Franco's - Italian Restaurant

Opened in 1946 Franco's has been serving the local community for over 60 years. It is a popular Italian restaurant in the heart of St. James's which offers guests a tranquil oasis away from the buzz of the city.

Three years ago the restaurant was restored to its former glory and was elegantly decorated with a 1940s theme. The walls adorned with attractive modern paintings and mirrors create a luxurious appearance that is yet comfortably reassuring.  Part of the Hambro family portfolio, Franco's is a reliable favourite, its character evolves throughout the day from the early morning breakfast, to the charged lunches and romantic candle lit dinners in the evening; an all day operation that is perfectly tuned.

The menu has been developed by the Head Chef Paulo Parlanti and combines both traditional and modern dishes. Only the very best seasonal ingredients are often flown in from Italy to ensure that the food is not only authentic but wonderfully flavoursome.

Whether it's a strong coffee and warm croissant before work or a hearty cooked breakfast, Franco's is the perfect setting for all those that prefer an early rise. The outside tables provide an excellent opportunity to watch the world go by whilst being warmed by the heaters. The menu comprises of old favourites such as eggs Benedict, as well as the recently launched Franco's special; a combination of both cooked and continental elements. For those more formal business meetings the smaller private dining room is an ideal space if privacy is required.

The lunches attract regulars and locals alike. Those who require a speedy meal generally head to the main restaurant to be part of the buzzing atmosphere, whilst those who prefer a more leisurely affair, head downstairs to the quieter and more relaxed ambience of the mirrored room. On the a la carte menu starters such as pan fried scallops with broad beans and mint purée, saffron dressing or sautéed chicken livers, parmesan basket and marsala sauce can be found along with mains of fillets of Dover sole with Jerusalem artichoke puree and a vast selection of quality cuts from the grill. Alternatively the splendid set lunch, that offers a choice of 2, 3 and 4 courses, pinches less in the current climate.

For the serious shoppers who have skipped lunch or those who are in search of a decadent treat, Franco's has introduced a full Afternoon Tea Menu with scones, cakes and finger sandwiches. In comparison with those offered by other establishments, who shall remain nameless, it is truly a steal. As evening falls, the lights of the West End beam and attract many to the theatre menu, which is probably the best value of the day, with a collaboration of dishes from the lunch and dinner menus. By dinner Franco's has changed gear again and offers a impressive range of classic dishes with marinated baby artichokes with rocket and Sardinian smoked ricotta, black tagliatelle with crab and scallop carpaccio, followed by pan fried duck breast with Casteluccio lentils and braised onion.

The wine list has been expertly devised to include a selection that is understandably of 80% Italian origin. Every year Franco's hosts Europe's largest Rose Wine list featuring wines from around the world.  Whatever the grape variety you prefer there will be something for you!

From intimate dinners, or lavish banquets to cocktail receptions and product launches the Mirrored Room is exceptionally versatile and can be transformed for any occasion. The space can hold up to 60 guests seated or 120 standing and can also be divided for smaller functions to allow an area for pre-dinner drinks or a break out space.

As Time Out magazine explains 'Franco's succeeds...by getting dozens of small details exactly right'. Their Website will tell you more.