PizzaExpress is a name most people already know: one of Britain's most popular pizza chains, started in Soho in London in 1965 and now found on high streets and in leisure complexes across the country. The Bournemouth branch is inside the BH2 Leisure complex, where its pizzas are made fresh and cooked in view of the dining room, right in the town centre and only a short walk up from the seafront.
What's on the menu
Pizza is the core of the menu, stretched by hand and baked when you order. Two bases are offered, the thin, crisp Romana and the smaller, slightly thicker Classic, and the toppings include established favourites like the hot American Hot, the spiced Sloppy Giuseppe and the Padana with goat's cheese. Most tables begin with the chain's well-known dough balls, brought warm with a dip, and there are also pasta dishes, salads, starters to share and desserts.
Special diets are handled well. Over the years PizzaExpress has developed a substantial vegan range, it offers gluten-free bases, vegetarian options are plentiful, and there is a separate children's menu. Since recipes, ranges and prices are revised from time to time, look over the current menu on the restaurant's website and let staff know about any allergies before ordering.
The room
This branch has more personality than the average chain outlet. BH2 was built where Bournemouth's old bus and coach station once stood, and the restaurant plays on that history with Pop Art on the walls and vintage signs listing former bus destinations. Outside there is a covered dining terrace hung with festoon lights and planted with greenery, a good place to sit on a warm evening.
Indoors the atmosphere is bright, informal and welcoming to families, with the pizzaiolos on show at the open kitchen counter. It suits a quick meal, a catch-up with friends or an unhurried family dinner equally well.
Finding it
PizzaExpress occupies Unit LG5 of the BH2 Leisure complex on Exeter Crescent (BH2 5DD), in the middle of Bournemouth and immediately next to the Odeon cinema, so it is an obvious pick for a meal either side of a film. The pier, the beach and the Lower Gardens are a short walk away, mostly downhill, and the main shops and bus stops are nearby. BH2 has its own multi-storey car park, and there are further public car parks close by.
Before you go
Think reliable, crowd-pleasing casual food rather than a special-occasion dinner, with prices in the everyday, affordable range. Off-peak you can usually just turn up, but weekends, holidays and busy cinema evenings get full, so an online booking is a good idea, particularly for groups. Takeaway and delivery through the usual apps are available if you would prefer to eat in. Contact PizzaExpress directly for current opening hours, the full menu and reservations.
Our food & drink guide covers more restaurants across the town, and the beach and gardens just down the slope make an easy add-on to a meal here.