Harden's survey result
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Summary
A “smart” interior where white linen abounds, and “very good” and courteous service are the badges of distinction at this St James’s institution (one of London’s oldest Italians, est 1946). “It’s very pleasant, even if the lack of space between tables is not ideal” and a major favourite amongst local pinstripes. “Perfect for a working breakfast too… unless you find the whole concept abhorrent!”
Summary
This “very old school St James’s destination comes with starched linen tablecloths, courteous waiters, high quality – if unadventurous – Italian food… and astronomical prices”; (“just walking in seemingly adds £1m to your personal net worth, but while plutocratic it carries none of the blingy nonsense that passes for style in flashier quarters”). A natural for local pinstripes: “sometimes I just sit and make it my office from breakfast onwards!”
Summary
“Attentive” staff know how to treat expense accounters at this St James’s Italian, whose dependable cooking and “absence of riff raff” appeal to local pinstripes (including for a working breakfast); it can also seem a tad “boring” and pricey however, and “all those hedgies make a lot of noise”.
Summary
“Good enough, without being spectacular”; this “efficient” St James’s Italian certainly has a handy location, especially for business, and it rarely positively disappoints; it can can seem rather “crowded”, though, and prices are “high”.
Owner's description
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.
Restaurant details
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.
Franco’s Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Franco's (an old favourite) seems to be resting on its laurels a bit. A couple of recent visits have led to me providing negative feedback to the waitress on the food. It used to be very reliable but for the prices they charge they could and should do much better"
