Zizzi occupies a corner near the top of Richmond Hill, where the town centre thins out towards the Square and the traffic-free streets that lead to the gardens. It is a national Italian chain, and the menu holds no surprises — but the tables spill onto the pavement under the trees, the pizzas are decent, and the vegan and gluten-free cooking is handled properly rather than as an afterthought. For a relaxed meal that keeps a mixed table happy, it earns its place.
The food
Pizzas come thin and hand-stretched, blistered at the edge; the pasta is the familiar canon — carbonara, bolognese, a few seasonal plates — done competently. What sets this branch apart from the average high-street Italian is the breadth of its vegan and non-gluten menus, which run right through from starters to pudding rather than offering a token dish or two. Starters lean on the usual sharing plates, and the calzones and baked pasta are the heartier end of the list. Portions are generous and the cooking is consistent.
The setting
The room is bright and modern, with the kind of easy noise that suits a family or a group. The outdoor tables are the draw in warm weather — Richmond Hill is leafy and comparatively quiet, and a seat on the pavement catches the early evening sun. Staff ask about allergies as a matter of course, which is reassuring if you are eating with someone who needs them to. Service is brisk without pushing you out of your seat, so it suits both a quick bite before a film and a longer, unhurried evening. There is step-free access and baby-changing.
Where it is
This is central Bournemouth, moments from the Odeon and a short walk down to the Lower Gardens and Bournemouth Pier. It sits close to the Pavilion, so it works for a pre-show table. If you want to compare Italians, ASK Italian is nearby in the BH2 complex. Our restaurants guide and the map put it in context.
Good to know
Bookings can be made online or through the usual apps, and walk-ins are generally fine outside peak weekend evenings. The restaurant is cashless. It is a dependable choice with children in tow, and the outdoor tables mean a buggy is no obstacle; for a larger group it is worth booking ahead, even midweek. Opening hours are long across the week, but confirm the current times before a late booking, particularly on a Sunday.
