You might know this Italian eatery by its former name, Pizza Express, which sounded more like a fast-food joint than a family restaurant serving platters of dainty mushrooms stuffed with pesto, mozzarella and sundried tomatoes (RMB59).
Pizza Marzano, on the other hand, is a classy enough moniker to feel at home in glitzy malls like IGC, which is exactly where the chain’s latest branch opened shop.
Don’t get your suit and tie out just yet, though. The shop is still casual – maybe two notches up from a Pizza Hut – with a bright interior that works well enough for kids’ birthday parties but not a hot date. Tables are only a foot apart – a bonus if you want to see what your neighbors ordered, a drawback if you’re trying to speak in private.
For starters, try the aforementioned stuffed mushrooms, which arrive toasty and dripping hot, aromatic olive oil. Those seeking a dose of veggies should opt for the avocado salad (RMB58) over the superfood salad (RMB68), as the latter disappoints with three single pieces of roast pumpkin and canned beets on a bed of tough, bitter spinach.
Pizza is a must-order here, and Marzano has its bases covered with classic Italian toppings and local interpretations like the Peking duck pizza (RMB88). The Alba and Calabrese (RMB108) are the way to go, though. Order two different varieties on one pizza if you want, just know the final price will be dictated by the more expensive flavor.
Pasta dishes at Pizza Marzano are somewhat underwhelming, but hold their own for the price (RMB60-70). If you’re looking for a solid side to complement your pizza, try the chicken drumsticks instead (RMB48/two), served piping hot, juicy and slathered in mouth-watering barbecue sauce. They’re not cheap, but you might find yourself ordering seconds regardless – they’re that good.
For dessert, you’d be better off trying any of the other new sweet shops in IGC (Venchi, Softree ice cream or even Hey Tea come to mind), as Pizza Marzano’s tiramisu (RMB48), chocolate cake (RMB52) and cheesecake (RMB48) all seem to lack that special spark characteristic of truly great homemade baked goods. Maybe they were just having an off night.
If you live near Liede and are craving pizza out, then Pizza Marzano’s your place. For authentic, home-style Italian cuisine, however, head elsewhere.
Price: RMB150
Who’s going: Chinese families with kids, 30-somethings
Good for: some of the best pizza in Guangzhou, casual dining
See listings for Pizza Marzano.
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