Zizzi, located in the dining and leisure area of the Liverpool One shopping centre, is a restaurant that brings a delicious taste of Italy to Liverpool’s popular eating spot.

The Venue
With views of Liverpool One’s park and Albert Dock there is a real holiday feel to the restaurant especially if the weather is nice and you sit outside. Large floor to ceiling windows mean the view won’t be missed even if you opt for an inside table. The windows, combined with the large lights and spotlights, make it bright and welcoming.

There is a real rustic feel, with the use of lots of wood, especially the displays of what look like freshly cut logs slotted into the walls. Black and brown tables and matching chairs are wooden as is the floor and there is a lot of wood panelling used throughout. Large bookcases and shelves are stacked with books on food and Italy, as well as jars of coffee beans, wine bottles and bottles of olive oil.

When you enter the restaurant there is a large desk immediately in front of you where you're greeted by the friendly staff. As well as separate tables there are large booths to the right hand side, perfect for big groups.

All of the tables are laid with cutlery, white napkins, large wine glasses, salt and pepper shakers and tea lights. The bar is on the left hand wall with a large display of drinks and wine bottles behind it. At the back of the restaurant you can watch the chefs at work at the stonebake oven in the large open fronted kitchen and even see your pizza being made.

An upstairs seating area can be reached by the stairs at the back of the restaurant. It has the same decor as downstairs but is smaller and only open if the restaurant is busy. It is also available for private hire.

The People
Zizzi has a broad clientele mainly due to its location. It is a family friendly restaurant with high chairs and a ‘bambini’ children's menu, so it's a great place for a family meal perhaps after a shopping trip or before a visit to the nearby cinema.

Couples and groups of friends also come here for a catch up. Staff are friendly and attentive. Their uniform of black trousers/skirt with a white shirt and black tie and apron is smart and classic.

The Food
With a choice of 14 starters it is important to remember to leave room for other courses and at £2.25 the bowl of mixed olives is a good choice for this reason. Pizza bread baked with garlic and mozzarella served with caramelised balsamic onions (£4.55) shouldn't be missed. The hot melted cheese combined with the balsamic flavouring make this a favourite and it's big enough to share. Other starters include calamari, mussels, tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad and a sharing platter(£9.95)for those who can’t decide.

Main courses cover four separate sections – pizza, pasta, meat dishes and salads with prices ranging from £7.45 for spaghetti bolognese to £14.50 for romain steak. The pizzas come on a thick or thin base and there are also two different calzone styles.

Calzone carne piccante (£9.25) is a favourite with meat lovers, with marinated chicken, meatballs, bolognese sauce, mushrooms, chilli, mozzarella and tomato served with a mixed salad. There is also a good vegetarian choice with the quattro formaggi (£7.25) an excellent change from the traditional margherita with gorgonzola, grana padano cheese, goat’s cheese, mozzarella and tomato.

Pasta dishes here won’t disappoint. Penne della casa (£8.95) is a mouthwatering concoction of smoked pancetta, roasted chicken, creamy mushroom sauce and baby spinach with grated grana padano cheese baked in the oven. Although it's quite rich and creamy, the portion size means it is not too much. Tomato based pastas and healthy alternatives are also available and the insalata nicoise (£8.25) is a good choice with yellowfin tuna, anchovies, egg, olives, capers, potatoes and santos tomatoes tossed with mixed leaves.

Their eight desserts include ice cream or sorbet at £3.50. However, if you want to give your main course time to digest order the panettone al forno which is panettone bread and butter pudding served with cinnamon ice cream. It takes 15 minutes to bake and is definitely worth the wait.

The bambini menu offers a smaller sample of the main menus for children. This is extremely reasonable at £5.95 for dough sticks, a main course and ice cream. The lunch menu is also good value with a main course and a drink for £7.50 and an extra £2 for a starter or dessert. Although Zizzi is a chain the food is so fresh and tasty you feel like the chef has created the dish for you alone.

The Drink
There are no less than 27 wines (red, white and rose) and three sparkling wines/champagne on the drinks menu under headings such as ‘rich and luscious’ and ‘robust’ which makes choosing them that little bit easier.Prices range from £3.65 for a small glass to £25.95 for the most expensive bottle of wine and the champagne going up to £45.

There are two kinds of Peroni beer on the menu, a range of spirits and the usual offerings of soft drinks and hot drinks. All are averagely priced, probably slightly less than what you would expect to pay in a city centre bar.

The Last Word
Zizzi is a vibrant and popular restaurant suitable for the most discerning of Italian food lovers. Whether you choose the warm and welcoming interior or make the most of the terrace dining during the summer you will find dishes to please all at a reasonable cost.

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