Harden's survey result
Summary
“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
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
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
“Simultaneously up-to-date and old-school” – one of London’s oldest Italians (dating from 1946) makes an ideal business lunch spot in St James’s, with a busy, bustling atmosphere that’s formal but “not too serious”, and with “excellent cooking and friendly service”. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is also rather “expensive”. Top Tip: “breakfast is always good here… especially if someone else is paying!”.
For 31 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
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 |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £32.00 | £38.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £18.00 | £38.00 | £7.00 | £9.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £4.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
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
"Old, classic but always feels quite fresh, so is a very pleasant and reliable place to eat. I have a strong sense that many - most?- diners are on expenses. Lucky them; for those of us paying for ourselves, it has gone from being 'certainly not cheap' to being 'really rather expensive'."
61 Jermyn St, London, SW1Y 6LX
Opening hours
| Monday | 8 am‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am‑11 pm |
| Friday | 8 am‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am‑11 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
