Franco Manca Wimbledon

In Wimbledon, Franco Manca leans into the simple pleasures of Italian eating, guided by a love of sourdough and unfussy flavour. This is pizza with poise: a light, tangy base carrying honest ingredients and a sense of ease that suits South West London’s steady pace. The mood is relaxed and sociable, with a menu that moves gracefully from aperitivo to dolce.

Early evenings open with an Aperol Spritz and something to nibble: olives, taralli and smoked almonds set a leisurely tone. Sharing is encouraged, whether via charcuterie or a colourful spread of grilled artichoke, butternut squash, Kalamata olives and tomatoes. Warm-up acts include pizza bread scented with rosemary and sea salt or garlicky bread for tearing. Then come the classics, where restraint shines: Marinara and Margherita, all Italian tomato, basil and milky mozzarella, with basil pesto or Scotch Bonnet chilli on the side for a little flourish. Grain-led salads, with or without marinated chicken, keep things bright.

To finish, an affogato delivers a hot-cold hit, while a Nutella pizza scattered with crushed Biscoff is unapologetically playful. Italian wines are poured in sizes to suit the moment, with beers, ciders and softs like organic lemonade joining the conversation; Negroni and Aperol Spritz keep the cocktail crowd smiling.

Drop in for a sourdough moment, linger for la dolce vita. The crust is calling—answer with gusto.