Venice and Victoria admittedly haven't got a lot in common, but TOZI is trying to change that. This cicchetti-based Italian restaurant is inspired by the Venetian dining style of small, sharing plates. It's very authentic too, having been Quality Approved by the Italian Chamber of Commerce for 2025 - 2026.
I had previously visited their Battersea pizzeria, and based on that I was keen to try out their original venue for more Mediterranean fare. And with an appealing-sounding menu carefully curated by Chef Maurilio, I was pretty sure that I wouldn't be disappointed.
DesignMyNight’s Review Of TOZI Restaurant Victoria
Expect a laid-back, Mediterranean atmosphere at TOZI.
Need To Know:
- Address: 8 Gillingham Street, SW1V 1HS
- Area: Victoria
- Cuisine: Italian
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: there was a relaxed but buzzing atmosphere to this venue, with lots of midweek diners surrounding us at their white marble tables. The interiors were largely simple and pared-back, with a few quirky touches like an old-school red Fiat parked at one entrance and a black-and-white film being projected on the wall.
- Perfect For: sharing small plates with friends.
Service & Price
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For
Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: around £120 for six cicchetti dishes, two desserts and two cocktails
Pair cocktails with sharing plates on the TOZI menu.
Menu Highlights
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Their menu was arranged into multiple sections, but all items were small plates (though you could double up on portions for some of them). The waiters recommended two or three dishes per person, which felt about right to us.
- Burrata with baked aubergines (£13.75) - the creamy ball of cheese popped open over a chilled base of aubergine and sundried tomatoes, complemented nicely by a basil-heavy pesto. This was a lovely start to the meal, combining fresh flavours with the indulgent burrata.
- Zucchini fritti (£7.95) - they gave us a huge portion of these crispy courgette fries, making it a perfect choice for sharing between groups. The batter was crunchy and salty, with tender slithers of the vegetable inside.
- Buffalo ricotta ravioli (£14.50, or £23.50 for a double portion) - the chef's signature dish (that our waiter highly recommended), this rich, cheesy ravioli was definitely the highlight of our meal. Each tender parcel of pasta was filled with a tangy ricotta filling, drizzled in a buttery sauce. It was topped with shavings of black truffle, which infused the whole dish with an earthy flavour. We got the double portion of this one, and I certainly didn't regret it.
- Aubergine parmigiana (£13.75) - a classic Italian dish that I always gravitate towards, this was a rich, tomato-heavy option. While I personally would have preferred a little more cheese, the aubergine itself was cooked to perfection.
- Pistachio tiramisù (£9.75) - a trendy twist on the traditional dessert, this sweet, nutty treat finished off the meal nicely. The coffee flavour was perfect - present, but not overpowering, and the sugary cream paired well with the pistachio flavour.
- Chocolate delice (£9.75) - a three-layered chocolate dessert that was topped with crème Anglaise, this is a perfect pick for those of us with a sweet tooth. The base had a slight hazelnut flavour, and the top section was creamy and finished with flakes of solid dark chocolate.
From starters to desserts, these dishes are best shared.
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- La Dolce Vita (£16) - served in a Champagne flute decorated in flower petals, this elegant concoction combined lemon-infused vodka, crème de peche, Franciacorta and floral syrup - resulting in a delicate flowery taste.
- Papa Colada (£16) - made with Don Papa rum, this pink, tropical drink featured Koko Kanu, pineapple shrub and sour cherry air, bubbling at the top.
Our Overall Experience At TOZI London
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's difficult to visit this restaurant without wanting to book a trip to Venice, the TOZI Victoria menu is that good. It's a brilliant choice for sharing lots of different dishes with friends or your partner, and the option to double up on portion sizes for some of them is great if you want to create more of a main course. The cocktails are well worth trying too, both delicious and beautifully presented. Overall, I can certainly see myself returning to try more of their menu.
