I’m nosy – when The Light’s Valley of the Dolls, or whatever it was called, closed down, I kept an eye on the unit and read the planning permission once I saw it on a window. It was from Ask, looking for permission for a new restaurant, but the space has since been filled with a Zizzi. I think both chains have the same owners.
Sorbet at Zizzi
There’s already a Zizzi in Leeds, down by the Corn Exchange, which I ate at once with my sister, her boyfriend and a few friends and we had a nice meal.
Three of us were going to the cinema on Saturday night – to see Bridesmaids at The Light’s Vue – so A and I decided to grab some dinner at the new Zizzi beforehand. The first thing I noticed was the friendly staff – even as we were being taken to our seats, another waiter said hello and welcome. Our waitress throughout the night was both attentive and warm, though there was an awkward moment when it came to change and the bill.
Pasta dela Cassa
Thanks to its location in The Light, it’s a very bright venue, with cream walls, stripped-back lighting and the odd tree scattered around. We were given a table towards the very back, near the open kitchen, and we set about ordering – the cheapest bottle of white (which actually was nice), plus the Penne dela Cassa for A – smoked pancetta, chicken and baby spinach in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with Grana Padano – and Pollo Limone for me. A dislikes penne and they said it was no problem to give her another type of pasta.
Pollo Limone
Both our dishes were good, particularly the potatoes, cooked with tomatoes, red onion and Grana Padano that accompanied my chicken. But they weren’t amazing – I’ve probably been spoilt by Salvo’s!
Chocolate melt at Zizzi
We also ordered dessert – a scope of blood red orange sorbet for me and a chocolate melt for A. Again, both were good, but the sorbet didn’t compare to Nardini’s efforts. It tasted too much of red-orange flavour and not of red oranges themselves.
The bill came to about £42, including wine, though there are always vouchers around for Zizzi, so I’m sure you could eat there a lot more cheaply.
Zizzi, The Light, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 8TL
Presentation: 7/10
Food: 6.5/10
Value: 6/10
Venue: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Average: 6.9/10
