Prego
This entry was posted on 12/3/2006 1:46 PM and is filed under Italian, Casual Chic - Jeans Allowed.
A group of us dined on a recent Saturday night at this popular Rice Village contemporary Italian restaurant. It's owned by the same folks that have Backstreet and Hugo's. We have enjoyed this restaurant in the past, although it hasn't wowed us. Probably because the calamari was disappointing, and we tend to be biased against places that don't produce a good version of that dish.
The place was hopping -- be sure to make a reservation, even on weeknights at prime hours. To its credit, our reservation was honored right on time, which isn't always the case nowadays in many popular restaurants (e.g., our experience a couple weeks later at Benjy's). The service was great from start to finish. The waiter made a good, reasonably priced wine recommendation -- the Dry Creek Meritage -- which we all liked.
Everyone very much enjoyed their meals. We wised up and didn't order the calamari. For starters, popular choices included the tomatoes caprese, the generous, well priced beef carpaccio, and a salad of tomatoes, pears, avocado, gorgonzola, and walnuts. The red pepper and poblano cream soup was also very tasty, although not quite warm enough. For entrees, two of us enjoyed the veal chop; probably not the best in town, but nicely done nonetheless. Two others raved over the pistachio crusted coho salmon; the sautéed trout special was also well received. Prego tends to do quite well with fish dishes; of course, it doesn't hurt that every dish is richly sauced. That goes for the veal chop as well. So, if you're eating light, order the sauce on the side. That's obvious advice at most restaurants, but particularly at Prego.
Prego's is a great choice if you're looking for good food served in a stylish, casual atmosphere. The food is similar to other popular Italian restaurants, such as La Griglia and Grotto, but the feel is more laid back. You won't be worrying as much about what you're wearing or who you might see.
2520 Amherst
713/529-2420
http://www.prego-houston.com/
