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Casual Dining · Pizza

PizzaExpress Menu Prices 2026: Full List, Combos & Best Value

PizzaExpress has been a fixture on the British high street since 1965, when founder Peter Boizot imported a pizza oven from Naples and opened the first restaurant on Wardour Street, London. Today the chain operates more than 450 restaurants across the UK, known for its thin and crispy Italian-style pizzas, legendary Dough Balls and the Veneziana — a signature pizza that donates a portion of every sale to the Venice in Peril charity.

450+ UK locationsSince 1965Dine-in & takeaway
Sample · ££

Signature items

Dough Balls (12)£5.95
Margherita (Classic)£12.45
American Hot£13.95
Chocolate Fudge Cake£7.45
Quick answers

What to order — at a glance

Cheapest starter
Garlic Bread £5.25
Most popular item
Dough Balls (12) £5.95

PizzaExpress's iconic sharing starter

Signature pizza
Veneziana £13.95

25p per pizza donated to Venice in Peril charity

Cheapest pizza
Margherita (Classic) £12.45
Combo meals

PizzaExpress combo and meal deals

2-course set lunch / pre-theatre£11.95

  • Choice of starter or dessert
  • Choice of main pizza or pasta

Available at participating restaurants — check locally for availability

3-course set menu£14.95

  • Starter (e.g. Dough Balls)
  • Main (e.g. Margherita or Spaghetti Bolognese)
  • Dessert (e.g. Tiramisu)

Seasonal set menu — availability and inclusions vary by location

Full menu with prices

PizzaExpress full menu and current prices

Prices shown are UK national averages as of mid-2025. PizzaExpress prices vary by location and are subject to change — always confirm at your local restaurant or on pizzaexpress.com.
Budget picks

Cheapest items on the PizzaExpress menu

  1. 1Garlic BreadStarter£5.25
  2. 2Dough Balls (12)Iconic sharing starter£5.95
  3. 3Polenta ChipsVegan starter£5.45
  4. 4Sorbet (2 scoops)Vegan dessert£5.45
  5. 5Mixed Salad (side)£4.45
  6. 6Garlic Bread with Mozzarella£6.45
  7. 7Bruschetta£7.45
  8. 8BambinoccinoKids' drink£1.50
  9. 9Soft Drink (330ml)£3.45
Calories + price

Popular PizzaExpress items: calories and price

Approximate calorie counts for selected dishes. Full nutritional information is available on the PizzaExpress website.

ItemCalories (approx)Price
Dough Balls (12)499 kcal£5.95
Margherita (Classic)816 kcal£12.45
American Hot (Classic)904 kcal£13.95
Veneziana (Classic)843 kcal£13.95
Leggera Margherita561 kcal£13.45
Penne Arrabbiata612 kcal£11.95
Spaghetti Bolognese748 kcal£13.45
Chocolate Fudge Cake548 kcal£7.45
Price comparison

How PizzaExpress prices compare to competitors

Like-for-like comparison of common categories across UK pizza chains.

CategoryPizzaExpressPizza HutDomino's
Cheapest starter£5.25 (Garlic Bread)£3.99 (Garlic Bread)£3.99 (Garlic Bread)
Classic Margherita£12.45~£12.99 (large)~£13.99 (large)
Signature/premium pizza£13.95–£14.45~£14.99~£16.99
Dessert£6.95–£7.95~£5.99 (cookie)~£5.99 (cookie)
Meal for two (est.)~£35–£42~£28–£36~£28–£34
About

About PizzaExpress

PizzaExpress was founded in 1965 by Peter Boizot, who returned from travels in Italy determined to bring authentic Neapolitan pizza to Britain. He imported a wood-burning oven from Naples, hired a Sicilian chef, and opened the first restaurant on Wardour Street in London's Soho. The concept was revolutionary for its time: thin, crispy Italian-style pizza served in a relaxed, design-conscious setting. The restaurant quickly became a local landmark, and Boizot expanded gradually across London before rolling the brand out nationwide through the 1970s and 1980s.

