Log in to My Time Out for your personalised guide to what's on in London. It's fast, easy and FREE!
Follow Franco Manca to receive updates on special offers here.
What is 'following'?Pizzeria: Italian
You might also like...
Latest features
-
The 100 best horror films
Voted for by over 100 experts including Simon Pegg and Roger Corman
-
Abandoman freestyle 2012's biggest comedy shows
The hip-hop impro duo work 2012 comedy highlights into a freestyle rap.
-
World Shakespeare Festival 2012
The Shakespeare Olympics begin April 22 at the Globe
Time Out says 6 Users say Rate it
No introductions are needed, we assume, for the name Franco Manca - over the past year and a half, every critic, blogger and local has had their say about the much-lauded pizzeria in Brixton Market. And now it's opened a second branch, in leafy Chiswick.
So let's get a few of those burning questions out of the way first. Yes, this time you can make reservations (goodbye queuing in the winter cold). Meals are served from 11am until at least 10pm, without the market-hours restrictions of the Brixton branch.
And the pizzas? Well, they're good - but not quite as good as those at the original.
We love a bit of blistering on our cornicione (pizza crust), but some parts were simply just burnt. We plumped for a number 4 (a tomato-based pizza with an ominously salty combination of capers, olives and anchovies) that was truly an as-salt on the palate.
The dough on this one was also a little overcooked - leaning towards the dry side, the natural springiness of the slow-risen sourdough lost to the heat. Perhaps the staff need to get used to the new wood-fired oven?
However, a variation of an old favourite (number 5), with gorgeous Brindisa chorizo (releasing squelches of paprika-heavy flavour), tomato and mozzarella, was the best pizza; a reminder of how great ingredients are central to the Franco Manca experience.
The special of the day was a curious half-calzone, half-pizza concoction: wild boar (surprisingly mild-flavoured), ricotta and salami on one half; tomato, rocket and mozzarella on the other. Very agreeable, if not quite a looker.
Comparisons will inevitably be drawn. Unlike the seating at Brixton, places to sit are plentiful here; they've used the familiar wooden benches and tabletops that have accommodated many a pizza worshipper down in south London.
It lacks atmosphere, but we're positive it will liven up, absence of reggae notwithstanding.
But it's a good pizzeria, much like the original, just a little more scrubbed up.
Book now
Franco Manca details
Follow Franco Manca to receive updates on special offers here.
What is 'following'?020 8747 4822
Open 11am-10pm daily
Meal for two with wine and service: around £30
Franco Manca map
Restaurants & cafés near Franco Manca
See all restaurants near Franco MancaComments & ratings 4/5 (Average of 6 ratings)
I really wasn't impressed by the meal - maybe in part due to the incredible hype. For me the pizza itself seemed nothing special and certainly not on a par with great Italian pizzas I've eaten. I won't dwell on that aspect, since it seems to be one of personal taste.
The service was quite a let down. There were times the staff were too busy joking around with each other to notice we (or the table in front of us) were trying to get their attention.
When we were asked if we were ready to order we asked for a few minutes to decide, but it was clear he wanted us to get started - so suggested we order starters in the meantime. This we did, and a couple of minutes after these were served we were told "we're going to clear the plates because your pizzas are ready now". We explained that he hadn't taken our order yet!
The choice seems quite limited, so it was rather frustrating that the ordering process went: "so what can I get you? there's the specials board too". They don't help themselves by only telling you about 4 additional choices *after* asking what we want! Add to that an error in the amount charged to our card at the end and I would say the food would have to be a lot more special to make it worth a return visit, in view of the chaotic staff.
Eaten a few times at the Brixton store but for some reason the Chiswick one just doesn't do it for me. Pizza seemed lacking - slightly over charred / burnt and the service wasn't great either. Not worth the trip out to west london.
Absolutely amazing place - really friendly service (the waiter swapped by white wine for red without a fuss when I'd misread the menu) and delicious pizzas with quality ingredients at a fantastic price (came to £12 a head including a starter, pizza each and a glass of wine each). Will definitely be going back!
I am from Naples and can certainly recognize a good pizza! At Franco Manca I had the best pizza in London! Plus Luca & all Franco Manca’s staff have the best smile to welcome you and make your evening enjoyable and pleasant. I highly recommend Franco Manca.
I have been last week in franco manca chiswick with 5 of my friends.I realy loved it so much and also all of my friends the pizza can't be better ever than franco manca it is fantastic.the service is very very good and so friendly, I will be back again . great
clearly these bad reviewers know from nothing when it comes to Pizza. Go to Naples & try Brandi, Da Michele or Di Matteo. Then they will understand what Franco Manca is about. Pizza Express whould close the day they opened in Italy.
I can't claim to have been to the Brixton original, but my wife and I did go twice to the Chiswick one in two days we liked it so much...
Yes the service is a bit sloppy and unpolished, but I think that adds to its charm. The somewhat vacuous restaurant to the rear lacks a bit of atmosphere, but am sure this will change as time goes on.
