There’s something quite fitting about a family meal tied to a story as whimsical as The Magic Faraway Tree.
A tale built on curiosity, discovery and a touch of magic feels like a natural partner for an early evening out with children in tow – and that sense of adventure carried through our visit to Prezzo Italian at Salford’s MediaCity.
We arrived at a fairly quiet but relaxed restaurant which gave the kids time to settle in with an activity sheet and by the time 6pm rolled around there was a pleasant hum of conversation that brought a warmth to the restaurant, styled as a casual Italian diner.
The staff set the tone from the start. Friendly and genuinely accommodating, we were greeted with menus and a smile. They made the whole experience feel effortless.
Dietary needs can sometimes feel like a hurdle when eating out, but here it was handled with complete ease. As someone who can’t eat dairy or gluten I do struggle with choices but these were explained clearly and catered for without fuss.
The menu itself had a playful nod to The Magic Faraway Tree, with a children’s offering that leaned into imagination. Our kids loved this as they had watched the film earlier in the day.
It felt a bit like choosing which magical land to visit – comforting favourites with just enough excitement to keep things interesting.
Food arrived promptly and set a high bar early on. The coolers were a lovely sweet refreshing drink and a great match for the menu.
Racked with indecision, my partner finally went for the Spicy Nduja blended with creamy mascarpone and a touch of honey, toasted pine nuts on top – rich and gently spiced with a satisfying depth of flavour – served with warm toasted garlic ciabatta. The kind of starter that invites you to slow down and savour each bite.
For the main, the Crab and Lobster Ravioli was calling. With king prawns scattered in a bisque sauce, it delivered something a little more indulgent, while not too heavy. Dessert sealed things nicely with a classic sticky toffee pudding covered in butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream that was perfect in sweetness and portion.
I started more simply, but no less enjoyably, with a bowl of greens and large black olives dressed in a bright, lemony oil. They were fresh, vibrant quietly stole the spotlight with the kids nipping in for a sneaky cocktail stick. Clean flavours, done well.
I couldn’t resist a GF and DF Veggie One pizza as it’s not an option I often find. The base was thin and crispy but incredibly tasty with a fine selection of veg scattered on top of a rich tomato base.
Mango sorbet was a lovely, clean way to round off a satisfying meal, leaving me pleasantly full.
The kids went straight for comfort. Pizza dough-style garlic bread for both, then spaghetti and meatballs for one, a simple fusilli in a tomato sauce for the other – both happily received and quickly devoured.
It’s often the simplest dishes that matter most on a family outing, and these did exactly what they needed to with not a scrap left in bowls.
Pudding, though, was where things really lit up. Light tasty doughnuts with Nutella to dunk them in disappeared in record time, while a vanilla ice cream sundae added that extra bit of excitement to finish.
There’s a thoughtful touch to the experience that ties everything together. The Faraway Tree theme doesn’t overwhelm, it just adds a layer of fun that children can latch onto.
The small gesture of giving out tomato seeds to take home felt especially charming. A little piece of the evening to carry forward, something to plant, nurture and watch grow – not unlike the spirit of the story itself.
With Easter offers running, including kids eating free and crafts available, it feels like a genuinely good option for families looking to get out without overcomplicating things. It’s easy, welcoming and just that bit more engaging than your average meal out.
By the time we left, the restaurant had filled out nicely, the atmosphere still relaxed but with a gentle buzz.
It felt like we’d stumbled across our own version of a magical place. Not at the top of a towering tree, but well placed in Salford Quays offering good food and thoughtful service. And of course, a little spark of imagination along the way.
If you’re thinking of booking a table for Easter, you’ve got to try the Cr*me Egg Calzone Dessert. Simply bring your own small chocolate Cr*me Egg and enjoy it transformed into a warm, gooey calzone dessert when you order a full-priced adult main or a kids meal.
Book a table at Prezzo Italian, based at 110 Broadway, here or call 0161 509 6722 – and you could also win a magical family trip to the Forest of Dean.
