Words and Review by Emmie Blower (@emmiebhungry)
It was an absolute pleasure and delight to be invited to the launch of Prezzo, Islington. Set just off Upper Street in Islington Square, Prezzo has invested in a substantial restaurant space signalling confidence in the hospitality sector again.
The restaurant is well designed and despite its size it has a cosy feel as areas not being used can be shut ensuring diners get the buzzy ambiance that we enjoyed.
A glitzy central bar stands proud in the centre of the restaurant and it was interesting to hear that they have designed a menu specifically for Bar Snacks to encourage people to come in for a drink and a bite to eat.
Interestingly they have also developed a Lunch Specials menu featuring delicious Focaccia Sandwiches for under £10 which would be ideal for those tired of shopping on Upper Street or popping out of work for lunch.
They pulled out all the stops for the opening night and by that I don’t just mean the red carpet and generous pouring of Prosecco. They have clearly taken their time to hire and train an excellent team.
Despite it being opening night and very busy, every dish arrived cooked to perfection, hot and well presented. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu, attentive and actually just genuinely really, nice fun people.
Service is everything and it is a real differentiator for chain restaurants. Hats off to the team.
Prezzo have launched an Autumns Specials menu. You will find gorgeous Porcini Mushroom Arancini on the starters which I highly recommend. A real strong umami flavour coming through the crunchy exterior and unctuous centre.
The Chorizo and Ricotta Ravioli also stood out. This dish was so rich I was glad that I chose to share it. Lovely big chunks of smoked chorizo were in the sauce and inside the ravioli making for a powerful and decadent dish.
For dessert we chose the Blackcurrant and Prosecco Cheesecake with Raspberry Sorbet it was zingy and creamy all at the same time. I could not resist the Triple Chocolate Tart, it is a chocoholics dream, paired with an Espresso Martini and I was in heaven.
The Cocktail list is also featuring some Autumn Specials such as a Blackberry Negroni and Spiced Rum Punch. I would definitely recommend popping in to give them a try.