Beyond the food, PizzaExpress is celebrated for its commitment to the arts. In 1969 the Dean Street location began hosting live jazz, a tradition that evolved into PizzaExpress Live — one of the UK's most intimate and beloved music venue networks, which has hosted acts ranging from Norah Jones to Amy Winehouse. The Veneziana pizza, introduced in 1977, is perhaps the chain's most storied dish: every pizza sold donates a small sum to the Venice in Peril charity, a partnership that has raised millions of pounds over the decades for the preservation of the historic Italian city.

Today PizzaExpress operates more than 450 restaurants across the United Kingdom and a further 100-plus outlets internationally, spanning Europe, the Middle East and Asia. After a period of financial restructuring following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic — which saw around 70–80 UK sites close in 2020 — the company has stabilised and continues to invest in its menu, including expanded vegan and lighter Leggera options, all while maintaining the core identity that made it one of Britain's best-loved casual-dining institutions.

450+UK restaurants
1965founded
££price range

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular dish at PizzaExpress?

Dough Balls are widely regarded as PizzaExpress's most iconic menu item — twelve fluffy dough balls served warm with garlic butter. Among pizzas, the American Hot and the Veneziana are perennial bestsellers. The Veneziana has been on the menu since 1977 and donates a portion of every sale to the Venice in Peril charity.

Does PizzaExpress have vegan options?

Yes. PizzaExpress offers a range of vegan dishes including the Vegan Giardiniera pizza (topped with plant-based mozzarella), Penne Arrabbiata, Bruschetta, Polenta Chips and the Superfood Salad. The menu is clearly labelled — look for the 'V' (vegetarian) and 'VE' (vegan) symbols.

What is a Leggera pizza at PizzaExpress?

A Leggera pizza has a hole cut in the centre of the base, which is filled with undressed salad leaves. This reduces the overall calorie count significantly compared to a standard pizza of the same toppings. Leggera options typically come in around 500–600 kcal versus 800–900 kcal for a classic pizza, making them a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavour.

What is the difference between a Classic and a Roman pizza at PizzaExpress?

Classic pizzas are round, hand-stretched and baked until thin and crispy — the signature PizzaExpress style. Roman pizzas are oval-shaped with a slightly thicker, doughier base and a softer texture closer to traditional Roman-style pizza al taglio. Roman pizzas are generally a little larger and priced slightly higher.

Does PizzaExpress offer a set menu or lunchtime deal?

PizzaExpress regularly offers 2-course and 3-course set menus, particularly for lunch and pre-theatre dining. Prices and inclusions vary by location and season, but typically start around £11.95–£14.95 for two or three courses. Check the PizzaExpress website or ask your local restaurant for current deals.

Is there a PizzaExpress student discount?

PizzaExpress periodically offers student discounts, often around 30–40% off food with a valid NUS card or via the UNiDAYS and Student Beans apps. Deals change regularly, so it is worth checking these apps or the PizzaExpress website before visiting. The chain also runs regular promotions through its loyalty programme and email newsletter.

What is the Veneziana pizza and why is it special?

The Veneziana has been on the PizzaExpress menu since 1977. It is topped with caramelised red onion, capers, pine kernels, sultanas and mozzarella — an unusual combination inspired by traditional Venetian sweet-and-savoury flavour pairings. What makes it truly distinctive is its charitable element: since its launch, a percentage of every Veneziana sold has been donated to the Venice in Peril Fund, which supports the preservation of Venice's historic buildings and artworks. The pizza has collectively raised millions of pounds for the charity.

Does PizzaExpress have a children's menu?

Yes. PizzaExpress offers a dedicated children's (Piccolo) menu including smaller pizzas such as a Junior Margherita, pasta dishes, and sides sized for younger diners. The Bambinoccino — a small cup of frothy warm milk dusted with cocoa — has become a beloved tradition for kids visiting the restaurant. Prices on the children's menu are significantly lower than the main menu.

How many PizzaExpress restaurants are there in the UK?

As of 2025, PizzaExpress operates more than 450 restaurants across the United Kingdom, making it one of Britain's largest casual-dining chains. The brand also has an international presence of around 100 additional restaurants across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Following the closure of approximately 70–80 UK sites in 2020 during a pandemic-related financial restructuring, the business has stabilised and retained the vast majority of its estate.