I know its a chain but its incredibly impressive. Love the sourdough pizza base, flavourful toppings, and authentic service. The nologo beer is top too.
Franco manca is a real gem selling delicious sour dough pizzas at a bargain. The range isn't large but you can add toppings and probably afford a second pizza if hungry! I had the chorizo pizza with extra wild mushrooms. These came in at a little disappointing, additional £1.95(!!!), but the overall experience was good and Sarah M enjoyed her first Franco manca very much. Not quite as good as Pizza pilgrims in my humble opinion but as far as south London goes Franco manca is king.
By Natalie De Luca on March 15, 2015 in Restaraunts Clapham/Balham, Restaurants, Restaurants Brixton. This excellent pizzeria serves sourdough pizza, with a small menu plus changing specials. The pizzas are cooked in a wood fired oven, and are some of the best I’ve had in London. What makes this place even more appealing is the value for money, with a simple pizza from just £4.50. Having its roots in the ever popular Brixton Village, inevitable expansion has been quick and well deserved.
Went for an eat in pizza with my boyfriend. Food was delicious with really good prices. The drinks were also really lovely, with lager brewed specifically for the restaurant which was very good. Service was brilliant, very fast and very trendy, casual vibe.
I mean, I don't really like Balham, but Franco Manca is obviously a guaranteed decent meal. Would choose Brixton over this one though.
Best bit is that it sits directly opposite Pizza Express. Must be soul destroying for the staff there having to watch Franco Manca rammed every night, gaining popularity, while they continue to serve people seemingly happy with mediocrity.
???
At last a pizzeria my proud Italian girlfriend approves of. In fact says it's good enough for Italy.
Wonderfully fresh food sweet tomatoes creamy mozzarella and Burrata which is damn good. Damn good.
How this place ever has a table free and manages to be sooooo cheap I don't know but this is the best pizza I have had in this country. Can't wait to get back.
Franco Manca in Balham Pizzas here are all very simple, just as how Italian pizzas should be. There are only 6 pizza options by default. All pizzas have 5/6 simple ingredients (although you can choose to add additional ingredients), but when the pizza base is this good, you don’t need an excessive amount of toppings to over power and confuse your palate. Quite empty early evening at 6pm on a weekday – by the time we left, it was packed Pizzas in the making of Wood burning ‘tufae’ brick oven We’ve had 3 types of pizzas here on 2 different occasions. Th
Franco Manca is expanding, the pizza empire is growing, those days of queuing in Brixton as it was the only one are over. These days with six restaurants across London, it’s easier to get their traditional Neapolitan pizza
What: Pizza
Where: Balham
Value: £12pp
Food Review: There is not a lot of selection and there starters are limited, but the pizzas are what you come for. With a thin crust and authentic ingrediants used, it makes the recipient think that they are in a italian countryside. The wood fired oven adds to the restaurants authenticity. The chilli oil that can be added additionally is hot though, you have been warned!
Settings Review: Located in the back street of Balham alongside a Pizza Express, although there is no competition. It is not easy to find if you are not from the area. Once inside, you can find yourself a mixture of table seating randomly placed and may result in some tight spots.
Positives: cosy, quick service
Negatives: limited starter and dessert menu
3 Word Reviews: authentic, fresh, delicious
Brilliant value for money. Great pizza. Usually very busy and often requires queuing on weekends, but this adds to the atmosphere in my opinion.
Franca Manca never fails to disappoint! A simple menu of 6 freshly oven baked pizzas and a choice of draft beer is a meal without abundance of decision. Such is their confidence they opened shop directly opposite Pizza Express, this does not dissuade their customers with queues regularly extending down the block.
Great dining experience and fresh slow rising baked pizza!
Love the food and the atmosphere. Brilliant service very helpful and friendly.
Little Girl, Big Smoke
+4.5
I visited Franco Manca with a large group of friends for a birthday, it's a restaurant I'd heard a lot about and couldn't wait to sample. The menu is very limited however this is not a criticism, there is a wide range of the types of pizza's available and the chef is more than willing to make something special for you!
The staff are all so enthusiastic and very...ITALIAN which we all throughly enjoyed, the manager especially is such a character.
The portion sizes are beyond generous, extremely good value for money! (You could easily share)
Since visiting the Balham restaurant, I have also ate at the Stratford restaurant within the food hall and have had the same amazing sour dough pizzas! 100% recommend Franco Manca to groups of girls/lads, families and couples!
This is an exquisite Italian-focused pizzeria located in Balham, where my family and I had the pleasure of indulging in an exceptional gastronomic experience. The service provided was truly remarkable, accompanied by delightful music. The supervisors, Maria and Gio ensured that we were attentively cared, everything was truly outstanding. This establishment is truly unparalleled, as we thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance and the music that added to our overall experience.
Alanna Danielle Gallagher
+5
Quick service, tasty vegan options (I had #614 - delish). The special is very reasonably priced, although you can also make up your own. All the ingredients are good quality. Sat comfortably having a meal for one and felt attended to without being intruded upon.
We live in the area and are regular customers. Yes, you might be able to get objectively more delicious pizza elsewhere in Balham but not at Franco Manca‘s price point. It’s very good value for money: The pizza is tasty, the menu changes regularly and staff has always been nice to us. The lunch deal at 10£ for a pizza & drink is particularly exciting!
Tasty pizza, forgot our order if olives.... didn't need them anyway! My friend replaced salami for chorizo but pretty sure we had the same (salami) pizza. Also tried to pass off sparkling water as soda water for my friend's spritzer... very gracious in removing it from the bill. A few hiccups but a good, reasonably priced meal.
A good pizza place in Balham!
I particularly enjoyed the Aubergine Parmigiana, especially its sauce: original taste!
The waiting team is definitely warm and well mannered, really welcoming and kind.
The pizza was well cooked, just a slight problem with the dough: I believe it did not rise enough, as I could taste some uncooked parts in it.
A good spot for a pizza in Balham.
Been to franca manca in oxford and couldn’t resist in London. Had just ran a half marathon and truly needed this boost. Always have a pizza of the week, or chef special and truly love it, great food.
Pizza so well price and great service. Fast food and just a must go. Well priced and great pizza, can’t really get any better.
Great variety of pizza, thin and great base.
Would go back!
Enjoyable experience. Have been in love with Franco manca since 2017. Pizzas are just plain amazing. Kindly have one Chicken pizza option too like a Pollo. You will get more clientale. Just a suggestion
Amazing atmosphere and employees! Very attentive and friendly. You can feel that this is an authentic Italian place where they make traditional pizza. The price was very affordable for London.
Franco Manca Balham is always my favorite pizzeria in London.
The staff is amazing, friendly and professional.
Pizza is gorgeous as pizzaioli are really expert and motivate.
What about the manager? Nice and friendly
Efficient, friendly, and respectful of my house while working. Called them one afternoon and they were here and did the work within 24 hours. Lovely people, good customer service. Would def use them again.
Lovely place. Excellent friendly service and delicious, authentically Italian, pizza. Can’t recommend more highly.
Very delicious, fresh pizza and lovely service :) thank you
Great service, love them a lot. Thank you so much Balham branch for your services.
Lovely lunch at Franca manca. Balham and Streatham are so full of Italian restaurants that I often avoid the chains or overlook it here but I stopped today as the sun was shining and sat outside. Service was excellent and so friendly. Food was great too. I was trying to have a semi healthy lunch (minus the wine) and found a few light bites on the menu that didn't blow the diet but felt like a treat. Will definitely return soon.
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