PizzaExpress, the UK’s No. 1 pizza brand, has expanded its presence in Punjab with the opening of its first restaurant in Amritsar. Located at Nexus Amritsar Mall, the new restaurant marks PizzaExpress’ 39th outlet in India and reflects the brand’s continued growth across the country.
Founded by Peter Boizot on London’s Wardour Street in Soho in 1965, PizzaExpress has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised restaurant brands. Today, it operates more than 450 restaurants across the UK and is present in 13 countries worldwide.
Known for its rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality, Amritsar is one of India’s most celebrated food destinations. Alongside its long-standing love for great food, the city has seen growing demand for premium international dining experiences, supported by a thriving retail landscape and increasing domestic and international tourism. As one of North India’s fastest-growing lifestyle dining spaces, Amritsar is an important market in PizzaExpress’ expansion journey.
Commenting on the launch, Rohan Pewekar, CEO, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said:“The opening of our first PizzaExpress restaurant in Amritsar is an important milestone in our expansion journey. Punjab has always been a key market for us, and Amritsar’s vibrant food culture, growing retail ecosystem and evolving dining scene make it a natural choice for the brand. As we continue expanding into new cities across India, our focus remains on creating restaurants that deliver the quality, consistency and warm hospitality PizzaExpress is known for, while becoming a part of the local community.”
Designed as a relaxed all-day dining space, the new restaurant brings together PizzaExpress favourites and seasonal offerings for every occasion. Guests can enjoy the brand’s iconic Dough Balls, gourmet pizzas , handcrafted pastas, fresh salads, appetisers, desserts and refreshing beverages. The menu also features PizzaExpress’ signature Romana pizzas, known for their thinner, bigger and crispier bases inspired by the pizzas served in Rome.
At the heart of every PizzaExpress pizza is its signature tomato passata, made by the Greci family in Parma, Italy, using sweet San Marzano tomatoes that are crushed within 12 hours of harvest and finished with a basil leaf. Every pizza begins with fresh dough, handcrafted daily by skilled pizzaiolos before being topped with carefully sourced ingredients and baked in traditional ovens.
Speaking about the brand’s culinary philosophy, Kumar Asit, Brand CEO, PizzaExpress, said:“At PizzaExpress, everything begins with quality ingredients, careful craftsmanship and consistency. From our signature Romana pizzas and iconic Dough Balls to handcrafted pastas, fresh salads, desserts and beverages, every dish is prepared with the same attention to flavour and authenticity. We’ve thoughtfully created our menu to suit every part of the day, whether it’s a quick lunch, an afternoon catch-up, a family dinner or a relaxed evening out. Whatever the occasion, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and that’s what PizzaExpress is all about.”
One of the highlights of the menu is the Calabrese, created by Michelin-starred chef Francesco Mazzei. Combining bold Southern Italian flavours with premium cheeses and spicy sausage, it remains one of PizzaExpress’ most celebrated pizzas around the world.
Sharing the brand philosophy, Shambhavi Mishra, Group Head of Marketing, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said:“Gourmet dining today often comes with the perception that it’s reserved for special occasions or a certain kind of diner. At PizzaExpress, we believe great food belongs in everyday moments. ‘Only For Everyone’ is our expression of that philosophy. It’s about making gourmet dining approachable, consistent and welcoming, creating a space where guests can come as they are, order as they like and feel completely at ease. Whether you’re joining us for a family meal, a casual catch-up, a quick bite or a celebration, PizzaExpress is designed to be a place where everyone belongs.”