Zizzi - Stratford-upon-Avon — Restaurant in Stratford-on-Avon

When we entered the premises, there was only one table in use. We were shown to a table and given menus. Unfortunately, there was quite a strong smell of sewers in the restaurant, and also a smell of air freshener trying to mask it and several small flies about, which was somewhat disconcerting. Our order was taken and we were asked if we wanted our starter first, or with the mains. We asked for it first. It was duly delivered to our table, and we expected whilst we were eating it that our mains would be being made. Unfortunately, we could see our meals being prepared in the kitchen only after we had finished our starter, so there was an unexpected delay in our main courses arriving. We both had calzones and they were cooked to perfection, golden and very tasty. By the time we had finished the mains, no staff were around and we waited sometime to have the plates cleared. We then asked for a dessert to take away. This was left on the counter at the kitchen and we had to remind the staff to bring it over. The male and female staff were friendly, and we had good value for money due to our Zillionaire offers available. However, as there was only ever a maximum of 2 tables in use during the whole of our visit, we did not feel the service provided was as good or as efficient as it could have been. We tipped the staff, but this was more due to getting good value for money, rather than actually receiving excellent service. In fact as we left, we realised why we hadn’t received attentive service…it was due to staff being more interested in buying a football shirt on eBay rather than looking...

Amazed at the quality of the food and service. From the minute we walked in until the moment we left, we were blown away with the service. This wasn't our first choice of restaurant, but we are so glad we went there. One of the deciding factors for the change of restaurant was the warm welcome we received from who we now know as the manager (Csaba) when enquiring earlier this afternoon. The waiters and the chefs are a true credit and it shows how good the management is. We used the online ordering system and we made an error which was quickly and effectively dealt with by the waiter dealing with us. When ordering online we missed a starter and when the waiting staff became aware of this they went above and beyond to rectify our mistake. The food was incredible adding to the whole experience. We are not from the area, but would definitely visit again should we find ourselves in Stratford again. The service, food and ambience we experienced was on a par to a bespoke family high quality Italian restaurant as opposed to a mainstream chain. Clearly the management here, runs a great ship. Working in high profile events, with the supply of staff, we recognise and understand the importance of a good delivery team. Zizzi tonight, exceeded all of our expectations. A...

We went for a quick lunch, though it turned out a bit quicker than expected. We were quickly seated and ordered a garlic bread starter to share with balsamic onions and cheese on top and I had a chicken calzone and the wife a chicken salad. The garlic bread was nice, although the cheese and onion topping wasn’t exactly generously applied, with a couple of pieces having a bit on and the rest going empty, which is annoying when you’re paying a premium for those toppings. The mains arrived and they were both tasty, (though a bit more filling in the calzone would have been good). We were going to have dessert but the table that got seated to the side of us had a family with a couple of young children. Unfortunately, the kids were very vocal with much screaming, and apart from a half-hearted “hush” at the start, the parents seemed quite content to let the howling continue unabated, on and off. We decided to forgo dessert rather than get a migraine, so paid up and left.

Nearly forgot; I had a bottle of beer. £7.50 for a bottle of standard beer is taking the proverbial, sort it out, Zizzi. Bad enough to be charged £8.50 for a glass of bog standard Chardonnay, but you sort of expect the wine rip-off you get in all...