Prego Restaurant

On a cold, wet, blustery day, the three of us ducked into Bistro Prego, located on traffic-free Church Street in central Monmouth. Number 7 sits amid intriguing galleries, shops, a terrific greengrocer and outstanding butcher; pretty convenient for a busy chef.

Newly opened in 2007, Prego has already captured the hearts of foodies like us with the best and most interesting Italian food for miles around. It has one of those menus where you have a tough time choosing, because everything sounds so good. Unusual dishes such as Vincisgrassi, an 18th C. pasta, truffle and prosciutto dish, and Brodetto Adriatico should alert diners to the fact that Franco Taruschio - founder of the once-great Walnut Tree restaurant - is a consultant to this venture, with Steve Robbins as Head Chef and Director, who has previously worked with Franco.

Bistro Prego, Wales

By CLARE OGDEN - Wednesday, January 10, 2007

There were folk dithering outside Bistro Prego when we rolled up last weekend. They were peering at the menu in the window, wondering whether to give it a go or head for a curry.

I really hope they followed us in - we had a table in the back room so I couldn't see - because they surely would have enjoyed it as much as we did. Maybe Monmouthites (Monmouthians? Monmouthers?) are unaccustomed to the treats Prego has to offer. Despite some lovely stuff on the menu - roast woodcock, braised oxtail, pan-fried halibut with mint, capers and lime - people seemed mostly to be ordering well-done steak.

Wales Food & Drink Awards - the winners

The seasonal, modern, unfussy food served up by head chef Steve Robbins at Bistro Prego proved a big hit with Metro readers, who loved the Italian influence and simple approach. Glorious saddle of hare with braised red cabbage, chestnuts and cranberries; fragrant tagliolini with crab, chilli, parsley and cherry tomatoes; griddled squid with a salad of chickpeas, chilli and mint; home-cured bresaola with rocket and Parmesan; rare Herefordshire rib-eye; grappa panacotta; and marsala semifreddo were all on the menu when we paid a visit nearly a year ago.

South Wales Argus

By Daniel Lombard »

A high-quality bistro with an Italian twist, Prego opened earlier this year and has become a classy addition to Monmouth's ensemble of quality eateries.

Food impresario Franco Taruschio is lending his expertise as a consultant, and the intelligent menu packed with locally-sourced produce certainly carries his imprint of distinction.

One of the most popular starters is the warm salad of deep-fried artichokes with fennel, parmesan and chickpea fritters.