It is very rare that the stars align and you find a restaurant that serves generous portions of lip-smackingly delicious food, employs attentive staff who are knowledgeable about their dishes and generates an atmosphere so warm and relaxed you could settle in for hours. Contemporary Italian restaurant, Prego, is one such gem.
Head chef, Joseph Souti, who has owned the Mediterranean restaurant for 7 years, infuses everything he cooks with love, and states on his website, “We want you to feel special when you are here.” Well we certainly did. Arriving on a Wednesday night, my husband and I are surprised how busy it is mid-week. Prego would seat around 80 people comfortably with the majority of tables set for 4, spaced enough apart so patrons don’t intrude on each other’s conversations. I like the atmosphere; the unusual W shape layout of the restaurant adds something unique and the dim lighting enhances the intimacy. No sooner do we sink into the soft, cushioned, high-backed chairs, with a gratified sigh, than resident wine specialist, Cristian is presenting us with the drinks menu.
https://foodiecravings.com.au/We decide Shiraz will do nicely and it complements all our dishes.
Once the waitress has rattled off all the specials without missing a beat and we order our meals, complimentary falafels with tahini and mediterranean salad arrive on our table. The tasty meatballs tease our tastebuds and we are eager to continue eating.
My entree doesn’t appear on the menu but was one of the specials. Thinly sliced slivers of Tasmanian smoked salmon and sashimi, with avocado and drizzled with aioli.This entree was very filling and full of flavour.
My husband chose the selection of funghi - grilled mushrooms, filo pastry with spinach and pine nuts served with soft boiled eggs. I would never think to order a dish comprising solely of mushrooms but I was blown away by how deliciously juicy the mushroom was and the sauce was exquisite.
After completing the entrees we cleansed our palates with mint sorbet. When you first pop a piece in your mouth the mint is super strong but it quickly eases and cools the tongue.
Again I chose one of the specials - roast duck with polenta, green beans and cherry tomatoes in a porcino sauce. The crispy skin perfectly complemented the tender meat and the sauce enhanced the taste of the vegetables. Undoubtedly my favourite meal.
My husband also chose a special - lamb shoulder slow cooked in red wine for 6 hours with an aioli sauce. So juicy and tender it fell off the fork. He struggled to finish the entire plate as the portion was so large.
The lamb came with a serving of couscous and we ordered sides of roast potatoes with rosemary, and shallots with tomatoes. The potatoes/chips are the best I have eaten in a very long time; a little bit of crunch and a mouthful of flavour.
Unsurprisingly, we did manage to find room for dessert - baklava, almond cake, chocolate fondue and ice cream were all decadently delicious and sweet.
We were both very impressed with the prompt, friendly service, excellent meals and cleanliness of the restaurant, and will definitely be back. Joe is planning to renovate the front of the restaurant to incorporate an al fresco area so patrons can relax with a drink while waiting for a table. If you’re looking for something a little up-market I highly recommend Prego in Floreat. It might be a little pricey but if you are looking for a night out, I think it’s worth it.
Prego, 440 Cambridge Street Floreat, is open for lunch from Tuesday to Friday 12pm - 3pm and dinner from Tuesday through to Saturday 6pm - 10.30pm.
Disclaimer: foodie cravings was invited as a guest of Prego. See disclosure policy for further details.
