Zilli Restaurants

Celebrity Chef, Aldo Zilli Goes Green

Award winning Italian chef and restaurateur, Aldo Zilli will launch his new and innovative vegetarian restaurant, Zilli Green in Soho on the 14th February 2010 - the first ever Italian vegetarian chef with a fusion mind from across the world.

His former flagship restaurant, Signor Zilli will be entirely remodelled and re-branded to celebrate Aldo’s commitment to healthy living. What’s more, it will reinforce the message that vegetarian food doesn't have to be dull or tasteless - but exciting and delicious with quirky flavours and combinations. The menu will be an experience to share

Head chef, Enzo di Marino, one of the UK’s most exciting, talented up and coming vegetarian chefs (who trained in the Abruzzo region of Italy before working internationally, including Japan) will create a wide selection of quality seasonal dishes with vegetables naturally sourced from trusted local producers (and prepared in a dedicated meat and fish-free kitchen). Observing Aldo’s ethos of producing great tasting healthy cuisine with a contemporary twist, Zilli Green features dishes inspired by travelling the world.

Starter dishes (from £3.50) include Beetroot Lasagna with Dandelion & Rocket Salad; Jerusalem Artichoke Tart with Goats Cheese, Fig & Grape Chutney; and Red Lentil & Barley Soup.

Pasta dishes (£6.00) include Pumpkin Ravioli with Butter, Sage and Nutmeg Sauce; Artichoke and Smoked Mozzarella Risotto with Toasted Sunflower Seeds; and Black truffle lasagne. Other mains include, Lentil Cake with Steamed Baby Vegetables, Fried Fennel and Beetroot Oil; Marinated Seared Tofu with Asian Salad and Miso Soup; Thai Curry with Quinoa & Blood Orange Chutney; and Purple Sprouting Broccoli & Oyster Mushroom Tempura as well as a Daily Roast.

A selection of classic palette cleansing desserts with a healthy twist includes Dairy-free tiramisu cake, Peach and mango crème brulee and an eclectic range of organic ice-creams. Organic wines and freshly squeezed juices will also feature in the downstairs bar.

The 70 cover restaurant showcases reclaimed wood on both the floors and tabletops, complemented with a soothing interior of soft greens and browns. Elongated tables with low hanging lamps in the shape of plants will embrace the informality of the restaurant and celebration of simple, healthy vegetarian food.

Aldo Zilli explains, “Before going on Celebrity Fit Club a few years ago I decided that I wanted a new lifestyle and a new way of looking at food. The programme inspired me to alter the focus of my cooking with new ingredients and different patterns of eating. This year marks my 30th anniversary as one of Soho’s original restaurateurs. At the time, I brought a fresh new approach to eating Italian food to London and I want to mark this anniversary with an equally exciting new approach to a fresh and healthy way of life for everyone to enjoy.”