A popular chain of restaurants, Zizzi is all about good Italian staples. With a more authentic feel than Pizza Express, this is reliable, good quality food.

The Venue
The Notting Hill branch of Zizzi is simplistic and contemporary. A large open plan kitchen with colourful green tiles and a wood-fired oven overlooks the restaurant, which is decorated with unfussy white walls and black and white prints. It’s a fairly large space with wooden floors and plenty of tables to keep up with the healthy flow of diners.

The Atmosphere
Laid back and casual, Zizzi is alive with a friendly ambience. The hum of diners mixed with the gentle clattering of the kitchen makes the perfect soundtrack to your meal.

The Food
There’s an ample selection of Italian favourites – pizza and pasta of course – as well as salads and risottos. The Angelo’s mussels starter (about £6) is not that spectacular. Served in a thick, creamy sauce, the dish is too salty which smothers the rest of the flavours. The antipasto platter (about £10) is, on the other hand, more enjoyable. It comes served with salami, ham, a divine, full-flavoured Prosciutto, slices of delicate, fresh mozzarella, sun-blushed tomatoes and a medley of olives which are nicely spiced with chilli. The only complaint is that it’s a bit stingy on the accompanying focaccia.

Mains cost an average of £8 and the penne della casa is a tasty choice. Oven-baked with succulent pieces of chicken, bacon and a creamy sauce, once again it’s a little too salty and a bit rich, but satisfying overall. The Sofia pizza is great for meat lovers with chicken, pepperoni and sausage toppings and a perfect base that has just the right consistency.

For dessert (under £5), a selection of sorbets and gelatis are a great way to end the meal. The strawberry and mango flavours are particularly refreshing. Alternatively, the torta Zizzi, a plum, fig and pistachio tart, is light and sticky, flavoured with delicious amaretto and nicely balanced with a scoop of thick vanilla ice cream.

The Drink
There’s a medium-sized selection of Italian wines costing between £13 and £26 a bottle. If you like your reds then the Eliante cabernet sauvignon is a top choice. Priced at around £15, it’s smooth with spicy notes and goes down very easily.

The Last Word
Unfussy food in a buzzing environment, Zizzi in Notting Hill is a solid choice if you’re after a simple Italian meal in friendly surroundings.

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