{Zizzi, Royal Exchange Square}

On Saturday night, Becky (@OliveDragonfly) and I got our glad rags on and headed out to Royal Exchange Square for the VIP opening of Zizzi's. I was thrilled to be invited and had spent the week looking forward to the event.

I had no idea what to wear, and in the end I threw on a Monsoon dress that I had bought towards the end of last year and teamed it with a coral blazer that I borrowed from my sister for the night. As is the way with toddlers around, I didn't get much of a chance to get ready and I also totally forgot to paint my nails... oops!

Anyway, Becky and I arrived on the square (I just love the fairy lights - see pic below!) to the sound of bagpipes, and as we neared the restaurant we realised that it was all for the Zizzi opening that we were attending. Much excitement from the two of us and we were straight away out with our phones to capture the atmosphere!!

#zizzi #glasgow :-) #VineADayFebruary Night vine.co/v/bv7X2FVgPdt
— Sarah (@Glasgow_Mummy) February 9, 2013

We strutted up the red carpet, posed for a photograph and then went into the restaurant to be greeted by the staff, including some lovely men in kilts!! We were then presented with some fizz and had more photographs taken!

Zizzi's, Royal Exchange Square

There was definitely a buzz about the place and the restaurant itself is just amazing! I love the illuminated tree sculptures (Becky & I debated over what to call them!!).

Zizzi, Glasgow vine.co/v/bv7phZijHz5
— Sarah (@Glasgow_Mummy) February 9, 2013

The illumated tree sculptures!

We were sat at a table for two on the upper level, and I think I prefer the seating upstairs compared with the main part of the restaurant. The booth areas on the upper deck are lovely although the long table situated right next to the kitchen was equally impressive - would be great for a party! Our waitress Toni was lovely and was very attentive. The food was good and I'm definitely impressed! I will certainly be going back.

Cat Cubie

The booths upstairs

View from our table

Here's what I had to eat:

The starter

My main - skinny chicken pizza with salad

The desserts - chocolate tart, lemon tart and tiramisu 

In terms of negatives...the rack for the glasses at the bar was too low and it was in my eyeline (I am rather tall though!). I did ask one of the staff about it, and it's being raised asap. Toilet wise there was only one ladies room on the upper level however I believe there were more facilities downstairs but from what I heard they were a bit of a trek and rather chilly so I didn't bother going to check them out.

Couldn't see the bar staff :-/

I've eaten at Zizzi in Princes Square before and it didn't blow me away, but the venue of this one really makes it stand out. It's an amazing space and the food was really good, especially the caramelised onion bread to start and the dessert platter was delicious (I would have happily eaten a second plate of it!). Overall I was impressed and I will definitely go back.

The restaurant opened to the general public on Monday this week.

The meal & drinks were complimentary in exchange for an honest review.