Prezzo Manchester Deansgate Review

My name is Lily and I’m a pizza addict. No, seriously. I’m not ashamed to have been referred to as ‘pizza princess’ more than once, and I have no qualms in immediately ordering the biggest pizza off the menu at pretty much any restaurant I go to. I’m predictable, but I love a good pizza and hey, you can never have too much of a good thing, right?

Anyway, my pizza preferences were fully indulged on the opening night of the new Prezzo restaurant in Manchester city centre. When I was asked whether I would like to pop along to sample a piz-za the action for myself, I obviously jumped at the chance – and fair’s fair, so here’s my Prezzo Manchester Deansgate Review.

If you’ve not heard of Prezzo before (where have you been?!) it’s an Italian chain restaurant that I would liken to Pizza Express or Zizzi, although I reckon it tries to be a little higher class. Obviously I love my local independent restaurants and bars, but there’s always a place in my heart for a good Italian restaurant brand where I just know I’m going to get a dinner I expect, enjoy and can repurchase whenever I want it. There’s something nice and comforting about ordering what you want and getting just that.

The location of the restaurant is pretty much as central as you can get – Deansgate is without a doubt one of the main roads in Manchester and it’s complete in the middle of everything. Prezzo is located at the end of Deansgate near Barton Arcades, Marks and Spencer and Manchester Cathedral, so it is very central indeed. The only thing about this location is that it’s on a row of bars – good if you’re on a stag no, not so good if you are looking to walk down the street without being heckled. Although, I have to admit that as soon as you step inside you totally and completely forget where you are – you could be in Spinningfields based on the atmosphere inside.

For the launch night, there was live music playing, networking and a little sample of Prezzo’s favourite bits and bobs. We didn’t have any ‘full’ main meals but don’t get me wrong, my guest and I were certainly very full by the time we left! The waitresses came round and let us try selections from the starter, main and dessert menus which was actually a really great idea by letting us try a little bit of everything, including selections we might not have made on our own.

The selection of starters and anti-pastis gave us a great choice to pick and choose from. I often think of starters as being one of the best parts of an Italian meal and Prezzo did not disappoint! We tried samples of sharing platters, including the Antipasto taster which included prosciutto, salami milano, burrata mozzarella, marinated olives, sun-blushed tomatoes and rocket – I can’t comment on the meat as I don’t eat this, but apparently it was yummy! To accompany these, we also had a variety of bruschetta samples (so delicious) and there were also King Prawns and Crab Cakes which I am also told were delectable.

Then, the main course answered all of my pizza dreams! Although I must admit there weren’t many vegetarian options being offered on the launch night – it seemed pretty meaty, which I guess was done to suit most people – I was able to try a couple of different types of pizzas and flat breads, and also a taster of the Wild Mushroom Girasole, which is a lovely filled pasta dish. I would definitely have this is a main course. The pizza was delicious – so yummy – I have to give credit to the amazing waiters and waitresses who realised I was a veggie pretty quickly and then did their best to take that into account when serving. They were fab, and all so friendly and helpful!

The highlight of the night for me was without a doubt the dessert. Two words; hazelnut cheesecake. That’s it – that’s all you need to know. If you eat one thing in Manchester, make it this. This lovely, chocolately, rich, ferro-rocher topped delight is one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever tasted and it had my guest and I ordered extras for the tables next to us to taste and try. Honestly, it’s incredible! However if you aren’t into heavy desserts, there were also gelato and sorbet’s being sampled which were very refreshing and tasty… But just nothing compares to the hazelnut cheesecake!

Thanks to Prezzo for having us along for the night – everything was fantastic and I left feeling decidely satisfied (and also as if I was pretty good friends with the waiters – who were incredible). It was a brilliant opportunity to try a little slice of Italian (literally!) and I have no doubt I will be returning very soon.