It’s not really worth reviewing the food at Pizza Express. You probably know by now whether you like it or not; as the menu is identical throughout the UK.
However, I’ve got nothing against chain restaurants; and Pizza Express certainly has its place as a provider of decent Italian grub with no fuss and few frills.
So a review of a PE joint really has to focus on those things unique to that particular branch: the service, the setting and the ambience.
Pizza Express West End - the best thing about it is the giant blown-up photo of Edinburgh on the wall
Unlike some other branches in Edinburgh (such as the Stockbridge one, in its prime location beside the Water of Leith; or the Holyrood branch with its high ceilings and mezzanine), there’s nothing remarkable about Pizza Express West End.
Sandwiched in between shops and facing a busy main road at the front and a neighbouring bar’s beer terrace at the back, the West End branch feels like it’s sprung up from some pre-fabricated Pizza Express kit with little thought for its location.
Inside, things are scarcely better; a particular problem is the low ceiling which seems to act as an amplifier for the noise from the kitchen: and from the tables jam-packed next to you.
Service is friendly and efficient, but the food is no different from that you’d get anywhere else, so my advice would be if you’re desperate for a Pizza Express experience try the Stockbridge or Holyrood branches (or even the new one next to the Missoni Hotel just off the High Street).
Suitable for disabled ? No, there are steps up to the seating area in this branch. You can enter via the back if you can negotiate the cobbles in Queensferry Street Lane.
Map of this location
Tags: Edinburgh. Pizza Express
I’m not a fan of the chain restaurant, but I generally make an exception for Pizza Express. The restaurant at the West End is nothing terrible special, but you can sit by the big glass windows at the front and watch the world go by, or at the back when the sun is shining in.
The ambience is nowhere near as bad as you make it out to be. At lunchtime and dinner it has a nice busy-ness to it, although it can get a little noisy due to all the shiny surfaces.
Other restaurants are nicer inside, but if you want a decent pizza, it’s not a bad option. La Piazza would be an alternative.
The small room at the back left can be taken for parties, too, I seem to recall.
For disabled diners, does the entrance at the back, beside Indigo Yard, not work?
Really, I don’t work for PE, I just felt your review didn’t reflect the restaurant.
Thanks for your comment, Martin.
As you know, our reviews are our personal opinions and we’re always happy to hear other views.
Perhaps it would be different eating here in a large group, but both times I’ve eaten here I’ve found the noise so oppressive I just wanted to eat up and go.
With so many other wonderful restaurants in the city, I really felt this one had nothing in particular to recommend it.
Thanks
Keith
I agree with the reviewer – this branch is not the best despite it having a recent re fit. It’s dead noisy at night and always cold by the windows that are beside Indigo Yard’s area (the seats out side belong to them).
I do like the food though – but best pizza in town belongs to La Favorita. One to try if you’ve not already done so.
I’d disagree that it is worth giving the Holyrood Pizza Express a visit. Worst service and PE food I’ve ever tasted.
I also think this is quite an unfair review. The restaurant may be in the hard working run down part of the west end, but as a regular visitor to this branch, I have to say I have always found the service to be amazing, one of the most friendly group of people I’ve come across, and the food is always great, and the restaurant clean and tidy.
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