Fatto a Mano started out life in Brighton in 2015, serving fresh, authentic and affordable Neapolitan pizza in a friendly environment. Fast forward a few years and it’s now one of the most popular places to eat pizza in Brighton and Hove. It currently has multiple sites along the south coast, as well as a restaurant in King’s Cross in London.
The reason for its success? The freshness of ingredients is certainly one of the reasons punters can’t stop coming back for more. Its soft and pillowy bases, for example, are made fresh in-house everyday using simply Italian 00 flour, salt, water and yeast. It’s then left to prove for at least 24 hours – the slow prove time meaning it can use minimal yeast ensuring a light and easy-to-digest base.
For the toppings, its takes care to sources all its ingredients from a handful of small, independent Italian and British suppliers. Finally, the pizzas are cooked at about 450 degrees for no more than 90 seconds, in true Neapolitan style.
Available to eat in or takeaway, its menu revolves primarily around pizza, although a selection of starters and sides are available too. Examples of toppings include tomato, fried aubergine, ricotta, smoked ricotta, mozzarella and basil, and nduja, spianata, friarielli (Neapolitan broccoli), gorgonzola, mozzarella, parmesan and basil. It also introduces ever-changing specials to keep things interesting and ensure there’s always something new to try.
You can also elect to add more toppings, swap dairy cheese for a vegan alternative, or opt for a gluten-free base if preferred. And for something to whet your appetite before the main event, look out for tasty Italian bites such as nduja bruschetta, Campania fries and burrata with pesto.
Finally, to drink, classic Italian cocktail, beers on tap, and wines available by the glass, carafe or bottle complete the list.