Upon arrival at the restaurant in the middle of the afternoon, we were greeted by the staff who informed us that we could only have a table for one hour due to a booking. Despite being a family with two young children, we agreed to the time constraint on the condition that we would be served promptly.
Unfortunately, the service fell short of our expectations. It took 20 minutes for us to even be acknowledged and another 5 minutes for the food to arrive. To make matters worse, the mains were brought out in a disorganized manner, with some dishes arriving before others and significant delays between each one.
The young waitress who attended to our table appeared impatient and uninterested. She rolled her eyes while taking our orders and didn't seem particularly helpful throughout the meal.
To top it off, while our children were still in the process of eating their pasta dishes, the desserts were unexpectedly brought to the table and placed right next to their mains. Any parent or sensible individual knows that placing a dessert in front of a toddler will only result in them ignoring their main course.
Just two minutes after the desserts were served, the bill was unceremoniously placed on our table, and we were informed that we needed to pay and leave promptly as the table was booked. This rushed and abrupt manner of handling the situation left a sour taste in our mouths, quite literally and figuratively.
When I sought clarification from the manager, Kasia, regarding the subpar service and the rushed approach to our dining experience, her response was dismissive, stating, "I told you 1 hour." This exchange left us feeling unsupported and unheard in our concerns.
Furthermore, the manager's demeanor towards our family, especially considering the presence of young children, was disappointing. Her lack of empathy and the smirk on her face as she instructed us to vacate our table further contributed to a sense of disregard for our experience. Such unprofessional conduct from a manager reflects poorly on the establishment and sets a concerning example for the rest of the staff, raising doubts about the overall ethos of the company.
In light of this encounter and the entirety of our visit, I would caution others against patronizing this restaurant. Beyond the issues with service and timing, the pricing appears to be inflated for the quality of food and service provided. The lack of customer value demonstrated during our visit only reinforces the decision to steer clear of this establishment...
Read moreZizzi - Victoria: A Taste of Italy in the Heart of London
Ambiance and Decor Nestled in the bustling heart of Victoria at 15 Cardinal Walk, Zizzi - Victoria offers a modern yet cozy escape for Italian food lovers. The restaurant’s contemporary design, inspired by the nearby Victoria Station, creates a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. For those who enjoy dining outdoors, the restaurant also boasts a charming al fresco seating area, perfect during warmer months.
Menu and Cuisine Zizzi serves a delightful array of classic Italian dishes, ranging from wood-fired pizzas and creamy pastas to risottos and fresh salads. What sets it apart is its commitment to catering to various dietary needs, with an impressive selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Highlights include their signature Rustica pizzas and indulgent desserts like the Chocolate Melt. Portions are generous, and the flavors consistently impress.
Customer Experience The restaurant is often bustling with life, attracting both office workers on lunch breaks and theatre-goers seeking a pre-show meal. Guests frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff who go the extra mile to make diners feel welcome. One reviewer noted, “The team here is amazing—so happy and helpful, they truly make you feel at home.”
However, the vibrant energy of the space can sometimes lead to minor hiccups during peak hours. Some diners have mentioned occasional delays in service and a bit of noise when the restaurant is full. A guest observed, “Though the staff were lovely, it did take some time for our plates to be cleared during a busy evening.”
Convenience and Location Zizzi - Victoria is ideally located for anyone visiting nearby attractions like the Victoria Palace Theatre or Apollo Victoria Theatre. It’s a convenient spot for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a pre-theatre bite. • Address: 15 Cardinal Walk, London SW1E 5JE, England • Phone: +44 20 3802 2294 • Website: Zizzi - Victoria
Final Thoughts Zizzi - Victoria is a reliable choice for anyone craving a hearty Italian meal in a central London location. While the restaurant can get busy, the diverse menu, friendly service, and lively ambiance make it worth a visit. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s a place where good food and a warm atmosphere...
Read moreOur first waiter’s overall customer service was ‘good’ at best. When we had finished our starters, he proceeded to place our main courses on our table, he took my partners empty plate and left mine on the table and placed my mains next to my empty plate and glass, didn’t proceed to ask if we would like any sauces or if I would like another drink, as my glass was empty, just left the plate on the table. Eventually we flagged down the manager who took my empty starter plate and glass off of our table so we could actually eat our main courses with room now on the table. We then asked the manager for Salt and Vinegar, she brought over Salt and Pepper and before we could ask for the vinegar, she had already walked across the other side of the restaurant and the restaurant was not busy at all, however there were no servers anywhere, they all seemed to be over the other side of the restaurant doing a lot of nothing. No one ever came over to ask if our meals were okay or if there was anything we needed, refills, etc, awful service. A shift change happened while we were dining and a we then had a waiter who was actually very pleasant, we asked him for the bill…after he acknowledged our empty main meal plates…which had been sat on the table for 15 minutes. To our shocking ‘surprise’ our original waiter had put incorrect items on our receipt, however our new waiter kindly rectified this. Our experience was awful at this restaurant, which is a shame because Zizzi’s is my favourite restaurant and this experience really let me down, only good thing about our visit was the mocktails. If you’re looking for good customer service, do...
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