I'll be honest - the vibe in Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire generally is about as far from Italian "La Dolce Vita" as you can get but I discovered an oasis of continental hospitality in Jarman Park which as locals know is not actually a park but an entertainment hub with fun facilities for all ages. While enjoying a meal in the new look Prezzo Italian restaurant there it's easy to forget the Magic Roundabout is just down the road.
The location is actually perfect because as any Prezzo aficienados know, nothing completes a night out at the cinema, rock climbing, or ice skating with family or friends better than a meal in a restaurant which caters for pretty much all tastes.
Recently Prezzo Italian in Hemel Hempstead has had a wonderful glow-up, and stepping through the doors your friendly welcome from staff will be followed by the realisation that you will be enjoying a venue which encapsulates the warmth, hospitality and style for which Italians are famous.
Choosing where to sit at the start of our visit this week (gifted) was harder than expected with a choice of candlelit tables, cosy booths and stylish dining zones with sofas around tables giving a great view of the restaurant for people-watching.
If people watching feels too invasive fear not - there are plenty of interesting focal points to admire in this new look venue from cute lamps, Italianesque pictures and photographs and lots of greenery helping you imagine you are in Tuscany and not in fact in Hemel Hempstead.
We opted for a booth and perused the menu pretending we hadn't already done that via the app which by the way gives a really decent range of freebies and discounts so definitely download that if you plan to visit. You can book and even pay via the app - handy if you are in a hurry to go and see the latest blockbuster next door.
There are options for vegans and vegetarians, gluten free choices plus a menu for children.
As always the food was consistently good and portions are generous but with careful pacing we managed to make it to the end of our first two courses still with the willingness to at least look at the dessert menu.
My son could not resist the Hemel Hempstead special which was a sweet calzone stuffed with marshmallows and Kinder Bueno topped with (I think) maple syrup and served with ice cream. My daughter offered to share a Tiramasu with me - I still maintain this is one of their best puds and the sharer is excellent value.
A special shout-out must go to our lovely friendly, efficient and helpful server Jasmine, and the General Manager Patrycja who both made us very welcome.
Useful Info
Prezzo Hemel Hempstead is situated right next to a large free car park.There are disabled spaces for Blue Badge holders. There are no steps to access the restaurant. There is an outside area with tables which would be lovely for a pre-cinema pizza and maybe a cocktail or two.
Disclaimer: I was invited to enjoy dinner with two of my adult children free for the purpose of this honest review.