Crown Street,
LEEDS,
LS2 7DA
(0113) 246 5207
The ViewLeeds Review
Pizza Express is simple, reasonably priced and consistent. Exciting? Not so much.
The Venue
Pizza Express is a modern city centre restaurant situated behind the Corn Exchange. It's large with a glass roof that bathes the dining area with light giving a bright and airy feel to it.
The restaurant is split over two levels with a separate function room upstairs for private parties that can cater for up to 65 guests. The layout is open-plan featuring stylish, contemporary decor.
The large open kitchen is visually pleasing allowing diners to watch their pizza being thrown into the air and placed into huge wood burning ovens by chefs in stripy T-shirts.
The restaurant has an air of precision to it with each tiny table having its own miniscule vase placed in the exact same precise location as the next. The wooden chairs may blend with the rest of the decor but do not make for the most comfortable seating experience.
The People
Pizza Express attracts a rather eclectic clientele as it provides an ideal setting for loved up couples or groups of friends and families alike. Lunch tends to bring in the city centre shoppers for a bite to eat.
Staff are very friendly and are happy to tailor your meal to your taste. Service is quick and efficient without feeling rushed.
The restaurant has a favourable atmosphere and is bubbling to the brim with conversation and laughter. The evening brings with it subdued lighting and a cosier ambience with an increase of romantic whisperings.
The Food
The menu is fuss free and holds no surprises, but it works. The system is simple, serving up old favourites made with the freshest ingredients in a well presented fashion. This predictability is what keeps customers coming back time and time again.
Food is meticulously presented on white plates and is pleasing to the eye. There is a small selection of starters available all for under £5. The baked dough balls (£2.30) served hot with garlic butter are a very moreish must have. The perfectly sized starter of porcini mushroom risotto (£4.95) is smooth and creamy with just a hint of white wine.
Mains are slightly limited with pizza, pasta and salad only. Pizza has a doughy quality to it which is very enjoyable yet very filling. For a less stodgy alternative the Romana pizza base is a thinner crispier option.
Pollo Pancetta pizza (£9.45) is very tasty, topped with torn chicken breast, roasted yellow peppers, and smoked pancetta with a red and yellow pepper sauce rather than the traditional tomato. Another great choice is the Padana pizza covered with goats cheese, spinach, red onion in a tangy caramelised onion and garlic oil at £8.15.
Desserts are slightly cliqued with chocolate fudge cake, tiramisu and, of course, cheesecake making the list. The banoffee pie (£4.35) is light and creamy with just the right amount of gooey toffee for those with a sweet tooth.
The chocolate glory also hits the spot with pieces of chocolate cake hiding in rich vanilla ice cream covered in a generous helping of chocolate sauce, and at £4.45 it is reasonably priced. Pizza Express is a child friendly venue providing little ones with a pleasing children’s menu.
The Drink
A varied selection of red, white and rose wines are available. Prices range from £12.65 to £25 for a bottle of wine. Mercier is the sole choice for champagne priced at £28.95.
The selection of beer is rather limited with only three options to choose from and one of these is a low alcohol alternative. A bottle of Peroni Nastro Azzuro is priced at £3.20. Refreshing soft drinks include a range of J2Os and Sicilian lemonade.
The Last Word
Pizza Express is a reliable option for a cosy gathering with friends and family.
Pizza Express has been reviewed by 1 users