‘Prego’ is the Italian word for ‘please’. It is also the brand name for one of Kata’s most popular and authentic Italian restaurants
By: Andrew MacKenzie
I first came across Prego eighteen years ago when I visited Koh Samui. It was one of Chewang Beach’s most prestigious eateries and the brainchild of Chef Marco Boscaini. Unlike so many restaurant concepts that fail, Prego has stood the test of time, with branches now in Bangkok, Pattaya and of course Phuket.
It’s been more than 20 years since the first Prego popped up in Koh Samui, and it has continued to impress lovers of authentic Italian food prepared with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant’s ambiance, which evokes the feeling of dining in Italy with its friendly and fun atmosphere, is a hallmark of the Prego brand. This has made it a popular and renowned Italian restaurant among locals, as well as a landmark or both Thai and foreign tourists over the years.
Prego Kata is located on the beach town’s main thoroughfare, next to the OZO Phuket Resort. However, it is not at street level, it is on the first floor, which gives its large open terrace some welcomed breezes, although diners can also eat inside with air-conditioning.
The restaurant’s risotto has been recognised in the Gallo Guide, as one of the ‘Top 100’ most delicious dishes; a feat not matched by any other Italian Restaurant in Thailand.
Other signature menu items are the Ossobuco alla Milanese, a Milan classic featuring slow-cooked veal shanks, rendering meat so tender that it melts in your mouth, served over saffron risotto. Another highlight is the Grigliata di pesce, which showcases Mediterranean-style grilled seafood. The Filetto di manzo features grilled beef tenderloin served with asparagus and truffle mushroom sauce. For dessert, I enjoyed Chef Marco Boscaini’s special Tiramisu.
The centerpiece of Prego Kata is its wood-fired pizza oven, where diners can watch the chefs prepare freshly baked pizzas with finesse. The open kitchen adds a lively and interactive element to the dining experience here.
Dining at Prego Kata is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Italy’s rich culinary heritage. The combination of expertly prepared dishes, a warm and inviting ambiance, open and air-conditioned seating and attentive service makes this a perfect dinner stop on a Kata night out.