If you’ve ever been to a Zizzi you’ll know that they have a separate vegan menu, which is always a winner in my eyes. The feeling that a major chain is taking the time and consideration into creating a substantial and varied offering of food for us vegans is always a good one.

Zizzi is a firm favourite of mine because they were one of the first major high street restaurants to not only offer a separate vegan menu, but one that included a vegan cheese.

As aforementioned, the vegan menu is one of substance and depth. Starters, mains and TWO desserts? Yes please!

Proudly stamped on the menu is the Peta Vegan Foods Award Winner logo, reminding us that this menu has been compiled with care and attention, which is constantly improved and changed regularly.

After seeing a table nearby order the garlic bread, it was difficult to choose anything else. A full flatbread topped with cloves of garlic and a smattering of oil; this thing did not disappoint and was ideal for sharing.

Have you ever wondered if butternut squash works on a pizza? You bet it does! Jen chose the ‘Vegan Zucca’, which was a mouthwatering combination of tomato, vegan mozzarella, roasted butternut squash, caramelised balsamic onions and spinach. My mouth is salivating as I write this.

I, as a lover of spicy foods, chose the fiery and delicious ‘Vegan Pepperonata’. Topped with tomato, vegan mozzarella, fire roasted peppers, sun blush tomatoes, hot roquito chillies and pea shoots. This was mild on the heat radar but certainly didn’t lack in flavour, and I’ll most definitely be ordering this again in the future.

I typically take any leftovers away but I couldn’t stop eating my pizza and inevitably consumed the lot!

Most vegan dessert offerings in a restaurant usually consist of fruit salad or sorbet. Well, not at Zizzi because they have a Sticky Chocolate & Praline Torte and a Vegan Dessert Calzone. Now, some people have a hidden feature in their body: a dessert stomach. I was blessed with one, so after all of that food I was fortunate enough to have the capacity for dessert. On this occasion I had the Calzone and it was incredible. A soft warm dough folded over a feast of fruit that’s topped with crushed honeycomb and vegan chocolate ice cream! If that doesn’t make your hairs stand on end then you need to try it for yourself! In the past I have ordered the torte and that was also delicious, not reaching the heights of the calzone, but a notable effort.

I can’t fault the effort of Zizzi as their knowledge on vegan requirements has, in my many encounters, been flawless. Their consideration to our plant based diet is commendable and their attention to detail, such as the little green vegan stickers they add onto vegan dishes, makes you feel safe in the knowledge that they know what they’re doing. You don’t need to look far to find one and they’re the perfect location to go when you’re out and about with non vegan friends.