Zizzi - Manchester

After a rainy day at the Christmas markets, we decided to dine at this restaurant. Upon entering, we were impressed by the nice ambiance and friendly staff. We started with a sharing platter, which was delicious. However, our main pasta dishes were disappointing - they were bland and watery, similar to cheap frozen meals. The pizza was slightly better, but still not great. One of the pasta dishes was removed from our bill after we sent it back due to its poor quality. The cokes were served in small, expensive glass bottles. The downstairs toilets were not well-maintained, with cold water for hand washing. It was disappointing considering the pleasant staff.

The garlic bread tasted very plain, like regular bread. They did not have any martini-based cocktails available. My friend's mozzarella dish was very simple, basically just milk. There was no pepper or salt on the table, and they did not offer any Parmesan cheese. We were not very satisfied with the meal and were happy to just eat the bread and leave. The only thing that was quick about the service was getting the bill.

My husband and I visited Zizzi in Manchester Piccadilly last night. The food was beautiful and can't be faulted but the staff service was awful! The waitress that attended us didn't know how to use her POS system and walked away from the table several times to ask her manager for support. When our food came out, the servers placed the food on the table and rushed away, did not ask if we needed any condiments; salt, pepper, sauce etc. Did not offer parmesan on the pasta and did not notice that my drink was empty The speed they walked away I could ask for a drink. I spent most of my meal trying to catch the eye of someone to order another drink but didn't get one until after I'd finished. I did complain about this, and the server kindly gave me a free diet coke. The service did not improve beyond this though. When our desserts came, there was no cutlery on our table to eat with, the waiter disappeared for several minutes to get cutlery and we were given teaspoons to eat them with my husband ordered the brownie Pizzette, good luck eating that with a teaspoon. I support the service industry wholeheartedly and usually tip 25% but I did not tip last night. The food was great hence why giving three stars, maybe in future we'll just order through a delivery service instead.

Terrible staff attitude. Poor customer service. Tables crammed together Food average overpriced. Bar girl literally throwing glass bottles in bin constantly creating loud banging smashing noises to which customers jumped out their skin. Staff don't smile, don't ask how is your meal or can I get you anything else. When I mentioned when paying the bill my issues they didn't care. Customers sitting with big jackets on as it was cold. I would avoid plenty nicer places around. Just decided to try tonight for first time as it was handy. I suggest you avoid!

On entering the restaurant we were welcomed promptly and navigated to a seat. We were then asked about any allergies, to which I stated that I have an uncommon allergy. To this the server stated that we would have to use the online ordering tool using the QR code as the restaurant would not take our order so they would not be liable for any cross contamination. They did not even offer us any drinks to start with as we tried to navigate the online system. Nobody came to check on us. We ended up leaving and on the way out the server looked at us but did not say anything as to ask if anything was wrong. All in all terrible customer service. Oh and my allergy .. chillies and peppers so not that difficult to manage.