Prezzo Italian in Cambridge has reopened with a new look and a refreshed menu – and they kindly invited me along to sample it.
The Bridge Street restaurant is one of those given a refurbishment to mark the chain’s 25th anniversary and rebrand from Prezzo to Prezzo Italian – Home of Italian Classic.
Garlic chicken pastacini at Prezzo Italian. Picture: Adrian Peel
The blue and white décor is certainly striking, and we were told it offers more of a ‘summer’ feel, with a sitting-outside-by-the-river-type-vibe (I definitely agree, though it might be a while until we can do that!).
There are many appealing options on the menu, from pizza and pasta to burgers and Milanesas, from varied starters to luxurious-looking desserts.
After much deliberation, I opted for the garlic chicken pastacini, Prezzo’s take on arancini. They are macaroni pasta baked in a garlic béchamel sauce with shredded chicken and mozzarella.
Coated in breadcrumbs, they are served with a ‘pestonnaise’ dip and topped with parmesan – and they were delicious.
The sauce in particular, which as the title suggests is a mix of pesto and mayonnaise, was divine and something I might try and recreate at home.
Tomato and burrata salad at Prezzo Italian. Picture: Adrian Peel
My wife had the tomato and burrata salad, which also comes with a pesto sauce.
I didn’t envy her as far as the tomatoes were concerned (I’m not a fan of tomatoes), but I love burrata and it certainly looked like a generous portion of it right in the middle of the plate.
Spaghetti bolognese at Prezzo Italian. Picture: Adrian Peel
Main course-wise, I went for the spaghetti bolognese. I know that’s not particularly adventurous but you can’t go wrong with spag bol – and it was very nice indeed, and the basil leaf on top was a nice touch.
My wife opted for the chicken Milanese, a breaded chicken breast served with grilled lemon, Italian cheese, rocket and a Calabrese dip.
Chicken Milanese at Prezzo Italian. Picture: Adrian Peel
It comes with spaghetti pomodoro or fries – ordinary fries, chilli fries or truffle fries. She had the latter and kindly let me try them.
I always enjoy truffle fries and these too were very good, as was the Calabrese dip.
When it came to pudding, although there were some very tempting options on the dessert menu, we both wanted tiramisu, and happily, there’s a ‘tiramisu for two’ on the menu.
We ordered that and loved it. I’d say it’s also enough for two people – which isn’t always the case!
Tiramisu at Prezzo Italian. Picture: Adrian Peel
We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience at Prezzo Italian (the staff were also friendly and attentive) and we look forward to our next visit.
For more information, visit prezzo.co.uk/restaurants/cambridge/.
Dining and Cooking