it this very weekend. A sweet delight!
Prezzo on Glasshouse Street was a surprise. I was just looking for a solid Italian meal, but the quality of food and service was more than I had expected. I look forward to returning!
Prezzo Soho
36 Glasshouse Street
London
W1B 5DL