Prezzo

I have made not one, but two visits to Prezzo in the last week or so. With my bestie moving to Epping, it was inevitable that I would be handing out in the area.
Epping itself has its little high street with a few choices for dining. There are the usual suspects like Pizza Express and Prezzo and also some independent pubs, an indian takeaways and the like.
You need to drive to live here, so you can get around to the neighbouring towns to check out more of varied offering. Alternatively, it is only 35 minutes by tube into Liverpool Street.
So, Prezzo. It’s a chain. Chain’s are not normally my favourites. In fact, I had the worst Prezzo experience at the one based on Upper Street. Tasteless food, inexperienced staff and the place seemed generally dirty. But maybe because this is a wee village on the outskirts of London, it has an independence to it. Housed in a 17^th century coaching inn, it stands out immediately from the normal buildings that house a Prezzo I have seen.
The food, whilst not as good as some of the more authentic independents, such as Aimci Miei (yes I keep plugging this one), it was still nice. We opted for a starter of king prawns in a pomodoro sauce with garlic, chilli and spinach (no skimping on the prawns I am proud to note) with toasted ciabatta for me and Sam Blakey went for baked stuffed mushroom with grana padano, mozzarella cheese, garlic, onions in breadcrumbs (with a side of mayo).
For our main courses, I was really impressed because Sam wanted a dish which was no longer featured, but they kindly knocked it up for her, so she had penne al pollo zafferano which was with chicken, cream, saffron and chilli. I opted for penne with wild mushrooms and peas in a creamy sauce.
The service was quick, the food was tasty and as option with few to choose from, Prezzo was great for a local. It will probably end up being our regular «go to» option when in Epping, because it is not bad value for money with heavy portions.

Nice italian restaurant to eat, but you have to be very hungry, all you can eat there is huge but with a really good taste…, just delicious! The environment is correct, brilliant tables and a really good service that are always taking care of your well-​being…
The surroundings there are simply lovely, and if you want to ‘escape’ from the noisy city I strongly recommend you this place.

Great food and friendly staff. However, it can be very noisy at times. It can also be slow service at times if busy.

Love Prezzo. The food is always delicious and you don’t have to wait a long time for it to served. The staff here can be a bit aloof. If you don’t like noise, then sit in the upper part of the restaurant as the downstairs is very open plan and the noise travels and echoes all around, which can be off putting.
Lovely building and one of my favourite chain restaurants. For a vegetarian, like myself, there’s a yummy choice.