RESTAURANT REVIEW: Prezzo, Beckenham ***** (From News Shopper)

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Prezzo, Beckenham *****

1:51pm Wednesday 5th May 2010 in Freetime By Katie Cormack

WITH this restaurant chain’s reputation for tasty Italian fare, the classy new Prezzo eatery in Beckenham High Street would reward any discerning taste bud or hungry belly.

Arriving on its opening Friday night, my equally peckish partner and I were beckoned through the doors by an enthusiastic waitress and immediately seated beside one of the large windows overlooking the high street.

While perusing our menus I was easily distracted by the elegant modern interior with its mix of dark brown wood, cool blue lighting, reflective glass surfaces and some beautiful crystal vases that were on display.

There was a friendly, energetic atmosphere about the place, packed full of smiling customers and appeasing, efficient staff.

I found the facilities clean and compact. The dining area was split by levels, with a spacious bar at the back through to the kitchen where you could watch the chefs preparing the food.

The menu displayed a wide variety of authentic Italian cuisine, and, being notoriously indecisive, the poor waitress had to visit our table three times before I could make up my mind over what to select.

Our starters arrived within five minutes of ordering. We enjoyed mozzarella fried in breadcrumbs with a pomodoro sauce and marinated olives.

I chose a wonderfully cooked chargrilled chicken breast with mushrooms and leeks in a gorgonzola cream for my main, while my partner ordered a specialty al forna pasta of chicken, pepperoni sausage and roasted peppers baked in a cheese and tomato sauce.

We were slightly overwhelmed by the heart-stopping portion sizes; the deliciously seasoned mixed and caesar side salads could have made a meal in themselves.

Dessert topped the taste experience; stylishly presented on a large glass plate came my honeycomb smash cheesecake and my partner’s milk chocolate fudge cake. I made short work of mine and so was able to ‘help’ him polish off his dish.

We drank the red Sangiouese Rubicone house wine, which I found surprisingly mellow for a house wine.

As we wandered out from the friendly buzz of Prezzo we tried to think of a fault, but could not have been happier with the service, the atmosphere, value for money, and, most importantly, the undeniably delicious food.

The total cost of the meal was £57.85 For more information on the restaurant, go to loveprezzo.co.uk or call 0208 658 0747.