Made by a Maestro
Prego Samui showcases superb Italian delights in beautiful surroundings.
Definitely one of Samui’s most successful restaurants, Prego Samui has been serving great food and drink since 2003. That was a while ago, at a time when there wasn’t so much competition, but Prego is still one of the leaders – and no doubt would still be were it to be magically transported back home to Italy and some sophisticated city there.
The surprise when you see Prego for the first time is how contemporary it looks; it’s chic yet comfortable and welcoming, elegant yet friendly. That’s because it was recently refurbished with absolutely everything updated. The one facet that didn’t change was the chef; it’s the same executive chef who is behind everything here, Chef Marco Boscaini. He’s been with Prego since the day the restaurant first opened its doors. He’s the driving force behind Prego, a maestro who brings satisfaction to his guests and prepares both contemporary and traditional dishes to the highest standards.
Prego exudes Italian hospitality. It’s a spot that brings people together over excellent food, with the aim that they thoroughly enjoy themselves. Many of the dishes are explicitly designed for sharing. The romantic atmosphere here ensures that it’s exactly the kind of place where you’ll want to come and relax with your beloved, but it’s equally popular with groups of friends and family.
The restaurant, open daily from midday till midnight, looks out onto Chaweng Beach Road and is opposite Amari Koh Samui. Coming in off the street, you’ll see that Prego has a bar out at the front, ideal for cocktails, and then a spacious, well-designed interior which includes a wood-fired oven for pizzas and all the baked goods that Prego offers. There are also large chilled cabinets towards the back of the restaurant which house the pleasingly large wine collection. Prego has over 70 labels that include not just Italian but other varieties, with everything selected for both taste and good value.
A meal at Prego can be incredibly varied. The menu is a treat to read; you’ll find a great many favourites along with regional delights, some of which come from the family of the chef. Meats and fish are absolutely delicious and that’s because as with all the ingredients only the best are used. Even vegetables come from very carefully selected farms in Thailand. The beef comes from premium sources in Australia.
Lobster is also of the highest quality, and there’s even a select menu of delights where you can try lobster soup (420 baht), rock lobster salad with Rome-style artichokes and olives (420 baht) and a delicious entire baked Canadian lobster with homemade linguine (1,600 baht).
Prego takes its diners’ diets and restrictions to heart. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of vegetarian fare, and there’s also a gluten-free menu and some amazingly good vegan cheeses available. For Marco, it’s a cinch to put together a highly tasty three-course meal for anyone who has food intolerances. And most dishes on the menu can be turned into a vegetarian counterpart – just have a word with staff.
Prego is known for a rather special event that for many has redefined their calendars. Every Friday, Chef Marco puts together a mouth-watering selection of Italian tapas and dishes that showcase the best of his country’s cuisine. Everything goes hand in hand with Peroni beers, directly imported from Italy. Come any time after 7:00 pm, and from the time of your arrival, you’ll have two hours’ unlimited access to the tapas and beer. It’s great value for money: just 990 baht net. Everything’s on display. Just have a look and then order from the staff, who’ll bring you whatever you’ve chosen – all excellently presented. The evening is always a real treat.
Prego is one of the few places to have its very own cigar and grappa menu. Savour a hand-picked range of cigars including Romeo y Julieta, Hoyo de Monterrey and the legendary H. Uppmann Magnum 46, one of the world’s best cigars. Enjoy a range of grappa including Chef Marco’s own highly decadent chocolate and grappa combination. But don’t worry if cigars and grappa aren’t your thing. Just order one of the truly decadent desserts.
Larger groups of are also welcome, and can dine in complete privacy, thanks to the two air-con dining rooms, which have blinds that can be lowered. These are great places to host a party, event or gathering of just about any kind. Wedding receptions are held here and it’s equally suitable for corporate groups. Thanks to Chef Marco being incredibly open to suggestions and not the kind of person to insist on standard packages, you can speak with him and have just about any kind of food: tapas, buffet or a full sit-down banquet. Simple or elaborate, Prego is the place to come for events, especially of the kind where you’d like some privacy.
That specific blend of the relaxed setting, great service and across-the-board Italian dishes ensures that Prego is enjoyed by all its many guests. They number not just holidaymakers but also local people and long-stay residents alike. This is one of the top spots to meet when you’re looking for gourmet Italian food in an Italian setting.
Dimitri Waring