Phone: (376) 766 1668
Hours of Operation: Wednesday- Sunday 8a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Reservations Accepted
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pranzobistroajijic
Directions: From Walmart, travel west on the Carretera approximately 1/2 mile. Pranzo is located on your the left just behind the large modern statues at the entrance to La Floresta. Turn right at the first light, to avoid being caught in the cross traffic when the light changes. There is ample parking on the frontage road in front of the restaurant.
First Impressions
Pranzo Bistro is a very pleasant sidewalk café and Italian eatery, on the Carretera in Ajijc. When we first arrived in town we were not anxious to eat Italian food. But, every time we passed this pleasant little sidewalk café, it was full of expats eating and enjoying the outdoor patio. We knew it was just a matter of time before we tried Pranzo Bistro. The first time we visited Pranzo was after walking through the Wednesday tiangus nearby. We had a late breakfast, which was very good.Menu
The breakfast menu includes dishes such as chiliquiles, a variety of crepes, and a very good Spanish omelet. The lunch menu offers sandwiches, paninis, pizza and a variety of salads. For dinner, choose from a well reviewed vegetarian lasagna, fettucini with shrimp, Hawaiian chicken, tempura fish and much more.
Portions are very generous. Pranzo Bistro serves wine and beer as well as a variety of non-alcohol beverages.
Ambiance
Pranzo Bistro customers dine al fresco, under umbrellas on the large sidewalk patio in front of the café. Because of the close proximity of the Carretera, the traffic noise can be bothersome at times, but most people don't seem to mind since overall, eating at Pranzo Bistro is a pleasant experience.
The day we visited, some young vendors stopped by the table selling candy and wooden toys and a tour guide stopped at the table to promote his services.
Constant interruption of your meal to talk to one sidewalk vendor or service promoter after another becomes annoying after a while. I would prefer to dine without having vendors interrupt my conversation, and meal to sell something to me. The afternoon we were there, street musicians played for diners, which was very nice.
Service
The waiters at Pranzo Bistro are attentive and prompt. I have grown accustomed to the excellent service at lakeside restaurants, and Pranzo Bistro is another in the long list of local restaurants that offers excellent service to their guests. I listened as the table of expats seated next to us addressed the waiter so rudely that I was tempted to speak up in his defense. However, the waiter handled the customers politely and skillfully, taking good care of customers who, in my opinion, should have been asked to leave.Price
Prices are very reasonable at Pranzo Bistro. Two entrees and a glass of wine each will cost less than $260 pesos, or $15 USD at current exchange rates. Our Recommendation ***
Pranzo Bistro is nice place for lunch, especially after a late morning walk through the Wednesday tiangus.The quality of the food is very good, service attentive and atmosphere, for the most part, is pleasant. The only drawbacks are the constant traffic noise on the Carretera and the vendors selling their wares among the diners. But, if the young musicians are playing, you won't even notice these small issues.
