Inside: A Family Evening at Prezzo Italian: A Perfect End to the Summer Holidays. Press visit.
As the summer holidays drew to a close and the new school year loomed on the horizon, I wanted to do something special with the children – a little treat to mark the end of the long break and ease that transition back to uniforms, packed lunches, and early mornings.
So, when we were invited to visit the newly refreshed Prezzo Italian in Stevenage to try out their menu and see what we thought, the timing felt just right. We made it into a family evening – myself, my husband, and all three children – and it turned out to be exactly the send-off to summer we were hoping for.
First Impressions – A Fresh Look for an Old Favourite
I’ve been to Prezzo before, both in Stevenage and in other towns, and it’s always been one of those reliable family favourites where you know you’ll get a decent pizza or pasta in a relaxed setting. But walking into the Stevenage branch after its little revamp, I could instantly see that they’d given it some love and attention.
The décor had a fresher, more modern feel – nothing over the top, but smart touches that made it feel brighter and more welcoming. There were comfortable booths, warm lighting, and a generally calmer atmosphere than I’d remembered. It felt like somewhere you could enjoy a nice meal as a couple, but still entirely suitable for families with children.
The staff greeted us warmly and immediately put us at ease. With three kids in tow, including one younger one who doesn’t always have the longest patience when hungry, I always appreciate when we’re seated quickly and menus are handed out straight away. That was definitely the case here.
A Menu to Suit Everyone
One of the big challenges when eating out as a family of five is finding something that works for everyone. My husband and I like to try slightly different dishes when we can, my two older girls are adventurous but still like something hearty, and my youngest is very much in the stage of sticking to the basics from a children’s menu. Prezzo ticked all those boxes.
The adult menu had a good variety – classic pizzas and pastas, but also salads, grills, and lighter options. The kids’ menu was well thought-out too, offering simple versions of the same Italian classics without being too fussy. I particularly liked that it felt a bit more grown-up than the usual nuggets-and-chips affair you often find on children’s menus.
What We Ordered
For starters, I went for my favourite of bruschetta. No joke, it was the best I’ve ever had and I’ve been recreating at home since our visit!
My husband went for calamari, the girls shared a giant garlic bread sharer. William had a garlic bread to himself and loved it. The portion sizes are great and at this point I was thinking perhaps the kids shouldn’t have had starters in case they didn’t finish their mains…
I shouldn’t have worried though – the mains were equally as delicious and everyone cleared their plates with no issue. Fit to bursting, but worth it.
I went for a simple chicken and pancetta rigatoni – I am a sucker for pasta. My husband went for the calzone – always a treat and something we wouldn’t ever have at home. Again – great portion sizes and just so tasty.
Special mention for the chicken Milanese burgers the girls had – they were raving about them for days and we ended up ordering them as a takeaway for the girls a few days later as a treat while the rest of us went off to a birthday party.
For my youngest, we ordered from the children’s menu – he chose a Margherita pizza, which came in a perfectly manageable size for little hands. He was very pleased with it (and ate more of it than he usually does when we go out), which is always a win in my book.
Drinks and Dessert
The drinks menu was straightforward – a selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, and cocktails. I stuck to a glass of lemonade, while my husband had a Doom Bar Amber Ale. The kids enjoyed their juices and fizzy treats.
Of course, no family meal out is complete without pudding. The girls and my husband went for the sticky toffee pudding and my youngest having the ‘make your own sundae’.
I went for the Sicilian lemon meringue pie (possibly my favourite ever) and it finished the evening off perfectly.
The Service – Friendly and Attentive
I can’t fault the service we received. Our server was attentive without being overbearing, and he had that easy-going friendliness that makes all the difference when you’re dining as a family. Drinks were refilled quickly, plates were cleared efficiently, and there was never that feeling of being rushed, even though the restaurant was fairly busy for a random Tuesday.
The children were spoken to directly when ordering, which I always appreciate – it helps them feel involved and makes the whole experience more enjoyable for them. Our server also asked the kids if they wanted to try and solve some maths problems using crayons – just some extra fun to keep them entertained while waiting for each course.
He also challenged us to a rock paper scissors game to win a 2 for 1 dessert. Simple fun but it makes a difference to the whole vibe.
A Perfect End to Summer
All in all, our visit to Prezzo Stevenage was a really lovely way to round off the summer holidays. We enjoyed good food in a relaxed, family-friendly setting, and everyone left full and happy. It felt like a proper treat without being fussy, and it’s the kind of place I’d happily return to – whether for another family meal, a lunch with friends, or even just a cheeky takeaway.
The revamp has definitely lifted the atmosphere, the staff were fantastic, and the food hit the spot for both adults and kids alike. If you’re local and fancy somewhere reliable yet a little special for a meal out, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.
Find out more at prezzo.co.uk