Zizzi - Central St Giles

Exceptional Service Elevates Italian Dining Delight

Stepping into this Zizzi, nestled amidst the thrum of Central London's bustling streets near the Tottenham Court Road, one may expect the straightforward experience typical of chain restaurants. Yet, this visit unfolded with a delightful surprise that uplifted my familiarity into newfound admiration. The initial warm welcome by Kenneth, who seemed more guide than host, set a buoyant tone for the evening. His careful demeanor, especially having walked us through the menu passionately, hinted at the kind of attentiveness that threads a restaurant from ordinary to memorable. Seated with a panoramic gaze over an open kitchen—where chefs danced through the symphony of pasta and sauces—the charm lay in observing their culinary ballets, each movement promising the rustic tastes of Italy.

Natalia, another noteworthy star of the evening, brought forth dishes with alacrity and a delightful twinkle that made interactions as enjoyable as the meals themselves. From her gentle guidance on choosing the generously adorned Rustica pizza, through to the dessert—a cloud-like tiramisu that winked at the Roman gods—there was a seamless rhythm to the service that played on par with the atmospheric balance of cozy dining secluded from the nearby city roar. Though the occasional logistic snags of a busy London eatery did peep through, it was rapidly overshadowed by the resourcefulness and dedication of staff like Kenneth and Natalia. Here, Zizzi breathed new life into chain dining, emphasizing not just hearty food but enveloping warmth and hospitable efficiency, changing a mere meal into a joyful narrative worth revisiting. — Clarissa Cuisinier