Ultimately, though, this place is about one thing and one thing only: the pizza. And what a pizza it is! Pure ecstasy on a plate. The basic margherita ("No. 1") is one of the most satisfying things I've ever eaten and costs little more than a fiver.
Am very pleased to have this round the corner from where I live - it's a perfect place for a weekend lunch with family or an informal get together with friends. I really wish the restaurant every success as I believe the format and approach is spot on. Can't recommend it enough.
I would suggest to Oli and his 9 italian mates to go to "Pizza Express" (made from a nice frozen dough) next time. I really wonder where these 9 italians came from, probably somewhere up north where pizza is made very thin and crispy. Why did you go to France Manca in the first place then ? Franco Manca makes the most authentic Neapolitan pizza, it must be cooked at temperatures above 485°C in a wood-fired oven for no more than 90 seconds. It will always have a chewy taste, you are the mistaken one dear Williy Oli Wanka. Please do not go back!
I went to this place with 9 Italians on the weekend.
they all said the Pizza was no good, we complained and left. I am sure that 1 or 2 of us can be wrong but not 10. The way they make pizza is correct but the oven is too hot so the pizza is not cooked properly. Cathy is correct chewing gum pizza!! Maybe they can correct the mistake but when we complained the manager told us this is how they make pizza. Willy Wonka stlye pizza flavour chewing gum!
I totally agree with cathy, I went this weekend with 9 Italians, all agreed the pizza was not good. Sure the idea seems good, but the oven is too hot, so the pizza is charred on the bottom and the rest just raw dough. We sent our pizza's back but got the same rubbish the 2nd time.
Chewing Gum, Pizza flavoured chewing gum, maybe this place is owned by Willy Wonka!
I went here last week. Pizza came out looking delicious. Half way through, I found a hair embedded amongst the cheese (I had the cheese vegetarian special!) I didn't complain as the half I had tasted really good. However, when my boyfriend had finished his, the manager came over asked if we had finished and if I wanted to take home my leftovers. I just said actually no as there is a hair in it (which was very obvious as I had left it where I found it!) The manager shrugged, took the plates away without saying a word and returned with the bill, and asked us to leave! No offer of more drinks or even a sorry about that! I was so shocked at the poor customer service, that I wished so much that I had kicked up a fuss and caused a scene. I would have been well in my rights to do so. We paid the bill including the 12.5 %service charge and left in absolute silence and shock! I am so disappointed this came recommended by Time Out! Will never go back!
Cathy, thats what the original napolitan pizza is about!
Franco Manca is the best place in UK for real pizza at the moment, have you ever been to italy? Perhaps you would enjoy the £1 frozen from Iceland........
PIZZAS ARE SIMPLY AMAZING! IF U LIKE THIN AND CRISPY BASE THEN IT'S NOT FOR U. THE HOUSE WINE IS TERRIBLE.
I HAVE TRIED MANY PIZZA PLACES BOTH IN ITALY AND IN LONDON AND FRANCO MANCA'S IS CERTAINLY THE BEST IN LONDON! FRESH AUTHENTIC INGREDIENTS. I GO THERE EVERY WEEK! GNAMMMMM
We went a few days ago and the pizza base that everyone seems to be raving about was nothing more than charred play-dough or overworked chewing gum. We were SO disappointed after all the hype. The pizzas might look authentic and the toppings are great but if you cant get the dough right don’t bother!
Great buzzy atmosphere and amazing pizza. Not too much cheese - just delicious base, delicious sauce and really good quality toppings. I can't wait for another one.
Sorry to say, but really bad service (pretty much ignored all night) and hardly any toppings on pizzas. If it wasn't for the fact the wine was good and the bill was cheap, we would have been really upset. Won't be going back though.
Time Out guides and magazines
Useful links
Things to do in London
- London restaurants
- London events
- London theatre
- London bars and pubs
- London clubs
- Film listings
- London tickets and offers
- Alternative London
- London museums
- London music
- London art
- London shopping
- London Olympics
- Gay and lesbian London
- London cabaret
- London comedy
- London for kids
- Books and poetry
- Dance in London
- Festivals
- London hotels
- Classical music in London
London by area
- Brixton guide
- Borough guide
- Bermondsey guide
- City of London guide
- Dalston guide
- Mayfair guide
- Camden guide
- Clapham guide
- Covent Garden guide
- Greenwich guide
- Stoke Newington guide
- Hammersmith guide
- Hampstead guide
- Highgate guide
- Holborn guide
- King's Cross guide
- Islington guide
- West End guide
- Hackney guide
- Marylebone guide
- London Bridge guide
- Little Venice guide
- Richmond guide
- Shoreditch guide
- Soho guide
- South Bank guide
- Wimbledon guide
- Notting Hill guide
Time Out Worldwide
Get the latest news from Time Out
Share your thoughts