Franco Manca’s Guildford was the very first pizzeria to expand beyond London, bringing a true Neapolitan experience to the South. Located in the heart of Guildford, just off the high street, surrounded by the shops and bustle of the town, Franco Manca’s welcomes you. While there are more than enough shops to keep you occupied, you can also check out the local museum, gallery, and castle grounds. The restaurant is close to the riverside and is only a ten minute walk from the station.
As Franco Manca’s first Surrey location, this restaurant seeks to impress. With a classy, all-glass exterior bringing plenty of light to the spacious inside, the pizzeria inside is bright and friendly. The white-tiled walls complement the wooden accents and features. Light bulbs hang across the room for a casual vibe and the bar area is lined with imported Italian beers and no logo beers. The imported brick Tufac oven is a sight to marvel at. The ovens are custom made for each restaurant, and are a grand affair, manned by expert pizzaiolos armed with their wooden peels and years of skill.
The artisan pizzas are an experience, worthy of expanding into the small empire Franco Manca is today. The sourdough, created by the founder Giuseppe was made from a stolen starter from the 18th century and high quality flour from a farm in Bologna, run by the Pivetti family.
The pizzas are topped with some great ingredients ranging from silky British mozzarella to Italian cured meats, and local produce such as baby kale. The tomatoes are of course, Italian, such as the red and yellow Piennolos and the legendary San Marzano tomatoes. In house pesto is made from seasonal ingredients, such as the wild garlic or watercress pesto. The flavours are simple but so well executed.