Prego Ristorante Restaurant Review
Irvine Towers
18420 Von Karman Ave. (Michelson Dr.)
Send to Phone
Irvine, CA 92612
949-553-1333 | Make Restaurant Reservations | Menu
Tweet
Prego Ristorante Restaurant is one of our 2012
| Top 10 Orange County (CA) Italian Restaurants
| Top 10 Orange County (CA) Pizza Restaurants
| Top 10 Orange County (CA) Small Plates Restaurants
|
Cuisine
Open
Lunch & Dinner daily, Brunch Sat.-Sun.Features
- Heart-healthy dishes
- Romantic setting
- Kid-friendly
- Private room(s)
- Full bar
- Reservations suggested
- Outdoor dining
- Valet parking
- Casual
Wine
Great Wine List* Click here for rating key
| Although Prego is located in Irvine’s business district at the bottom of the all-glass Irvine Towers, it is definitely worth a visit. And now more than ever since effervescent chef Ugo Allesina took over the kitchens. In contrast to the modern building looming over this space, the restaurant looks like a tiny Tuscan villa from the outside. Inside, the open kitchen---complete with huge wood-burning pizza ovens---is one attraction in this sparse but comfortable old-world environment. Chef Allesina, who was born and raised in Tuscany, has raised the bar at Prego. Yes, Italy’s best culinary hits are on the menu and the preparations are authentic. Start with a classic like bruschetta or black mussels and Manila clams in a spicy white wine lemon broth. Or, try a salad of baby spinach, green lentils, leeks, crispy prosciutto, Parmesan and mustard vinaigrette. Napoli-style thin crust pizzas come with toppings like mozzarella, basil, oregano, salami, ham and sun-dried tomatoes. Pasta dishes arrive in big flat bowls, full of ingredients like Italian sausage, mushrooms and ricotta, and a variety of sauces from tomato to pesto thyme to lobster cream. For something truly hearty, chef Allesina cooks up entrées like mesquite-grilled chicken breast, veal scaloppine, sautéed pork loin or a rib-eye steak with white beans. At meal’s end, order a treat like tiramisu or lemon tart. |

RESTAURANT AWARDS
We just published the 2012 edition of our annual restaurant issue, featuring the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. and much more. Check it out!
















