PA Life’s editor headed to TOZI Restaurant & Bar in London’s Victoria for an immersive Italian experience. We dined on cicchetti and enjoyed expertly crafted cocktail classics and smooth Italian wine in a lively atmosphere…
Tozi means ‘a close-knit group of friends’ in Venetian slang and it’s a perfect name for this vibrant restaurant that serves the most amazing cicchetti – small plates of delicious plates meant for sharing. The menu is inspired by Venetian osterias and has very much an authentic feel to it, much helped with the stylish black and white photographs decorating the walls. There is also a large screen showing old films, we loved having La Dolce Vita in the background.
TOZI Restaurant & Bar for a genuine Italian dining
It easy agree with the description on the restaurant’s website saying that TOZI Restaurant and Bar brings an authentic Italian experience to the heart of Victoria. It really does do just that. It’s more than just a place to eat, TOZI is a celebration of conviviality, genuine hospitality and the tradition of sharing great food with good friends. Very Italian, and what lies behind the continues success of TOZI that’s celebrating 12 years in Victoria this June.
The restaurant and bar remains in the hands of its original team, led by Chef Maurilio Molteni and Senior Restaurant and Bar Manager Stefano Meloni, along with Restaurant Manager Carlo Consoli and Sous Chef Francesco Vacca – their shared passion, consistency, and deep rooted commitment to exceptional quality continues to drive the very heart and soul of the restaurant.
We enjoyed a delicious spread of cicchetti with superb cocktails
As soon as we were seated at our table we where told about the amazing cocktails, Negroni being a house speciality. After an expert run through of the TOZI signature drinks by their mixologist my guest settled on a Trinacria made with Savola Americano and Doragrossa Chinotto, plum juice and tonic water – very refreshing. I ordered a Citrus Heaven which was a perfect aperitif made with gin, Berto Aperitivo, Campari and orange juice.
We decided to share all the dishes for a proper cicchetti experience. For starters we ordered Sicilian red prawns carpaccio, burrata and lemon oil and octopus, checkpea puree, fennel and basil pesto accompanies with zuccihi fritti and calamari fritti. The seafood was incredible, so flavoursome and bursting with freshness. It wasn’t overly salty, leaving us to savour the delicate taste. Both fritti plates were were so quaffable – we could have easily ordered more but saved space for pasta and warm main dishes to come.
A delicious place of buffalo ricotta ravioli with black truffles followed, and we also shared pan-fried cod, Castelluccio lentils, rainbow chard and salmoriglio. All simply melted in the mouth, and as I can imaging they would be served in a top Venetian osteria.
We would definitely return for a lunch or dinner, not only for the food but also for the warm welcome and efficient yet friendly service. TOZI is also a good size to host larger team lunches or dinners, and conveniently located near Victoria station.
More about TOZI Restaurant & Bar
Using only the finest ingredients, each dish brings together bold flavours that reflect the simplicity and quality of Italian cooking. Stand out dishes include buffalo ricotta ravioli with black truffle; tuna tartare served with chilli, lime and rocket; and octopus with creamy chickpea purée, fennel and fried capers.
Larger plates include the likes of aubergine parmigiana, lobster linguine as well as pan-fried cod with Castelluccio lentils, vibrant rainbow chard and a salmoriglio sauce. Finish off with indulgent desserts including a stunning pistachio tiramisu, vanilla semifreddo with apple compote or a fig and almond tart topped with vanilla ice cream.
Behind the bar, TOZI offers an extensive selection of signature cocktails crafted by skilled mixologist, Marco Bullegas. A Negroni trolley brings a modern twist to the classic Italian favourite, with eight unique variations of the iconic beverage available. Enjoy An American in Rome stirred table side with Campari, Savoia Americano, plum juice, and Fever Tree Indian Tonic, or opt for the Amphora Negroni, featuring Seven Hills Gin, Mancino Amaranto, Mancino Chinato, and Rinomato. The wine list is a carefully selected tour through Italy’s diverse wine regions – featuring small-batch producers and rare finds, each bottle tells a story of tradition and provenance.
Conclusion
Highly recommended fro an authentic Italian dining experience. Super fresh and delicious food, not to forget the fantastic cocktails. A lively restaurant in a great location near Victoria station in London. Would work well for larger groups e.g. team socials, business lunches and dinners for groups, large or small.
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