Prego’s

New Media Rotana brunch spot 4 Reviews

Meal Deal

Prego’s

3 course lunch for Dhs79 Timings: noon-3.30pm (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday)

Friday brunch

Dhs199(softdrinks), Dhs249(Italian house beverages), Dhs350(champagne) Timings: Noon-3pm (Friday)

© ITP Images

Time Out raved about Prego’s when it first opened. As signature restaurants go, the Media Rotana is on to a good thing with this Italian spot. A few months ago the restaurant launched a Friday brunch and I wondered how well their freshly made wonders would translate to the form of a big buffet.

I met my mother at the restaurant and though it had been a while since we’d seen each other and we had a lot to catch up on, I found the TVs playing the cult 1960’s Italian film Il Sorpasso a little distracting.
I switched seats with my mother, which only served to take her attention away from me. If only one of us had worn a big hat, I thought. Blaring TVs weren’t the only things dooming our conversation: the buffet tables, too, offered ample distractions. One table was reserved for cold cuts and salads, and another for hot dishes. The first table had an enticing array that included bruschetta, asparagus, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, smoked salmon stuffed with capers and all the usual antipasti suspects of a great Italian meal.

We were less excited by the warm buffet, mainly because the á la carte pizza and pasta menu made many of the buffet’s offerings redundant. Rather than fill up on food that had been sitting around, I ordered a fresh Piemontese pizza. Topped with an intense Fontina cheese and three types of mushroom, this dish was an absolute triumph. My mother’s veal ravioli with Portobello mushrooms was every bit as good – so much so that other brunchers couldn’t contain their gushes and approached our table to tell us how much they loved the decadent little pockets.

Seeing as Prego’s tiramisu had recently been touted as the best in town, I couldn’t pass it by. Unfortunately I also couldn’t pass by the panna cotta, vanilla pudding, cheesecake or chocolate mousse either. My table buckling under the weight of my puddings, I pondered the phenomenon whereby eating several desserts seems an acceptable practise at brunch. Even if it was, perhaps, a bit excessive I didn’t regret my decision. The panna cotta and tiramisu were both so delicious that I couldn’t help but close my eyes in rapture.

I wouldn’t recommend the Prego’s brunch for its views, décor or ambience, but it certainly is a brilliant place to take anyone who has a love of Italian food. I would definitely go back, if just for that gorgeous pizza and tiramisu.

By Daisy Carrington
Time Out Dubai, 24 August 2009

• Previous reviews
  • 19 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 05 January,2009- reviewed by Daisy Carrington

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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

Posted by: sarah kaye on 07 Sep ' 09 at 11:57

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

the decor and ambience certainly leave a lot to be desired. It reminds me of those standard, hectic, hastily put together coffee shops that were de reguir in the 80's. but the food is very good and well priced. the piping hot bread with roasted garlic and olive oil at the beginning was demolished in minutes. the veal ravioli was rich, meaty and also a big hit, as was the pizza. overall a good pit stop for a casual meal but certainly not worth the trek for a special occasion. for those who love proscuitto, parma ham etc. there is a very extensive menu to pick from.

Posted by: Patrick on 10 Apr ' 09 at 19:08

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Food was pretty good, italian style. Risotto better than average, the carbonara spaghetti was too thin though. The Tiramisu was too sloppy, that's easy to fix. The head chef seems not to take too much interest in the kitchen instead chatting to friends all evening. Dubai lacks half decent Italian restaurants but this was good enough that we'll go back. Ambience needs a few more candles and it'll be perfect.

Posted by: Nicola Siotto on 16 Feb ' 09 at 20:57

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Reached there with a friend for a lunch treat. Ordered some tagliatelle with ragu of lamb and a pizza. The pasta was not bad while I have been disappointed by the pizza and being an Italian I have a critical opinion.

Waiters lack of proper training and passion for their job. The one that served us was like a programmed recording machine.

The chef (Italian) came to greet us and here's the disappointment, when we told him the pizza wasn't as expected in an Italian restaurant, instead of taking our comments and reassuring us he said the pizza will not change so that's what they will continue to serve. So we have noted this and rest assured we will not return there for a very long time.

Posted by: David on 10 Jan ' 09 at 06:42

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Whilst somewhat out of the way, the food and ambience at this restaurant were excellent. The Salumeria was extensive interesting and is well worth trying. Shame it was not pushed or explained by the waiting staff. 'Home-made' fettuccine, king prawn and rocket was also top notch, full of flavour and plenty of perfectly cooked prawns. The atmosphere is relaxed making it a perfect place for a meal out with friends. Our only criticism was perhaps the deserts. The crème brulee was disappointing with brulee soggy rather than crispy. Reasonably priced and well worth departing from the beaten track. Will be going back again.

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