Prince Pizzeria Under The Big Top

Now that some of the Covid-19 restrictions have been loosened, a number of restaurants have been offering outside dining, and inside dining has also recently begun in some places. I've dined at some outdoor spots during the last few weeks, including a few times at Prince Pizzeria on Route 1 in Saugus.

For 59 years, Prince Pizzeria has been serving pizza, pasta and more. If you grew up in the area like I did, you probably visited Prince as a child. I've never stopped going there either, and still regularly dine there for lunch. I used to especially go for their pizza & pasta buffet, though that may not return because of the virus and safety concerns. However, there are plenty of reasons to still dine at Prince, and their new exterior tent offers increased safety while dining there.

The large tent is set in their parking lot, to the left of the restaurant, and seats about 90-100 people. Two of the sides are open, allowing plenty of fresh air to circulate. And with a closed side facing Route 1, you don't have to watch the passing cars as you dine.

The interior of the tent is spacious, with all the tables properly spaced apart. And when they seat people, they have tried to keep a good distance from others already there. All the servers wear masks, and guests must wear masks unless they are sitting at their table.

On one of the occasions, I received an Italian flag, which is supposed to be used to summon one of the servers if you need anything. A nice little addition.

Prince currently offers their entire menu, from pizza to pasta, steak tips to chicken marsala. Plenty to choose from and all reasonably priced. As I was there for lunch, pizza was my choice, such as the basic Cheese. Sometimes simplicity is what you desire, especially when it is done well. Prince's pizzas are their own unique style, reminiscent in some respects to Greek pizza but with their differences as well. The cheeses, sauce and crust form a delightful combination, pleasing the senses, as well as the soul. It's just pizza but then it's also so much more.

The Scampi Pizza is made with shrimp, garlic, olive oil, a blend of cheeses, and no sauce. Again, it's a relatively simple pizza but well executed, with a rich garlic flavor, tender shrimp and lots of tasty cheese.

Owner Steven Castraberti has been at the restaurant every time I have recently dined there, and he has been ensuring everything runs smoothly. He's not some absentee owner, but a man with a passion for his restaurant, a man who takes an active role in its success. The longevity of the restaurant, when so many other restaurants on Rt. 1 have closed over the years, is a testament to the family's dedication.

I'll also note that Giggles, Prince's comedy club, is being moved outside as well, with weekend shows planned. This will help to ensure proper social distancing, rather than trying to space everyone in a small room within the restaurant.

If you haven't been to Prince Pizzeria in a long time, if at all, then please check it out. Dine outside, under the tent, and you should feel relatively safe. They are working hard to make a safer environment for all and are worthy of your patronage. It's a difficult time for all restaurants right now and they need our support. Get some pizza and pasta, maybe wine or a cocktail, and enjoy a pleasant lunch or dinner at Prince Pizzeria.