Pizza Express Review - Italian Restaurant in Bullring Birmingham
*Food and drink bought by me
Italian Chain Restaurant in Birmingham City Centre
Are you looking for an authentic Italian dining experience without having to jump on a flight to Italy?
Look no further than Pizza Express in the Bullring. This popular Italian restaurant in Birmingham offers mouth-watering pizzas and pasta dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, as well as a range of delicious desserts.
From dough to delicious, let's uncover Pizza Express' authentic Italian flavours and take a look at why this restaurant is enjoyed by many.
Pizza Express: A brief history
Established by founder Peter Boizot in 1965, Pizza Express has a fascinating history that began with the opening of its first restaurant in London's Soho district. Renowned for its delicious, traditional wood-fired pizzas, the Italian restaurant chain has become a much-loved fixture in the food industry, with over 400 locations scattered across the UK and the rest of the world.
Nevertheless, despite its impressive expansion, Pizza Express has not lost touch with its roots and continues to provide diners across the country with authentic Italian flavours and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Visit to Pizza Express Birmingham Bullring Shopping Centre
For one of my university modules, I embarked on an undercover research mission with a fellow Birmingham food blogger at Pizza Express. Nestled on the third floor of the Bullring, this casual dining restaurant proved to be a refreshing change of scenery for me, as I had never visited it before.
As soon as we walked in, the staff welcomed us warmly and promptly showed us to our table. Though I have been to several other Pizza Express outlets, this one stands out as my new favourite due to its airy, open atmosphere. The full-length windows usher in an abundance of natural light, which bounces off the shiny surfaces and mirrors throughout the space.
Additionally, the restaurant offers a great view of Birmingham, particularly if you are fortunate enough to score a table on the balcony overlooking the cathedral.
As for the pizza, I couldn't resist ordering one and was delighted to find that it was everything I wanted it to be: a super-thin crust, a thick and crunchy crust, and loads of mozzarella. What sets Pizza Express apart for me is the Italian style of their pizzas, which fill you up perfectly without leaving you feeling overstuffed unlike American deep-pan or thicker crust style ones.
This was especially ideal since we had a shopping trip in Birmingham planned after lunch. And to top it all off, the open kitchen allowed us to observe the preparation of our food and drinks, which is always refreshing to see in a restaurant to ensure its clean. There's also activities for kids to enjoy too while they wait to be served.
The Menu: Starters and Salads
There are a range of delicious starters and fresh salads to choose from when dining at Pizza Express. You could begin your meal with the classic Dough Balls, accompanied by your choice of garlic butter or dips. Alternatively, the Mozzarella and Tomato Salad offers a light and refreshing blend of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil.
For a bolder flavour, opt for the Bruschetta Originale, which boasts fresh tomatoes, red onions, and fragrant basil atop toasted bread. Pizza Express features an assortment of traditional Italian antipasti and crispy bits, flavourful salads that are sure to stimulate your taste buds and set the tone for a delicious dining experience in one of Birmingham's chain restaurants.
The Main Event: Pizzas
The pizzas at Pizza Express take centre stage with their crispy yet chewy base, fresh ingredients, and traditional wood-fired oven preparation, creating a tantalising flavour. From classic Margherita to adventurous options like the Fiorentina and American Hot, there is a pizza for every taste. Additionally, Pizza Express offers a wide selection of toppings and customisation options, to ensure you enjoy every slice the way you want it.
Beyond the Pizza: Other Menu Offerings
Pizza Express has gained fame for its scrumptious pizzas; however, their menu extends beyond this renowned dish. The restaurant boasts a selection of tantalising pasta plates, such as the classic Carbonara or the luxurious Pollo Pesto.
If one is searching for something lighter, Pizza Express provides a range of fresh salads, including the vivid Leggera Superfood Salad.
Drinks and Desserts
Complement your pizza with a crisp house wine or refreshing craft beer for a delightful pairing. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a decadent selection of desserts, such as the famous Dolcetti, a perfect shareable bite-sized treat, or the classic Tiramisu, a creamy and rich delight. With a variety of drinks and desserts to choose from, Pizza Express provides the ultimate finishing touch to an scrumptious meal. My dessert of choice is the snow ball dough balls stuffed with creamy icing!
To conclude
The icing on the cake for us as students was the incredible 40% discount we received on our entire food bill. I would highly recommend that all students take advantage of this fantastic offer and experience the perfect combination of a modern interior, a friendly staff, delectable food, and an overall fantastic atmosphere for casual dining in the city.
*SHOP THE POST
If you prefer not to dine out, you can still make delicious pizza at home! From ensuring the dough rises perfectly to achieving a crispy crust, these are the essential tools for the perfect pizza. Get a pizza stone for even heat distribution; a dough whisk for easy mixing, a pizza peel for a smooth transfer, and a rolling pin for creating the perfect crust. Finally, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of fiery flavour!
