Prezzo - Halstead

Prezzo has been delighting diners for over seven years, and this Italian restaurant chain has since been able to expand throughout large parts of England with well over a hundred outlets.

Interestingly, the company seeks to restore either impressive buildings or ones of local interest. The conversion of the Newbury library and other listed buildings, such as those in Salisbury, Romsey and Mayfair, are all examples of this. Their trendy and sophisticated décor usually consists of tiled or wooden floors with delicate lights and colourful paintings, along with wooden furniture and sparkling cutlery, creating a setting that is suitable for a relaxed lunch, a family meal or an evening out with friends.

The restaurants satisfy the needs of those who like genuine Italian cuisine, as they use only the best seasonal products, many of which are imported directly from Italy. The menu includes pizza, pasta, risotto, grilled meats, fresh salads and frequently changing specials.

The freshly baked breads, like the garlic pizza bread with a traditional tomato pizza base, are perfect for sharing and give you adequate breathing space to order starters to follow. Crocchetta di granchio, crab cakes served with a lime and dill dressing and salad garnish or formaggio di capra, grilled goats' cheese with beef, tomatoes and caramelised balsamic onions on freshly baked ciabatta bread set the tone for a hearty meal.

Find pastas such as the unusual ravioli di pollo, made with chopped chargrilled chicken ravioli with plenty of smoked diced bacon and petits pois in a parmesan cream sauce; amongst the special pastas, the crespolina porcini, rolled crepes filled with mushrooms and ricotta, cooked with parmesan and mushrooms in a cream sauce is interesting and different. Italian menus would be incomplete without risotto, like traditional al funghi, made of mushrooms, baby spinach and parmesan cheese, while the mediterraneo, with crayfish tails in a creamy saffron sauce, is enticingly different.

Classic pizzas embrace, among a wide selection, the popular napoletana, topped with tuna, tomato, anchovies, capers and marinated olives, and the much loved quattro stagioni - pepperoni sausage, seasoned chicken, artichoke, mushroom and mozzarella.

Specials could include the pollo Siciliana, chargrilled butterflied chicken breast, smoked bacon rashers and beef tomato slices, baked in the oven with melted cheese and served with gratinated potatoes, only one example from the many tempting offerings that come out from the Prezzo kitchens.

You can wash down the food with a variety of tipples - ranging from house wine like the Morellino di Scansano and Chardonnay to liqueurs and beer and there is espresso or fresh ground coffee to wind up an enjoyable meal.