We are proud to introduce our new guest chef, the celebrated Italian Francesco Mazzei. He has created starters, pizzas and a pasta dish especially for PizzaExpress to bring his unique style of Calabrian cooking to all our restaurants
The Collaboration
Having come close to working with PizzaExpress early in his career, we're delighted to be collaborating with Francesco now. Our guest chef's roots are in Calabria, and with that he brings a touch of Southern Italy to our menu.
The Ingredients
Calabrian cooking is known for being full of flavour and Francesco has delighted in introducing his favourite local ingredients onto the PizzaExpress menu, including authentic spicy Calabrese sausage DOP (protected designation of origin), a staple in the South.
Francesco Mazzei video
To watch our Francesco Mazzei video, you need JavaScript turned on in your browser and you will need flash installed.
"Francesco is very proud and passionate about what he does. He has met with our head pizzaiolas from every restaurant and inspired them with his true Italian recipes and simple style of Mama cooking - simple, tasty, fresh ingredients..."
Antonio Romani, Executive Development Chef
About Francesco
As a young boy Francesco Mazzei hung onto his mother's apron strings in their kitchen in Calabria whiletogether they prepared the produce of that wild, rugged province at the "toe" of Italy.
In 1996 he moved to London to learn English. By June 2008 the ambition of being a partner in his own establishment was realised with the opening of L'Anima (meaning soul) in the City of London.
In 2009 Francesco and PizzaExpress joined forces to bring you his Calabrian inspired dishes.
The Dishes
Starters & Sides
-
Insalata Semplice View
A classic Italian salad - oven-baked torn ciabatta bread, buffalo mozzarella, vine and santos tomatoes tossed in red onions, chives, Calabrian oregano and basil, with a dressing of Calabrian olive oil, red wine vinegar and honey
- Suitable for vegetarians
Eating in: £4.95
-
Tricolore View
A crisp thin dough infused with rosemary, topped with buffalo mozzarella, spicy guacamole and marinated roasted tomatoes with a dressing of Calabrian olive oil, red wine vinegar and honey - finished with Calabrian oregano. An original twist on a mozzarella and tomato salad.
- Suitable for vegetarians
Eating in: £5.45
Pizza & Pasta
-
Mia Sofia View
Named after Francesco's daughter, Mia Sofia - this pizza combines a blend of portobello, button and oyster mushrooms infused with truffle paste, chives, Calabrian oregano and garlic. Served on our thin and crispy Romana base - this Bianca pizza (without tomato) is dressed with parsley, grana padano and Calabrian olive oil.
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Contains nuts or nut oils
Eating in: £9.95
-
Calabrese View
Our hottest pizza yet. Slices of spicy Italian Calabrese sausage D.O.P with fiery green chillies, roquito peppers and hot soft sausage - topped with fior di latte mozzarella, watercress tossed in basil pesto. Inspired by Francesco’s grandmother, this pizza is served on a hand-stretched rectangular base - finished with Calabrian oregano and grana padano.
- Contains nuts or nut oils
Eating in: £10.95
-
Rustichella View
-
Cured slices of crispy Italian pancetta served on a bed of marinated roasted tomatoes, fresh rocket and topped with grana padano, a trickle of Cæsar dressing and finished with Calabrian oregano. Served on our classic base
Eating in: £8.95
-
Tagliolini Funghi View
Ribbons of oven-baked egg pasta in a rich and creamy sauce of sautéed and grilled mushrooms, combined with Italian truffle. Topped with grana padano and chopped parsley
Eating in: £9.45