Classic Flavors to Savor at Warren's New Prezzo Restaurant

A new sign on Mt. Bethel Road announces lunch and dinner are served at the Prezzo Restaurant, enough to draw my attention to the new establishment.

The restaurant, located a couple of doors down from Hillary's Boutique in the Flag Plaza, opened in early January. Featuring two rooms, each with 20 to 22 tables for four, the restaurant is painted in calming earth tones and decorated with Tuscany street scenes and landscapes. Music just loud enough to be hear but not loud enough to interfere with conversation adds to the relaxed mood. 

Owner Remzi Dautag said his customers are taking to the appetizer menu, especially the Gamberoni di Castellano, shrimp over white beans, hot cherry peppers and arugula, and the Escargot Polenta, escargot with tomatoes, basil, white wine and herbs. 

Adding to the ambiance was the quiet and professional demeanor of Duatag and one waiter, who served everyone with calm professionalism.

The sole fillet with white wine sauce and almonds served on the lunch special was a treat—light but very flavorful. It was served with steamed vegetables (broccoli and carrots), and two petite potato halves, baked and just touched with butter. A hot loaf of bread and dipping oil was served ahead of the meal to warm up appetites, along with a salad featuring a very light vinaigrette dressing.

The restaurant's website proclaims its recipes "are inspired by the centuries-old Italian style of cooking," with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and simplicity. There certainly wasn't any overpowering in the delicate blend of the white wine sauce served on the sole—even the oil for the bread had a light flavor with just enough flavoring to keep one dipping for more.

You can find pasta dishes at Prezzo, but try the house recipes: Linguini served with rock shrimps, shiitake mushrooms, diced tomatoes, radicchio and light red sauce; or maybe try the Whole Wheat Spaghetti with shiitake mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and arugula. Every meat is offered in a fresh combination with other flavors, so you're sure to find a new taste treat on the menu.

There's room for banquets and private parties at Prezzo, where "Eating well should be a pleasure," as the website notes.

Prezzo Restaurant

50 Mt. Bethel Road

Warren, NJ 07059
908-755-0032

Overview: Upscale Italian dining for lunch and dinner.

Decor: Comfortable and calming layout.

Drinks:  Soft drinks and coffee.

Desserts: Check with staff for daily choices.

Service: Professional, quiet and attentive.

Cost: $$$