RestaurantsLondonSt James'sSW1
HARDENS CLUB PARTNER

survey result

Summary

£88
 ££££
3
Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“An old classic that always feels fresh” – this spry 75-year-old Italian in St James’s is “very consistent” and provides “a lovely, busy atmosphere” that’s “suited to eating with clients or friends”. That it’s “a bit pricey” is a theme running through most reports on it, though (“very pleasant, but I have a strong sense that many – most? – diners are on expenses… lucky them!”; “…lovely for the deep-pocketed, with traditional fare that’s well done, but at astronomical prices”). Top Tip – “they do a decent line in business breakfast”.

Summary

£84
 ££££
3
Good
3
Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“A gem on Jermyn Street” – this “swanky St James’s Italian classic” has been trading for 75 years but still, paradoxically, “feels a little undiscovered”. Generally “reliable” and “a very good place for a business breakfast and lunch”, it has to be noted that those not adding the bill to their expenses claim can find it “very expensive”. From another perspective, though, “it may be an odd choice for romance, but if you need to show how sophisticated, stylish, discreet and just plain wealthy you are, why go anywhere else?”.

Summary

£63
  £££
3
Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Classic St James’s Italian, whose convivial and civilised quarters amd “totally reliable food” make it “one of the best all-rounders in the area” and, in particular, “a good choice for a business lunch” (or breakfast, which is very good here). It was opened in 1946 by the Wiltons group, and emerged from a major refurb in autumn 2019 with a new bar, refreshed decor and a menu shake-up. “Despite its popularity (and vintage), it retains a freshness both in the food and the service”, and while by no means cheap, regulars say “it always delivers”.

Summary

£63
  £££
3
Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Classic St James’s Italian, whose convivial and civilised quarters amd “totally reliable food” make it “one of the best all-rounders in the area” and, in particular, “a good choice for a business lunch” (or breakfast, which is very good here). It was opened in 1946 by the Wiltons group, and emerged from a major refurb in autumn 2019 with a new bar, refreshed decor and a menu shake-up. “Despite its popularity (and vintage), it retains a freshness both in the food and the service”, and while by no means cheap, regulars say “it always delivers”.

For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Franco’s?

Owner's description

Franco’s has been serving the community and visitors to St James’s from early morning to late at night, for over 60 years.

Situated at the St James’s end of Jermyn Street, Franco’s is surrounded by the many lifestyle boutiques, private clubs, art galleries and hotels of the area.

Open all day, the personality of the restaurant evolves from a quietly and gently efficient breakfast venue to a sharp and charged lunch atmosphere, to elegance and romance in the evening.

The lunch and dinner menus highlight carefully prepared traditional and more modern Italian dishes and the relaxed and friendly service ensures there is always somebody to greet you with a smile.

Prices

Availability 2 courses 3 courses coffee included service included
Always £35.00 £41.00

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Veggies Pudding
£20.00 £36.00 £11.00 £12.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £25.00
Filter Coffee £4.50
Extras  
Bread £5.00
Service 15.00%

Restaurant details

Yes
Highchair,Portions
Yes
16, 55
No dress code
120

The chef

Stefano Turconi

Head Chef

Stefano joined Franco’s as a senior chef de partie two years after the restaurant’s initial re-design in 2005.  After successfully working in all the sections of the kitchen, he was soon promoted to the position of senior sous chef.  Two years later when the previous head chef resigned, it was an easy decision to promote Stefano to Head Chef.  Stefano continues to inspire and delight with new dishes on a daily basis.  Although from the north of Italy, Stefano has a passion for many of the ingredients from central and southern regions.  With Stefano’s thoughtful guidance, Franco’s continues to focus on ensuring the consistency and quality of all the products we serve.

Private dining

Our private dining space offers many options and can be set up to suit your needs, for whatever the occasion. From board room style private meetings, product launches, presentations, seminars, cocktail and dinner parties, family re-unions, birthdays and anniversaries Franco’s is the perfect setting for your important event.

Franco’s Restaurant Diner Reviews

Reviews of Franco’s Restaurant in SW1, London by users of Hardens.com. Also see the editors review of Franco’s restaurant.
Nigel H
This place has become too used to people wh...
Reviewed 1 months, 12 days ago

"This place has become too used to people who don’t care what they get for what they pay. Brusque service and overpriced food – why would you pay £35 for pasta with mushrooms?"

Report this comment
Nigel H
This place has become too used to people wh...
Reviewed 1 months, 12 days ago

"This place has become too used to people who don’t care what they get for what they pay. Brusque service and overpriced food – why would you pay £35 for pasta with mushrooms?"

Report this comment
Victoria H
All service is delivered with a smile and s...
Reviewed 7 months, 1 day ago

"All service is delivered with a smile and staff are genuine and happy to assist. Delicious food. "

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61 Jermyn St, London, SW1Y 6LX
Make A Booking
Opening hours
Monday8 am‑11 pm
Tuesday8 am‑11 pm
Wednesday8 am‑11 pm
Thursday8 am‑11 pm
Friday8 am‑11 pm
Saturday2:30 pm‑11 pm
SundayCLOSED

The 2024 Harden's Guide

2024 Hardens London Restaurant Guide

"User friendly in price, size and outlook"

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