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PizzaExpress Opens First Restaurant in Amritsar

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Amritsar, PizzaExpress, the UK’s No. 1 pizza brand, has entered Amritsar with the opening of its first restaurant in the city. Located at Nexus Amritsar Mall, the new outlet is the brand’s 39th restaurant in India, further expanding its footprint across Punjab and the country.

Founded by Peter Boizot on London’s Wardour Street in Soho in 1965, PizzaExpress has built a strong international reputation over six decades. The brand now operates more than 450 restaurants across the UK and has a presence in 13 countries globally.

Amritsar’s distinctive food culture, strong tourism appeal and evolving premium dining landscape make it an important market for the brand. With a growing retail ecosystem and increasing demand for international culinary experiences, the city offers PizzaExpress an opportunity to introduce its signature Italian-inspired dining experience to a new audience in Punjab.

Commenting on the opening, 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.”

The new outlet has been designed as a relaxed, all-day dining destination, offering PizzaExpress classics alongside seasonal selections. The menu features the brand’s much-loved Dough Balls, gourmet pizzas for two starting at ₹495, handcrafted pastas, salads, appetisers, desserts and beverages.

Guests can also experience the brand’s signature Romana pizzas, distinguished by their larger, thinner and crispier bases, inspired by the pizza tradition of Rome.

A key element behind PizzaExpress’ pizzas is its signature tomato passata. Made by the Greci family in Parma, Italy, it uses sweet San Marzano tomatoes that are crushed within 12 hours of harvesting and finished with basil. The pizza-making process begins with fresh dough, prepared daily by skilled pizzaiolos, before being topped with carefully selected ingredients and baked in traditional ovens.

Speaking about the culinary approach, 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.”

Among the standout offerings is the Calabrese, a PizzaExpress favourite created by Michelin-starred chef Francesco Mazzei. The pizza brings together spicy sausage, premium cheeses and robust Southern Italian flavours, making it one of the brand’s most recognised creations internationally.

Elaborating on the brand’s positioning, 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.”

The PizzaExpress Amritsar outlet at Nexus Amritsar Mall is now open for dine-in and delivery. The restaurant operates daily from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM, offering the brand’s signature menu, including Dough Balls, Romana pizzas, handcrafted pastas, desserts and the Pizza for 2 offering starting at ₹495.

 

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