Over the Easter weekend we were invited to Zizzi in Basingstoke to sample the new Spring menu. Baby’s Aunty and Uncle were staying with us, so it was so lovely to all go out together and enjoy each others company without someone (usually Baby’s Aunty) having to cook.
Unfortunately it was a bit calamitous getting there. Although Basingstoke is only about 20 miles from home, we got stuck behind a lorry on the worlds most annoying ‘no overtaking’ road. I called the restaurant to let them know we were running late and they couldn’t have been more accommodating. When we arrived in Basingstoke, we asked a lady for directions and she sent us in completely the wrong direction. Cue another call to the restaurant, who were brilliant in directing us and finally we arrived! Zizzi is situated in the old part of town and there is good parking all round.
After a warm welcome, we were asked where we would like to sit and space was made for our rather cumbersome pram. Our drinks order was taken and it was time to decide what we wanted from the lovely new spring menu. I am so indecisive when it comes to ordering, so as usual everyone was waiting for me. The Manager was very helpful in assisting me with what Baby could eat, as normal children’s portions are too big for her. However, we think it is good for her to eat with us and not just have a sandwich brought from home. He advised a pasta with tomato sauce that is specifically designed for smaller tummies.
It wasn’t long before the starters arrived. I had chosen the Fonduta Formaggi (melted gorgonzola, gruyère and pecorino cheese with baked dough sticks and focaccia bread for dipping), Baby’s Aunty (J) and Mr Hubby shared the Zizzi Antipasti (Prosciutto, speck, coppa, finocchiona, bufala mozzarella, slow roasted tomatoes, olives and dough sticks) and it was Garlic Bread (with Rosemary) for Baby’s Uncle (A). Baby had a couple of dough sticks, which she loved! It was so lovely to see her join in, rather than have a bottle or something different to us. The starters went down very well across the board. Baby tried my Fonduta and couldn’t get enough of it. 
The mains we ordered were Pollo Prosciutto (Chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto ham and sage with a white wine sauce, Tuscan potatoes and green beans) for me, Rustica Sofia (Pizza- Spicy chicken, pepperoni, spicy sausage, mozzarella, chilli and rosemary) for Mr Hubby. Another pizza, the Rustica Bistecca Formaggi (Thinly sliced steak on a cheese base of gorgonzola, gruyère and pecorino. With slow roasted tomatoes, rocket, mozzarella and grana padano) for A and for J the Skinny King Prawn Salad (King prawns, long stem broccoli and hazelnuts on lemon dressed mixed leaves).
I loved my main course and Baby kept trying to help herself to my potatoes, so we shared them. The boys enjoyed their pizzas and J gave great reports on her prawn salad. Baby requested that I hand feed her individual tubes of pasta (think I might be a soft touch), but she seemed to enjoy hers too!.
Mr Hubby doesn’t like dessert (I know, what a weirdo!), so it was just the three of us. I ordered the Chocolate and Toffee Nut Sundae (Chocolate and crema gelato, banana, whipped mascarpone cream, toffee sauce and caramelised peanuts), J just had Lemon Sorbet and A picked the Chocolate Melt (hot, gooey chocolate pudding served with crema gelato), but he requested mint choc chip ice cream instead. This wasn’t a problem for the restaurant, who just changed it for him. All the desserts were polished off and Baby tried ice cream and a little sorbet. She actually pulled more of a face when she tried the ice cream than the sharp sorbet.
Throughout the meal the staff were attentive and even stopped to play with Baby when they were passing, which she enjoyed. We were made to feel extremely welcome and had a lovely time. Many thanks to The Manager and all the staff at Zizzi for our lovely meal. None of us had been to Zizzi before, but we had such a great time at Basingstoke that we will definitely be back again.
1 London Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7NT
T: 01256 358300
E: basingstoke@zizzi.co.uk
Zizzi Basingstoke
Disclosure: We were treated to this meal for purposes of writing this review. However, all opinions are my own and are 100% honest.
Comments 22
Gosh! How lucky 🙂 We love Zizzis 🙂 It looks like Baby had fun xx #TriedTested
Author
I was sent a press release so I asked if they would like a review. 🙂 she had lots of fun xx
Oh wow, the food looks and sounds amazing, and I love that the restaurant included your little one too. Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
Author
They were so sweet to her x
Oh my Mouth is watering! I love Italian food. I love kid friendly restaurants that actually make you feel welcomed.. so welldone Zizzi 🙂 #TriedTested
Author
The staff were so nice x
The food looks absolutely delicious! I’ve not been to Zizzi before but would love to try it #TriedTested
Author
It was very yummy x
That looks lovely. It’s always so nice to find a baby friendly place to eat! #TriedTested
Author
It was yummy and they were so friendly x
I have never been to Zizzi’s….I didn’t even know there was one near me until I just checked the website…lol The food looks delicious….I’ll have to give them a try sometime x
Author
Well worth the trip x
We’ve never been to a Zizzi’s but I keep meaning to. It looks great from your review x
Author
I would give it a try, very yummy x
I regularly eat in the Trafford Centre restaurant and am never disappointed!
Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
Author
We had never been before, but it was very yummy x
The food looks amazing. I have never been to Zizzi’s but must try soon x x x
Author
I would definitely try it, we found it very yummy x
I absolutely love Zizzi, one of our favourite places to eat out x
Author
We had a lovely time, I had never been before x
I LOVE ZIZZI’s! they are one of my fave place to eat 🙂 xx
Author
It was very lovely xx