- Amanda
- First Reviewer
- 3 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 5
- Reviews
I Will Never Step Foot in Pizza Express Again!
- August 13, 2008
- Rated 1 of 5 by
Ray McBrien from london, United Kingdom
The other evening, my wife and I decided to have a meal at the Pizza Express in Southgate. We were warmly welcomed and seated immediately, and that’s when the problems started. My wife chose the bruschetta as a starter and the Grand caesar salad with no anchovies as the main. First two courses I chose, the pollo pesto and proscuitto e funghi, were not available and the reason given by the manager, that a delivery had come in late and it hadn’t been unpacked yet. And so they asked me to choose another main, I asked them to give me a couple of minutes.
After 15 minutes I had to call the waiter back due to the fact that he hadn’t taken my order for the main yet. This was nearly twenty minutes after sitting down. And so I ordered the garlic Bread with Mozzarella La Reine.
After about forty five minutes after sitting down, and a lot of clock watching we asked the waiter where our starters had got to. He explained to us that we didn’t have any starters and that he had put the bruschetta as a main course and hadn’t taken the garlic bread at all. And so we were expecting three main courses between two people.
The manager approached our table and apologized for the mix up and explained that they would throw our starters in for free. My wife asked when the bruschetta would arrive, and she explained that it would take a couple of minutes. At this point we didn’t want free food, we just wanted food. It went from bad to worse as I witnessed the manager putting on an apron and getting into the kitchen. And It wasn’t even busy. Roughly fifteen minutes later, my La Reine pizza arrived, and not to my surprise it was cold, this was followed by the garlic bread with mozzarella cheese starter. My wife finally got her Grand caesar salad with the anchovies she specifically asked not to be in it. She explained to the waiter who took it back to the kitchen, within five minutes the waiter returned with another Grand caesar salad, or so we thought. We asked the waiter if it was a new salad, and the waiter said " no the anchovies have just been picked out" At which point we got up and left not looking back. We spent over an hour in there and we never even sot to see the bruschetta. I have never experienced such ineptitude when it comes to restaurant service. I advise you to never go to this restaurant, or at any point ever go to chain Italian restaurants, there are enough independent Italian restaurants around that are far more superior, in class, service and culinary delights, go to them, not these faux Italians restaurants, run by inept staff who are incapable of understanding the concept of good service . Go to L’Artista in North Finchley, good Italian restaurant, serving great Italian food, with fantastic service.
Pizza Express
- May 9, 2005
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Glamazon22 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Although this restaurant is a chain, some of my best memories from my trip were in this restaurant. The atmosphere for this restaurant is cozy, warm, and Italian contemporary, which flat-out beats any Olive Garden any day. You have an amazing choice of toppings and ways your own individual pizza is prepared. Better than any pizza I have had in New York or Italy, for that matter! I highly recommend the garlic bread, but make sure your napkin is placed firmly in your lap. Don't be alarmed if you see people eating with a knife and fork. The British are confused, and this pizza is specially made for cutting into fours, grabbing a slice, folding over, and enjoying its warm gooey-ness!
And one more thing: While this may be a chain and casual attire enforced, don't be surprised if dinner takes up to two hours. If you have yet to travel outside of the U.S., your waiter is not ignoring you! He's letting you enjoy your company and food!
Pizza Express is located everywhere! I liked the Baker Street location only because this is where my friends and I shared our last night together. Take the tube to Baker Street. Leave the tube to the right and walk to the light. Pizza Express is located on the corner diagonally from the tube station.
From journal London Calling
Pizza Express
At my tube stop, we had Pizza Express. It is a nicer place but got rowdy during the Chelsea games. I would not wear shorts there, nor would I wear a tux. The food is mostly pizza, with maybe a few pasta and meat choices. It is a little more expensive, but you get what you pay for. It is very good pizza with real mozzarella, herbs, and great cheeses. This is not your ordinary pizza. The atmosphere is very simple and warm inside. The service is usually great, but I have had problems before. If you like Wolfgang Puck, try this place out. Decent wine selection too.
From journal Three Months in Europe
Pizza Express
- January 12, 2005
- Rated 2 of 5 by
scorris from bologna
There is some really great food to be had in London; however, it is not the best place for quality pizza. The Pizza Express chain is very popular with Londoners, and most of the locations are very busy at dinner time. The pizzas come with a wide range of toppings and are usually good enough, if a bit overpriced. The pizzas are not exactly huge, and if you are really hungry, you might want to order an appetizer or dessert as well. The Pizza Express in Soho has live jazz music, which makes it the pick of the crop.
From journal Did they just say "last call"?!
Editor Pick
Pizza Express
- November 27, 2001
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Amanda from London, United Kingdom
Pizza Express is a chain of restaurants; there are several in central London. I’ve been to one near Charing Cross, on the Strand, but the main one I’ve visited is on High Holborn, near the tube. It’s a good place to come with a group of people; there are large tables available and it’s a good group atmosphere.
The pizza here is much tastier and less diet-breaking than at most pizza chains. And not only pizza is on the menu – there’s quite a choice. Several times when I’ve been I’ve had dough balls as a starter – delicious tiny bread rolls that come with a pot of garlic butter; if you’re here on a date, better make sure you both eat them! I’ve also had a good tuna and bean salad here as a starter.
The main courses are about half-pizza, half-other. The pizza is very good – thin, crisp base, no oily sogginess, and a good variety of toppings such as spinach and egg, tomato with garlic and ham, and many others. The non-pizza main courses are also vaguely Italian, with lots of pasta on offer – filled cannelloni is a favourite of mine. There is a good selection of side salads, different breads, and other nibbles.
The décor in the High Holborn branch is very modern – steel framed chairs and tables, spot lighting, and clean-swept floors. The restaurant is on two floors – the basement has very interesting blue-tinged lighting which makes some people look very odd indeed!
A meal for two here will cost about £18-£20, excluding alcohol. There is a good choice of wine and beer, and all the usual soft drinks are available. The service is efficient but brisk.
The nearest tube in Holborn (Piccadilly and Central lines). Come out of the tube, turn right, and the restaurant is about 200 yards on the left.
From journal Eating in central London