Pizza Italiano is an Italian restaurant located at 522 Christchurch Road in Boscombe, part of the Dorset coast. It serves a range of Italian dishes with a focus on traditional pizza, offering a casual dining experience close to Bournemouth’s eastern seafront. This page covers what to expect when visiting Pizza Italiano, the menu highlights, how it fits into the local dining scene, practical information on getting there, and who the restaurant suits.
What kind of food does Pizza Italiano serve
Pizza Italiano specialises in Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on wood-fired pizzas made from classic recipes. The menu includes a variety of pizzas with traditional toppings such as margherita, pepperoni, and prosciutto, as well as vegetarian options. Alongside pizza, the restaurant offers pasta dishes, salads, and Italian desserts like tiramisu. Ingredients are sourced to reflect authentic Italian flavours, with fresh dough and locally supplied produce.
The restaurant caters to different dietary needs, providing gluten-free bases and vegan cheese alternatives on request. This makes it accessible for diners with specific preferences or allergies. The casual menu is suitable for lunch or dinner, with portion sizes designed to satisfy without excess.
Pizza Italiano also offers a selection of Italian wines and soft drinks to complement the food. The wine list includes popular Italian varieties such as Chianti and Pinot Grigio, enhancing the dining experience with regional pairings.
Where Pizza Italiano is located and the Boscombe area
Pizza Italiano sits on Christchurch Road, a main thoroughfare in Boscombe, about 2 miles east of Bournemouth town centre. Boscombe is a coastal suburb known for its pier, beach, and a growing number of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The area has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busy town centre, making it popular with locals and visitors seeking a quieter dining option near the sea.
The restaurant is within a 10-minute walk of Boscombe Beach, which has a sandy shore and a promenade with cafés and amusements. This proximity makes Pizza Italiano a convenient choice for a meal before or after time on the beach. Boscombe also has a small shopping area around the pier, with boutiques and local services.
Public transport links to Boscombe include frequent buses from Bournemouth town centre and Poole, with stops along Christchurch Road. Boscombe railway station is a 15-minute walk from the restaurant, providing direct train services to Bournemouth, Southampton, and London.
How Pizza Italiano compares to other Italian restaurants in Bournemouth
Bournemouth has a diverse Italian dining scene, ranging from high-end restaurants to casual pizzerias. Pizza Italiano offers a straightforward, traditional experience focused on quality pizza and approachable Italian dishes. Unlike some town centre restaurants that serve a broader Mediterranean menu, Pizza Italiano keeps to classic Italian staples.
Compared to other local Italian eateries such as Beccafico on Tuckton Road or Cristallo on West Cliff Road, Pizza Italiano is more casual and budget-friendly. It does not have the same extensive wine list or fine dining atmosphere but provides a reliable choice for families and groups looking for authentic pizza near the coast.
| Restaurant | Location | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Italiano | Boscombe, Christchurch Rd | Traditional wood-fired pizza |
| Beccafico | Tuckton Road | Spanish and Sicilian tapas |
| Cristallo | West Cliff Road | Classic Italian pasta and steak |
| Baffi | Canford Cliffs | Neapolitan sourdough pizza |
This table highlights how Pizza Italiano fits into the wider Italian dining options around Bournemouth, particularly for those seeking pizza close to Boscombe Beach.
Getting to Pizza Italiano from Bournemouth town centre
From Bournemouth town centre, Pizza Italiano is approximately 2 miles east along the coast. By car, the journey takes around 10 minutes via the A338 and Christchurch Road, depending on traffic. Parking is available on-street near the restaurant, though spaces can be limited during peak times.
Public transport options include the number 3 and 4 bus routes, which run frequently from Bournemouth town centre to Boscombe. The bus journey takes about 15 to 20 minutes, with stops close to Christchurch Road. For those arriving by train, Boscombe railway station is a 15-minute walk from Pizza Italiano, heading west along Christchurch Road.
Cyclists can reach the restaurant via the Bournemouth to Boscombe coastal cycle path, which runs along the seafront and connects to Christchurch Road. The route offers a scenic and direct way to travel from the town centre.
Opening hours, booking, and typical costs at Pizza Italiano
Pizza Italiano is open seven days a week, with typical opening hours from 12 noon to 10 pm. These hours accommodate both lunch and evening dining, with peak times in the early evening. Booking a table is recommended, especially on weekends and during school holidays, as the restaurant can fill up quickly.
Prices at Pizza Italiano are moderate, with pizzas generally ranging from £8 to £13 depending on toppings. Pasta dishes and salads are similarly priced, with desserts around £5. A main course with a drink typically costs between £12 and £20 per person. This pricing makes Pizza Italiano an accessible option for casual dining without premium restaurant costs.
For the latest menu, opening times, and to reserve a table, contact Pizza Italiano directly. The restaurant maintains a website and social media presence where updates are posted.
Who Pizza Italiano is suitable for
Pizza Italiano suits a wide range of diners, including families, couples, and groups of friends. The casual atmosphere and straightforward menu make it family-friendly, with options for children and dietary accommodations such as gluten-free and vegan choices.
The location near Boscombe Beach appeals to visitors combining dining with time outdoors. It is also convenient for local residents in Boscombe and neighbouring suburbs seeking an Italian meal without travelling into Bournemouth town centre.
While it does not offer fine dining or extensive wine pairings, Pizza Italiano is ideal for those wanting a relaxed meal focused on traditional Italian pizza and pasta. It is less suited to formal occasions or large events but works well for everyday dining and informal gatherings.
Related places to explore after visiting Pizza Italiano
After dining at Pizza Italiano, visitors can enjoy a stroll along Boscombe Beach or explore the nearby Boscombe Pier and its gardens. The seafront area has cafés and bars for drinks or dessert, extending the outing beyond the restaurant.
For those interested in more dining options, the wider Bournemouth area offers a variety of cuisines detailed in the food & drink guide. To discover other attractions and activities nearby, see the things to do section, which covers gardens, museums, and family-friendly outings.
Visitors planning their trip can consult the visitor information page for travel advice, weather, and seasonal tips. For accommodation options close to Boscombe and Bournemouth, including serviced apartments, the where to stay page provides a comprehensive overview.