Franco Manca Oxford — Restaurant in Oxford

If there ever was a ranking of the best places to have pizza in Oxford, Franco Manca would be in the Top 3, hands down. Their main strength in my opinion is their pizza dough - the crust is very soft and thick while the middle of the pizza is extremely thin and melt-in-the-mouth delicious. Guess it depends on how you like your pizza but at least for me this is the best pizza dough I’ve ever had.

The only reason I wouldn’t give them 5 stars is because the toppings are not very versatile and after you go there for a while can get boring (they only have ~8 types of pizza on their menu). Don’t get me wrong, all of their choices are DELICIOUS and I like that they don’t just go for the basic types of pizza you can find anywhere else - their creations are unique and original. A clever thing they’ve done to get around this is have a “daily (or was it weekly?) meat/vegetarian pizza” that’s offered for a limited time - these are usually my favourites as they feature combinations I wouldn’t normally go for.

Most of their starters (especially that garlic bread mmm 😍) are really good though some may be a bit overpriced for what you’re getting. Speaking of prices, another advantage is they’re great for the student budget (most pizzas are between £6-£8) and combine that with the great atmosphere, they’re a really good choice for a student dinner out.

I haven’t visited since they’ve reopened indoor seating in May but previously they always complied with government regulations perfectly and this did not detract from the great atmosphere in the restaurant. Would 100% recommend eating in as opposed to getting takeaway. Due to the very thin dough, the pizza can easily get stuck to the delivery box and that sort of ruins the whole experience so whenever you get a chance just eat in.

One odd thing I’ve noticed is they seem to have the best home-made lemonade I’ve ever had. It’s not the usual drink to have with a pizza but it’s so tasty and refreshing you probably won’t care.

The only thing I don’t like about this place is that right after having their pizza I want to have more, but maybe that’s the whole point? 🤔

Overall...

Franco Manca in Oxford provided an unforgettable dining experience for my family. From the moment we stepped in, the warm ambiance and friendly staff set the tone for a delightful evening. The restaurant's rustic charm added to the welcoming atmosphere.

The star of the show was, without a doubt, the pizza. Each bite was a burst of flavor, thanks to the fresh, high-quality ingredients and the expertly crafted sourdough crust. Whether it was the classic margherita or the more adventurous options, every pizza exceeded our expectations. The simplicity of their menu allowed us to focus on savoring each dish without feeling overwhelmed by choices.

The staff's attentiveness made the dining experience even more enjoyable. We were served by Anna. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered excellent recommendations based on our preferences. Moreover, their efficiency ensured that our food arrived promptly, allowing us to indulge without any unnecessary delays.

The family-friendly environment at Franco Manca Oxford was another highlight of our visit. Despite the restaurant's popularity, it maintained a relaxed atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The staff went out of their way to accommodate our needs, including those of our youngest family members, ensuring that everyone had a memorable dining experience.

Overall, our dinner at Franco Manca Oxford was nothing short of exceptional. From the mouthwatering pizzas to the impeccable service, every aspect of our visit exceeded our expectations. We left feeling satisfied and already looking forward to our next visit to this culinary gem. Highly recommended for anyone in search of a delicious and welcoming dining...

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, RECEPTIVE, AND PROFESSIONAL. I had no problem with food or anything (their pizzas are to die for as you'd know), yet the service I've received was not meeting expectations. I am not going to disclose the details as I don't want it to affect other people's positive experience or stopping people from visiting the restaurant. Not to mention that it's pretty clear the MANAGER and the server MICHAEL (who are total pros and warm-hearted!) will make sure the same thing won't happen again. I was able to feel from the bottom of my heart both of them absolutely love their jobs, restaurant, and the customers. I am deeply grateful that they were receptive of feedbacks on their service and offered a better (the best, to be fair) right away for my special day. My genuine intention was just getting my voice heard, but they decided to go over and beyond to make sure the customer is being taken care of. That level of professionalism already shows how much they are aware of what their food and service represent and mean to customers. I don't know how to say thank you for making my birthday even more amazing! If I ever go back to Oxford, I am definitely going back to the restaurant.

I am attaching the photos of my birth date along with the receipt with just server's name on as I don't want people to take the advantage of their genuine hardworking work ethics and how receptive they were. Thank you...