Franco Manca: West Quay Southampton Review

Sunday 8 October 2017


A new restaurant quarter at West Quay in Southampton opened recently, and with this, opened a Franco Manca's restaurant. Last Monday, we decided to give it a go.

We were greeted very warmly and we chose to sit outside (even though it was raining!) because the outdoor seating area was covered, they had blankets and amazing electric overhead heaters. The atmosphere inside was relaxed and the decor was in line with what I would have thought a traditional Italian pizzeria would look like.

I'd never been to a Franco Manca's before, and let me tell you now, I will definitely be returning.

We were firstly asked for our drinks order. As a student, on Monday's and Tuesday's you can get a free Aperol Spritz or No Logo Beer with any full priced pizza. I'll outline the full T&C's at the end of this post*. Unfortunately, I had just started a course of antibiotics and so I couldn't drink alcohol! I had spring water instead, my sister, Maisy, had an organic lemonade (which by the way, is heaven!) and Callum, Maisy's boyfriend, had a No Logo beer.

 

For starters, we were a little stuck on what we should choose. Our waiter was incredibly attentive and knowledgable and reccomended that we try the Burrata. I have never eaten something so fresh and delicious- it's basically mozzarella with a soft cheese middle, served on bread with pesto, rocket and fresh tomatoes. I would undoubtedly order it again! We also chose the garlic bread with mozzarella. This was made with fresh garlic, and it was simply delightful and perfectly cheesy (for those who don't know I'm a bit a cheese enthusiast)!



For the main event we, of course, had pizza! I chose the number two, a classic Margherita, my sister chose a number 4, which was Ham and Wild Mushrooms and Callum had the number 5, which was Capers, Olives and Anchovies. He chose to add chorizo to his pizza (which was a good call because the chorizo was perfection). The basil on my pizza gave it such a fresh taste, and it was just generally an amazing pizza! For our crusts, we had the homemade chilli dip which was incredibly pungent (but in a good way!).

The dough, which Franco Manca pride themselves on, was fantastic and really tasty. I definitely couldn't get bored of eating the crusts like I usually do with pizza! The only thing I'd say is that perhaps a sharper knife or a pizza cutter for the table would be quite useful as someone with zero upper body strength like myself found it a small workout (albeit a well rewarded workout)!



I personally didn't have enough space for dessert, but Maisy and Callum shared a Tiramisu which Callum said was the best Tiramisu he'd ever had! I even tried a little, and being someone who isn't the biggest fan of coffee, I must admit that it tasted good!

Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I would 100% return. The staff were very friendly, knowledgeable and attentive and the food is amazing and definitely good value for money. Even without the student deal, it's fantastic value with prices of pizzas ranging from £4.95 to £8.25. The student deal is absolutely something I'd recommend though, because I mean, what student doesn't love free alcohol?! I'd recommend a visit (most of the locations are down South/ In London, so have a look on here to see if there's one near you!) if you get the chance!

You've seen what I had, what would you have? Check out the menu here! Have you been to Franco Manca's? What did you think? Let me know!

XOXO Molly

Please note, the lovely people of Franco Manca's invited me to try out Franco Manca's and provided the meal free of charge, but all views and opinions expressed are my own.


*Every Monday & Tuesday receive a No Logo beer or Aperol Spritz on the house when you buy any pizza, use the buzz word ‘Brixton 2008’ & show your student card.

Ts&Cs: Exchange for a glass of Tenute Normanno’s Organic Bianco or Rosso (175ml), any No Logo (300ml) or any soft drink. Valid at all restaurants from 18th September until 31st December 2017, limited to one free drink with every pizza purchased, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, dine in only, use buzz word ‘Brixton 2008’ & show student card to redeem.




4 comments

  1. It was hard for me to read all this delicious food and not crave! Great experience. Well written. Pretty nice place and the food looks amazing!!

    http://www.elicoleclough.com/blog/lifestyle/versatile-blogger-award-2017/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was so good and thank you so much! Definitely go if you get the chance!

      XOXO Molly

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  2. That pizza looks absolutely amazing!! I wish I lived close to one of these restaurants as I would go and give them a try! Maybe when I head to London next year I will have to give them a try!

    Lauren :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So so so delicious! If you do get the opportunity to try it in London definitely do!

      XOXO Molly

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