California Pizza Kitchen Debuts Limited-Time Globally Inspired Entrées
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), the restaurant brand widely credited with redefining modern pizza through its inventive and globally inspired approach, has announced a limited-time expansion of its main entrée offerings. Known for blending California-fresh ingredients with bold, international flavors, the brand is introducing a curated selection of five new chef-driven dishes across its locations nationwide. Alongside these savory additions, CPK is also refreshing its seasonal beverage lineup with a collection of four vibrant spritz cocktails designed to complement the spring dining experience.
This latest menu innovation reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to culinary creativity while staying true to the approachable, high-quality dining experience that has long defined the brand. By expanding beyond its well-known pizzas and pastas, CPK is inviting guests to explore a broader range of flavors, textures, and global influences, all executed with the brand’s signature attention to detail and technique.
At the heart of this launch are five new entrées, each thoughtfully developed to deliver both comfort and sophistication. One standout addition is the Hearth Oven Short Rib Lasagna, which reimagines a classic Italian favorite. Instead of traditional layering, this dish features a single-layer, full-sheet presentation that allows for an even distribution of flavors. Tender, slow-braised short rib is paired with a rich, creamy garlic sauce and topped with fresh mozzarella. The dish is baked in CPK’s signature hearth oven, resulting in a perfectly caramelized surface with crispy edges that add texture to every bite.
For guests seeking a vegetarian option, the Hearth Oven Spinach, Artichoke & Mushroom Lasagna offers a similarly indulgent experience. This dish combines earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes, all brought together with the same velvety garlic sauce and baked to golden perfection. It captures the essence of comfort food while delivering a lighter, vegetable-forward twist that appeals to a wide range of diners.
Another notable entrée is the Filet Skewers with Chimichurri Duo, which highlights bold, South American-inspired flavors. Featuring flame-grilled filet skewers cooked to perfection, the dish is served with both green and red chimichurri sauces, offering a dynamic contrast of herbaceous freshness and smoky richness. Accompaniments include crispy onion rings and charred broccolini, adding both crunch and depth to the plate.
Drawing inspiration from Peruvian cuisine, the Peruvian Pan-Roasted Chicken delivers a vibrant and aromatic flavor profile. The bone-in chicken breast is roasted until the skin becomes irresistibly crispy, then finished with a bright and zesty aji verde sauce. The dish is complemented by a fragrant cilantro-lime-cumin rice and tangy pickled red onions, creating a balanced combination of savory, citrusy, and slightly spicy elements.
Rounding out the entrée lineup is the Cedar Plank Salmon over Thai Crispy Rice Salad, a dish that blends Asian influences with CPK’s signature cooking techniques. The salmon is roasted on a cedar plank in the hearth oven, infusing it with a subtle smoky aroma while maintaining its moist, flaky texture. It is served atop a colorful salad featuring crispy jasmine rice, shiitake mushrooms, sugar snap peas, fresh basil, chili, and scallions. The result is a harmonious mix of textures and flavors, from crunchy and savory to fresh and herbaceous.
According to Paul Pszybylski, Vice President of Culinary Innovation at CPK, the new menu reflects a deliberate effort to inspire guests to step outside their usual dining routines. He emphasized that while the dishes introduce exciting global influences, they remain grounded in the familiar techniques and flavors that loyal customers have come to expect. By leveraging the versatility of the brand’s hearth ovens and the creativity of its culinary team, CPK aims to deliver a dining experience that feels both innovative and comforting.
Complementing the expanded entrée selection is a new lineup of spritz cocktails, each crafted to capture the light, refreshing spirit of spring. Made with premium prosecco, these beverages are designed to pair seamlessly with the new dishes while offering a range of flavor profiles to suit different preferences.
The Lavender Lemon Spritz combines vodka with delicate lavender notes and bright lemonade, topped with prosecco and garnished with dried citrus and edible flowers for an elegant presentation. The Blueberry Elderflower Spritz offers a fruity and floral combination, blending sweet blueberries with elderflower and lemonade, finished with a sparkling prosecco touch.
For those who enjoy a more classic profile, the Hugo Spritz delivers a crisp and aromatic experience, featuring elderflower liqueur, fresh mint, and lime balanced with prosecco. Meanwhile, the Aperol Spritz provides a familiar yet refreshing option, showcasing the iconic bittersweet flavor of Aperol paired with prosecco and a slice of fresh orange.
Through this limited-time menu expansion, California Pizza Kitchen continues to demonstrate its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. By introducing globally inspired entrées and thoughtfully crafted beverages, the brand is reinforcing its position as a leader in casual dining innovation. Whether guests are seeking bold new flavors or comforting classics with a twist, CPK’s latest offerings provide a compelling reason to return and explore something new.
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