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Is Franco Manca Dog Friendly?

Looking for a place where you and your dog can enjoy pizza together?

Franco Manca is one of the most popular dog friendly pizza restaurants in the UK. Famous for its authentic Neapolitan sourdough pizza since 2008, this much-loved Italian chain welcomes well-behaved dogs in most of its restaurants, making it a go-to spot for foodies who love to dine out with their four-legged friends.

Why Franco Manca is a Top Pick for Dog Owners

Dog‑friendly dining

Franco Manca makes it easy to enjoy a slice of sourdough heaven without leaving your four-legged friend behind. Well‑behaved dogs are welcome in designated areas at most Franco Manca pizzerias across the UK, so you can relax with a freshly baked pizza while your pup snoozes at your feet. It’s a great option for dog owners looking for a casual, welcoming spot to dine out together.

Do keep in mind that there are a couple of exceptions – the Stratford and Trafford Centre restaurants do not allow dogs. Everywhere else, though, you and your pooch are likely to be greeted with a smile and plenty of fuss.

Sourdough Excellence

The best thing about Franco Manca is the dough. It’s slow-risen for 24 hours using a starter that dates back to the 18th century – and you can really taste the difference. The result is that perfect balance: soft and chewy in the middle, with just the right amount of crisp on the crust. Pair that with toppings sourced from small Italian farms and artisanal suppliers, and you’ve got a pizza that feels authentic, rustic and full of flavour. Honestly, their sourdough is always spot on – it’s the kind of pizza you find yourself craving again and again.

From Brixton Beginnings

What started as a little pizzeria in Brixton Market has grown into around 70 restaurants across the UK. Even with that steady growth, Franco Manca has managed to hold onto the things that made it special in the first place – great sourdough, simple ingredients, and a real sense of community.

A slice of history

Franco Manca was founded back in 2008 by Giuseppe Mascoli and Bridget Hugo. The name itself means “Franco is missing”… A nod to the original owner of the site, Franco, who had moved on. It’s a quirky little detail that adds to the charm.

List of Franco Manca Locations in the UK

Here’s a comprehensive list of current dog-friendly Franco Manca restaurants across the UK (as of July 2025). For further details – like addresses, hours, or booking, visit the Pizzerias page on their website.

London & Surroundings (Central, North, South, East, West London):
Aldwych, Baker Street, Balham, Belsize Park, Bermondsey, Bishopsgate, Blackheath Village, Brixton, Broadgate Circle, Broadway Market, Bromley, Chiswick, Covent Garden, Ealing, Earl’s Court, East Dulwich, Greenwich, Holborn, Hove (borderline), Islington, Kentish Town, Kilburn, Kingston, London Bridge, Muswell Hill, New Oxford Street, Northcote Road, Piccadilly Gardens, Putney, Richmond, Russell Square, Soho, South Kensington, Southfields, St. Paul’s, Stoke Newington, Tottenham Court Road, Victoria Nova, Waterloo, Westbourne Grove, Wimbledon, Windsor.

Outside London:
Bath, Birmingham, Bishop’s Stortford, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Chichester, Didsbury (Manchester), Edinburgh (St Andrews and Stockbridge), Exeter, Glasgow, Guildford, Leeds, Lincoln, Liverpool, Oxford, Plymouth, Reading and Southampton.

Why Franco Manca Stands Out for Pup Parents

Franco Manca isn’t just another pizza chain – it’s a place where great pizza and dog-friendly dining come together. The sourdough is carefully crafted, the ingredients are honest and full of flavour, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. The staff are super friendly towards dogs and they have water bowls on hand. It’s easy to see why Franco Manca has become a favourite spot for dog lovers across the UK.

There are just a few dog friendly house rules in place, which you can read here.

Our Experience with Franco Manca

“We recently visited the Bournemouth Franco Manca with our two pugs, Oscar and Henry, and were really impressed with the quality of their dough! Of course, pizza is their speciality, but the dough truly is top tier 👌🏼

To start, we had the garlic and pesto bread alongside the pulled chicken, which is one of the only dishes without bread. Both were delicious and the chicken isn’t something I’d usually order, but the flavour really surprised me. Very tasty!

For mains, we built our own pizzas: one ham and mushroom, and one chicken and mushroom (we couldn’t resist more of that pulled chicken). We also sampled four of their dips – hot honey, nduja, pesto and garlic – with the hot honey being the clear winner.

Even though we were full, we couldn’t skip dessert (all in the name of research, of course). We tried the tiramisu, which was light and tasty, but the real star of the show was the Nutella pizetta. It’s essentially a warm Nutella pizza. WOW 😍 It’s very rich and filling, so definitely one to share.

On the drinks side, I braved my first ever negroni. Not entirely my taste, but I can see why people like it. I followed with a glass of white wine. The wine selection is small, and the tumbler presentation wasn’t quite for me (I am a wine snob). We also sampled the homemade still lemonade and a coffee. The drinks weren’t the highlight, but honestly, you come here for the pizza – and that’s where Franco Manca really shines. We will definitely be back”.

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