Pizza Express

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Since emerging in London in 1965, Pizza Express has become a widely recognised brand and a dependable choice for casual dining. A third Glasgow venue - at the Xscape centre, Braehead - has been added to its two central branches, including the two-storey Queen Street restaurant, routinely abuzz with shoppers, families enjoying the child-friendly atmosphere and groups of revellers. Décor is the modern, design-conscious style of most branches, dominated by a huge purple and black mural. Staff are friendly and well-drilled, showing an almost brusque efficiency, and the busy chefs flitting around in matching uniforms are reminiscent of Wonka's chocolate factory. Appetisers feature an oven-baked risotto packed with the earthy flavour of porcini mushrooms, and a bruschetta on a soft dough base. The profusion of reliably enjoyable pizzas features the 'classics' and the larger, thinner Romano pizzas, including the delectable Etna, with soft salami, smoked ham and sweet peppers - although the scorching heat may be somewhat exaggerated. A few pastas and main salads are also available, as are specially designed pizzas from chef Theo Randall. If room is tight for dessert, try the novel semi-freddo reale - a small, creamy iced confection with nougat and an espresso on the side.

• High point: Huge choice of tempting pizzas
• Low point: Service can sometimes feel rushed