Cloth Hall,
LEEDS,
LS1 2NL
(0113) 243 5719
The ViewLeeds Review
Modern Italian food, tried and tested. We’ve seen this so many times so what makes Zizzi different from the rest of the bunch? Well, nothing.
The Venue
Often the most exciting thing about visiting a new branch of a chain restaurant is seeing what the venue is like. They sometimes come in old, interesting warehouses or ultra-modern spaces overlooking a river or quayside. But unfortunately Zizzi is sat in the shadows of The Corn Exchange, just off from the main drinking area of Call Lane.
The interior is pleasant with low lighting and a big wood burning stove for pizzas. Ultimately though, it is a glass-fronted showcase below some multicoloured flats. Stay clear of the windows on a Saturday night unless you want groups of drunken yobs staring in at your food.
The People
Zizzi is a safe bet. Who doesn’t like pasta and pizza and the general atmosphere that you get with all things Italian? Thus, this is reflected in the clientele. Groups of diners pre-night out, families, couples, there’s nothing that's going to make you raise your eyebrows in amazement but it is pleasant and nothing to complain about.
Staff are much the same, cheerful and helpful. What makes Italian restaurants really nice and a great night out is a noisy, theatrical and intoxicating atmosphere, which is where Zizzi unfortunately falls short.
The Food
Apparently Italian food, if cooked using simple, quality ingredients, isn’t that difficult. So it takes a lot to wow you out of your seat when confronted with a spaghetti bolognaise.
Zizzi’s food is good, there's no question about it. The spaghetti bolognaise (£7.45) is tasty and rich and the fettucine alla carbonare (£8.50) is creamy and filling. It's all reasonably priced too.
Starters are kept basic with brushcetta starting at £4.35. There are some more exciting pasta dishes on the menu such as linguine gamberi (tiger prawns with tomatoes, chilli and basil for £10.95), a good selection of pizzas (fiorentina is £7.95) including calzones (around £8) and a handful of risottos (mushroom and chicken risotto is £10.95).
Desserts are splendid and worth leaving a space for. Torte Zizzi (a warm plum, almond, fig and pistachio tart with vanilla ice cream for £4.75) is unique, in a good way, and not too heavy. Equally the tiramisu has just the right blend of coffee and sweetness (£4.50). This is more than pleasant Italian fare.
The Drink
Zizzi, like many other restaurants these days, takes the liberty to recommend wines to you that they are particularly proud to introduce you to. Choose from a solid collection of Italian and French wines, the Fiano Settesoli (£15.95 a bottle) IS highly recommended from the fruity whites and the Shiraz (£16.50) from the robust reds.
They have Prosecco (£3.95 a glass) to ensure that Italian flavour continues throughout the meal and a selection of Rose wines starting at £14.95 for a bottle.
Soft drinks include a selection of sparkling waters (San Pellegrino £3.50 a bottle) and the hot drinks have all the usual Italian suspects present (Expresso £1.75). There’s Italian beer available too (Peroni £3.20 for a small bottle).
The Last Word
There are no real complaints with Zizzi. The location isn’t its best attribute but the food and service are good and it’s a pleasant evening out - but there lies the problem. There are so many modern Italian restaurants out there, there needs to be something more to bring you back time and again.
Zizzi has been reviewed by 3 users