Zilli Green, Soho, London - veggie heaven with a celebrity chef
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Walking in to Zilli Green, I feel instantly at home - and it's not just because the walls are the same soothing shade of green as my bedroom.
The staff are friendly, my fellow diners are chatting away and despite the rustic interior, there's a sense of cool sophistication in the air. I like it instantly.
Zilli Green is the latest restaurant to be masterminded by celebrity chef, Aldo Zilli. It sits nicely alongside the other eateries in the Italian chef's stable, but for me, its main selling point is that it's 100% vegetarian.
After losing more than two stone on TV's Celebrity Fit Club, Aldo discovered the joys of a veggie diet. And, after much experimentation in the kitchen, he decided to ditch meat for good and relaunch his flagship restaurant as the eco-friendly Zilli Green.
The eatery, situated just off London's bustling Oxford Street, only opened in February, but has already had people travelling from far and wide to sample its vegetarian delights (a fact I can attest to, as the phone is practically ringing off the hook).
Head chef, Enzo di Marino, is one of the UK's most exciting vegetarian chefs - and a long-time vegan himself. He has worked alongside Aldo to produce Zilli Green's healthy, great tasting menu and each and every dish has been inspired by different cultures from around the world.
Many people think that to enjoy celebrity cuisine, you have to take out a large loan, but at Zilli Green, that's certainly not the case.
The most expensive mains weigh in at just £9.90 and the menu has enough variety and choice to satisfy all tastes - including those of the cynical meat-eaters out there.
On my visit to the restaurant, which can seat just 70 diners, I am treated to a selection of its fine, beautifully-presented dishes.
For starters, I try the delicious Quinoa and Wild Mushroom Mediterranean Sushi Roll (£5) and the warming Brodetto di Legumi (£4.90), a thick, protein-boosting stew made up of barley, spelt, lentil and yellow split beans.
These dishes are swiftly followed by two of Zilli Green's most popular mains - the Black Bean Chilli with Crispy Corn Tortillas and Creme Fraiche (£6.80) and the moreish Tagliatelle with Porcini Mushrooms and White Truffle Oil (£8.90).
The hot and spicy chilli is the perfect antidote for a cold winter's day and the pasta... well, what can I say? It would be hard to find a creamier or better tasting Italian dish.
For dessert, I enjoy three mini portions of the Dairy-Free Tiramisu (£4.50), a Warm Pecan and Chocolate Chip Brownie (£3.90) and some Homemade Italian Ice Cream (£3.90).
The brownie is to die for; the ice cream has the perfect cooling consistency and the tiramisu is a culinary delight - similar to a fluffy sponge cake, but so much better.
The majority of dishes at Zilli Green are either vegan, or come with vegan options, and there are plenty of gluten-free and organic choices too - especially on the wine list.
Green by name, green by nature, the restaurant aims to be as eco-friendly as possible - and not many places can attest to that.
It is big on recycling, proudly classes itself as a 'can-free zone' and uses a range of sustainable produce to create its meals.
All dishes are freshly made on the premises and if, like me, you go a bit mad and order too much, the friendly waiting staff will be more than happy to give you a doggy bag to take home.
Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan or just appreciate good food, Zilli Green should be at the top of your must visit' list this year.
Just make sure you book in advance...
Contact tel: +44 (0)20 7734 3924
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Zilli Green, vegetarian Italian restaurant, Soho, London
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