If you are staying at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, you will undoubtedly come across Prego and wonder if it is worth a visit. Well, the short answer is a resounding yes! This is especially true if you are a fan of authentic Italian cuisine served in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Prego: from its signature dishes to the kid-friendly options. We have also included all the practical details you might need, just in case you are still on the fence about booking a table!
Located on the second floor of the resort, Prego offers lovely views of the swimming pool and the beach beyond. The restaurant features a lively open kitchen with a signature stone-fired oven, which explains why the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked pizza fills the air before you even pick up the menu. It is a wonderfully deliberate welcome to this rustic space!
Taking the helm in the kitchen is Sous Chef Mohd Aferol, who champions the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Italian cooking techniques.
Menu Highlights
Prego offers something special for the entire family: hand-tossed pizza for the kids, herb-infused pastas for Mom, and hearty A5 Wagyu steak for Dad. Most importantly, the menu is completely pork-free, making it an inclusive dining destination for people from all walks of life.
Appetizers
Our meal at Prego begins with a serving of homemade bread—focaccia and grissini—served with olive oil and a side of dukkah. Simply tear a piece of focaccia, dip it in the olive oil, and press it into the saucer of dukkah. The nutty condiment clings to the oil, adding an earthy crunch that makes every bite even more enjoyable.
The Caesar Classico is a delightful opener. Little gem leaves come lightly coated in a creamy Caesar dressing. Grilled chicken breast and crispy beef strips are laid across the bowl, adding salty and smoky notes. The dish is finished with croutons and shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Pasta
The Pappardelle Aglio Olio is not at all the run-of-the-mill type. Wide, silky ribbons of pasta turn out to be the perfect vehicle for the ingredients sitting atop.
This is a straightforward dish made exceptional by the four enormous prawns. Meaty and sweet, they are cooked to the point where the shells char slightly at the edges while the flesh remains juicy throughout.
A drizzle of herb-infused olive oil and finely grated cheese provide the finishing touch to the classic recipe. This is an Italian treat at its finest.
Premium Meats
Premium meats are another signature at Prego. The marbled cuts are a highlight even before they hit the grill.
Miyazaki Wagyu is among the most decorated beef in Japan. The marbling is distributed so evenly that the meat appears pale pink rather than red. Even in its raw form, the texture is indicative of its high fat content. This is exactly how premium A5-grade Wagyu looks.
The Tomahawk is propped up by its long bone, with fat running through the meat in thick threads. Compared to the Miyazaki Wagyu, the marbling is coarser and represents the more muscular side of the steak spectrum.
At Prego, the tableside preparation of steaks is a signature experience. Using a blowtorch, the chef develops a caramelized coating while the interior remains tender.
Presented side by side, the Miyazaki Wagyu and Tomahawk offer distinct profiles. The Miyazaki Wagyu yields immediately, with a clean finish that avoids feeling heavy. In contrast, the Tomahawk requires little more than a sprinkle of salt to highlight its flavor. If one dish at Prego justifies the trip to Desaru Coast, this is it.
Stone-Oven Pizza
Watching the chef in the open kitchen tells you how seriously Prego takes its pizza. Prepared in plain view of hungry diners, the dough is stretched by hand rather than with rolling pins. This manual process allows the crust to develop a natural irregularity only possible with a human touch.
High heat in the stone oven sears the dough within seconds, while convective air melts the mozzarella before the other toppings dry out. The pizza exits the oven with a crisp base, fresh toppings, and a charred crust.
Pizza toppings include Kalamata olives, turkey chorizo, and Bresaola air-dried beef. The trio adds a savory depth that lingers after each bite.
Desserts
The Classic Tiramisu features coffee-soaked savoiardi and mascarpone mousse with a dusting of cocoa powder. The mascarpone is light, while the savoiardi layers are saturated with espresso. It is a balanced conclusion to the meal.
For those looking to pair their meal, Prego houses a full bar stocked with liquors, wines, spirits, and beers. The wine list leans toward Italian origins, in line with the restaurant’s vibe.
For something more adventurous, the bartender can prepare a signature cocktail upon request.
For instance, the Savoiardi E Mocha blends bold espresso notes with a smooth finish.
For non-drinkers, options range from freshly brewed espresso to handcrafted mocktails.
Afterthoughts
The atmosphere at Prego is casual, featuring wood accents with a rustic charm. Much of this warmth comes from the staff, whose service makes the restaurant welcoming to diners of all ages. While the stone-oven pizza is popular among children, there is also a dedicated kids’ menu that caters to their dietary preferences.
3 things to know before visiting:
- Book ahead on weekends. The restaurant fills up quickly, especially when weekends coincide with school holidays. We suggest making a reservation early via WhatsApp or email.
- Muslim-friendly dining. While not explicitly halal-certified, the kitchen is pork-free. For dishes that traditionally contain alcohol, the staff can provide alcohol-free alternatives upon request.
- Non-staying guests are welcome. Prego is open to the public, not just guests of The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. It is a popular dining destination for locals of Johor Bahru who visit the resort specifically for the food here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prego at Westin Desaru halal or pork-free?
Prego is pork-free. No pork or lard is used in the kitchen. Beef bacon is used as a substitute in dishes like pasta.
What are Prego’s opening hours?
Prego serves dinner daily, with additional lunch service on weekends:
Monday – Thursday: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (dinner)
Friday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (lunch) | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (dinner)
Does Prego serve buffets?
Yes. Buffet schedules and pricing vary by season. We recommend verifying the current offerings with the restaurant before visiting.
Can non-hotel guests dine at Prego?
Yes. The restaurant is open to the public. Reservations are recommended on weekends and during school holidays.
What is the most popular dish at Prego?
The spaghetti carbonara (prepared in a cheese wheel) and stone-fired pizzas are the restaurant’s signature items.
Is Prego suitable for couples or solo diners?
Yes. Booth seating provides a private setting for couples, while the open kitchen offers a view for solo diners between courses.
Is Prego suitable for families with young children?
Yes. The casual atmosphere, open kitchen, and hand-tossed pizza make it a practical choice for families.
How do I make a reservation at Prego?
Reservations can be made via WhatsApp or email.
Does Prego offer cooking classes?
Yes. Classes are held on weekends and require a 2-day advance reservation.
If you need more information about Food and Travel Lover = Foodveler, don’t hesitate to reach out to Foodveler on WhatsApp. You can also email us at jack@foodveler.com.
Directions to Prego @ The Westin Desaru Coast Resort
