Harden's survey result
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!”.
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!”
For 30 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 |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £28.00 | £35.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £28.00 | £35.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £16.00 | £42.00 | £6.00 | £9.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
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
"I betray my prejudice when I say how pleasantly surprised I was to have such a good lunch in Jermyn Street. But this is a serious Italian restaurant: witness the light antipasti dishes and sensible portions of very good primi and secondi piatti so that one can enjoyably construct a proper Italian meal. Wines by the glass are well-chosen and not ridiculously priced for the area. And service is prfessional and friendly."
61 Jermyn St, London, SW1Y 6LX
Opening hours
all day noon - 11 pm
Last orders: 10.30 pm
