"A whole pizza is always too much for me, and a salad never filling enough, but this is just perfect. I know you change your menus but I really hope this is here to stay..."
Laura Hunter, Cornwall
The Leggera
At around 500 calories, the Leggera is an entirely new kind of pizza.
Inspired by the ring shape of the fresella bread from Italy, we've removed the centre of the dough and put a generous fresh salad in its place. These lighter pizzas are each designed to be lower in calories and in saturated fat without compromising on taste.
Our Italian executive development chef Antonio has also been looking for simple ideas on how to eat healthily the Italian way. Keep scrolling for tips on how to Live Leggera.
Lighten up your cooking the Italian way
Swap heavy salad dressings for a tangy squeeze of lemon juice - just avoid using bitter-tasting leaves. Alternatively, stock up on PizzaExpress light salad dressing.
Buy pots of fresh herbs for your kitchen windowsill, and you'll find you don't have to use as much salt or heavy sauces.
Get a griddle pan. It's a lighter way of cooking fish or meat on the stove, because a lot of the fat drains away from the food instead of being reabsorbed.
Hankering for something sweet? Pears poached in red wine make a light but delicious dessert. Or try fresh berries in jelly made with prosecco for that extra bit of sparkle.
Salute
We didn't want to sacrifice taste, or artificially reduce the alcohol level, so choosing the right grapes and working with the right growers was crucial.
Adrian Garforth, Wine expert
At less than 100 calories a glass, the new Leggera Pinot Bianco and Leggera Sangiovese wines are lower in both calories and alcohol* while still delivering on taste.
Our crisp white and fruity red are the perfect accompaniment to the rest of the Leggera range, allowing you to relax and enjoy a meal out with friends, minus the guilt.
"Like many women, I have to watch my weight. But no one wants to go to a restaurant and order a salad - it makes you feel like such a kill-joy! The Leggera range means I can go out for an Italian, and actually order a pizza. Thanks."
Susan Lloyd, Brighton
Drink up Italians typically drink a large bottle of water with their meal.
Lose the ice Drinks served at room temperature are better for your digestion.
Go shopping! Buy more fresh food more often, and tone up those arms and legs.
If you can, eat with friends or family, and never in front of the TV or computer.
Dine leisurely Take the time to enjoy every mouthful, and you'll feel full sooner.
More Info
See below for more information to help you lead a balanced life.
The Leggera Menu
Our lighter range designed to help you eat healthily.
Starter
-
Crostini al Pomodoro*
Ciabatta bread topped with marinated santos tomatoes. Served on rocket leaves, with shavings of grana padano and balsamic syrup.
Eating in: £3.40
*For a vegetarian option, please order without grana padano.
Pizza
Only around 500 calories per pizza**
Each Leggera pizza has a fresh salad replacing the centre of the dough.
-
Mare e Monti New View
King prawns, mushrooms, red onions and olives with light fior di latte mozzarella, finished with a sprinkling of cajun spice, oregano and fresh parsley.
Eating in: £9.25
-
Verdure New View
Red and yellow peppers, courgettes, mushrooms, rosemary and sweet baby onions with light fior di latte mozzarella and finished with a drizzle of garlic oil
- Suitable for vegetarians
Eating in: £8.85
-
Contadina
Torn chicken breast with spinach, fresh red peppers and light fior di latte mozzarella. Finished with a splash of Tabasco.
Eating in: £9.05
-
Margherita Leggera
Light fior di latte mozzarella with santos tomatoes marinated in extra virgin olive oil, garlic and fresh oregano, finished with basil leaves
- Suitable for vegetarians
Eating in: £8.30
-
Gustosa
Hand torn prosciutto cotto ham, light fior di latte mozzarella and slices of portobello mushroom with sweet yellow peppers and a sprinkle of thyme
Eating in: £8.95
Wine
-
Pinot Bianco New
Delle Venezie
A light and refreshing white with fine fruity aromas and a citrus note, under 100 calories per small glass. 1.6 units per small 175ml glass, 6.7 units per 75cl bottle
Glass £4.50 / £5.90
Bottle £16.55
-
Sangiovese New
Sicilia
A soft, fruity red, bursting with ripe cherry aromas, under 100 calories per small glass. 1.7 units per small 175ml glass, 7.1 units per 75cl bottle
Glass £4.50 / £5.90
Bottle £16.55
Dessert
-
Sotto Zero Leggera
Low fat frozen yoghurt served with blackcurrants in syrup and a dark chocolate straw
- Suitable for vegetarians
Eating in: £3.40
If you fancy something just a touch sweeter, see our Dolcetti range
See our full menu**Leggera pizzas, with their salads, are designed to have around 30% fewer calories than is average for our standard pizzas. As they're made by hand by our pizzaiolos though, they're all slightly different, so this calorie count is for guidance only.