Italian cuisine is my weakness. Pizza, pasta, Aperol Spritz… I don’t think there is any dish or beverage I don’t like. Italy has become my favourite place to visit and let’s not forget to mention my love for Italian leather handbags. So when the team at Zizzi in Cheltenham got in touch and asked if I would like to check out their beautiful newly refurbished restaurant and menu, I took the opportunity to turn it into the perfect date night to spend with my love after a busy week at work.

I’ve been a fan of Zizzi Italian for years. The menu has always offered variety and the location of the restaurant in Cheltenham is pretty dreamy, don’t you think? My 30th ‘surprise’ birthday was spent here earlier this year and more recently we celebrated Dan’s birthday here too, so this Italian hot spot holds some fond memories for the two of us.

If you’re local to Cheltenham then you may notice the subtle but stunning changes that Zizzi have made to enhance the customers’ dining experience. The greeting as you enter references Beauty and the Beast is a lovely touch and there is also live piano music every Friday and Saturday evening to set the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable night with loved ones. Trying to guess what song the musician is playing also makes for a great conversation piece!

As we sat down to peruse the menu, two glasses of prosecco were brought over to kick off our date night and the manager took some time to chat to us about the recent changes. We took in our stunning surrounding as we glanced at the food offerings, bellies rumbling as we gratefully grazed on the complimentary crunchy nut snacks provided.

With so many starters to choose from, we ended up opting for all the cheese for our starters to share, with the Truffle Honey Goats Cheese and Fonduta Formaggio (a moreish melting pot of gorgonzola, gruyère & pecorino cheese) – both served up with ‘little soul’ bread for dipping.

Sweet dreams are made of cheese…

The goat’s cheese was perfectly accompanied by sprigs of rosemary, and the truffle honey gave it a sweet kick – definitely worth trying this summer special whilst it’s still on the menu!

On our last visit we shared the Arancini and the Wild Boar Meatballs which were both sensational dishes, but the cheese definitely gives the meat a run for its money!

Trying to decide whether to have pizza or pasta is usually my stumbling block each time I visit Zizzi. The pizzas are SO good but as we were planning a pizza night with friends the following evening I opted for the Wild Boar Meatballs with a topping of melted cheese… because I clearly hadn’t had enough cheese by this point.

Dan went for the Calzone Pollo Spinaci which looked very tempting. Roast chicken, speck, spinach, (no mushrooms for this fun guy) & thyme in a creamy mozzarella & béchamel sauce, topped with coppa ham. Zizzi take calzones very seriously….

After devouring our mains, we couldn’t help but be tempted by the dessert menu.

Not usually one to go for pudding when I’m dining out (I’m more of a starter kinda gal), but their choice of desserts are too good to pass up. Dan went for the Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownie, whilst I went with the Espresso Affogato (I usually opt for coffee over sweet puds so this was the perfect balance).

I always note how friendly the staff are at Zizzi in Cheltenham, especially the management. Whatever the occasion, they will try and accommodate your request in the most efficient and helpful manner (especially if it’s a celebration). Zizzi has definitely become one of my favourite dining spots in the Cotswolds, especially for a no-fuss, affordable date night.

Make sure to check out the newly refurbished Zizzi Italian in Cheltenham and enjoy their stunning menu soon. A big thank you again to the team for looking after us, we’ll be back soon!

Why not book online here and surprise a loved one to a delicious meal out this September.

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