Prezzo - South Woodford

9:50am Monday 29th October 2007

DESPITE being a very sizable venue Prezzo in South Woodford was heaving on my recent Friday evening visit and I was certainly grateful I'd booked in advance.

Housed in a lovely old brickwork building setback from the High Road, the Prezzo chain have certainly landed on their feet with this venue which, with its stylish and warm interior, is proving a hit with customers.

Having been quickly seated by our friendly waitress we were soon being asked if we would like some entree to enjoy while we looked over the menu.

Having taken up the offer we were soon tucking into some delicious marinated olives that were quickly whetting our appetite as we plundered over a fairly simple, yet extensive Italian-based menu.

Having made our choices including a bottle of white Grecanico wine, we were soon being asked to sample our drinks choice.

Described as a soft fruity fresh wine from Sicily, myself and my partner found it rather sharp and vinegary and certainly not as described.

Our waitress however was happy to exchange this for our second selection of Pinot Grecanio (£13.50), which was certainly a lot more friendly on the pallet.

Our respective starters of Crostini Al Tonn (£3.95) - tuna mixed with celery, red onions and mayonnaise on grilled ciabatta bread - and Gaberoni (£4.95) - roasted butterfly king prawns on small slices of ciabatta bread - were soon delivered.

I have to say that the tuna tasted slightly dry, although still offered a reasonable flavour, while my partner was very complementary about the freshness of her prawns.

It wasn't too long before our main dishes of Linguine Polpett (£7.95) - meatballs and mushrooms with pasta - and Pollo Al Funghi (£8.95) - chicken breast covered with mushrooms and baby spinach in garlic were arriving.

The garlic flavoured tomato sauce with my meatballs and pasta provided a great flavour and left me very happy with my choice.

My partner was equally impressed with her chicken. Once again our table was quickly cleared and the dessert offered.

Despite being rather full I decided the Toffee and Banana cheesecake (£3.75) was too good to turn down.

My partner, wanting something light, went for vanilla ice cream (£2.50).

Once again both were delicious and brought about a nice end to a very enjoyable meal, with my only small gripe being the little time we got between courses.

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