Franco Manca Brixton

Italian, Pizza·
££££
·

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Under £30
Cuisines
Italian, Pizza
Ambience
Cosy, Fun
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating
Special Features
Gluten-free options, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wheelchair access
Perfect for
Child friendly, Dates
Food Hygiene Rating

About

The first Franco Manca pizzeria, a true pioneer of Neapolitan-style sourdough pizza in the UK, was born in the heart of Brixton Village. Centrally located within the Granville arcade, which feels like a step back in time itself, is where it all began at unit four, Market Row. In its natural home, nestled in between the independent shops, craft boutiques, and quaint cafes underneath the railway arches, the white awning peeps out over the charming wooden outside seating. The restaurant is just around the corner from Brixton tube station, iconic Electric Avenue bars and clubs, and the Prince of Wales for a post-pizza brew.

The founder, Giuseppe Mascoli, bought the premises from the previous pizzeria owner, paying homage to him by aptly borrowing his name for his empire, which translates to ‘Frank’s missing’.  While the Franco Manca brand has certainly grown, this pizzeria still holds onto its true origins as a cosy and intimate restaurant. As you peer through the glass windows to see where it all started, the interior is friendly and familiar. It feels like a true Italian experience, with well-used peels proudly hung up on the white tiled walls and the warm aroma of the hot Tufac brick, imported from Naples. Each pizza only takes 40 seconds to bake within the 500 degree wood-fired ovens.

It is well worth the trek and queues to grab a pie from the small pizzeria, you can be guaranteed value for money with quality, organic ingredients and smashing sourdough bases. The produce is either imported from Italian or grown locally, all carefully selected to ensure the food is at its seasonal prime. And the fresh lemonade definitely helps wash it down nicely. This is a must for all Franco Manca fans to experience the original, which is arguably still the best.


FAQs

Are there gluten-free options on the menu at Franco Manca Brixton?

Yes there are gluten-free options on the menu at Franco Manca Brixton.

Helpful? 0

Location

Unit 4, Market Row, Brixton, London, SW9 8LD

020 7738 3021 020 7738 3021

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon 12:00-17:00
Tue 12:00-23:00
Wed 12:00-23:00
Thu 12:00-23:00
Fri 12:00-23:00
Sat 11:30-23:00
Sun 11:30-22:30

Reviews

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4 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Charlotte H

04 May 2017  
Best pizza, very causal laid back atmosphere.

Simon H

17 January 2013  
Food & Drink 3.5
Service 3.5
Atmosphere 3.5
Value 3.5
Decent, not amazing

Sirina P

02 February 2012  
Food & Drink 5
Service 4
Atmosphere 4
Value 5
Franco Manca isn't in the most romantic of settings but that's not what you go there for. You go to stuff enormous pieces of their unbelievably chewy, tangy, soft, delicious pizza into your mouth as fast as you can – and wash them down with gulps of perfectly paired organic wine or home made lemonade. There isn't a huge amount of choice on the menu, and some pizzas even come – gasp! – without tomato or cheese, but their special slow-rising sourdough base goes amazingly well with some very well sourced toppings, like home-cured Gloucester old spot ham and organic pecorino from Somerset. Service is pretty abrupt though – I guess with massive queues to get in even on a late Sunday lunchtime, the staff feel they don't particularly have to coddle their customers. When I asked for a dash of milk with my espresso (I know, BLASPHEMY) – I was told by the horrified waitress that “we don't DO milk.” However, with some of the best pizza I've eaten outside Italy, and a bill coming to about £10 per person with a glass of wine, I'll humbly queue and drink my coffee black like everyone else.

Federica S

07 September 2009  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Let's put Franco Manca in perspective with other eateries. We are talking about quality of product, no frills, the real thing and value for money – for this they get 10 out of 10. But I take 1 point away because of the difficulty in reaching it and the fact that it is only open Mon-Fri at lunchtime only. The various Pizza Express, Zizzi, Ask and so on pale into insignificance, with the highest vote, when compared to Franco Manca, being a meagre 3 out of 10. This quality is only found in the better pizzerie in Italy and if Franco Manca (or rather Giuseppe Mascoli, the owner) wanted to become seriously rich, he would open a series of joints everywhere and, most importantly, open the shops evenings and week-ends. But one cannot have all from life so let's call a sicky at work and enjoy lunch during the week!. Federico Spadafora
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020 7738 3021 020 7738 3021

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