Zizzi Birmingham Mailbox might be 1,000 miles from Italy but the food is proper tasty

Settled in the bustling heart of one of the UK’s most vibrant shopping and leisure destinations, Zizzi Birmingham Mailbox has unveiled its remarkably transformed venue, a testament to blending art, ambience, and amicable service.

Following a much-anticipated refurbishment, this locale now echoes warmth and intimacy reminiscent of Mediterranean evenings, flawlessly balanced with a contemporary twist that Birmingham’s cosmopolitan crowd will undoubtedly embrace.

Upon entering, diners are greeted by an eye-catching mural by artist Katie O, celebrating local landmarks and adorned with vibrant depictions of nature and wildlife.

This creative addition breathes new life and character into the space, establishing an environment that's both inviting and visually enchanting. The iconic yellow foliage, coupled with bright festoon and wavy neon signage delivering a sassy “I do not share food” message, sets a playful yet chic tone for the dining experience.

Our evening began with a delightful cocktail, the Italian Paloma. This concoction of Blanco tequila and zesty citrus notes was a glorious start, packing a refreshing punch that set the mood just right.

Our starters followed suit and impressed with both their presentation and taste. I indulged in the Pork & Garlic Meatballs, oven-baked to perfection in a slow-roasted tomato sauce with mozzarella.

As someone with a penchant for meat, the sweet and flavourful tomato sauce was a revelation, balancing the tender meatballs wonderfully. The spices were there but subtle, and the consistency was perfect.

My dining partner opted for the Mushroom Brindisi, a hearty and creamy mix of roasted mushrooms on freshly baked bread, crowned with melted scamorza cheese, crispy sage, and riserva cheese.

The feedback was nothing short of praise – creamy, soft dough that melted in the mouth, delivering a symphony of rich flavours.

For the main course, I chose the Sticky Pig pizza, an indulgent creation divided into two tantalising halves. The first half, adorned with spicy ‘nduja, crispy prosciutto, and riserva cheese, brought a wonderful harmony of warmth and mild spice.

The other half, with scamorza cheese, crumbled meatballs, crackling, and Roquito pearls, embodied rustic delight. Every bite was a journey, from the perfect crackling to the charming sweetness of the honey, merging into what could only be described as an exhilarating flavour explosion.My partner’s Spaghetti Chorizo Carbonara manifested an equally enchanting narrative. The dish was a creamy, smoky delight, embodying buttery textures that seemed to melt effortlessly. The harmony between the pancetta's smokiness and the carbonara's richness made it a noteworthy recommendation for pasta enthusiasts.

We shared a side of Mozzarella Garlic Bread adorned with caramelised balsamic onions. The generous portions ensured we were sufficiently satisfied to warrant taking the leftovers home.

Puddings were where Zizzi truly outshone the competition. My Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownie, warm and gooey, offered a rich indulgence topped with hot chocolate sauce and vanilla gelato.

It was an impeccable end to the meal, decadent without tipping into excessive sweetness. My partner’s Zillionaire’s Fudge Cake lived up to its grand moniker. It had all the qualities of a gourmet Crunchie bar, layered with salted caramel sponge and honeycomb pieces.

As we left, with a box of Mozzarella Garlic Bread in hand, it was clear this dining experience was not merely indulgent but reasonably priced and enhanced by the fast yet unrushed service.

Special mention goes to Pavel, our server, whose professionalism and friendliness added a layer of genuine warmth to the evening.

The new Zizzi Birmingham Mailbox promises a dining experience that's a cut above. It maintains the casual charm suited for relaxed dining while ensuring that quality and service are never compromised.

Whether for a relaxed evening out or a celebratory meal, Zizzi Birmingham Mailbox has redefined itself as a must-visit destination for exceptional Italian fare with a twist.