This is one of the latest openings from fast-growing chain Franca Manca pizzeria. They allow their sourdough pizza bases to rise for 20 hours before putting the fresh ingredients on them and cooking them in the wood-fired Tufae ovens on site. Delicious!
Franco Manca
Pizzerium in Bethnal Green
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All In London Review
Pay a little, get a lot; Franco Manca is bargain sourdough goodness
After moving into a tired old restaurant space, Franco Manca went makeover mad on it. But like their menu, the key to this aesthetic overhaul was simplicity. White wash, exposed industrial units, tiles and plenty of wooden tables are as interesting as it gets, which is quite enough in a place where people are packed into every available space. If they had gone any louder on the décor it would have felt suffocating. With limited spaces on the street, a reasonable sized restaurant and a large covered terrace at the back, the Broadway Market Franco Manca is not small. However, given the street’s popularity you should arrive expecting a short wait for a table if it happens to be prime time from Thursday night onwards.
And what are all these people queuing for? The pizza, obviously. With no starters to speak of (although there are small sharing dishes on a specials board) and only the odd side salad, it is all about the pizza – and more specifically, the dough. Stretchy, lightly – but noticeably – salted, soft and chewy, Franco Manca’s pizza dough is like a refined deep-pan. Those who like a thin and crispy base will be disappointed. While the dough in many a pizza joint will feel like a base to cover in toppings, it is the star attraction here. Not that the toppings aren’t worth mentioning. The menu might be concise but the dry-cured chorizo, sausage and broccoli, anchovy and caper and ham, ricotta and mushroom offer more than enough choice. We opt for the dry-cured chorizo, which is suitably meaty. Although, one taste of that dough and we’d have been equally happy with the simple tomato, mozzarella and basil. There are two wines of each colour, two beers and an organic non-sparkling take on Prosecco. It’s all about quality over quantity.
From the seating plans to the stripped down pizza menu, everything at Franco Manca feels considered. And at £35 for a meal for two including wine and service, you leave feeling like you’ve paid little and got a lot.
Reviewed by T.A.O
Published on May 2, 2014
Best For
The best places to find cheap eats in East London
Good food at bargain prices
Getting bigger and bigger, Franco Manca are the sour dough pizza people offering up cheap cheesy goodness across London. Their Broadway Market branch is a sweet little restaurant with views out onto the hip street. Prices are reasonable, especially if you can bear to share.
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