It is awfully hard to write about a chain style restaurant and then limit your review to one particular branch. Indeed it almost seems meaningless as with the proper training and procedures then eating in one should be pretty much the same experience no matter where you go up and down the country.
That said - a restaurant which is the same pretty much up and down the country is normally a chain of restaurants I prefer to avoid, unless eating when on the road is more of a function (e.g. like those beginning with W.....!!) than wanting it to be an enjoyable culinary experience. Zizzi's is a chain owned by ASK, a company formed within the last 12 years, recognising a gap in the quality end of the pizza and pasta market. There are over 60 Zizzi's chains in the UK, and a further 60+ ASK restaurants at the current time, with the group growing at the rate of 25 per year, making it one of the fastest growing groups at present within the UK. So if there isn't a Zizzi's near you now, there could well be in the future. They stretch from as far SW as Exeter, to as far north as….Glasgow!
Anyway,
I have eaten at around 4-5 of the 60 in the last few years and I have always been impressed with the quality of the menu and food in all branches, including a couple of London branches. Naturally, I have eaten in the Glasgow branch the most, having dined there three times in total, and twice in the last 3 weeks, including with our very own Tezmordo….
The Glasgow branch itself has a great setting, being situated on the 3rd floor of the popular Princess Square shopping centre, right off Buchanan Street. Princess Square contains lots of more exclusive shops, together with several restaurants, and it is the kind of place where it is easy to lose an afternoon, doing very little other than dining and people watching (well that's my afternoons anyway!).
There is plenty of both indoor and 'outdoor' seating within Zizzi's Glasgow. The 'outdoor' seating is of course contained within the vast glass roof that covers Princess Square, but is outside on the balcony, and it is by far the most popular area to sit, as you can really feel the bustle of the shopping centre below you. However, due to the popularity of both the Square and the restaurant, you may have to sit inside, if you don't want a delay in serving. I have managed to get outside seating on two out of three occasions though, by good fortune.
The décor in all Zizzi's is pretty similar, and modern in feel, typically with wooden floors, solid quality wooden tables, minimally set (i.e. no ugly tablecloths) and chairs, and plenty of brown shades which give the place a wonderful warming ambience. The chairs are great although they can get a bit hard if you sit on them for 3-4 hours or more, as always seems to be the case, when I end up in here! It doesn't seem to be a place that throws you out too quickly either.
With regard to the food itself - obviously the bulk of the menu is either pizza, Calzone, or pasta dishes. I have had pizza more often than not, as I think that they are one of the best pizzas about - thin and crispy, with the perfect texture and taste with the tomato and mozzarella base. Pizzas cost from £5.20 for the simple (yet delightful) margherita, to around £8 and a choice of around 15 pizzas plus a flexible approach to giving the customer what they want should ensure that no one is disappointed.
There are a similar amount of pasta dishes on the menu, and again these should cater for every taste from the plainest to the richest. I have dined with several friends who have been every bit as happy with their pasta dishes as I have been with my pizza, and costs are again around the £6 - £8 mark.
The wine list itself is not extensive, with around 5-6 selected red and white wines, predominantly European in origin and ranging from around £12 - £16 per bottle. All have been more than adequate and light enough to complement the choice of meal. If you want a pre dinner, or after dinner drink then the most popular shorts are available from £2. Soft drinks are available from £1.80 but the staff are always willing to bring a jug of iced tap water to the table at no charge (though perhaps not recommended in all branches!!)
There is also a decent selection of starters, including wonderful garlic breads, which are just perfect for taking the edge of the appetite and for enjoyment with that first glass of wine, so welcome after a hard morning's shopping!
Service has always been swift and friendly, yet not rushed and not intrusive. Having eaten at the same restaurant a couple of times lately, I am beginning to recognise the staff, and all seem to take a healthy pride in their work.
I have never actually made it to pudding, although not sure if this is down to strong will, or the fact that the main courses tend to fill up so much! There is a simple sweet selection, containing all the typical Italian favourites, such as tiramisu, lemon tart, chocolate mousse, and coffees for the more diet conscious.
Finally if you want to organise your works outing here, then a three course meal can be provided, giving a more restricted choice, for a reasonable £14.95 per person.
So if you are in Princess Square Glasgow, ( or any other town) and you spot a Zizzi's restaurant, then I wholeheartedly recommend you give them a try! Of the branches I have tried, it certainly has the upper edge, even if it is purely on its location, with the food in all sampled being of a consistently good standard.
www.zizzi.co.uk to find your nearest branch.
Pictures of Zizzi (Glasgow)
Great Food....
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Great review! Don't know where my nearest one is though, as I live in Blackburn. (Lancs) Ian
MAFARRIMOND 17.06.2005 21:47
Sounds lovely. Sadly, I am too far away to take advantage of it. Maureen
nikki14 15.06.2005 20:55
Have only been here once but it was really nice, lovely atmosphere and restaurant and the food was very tastey!! It feels really modern inside, was a good night xx
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