I’ve collaborated with Pizza Express a few times now and I have to say, they’re one of my favourite restaurants to work with. The food is consistently good and the staff are lovely. It’s always a pleasure to visit!
Last week, Phil and I went for lunch to our local Pizza Express restaurant to try their new Autumn menu. Inspired by old favourites, there are four new seasonal specials including two pizzas, one pasta dish and a dessert.
Following customer demand, the Rustichella Romana pizza and Cannelloni have returned to the menu while the Basilicata Romana pizza and melting Chocolate Fondant are brand new.
I hadn’t eaten much for breakfast that day so I was really in the mood for the pizza but first, it was time for starters.
To start
As soon as I saw antipasto on the menu, I had to have it! I love having a variety of picky bits and there was plenty on offer with this dish.
It had Italian meats with olives, marinated aubergine, roasted tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, sweet peppers and dough baked with Gran Milano cheese, accompanied by garlic butter and a harissa and tomato dip. YUM!
Phil went for the classic calamari, which he’s had plenty of times before but it’s his favourite! I couldn’t resist pinching a calamari ring myself. The Caesar dressing, lemon and fresh parsley really complimented the crispy texture. And as it was the weekend, we both indulged in a glass of red.
The main course
Next up was pizza. I chose the Rustichella Romana which had pancetta, mozzarella and tomato finished with rocket, shaved Gran Milano cheese, roasted tomatoes and Caesar dressing. I loved the combination of fresh flavours and colours! It’s perfect if you don’t like greasy, heavy pizzas, like me!
Meanwhile, Phil chose the Basilicata Romana with lamb, mint and chilli meatballs, red onion, mozzarella and garlic oil on a Capia pepper and tomato base, finished with rocket, shaved Gran Milano cheese and basil pesto. A really tasty pizza!
Sweet treats
As tempting as the Honeycomb Slice was (it’s delicious!), I went for the Tiramisu instead with another glass of wine. I was expecting it to be quite sloppy but it was surprisingly light and airy with layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, marsala wine, coffee and cocoa.
Phil settled on the new Chocolate Fondant, a warm chocolate cake with a soft melting centre, served with vanilla gelato. Despite having high hopes for this dessert, Phil was a little disappointed as he felt that it was mostly fondant rather than cake with a fondant centre. Nothing major but unfortunately not for him.
Overall, another fantastic meal at Pizza Express. A huge thank you to the wonderful staff at the Swansea restaurant who were as accommodating and polite as ever!