Yesterday was Rachel’s birthday. She’s been around long enough to experience mine and mums birthday’s, and both Christmas and New Year with us, so I wanted to make sure we did something special for her too. So we decided to go somewhere for a meal… y’know, some place nice.

As luck would have it, the raffle I entered at work before Christmas came up in favour of me, and I won a £50 voucher for Ziniz Wine Bar & Restaurant in Bawtry near Doncaster. So we booked it.

Now, as many of my Facebook/Twitter friends will know, I was fishing for recommendations and opinions just before we booked. It wasn’t good to be fair… great food, but dodgy service. That said, all the reviews I found online were pretty old.

So as I say, we took the plunge, and (despite the first snow Rae can ever remember on her birthday) arrived safe and well just in time for our 7.30 table.

On arrival we were seated immediately, menus were handed out, and drinks orders taken.

Ziniz is an Italian restaurant as well as a wine bar. It’s very modern, and aimed squarely at the trendy 30-something demographic (they must have laughed when they saw us lot!). Clean, well presented, very nice.

And very attentive staff. There is enough of them that you never feel they’ve forgotten anyone, quick to notice when you make eye contact, and whatever we needed appeared within a couple of minutes. The only slight grumble would be the innate desire of every staff member to steal the garlic bread we were eating, and the eagerness to clear the table after every course!

The food was delicious, as I’d expect for the price (I’ll not tell you, but if they’re giving out £50 vouchers – you can imagine!) – every course a delight. Even the goat’s cheese was edible (not my fave). The lobster ravioli was indeed delicious, as I’m sure was everyone’s meal. Sadly, no-one managed to get too Godfather-y and “try the veal”.

The time between the starter and main was a little long, but when you’re enjoying yourself you don’t notice.

All in all, a good night. Great company, nice restaurant, lovely food. And to top it all, Rae had a nice evening. Definitely recommended, and we’ll be visiting Ziniz again!