Has anyone come across a new chain called Zizzi?

[AdamLawrence]

Italian pizza pasta joint, one has recently (last three weeks) opened up in Oxford. Called in last night for a quick pizza. Pretty good, all things considered. Open kitchen revealed wood oven. Good olives, OK bruschetta, horrible Valpolicella (much too warm), good pizza (nice prosciutto, good quality anchovies), excellent espresso (best for some time).

I was pleasantly surprised. Nice room too. Waiter says they're owned by the same company as Ask, at which I've only eaten once and by which I wasn't impressed.

Adam

[Mrs Woman]

Adam, its not really that new. They are quite a few Zizzi's around the country. Ours (in Chester) is right across the road from Est Est Est and although Zizzi provide a very simple 'traditional' menu, the quality of the food is much better and the staff are nicer too.

I love their calzones, they are hoooge and very tasty.

They are indeed owned by ask, the website is http://www.askcentral.co.uk/zizzi_rest.htm

[magnolia]

And while we're on the subject of attempts to translate menu items that don't translate well into English (or other languages) ask a French person what 'zizzi' means, and they'll giggle - it's what little boys call...what makes them a little boy. Maybe the owners did this deliberately

[Scottf]

I walked past Zizzi's in Croydon last night and it was packed. My friend said that it's always like that, but weekends were not the best nights to eat there.

(Oops - this is Sam not Scott! - He's been messing with my PC!)

[Andy Lynes]

ask a French person what 'zizzi' means, and they'll giggle - it's what little boys call...what makes them a little boy.

What..their Y chromosome?

[thom]

Or maybe their ability to read maps, or throw properly?

[jamesmarsh]

My girlfriend and I found ourselves slightly drunk and hungry in Covent Garden last night and against our better judgement gave the Bow St branch of Zizzi a go.

Bad choice.

The thinking behind it seems to be that if they offer the same pizzas as Pizza Express but make them 50% bigger then people will switch their allegiance. Judging by how packed it was last night, the policy seems to be working but my Capricciosa was horrible. The base was crisp enough and the proscuitto ok but the tomato sauce was bitter, the mozarella tasteless and the capers and anchovies were placed in a single heap so I got them all in one salty mouthful. Tagliatelle with chicken and mushrooms was almost devoid of flavour and rock-hard in places where the strands had stuck together.

Service was plain rude.

Maybe the other branches are better but I'd avoid this one.

[fresh_a]

The one in Canary Wharf is on the docks just below the Four Seasons Hotel, and looks fairly pleasant, didn't eat there though, as their famous Zizzi pasta scared me!

Edited September 3, 2003 by fresh_a (log)

[Mrs Woman]

The one in Chester is quite good, much better than the dreadful Est Est Est over the road. Service can be a bit shambolic when busy but always friendly and food is the best of the chain restaurant I've eaten in (ie best of a bad lot)

[peterpumkino]

but my Capricciosa was horrible. The base was crisp enough and the proscuitto ok but the tomato sauce was bitter, the mozarella tasteless and the capers and anchovies were placed in a single heap so I got them all in one salty mouthful.

We have one in Guildford directly opposite Pizza Express and, I really hate to say this, I found the Pizza Express topping much better (although the actual dough at Zizzi was better as it was cooked in a wood-burning oven - I've got it, get the dough cooked at Zizzi and then run over to Pizza Express for the topping!).

[Bloated]

I have had a Zizzi pizza and it was unremarkable. As far as 'chains' go Strada is better.

[Mrs Woman]

Yes but Strada is a London-only chain unlike Zizzi and PE. I'd love for Strada to haul its Ivy-assisted arse up here!

[Hallie]

Maybe the other branches are better but I'd avoid this one.

Hummm...yes, I quite agree. We tried the Bow Street Zizzi as well and had a similar experience. I suspect that its quality varies from branch to branch, however I've never been inclined to find out what the others are like.

For the record, Strada can have its off days as well. My 'local' branch off Kingsway always seems less than immaculate (litter strewn loos giving this an extra edge). I prefer the branch off Regent's Street.

[sandra]

Correct on the Zizzi branches - the Paddington Street branch is allright and has the best bases so far, while the Wigmore Street Branch has much less crispy bases and sour sauce...

[Hookster]

I tried the Newcastle branch and it was passable although they offered me the wine but then wouldn't let me send it back when I said I didn't like it! (this particular bottle would give paintstripper a bad name!)

Formulaic, identical theme diners are all very well but ultimately they are stripped of all their profits right from the word go to open new restaurants or prop up failing ones.

Stick to the independents!