Franco Manca

Phenomenal Pizza, Service Shines Brightly!

Nestled amidst the swirling urbanity of Canary Wharf, Franco Manca offers a pocket of solace with a hint of Naples. Known for its sourdough pizzas that exude rustic charm, the restaurant beckons with an array of simple yet delicious pies. It’s not just the legion of toppings that captivates—ranging from hearty truffle to spicy chili oil—but the buoyant energy pervading the venue that adds zest to every reasonably priced bite. The indoor ambiance, tempered by perfectly pitched air conditioning, provides a refuge for nearby professionals and pizza aficionados alike. Despite occasional peaks in bustle, you’re generally ushered in without delay by characterful staff such as Mariam and Carmen, whose gentle efficiency glues the dining experience together with palpable warmth.

Each visit unravels another layer of familiarity—the kind that somehow combines new flavors with long-standing favorites like the margherita or Number 10 with its truffle magic. Though mostly a hit with patrons, service does dip for some, leading to underwhelming experiences potentially undermined by inattentiveness or deviating execution on classics. Yet these moments are tempered by Franco Manca’s courage to customize pizza to customers' whims, grounded further in their groundbreaking app and loyalty program—a particularly London-meets-Naples fusion where tradition nods approvingly at innovation. For families, children are warmly entertained with crayons and activities as parents might vicariously reignite the joy of a young, unassuming pizza pie steaming fresh from the oven. — Audrey Al Dente