Academics, tourists, and locals alike rejoice whenever they head to Franco Manca’s Oxford location. It’s so centrally located within the heart of the town, perfect for a post-lecture bite or a relaxing dinner, it’s no wonder this pizzeria has become so popular. With their signature sourdough baked in the proper Neapolitan way, amazing ingredients, and expert pizzaiolos, Franco Manca has got it all. The restaurant is close to the shops, the cinema, and the playhouse, so whatever mood you’re in, Franco Manca has got you sorted for lunch or dinner.
Set in the beautiful, historical town of Oxford, this restaurant blends seamlessly into it the streets of the town. The interior is spacious, but still has an intimate vibe which is perfect for a casual date, or to bring a bunch of your mates together for smashing pizza. The interior is charming and rustic, with modern wooden features, complemented by the brightness created by the mirror wall and hanging lights. The atmosphere is friendly and warm, especially with the smell of the pizzas baking away in the custom-made imported ovens.
The ovens are a main feature of the restaurant, key to ensuring that the pizzas are perfectly cooked in the authentic Italian way. The wood-fired ovens are kept at 500 degrees to bake the pizzas for precisely 40 seconds, to create that chewy, tangy, and crunchy crust. The pizzaiolos are a joy to watch too, as you sit at your table; they are making fresh dough, stretching out the pizzas, and topping them with vibrant ingredients.
The operation is run so smoothly, you’ll be impressed to learn they have time to prove the dough for 20 hours, to allow the sourdough a slow-rise. The sourdough itself is an amazing curation, perfected by the founder with an 18th century starter and Italian flour.