Franco Manca

Since the success of their Brixton eatery, Franco Manca have opened a second branch in the well-to-do area of Chiswick. A strange choice for a Brixton-based pizza place perhaps, however there is no doubt that their carefully prepared Neapolitan pizzas will appeal to the local inhabitants.

There are tables outside but they are unfortunately full; inside, the venue has a canteen-style feel with its tiled floors and brightly coloured prints on the walls.

We’re happy to see that the incredibly low prices haven’t changed. Pizzas are still around £5 to £6, and starters don’t go above £3. The menu lists many ingredients as being organic and locally sourced - i.e. mozzarella from Alham organic farm - while much of the meat is from Spanish supplier (and restaurant chain) Brindisa.

I start with the baked Gloucester Old Spot sausage (£2.95). For some reason I’m expecting something like chorizo or salami, instead I get a British sausage sliced lengthways and covered with a little ewe’s milk cheese, tomato sauce and interestingly, fennel seeds, which add an exciting flavour.

Meanwhile Friend’s starter of baked aubergine with tomato and mozzarella (£2.95) is deliciously crispy.

On to the pizzas. Franco Manca pride themselves on their slow method of preparing pizza, allowing the dough to rise for at least 20 hours before baking on site in a brick oven, Neapolitan style. Even the bakers themselves are from Naples.

I opt for the pizza with capers, anchovies, olives, garlic and mozzarella (£6.40). Considering the price it is enormous, with thin crispy dough, salty anchovies that perfectly combine with the tomato and mozzarella, vinegary black olives, and tangy caper berries spread on top.

Friend has the pizza with zucchini, mozzarella, ricotta, and ewe’s milk cheese (£6.40). It is covered in both melted and thin slices, and the cheesophile in me is instantly jealous. Despite this cheese blanket it isn’t overpowering, as the flavours are subtle enough to not compete with each other.

The only niggle of the meal is the tiramisu we have for dessert. It is covered in such a thick layer of cocoa it’s on the verge of becoming unpleasant. That aside, Franco Manca is highly recommended for a cheap eat, and a must for fans of pizza.