Da Franco &amp; Tony Ristorante

"There is so much to love here, where sharply dressed servers dish up equal parts warmth, hospitality and steaming bowls of pasta. The menu leans heavily toward that nostalgic sort of red-sauce, Italian-American cooking that is again finding more and more respect, thanks to mouthwatering dishes. The interior is lovely, which is particularly important since you’re in for a bit of a wait (everything is made fresh to order), but there won't be any complaints when irresistible pasta like garganelli alla Norma, with eggplant, tomato, basil pesto and fior di latte mozzarella, arrive. Maiale con Gorgonzola is a thick and tender pork chop with the namesake creamy sauce; tarta di fico, filled with figs and goat cheese, is another hit." - Michelin Inspector

The Best Italian Restaurants in The Bronx

"The menu leans heavily towards that nostalgic sort of red-sauce, Italian-American cooking that is again finding more and more respect, thanks to mouthwatering dishes like merluzzo marechiaro and veal scaloppini. The interior is lovely, which is particularly important since you’re in for a bit of a wait (everything is made fresh to order). But who would complain when fluffy knobs of potato gnocchi arrive tossed in basil pesto with Gorgonzola cheese and walnuts. Chicken scarpariello is perfectly caramelized, deeply flavored and bathed in a sinfully rich wine broth, fragrant with rosemary." - The MICHELIN Guide

Leonardo Espín

Google

Really good food. The seafood risotto and seafood pasta were great, made with really good ingredients. The risotto had lots of saffron too!. And that fig tart was so, so good Also the restaurant has such a great, neighborhood-joint atmosphere. The waiters clearly knew the clients, greeting them personally. Among the best Italian-American restaurants I've been to recently.

Debra Hamilton

Google

I attended a surprise birthday party held here and the food, service, and atmosphere made a very happy occasion that much more special. The appetizer arancini was the best I'd ever had. The salmon in mustard sauce was cooked perfectly. Personally, I have never liked Tiramisu, but here it was amazingly good. I tasted it, not expecting much, and was pleasantly surprised. I would definely return.

Edgar Aquino

Google

Small and cozy. Was looking for a quick bite after work, and found it and then some. Quiet atmosphere even as more customers were coming in. Ill def be coming back to the bx to this place.

kecia dorsey-rosa

Google

We stopped by because we were going to get pizza from next door but saw the restaurant & decided to get a meal. The clams oreganata were very good the sauce was watery but tasty. Chicken & veal parmigiana were very good, tender and sauce was so tasty. The sauce wasn't heavy it was light and flavorful. The restaurant was very cozy and made up nicely for the holidays. The staff was very welcoming so we will be back to try other dishes.

Chino Villanueva (MrDaisies)

Google

Great food and Spectacular service!!! Went here to experience a hearty Italian dinner and was not disappointed. They have a great selection of Italian menu item that will surely fulfill your heart’s desires. I started my journey with their fried calamari. This marvel is heaven in every bite. The calamari is soft, buttery and flavorful. I’ve never had one this good in a long time. Dip it in their marinara sauce, and you can call it a night. But the night doesn’t end yet, I ordered pasta carbonara for my main course and creamy pesto. Both dishes were superb. Each bite gives you comfort and satisfaction. Come visit this gem of restaurant in Middleton Road, the Bronx and experience their greatness

Kelly G

Google

Amazing food, amazing service & a nice and quiet atmosphere. Deff will be back!

Faith Gem

Google

The food was horribly bland. Stuffed artichoke had no stuffing and no flavor. Duck breast the skin should be crisp there's was soggy.

Mandy MacDonald

Google

Favorite spot in the Bronx. Without a doubt the best Italian food! And the staff is wonderful.

Alex Dallas M.

Yelp

I have been countless times and I really never have anything negative to say. I've been going to Franks Pizza next door for most of my life and when I heard they were opening this establishment next door I was sooo excited. I will get better at taking more pictures of my food here but everytime it arrives I forget about everything. I love their chicken parmesan the most as a staple. This is a place that I am not afraid to order the specials. I know that it will be tasty and excellently prepared. The service is always on point. The staff is friendly and accommodating. They always make you feel like family. The style of service is very old school but they do it in a charming way. The seating is comfortable and cozy. They always have everything clean and decorated nicely. The octopus was tender and had a great charred taste. the pasta was cooked to perfection. It was so flavorful and light. I will always recommend this place.

Carol S.

Yelp

The food is always above most The service excellent The ambiance is perfectly lit and quaint And most importantly, they make you feel like family

Lillian M.

Yelp

Food is exquisite, moderately priced, and the service is excellent. The waiter is very attentive!

Betty C.

Yelp

I love this restaurant. The food is amazing. The waitstaff are friendly, competent, and attentive. When I want an authentic, Italian meal in a friendly atmosphere DeFranco and Tony is the restaurant I go to. You won't be disappointed.

Kathleen R.

Yelp

The atmosphere was great. Delicious good and prompt service. I will definitely comeback!

Abram R.

Yelp

Great service, food was great and the ambiance as well too at the time of our visit. My son and I enjoyed the food and the owner went around to see all was to our satisfaction

Latinimpulse M.

Yelp

Good service ambience all good. Very friendly and very attentive. The owner of restaurant was very kind and went around to see if everything was ok.

Robert R.

Yelp

Walking in, you feel the quaintness of an old time ristorante. A small but fair sized dining area with a very friendly and pleasant staff. Subdued lighting makes somewhat romantic. It's a nice feel for a neighborhood restaurant But we did not come for romance, we went for three food. The wine was superb, the oysters oreganotto, were different and had potential My date had the

Katiria R.

Yelp

I live really close to this place. I order at least once a week. Depending on who picks the phone, you might get a good experience or a rude experience. I always ordered the same thing chicken parm with a salad always pay regular price. I called today someone new picked up, and tells me I can't ordered it like that it comes with vegetables or pasta if you want salad it's gonna be extra. I'm like what I always ordered the same thing the same way all the time. He even goes to say the owner is now here. So if give you the right to chatge me more. Didn't like how it make me feel. Like I was getting scammed for thing I ordered on a regular for the last year. Don't know if I'm coming back. It's sad been going there for years I already say hi to the owner he also own the pizza sho on the corner. One bad employee can ruin Everything.

Mickey B.

Yelp

One of the best Restaurants in the Bronx Food is outstanding Great atmosphere Wait staff , owner very professional and friendly They make you feel at home there

Randall M.

Yelp

It's been many years since my last visit to Da Franco and Tony. We were a large group for lunch. This visit was not quite as good as the first. I started with the special of PEI mussels in a Pesto sauce. The Mussels weren't very fresh, and the sauce was dull. I ordered the special Pasta with Scallops and Artichokes. The dish was under seasoned, and a bit skimpy. Everybody at the table enjoyed their Desserts. I particularly liked my Chocolate cake. Our server was friendly, and Da Franco draws a nice crowd.

Taina V.

Yelp

This is quite literally a perfect restaurant. I love everything about it, every time I dine or order from here. Not a single bad thing to say. One of my favorite restaurants in the city.

Daniel M.

Yelp

We had a table of 6ppl, i came in because our friends highly recommended the home made lasagna as well as the home made pastas. Everyone order something different but the home made lasagna was the most popular dish on the table as we had 3 orders of it, soft al dente lasagna noodle built with delicious layers of pork, veal and sausage. Truly very home made lasagna, just like the one my Italian grandma makes... Definitely we will come back to try the rest of the menu, totally worth it. For dessert we order an assorted platter which had cheesecake, Napoleon, tiramisu. Service was very attentive and we got to sit in the back under the tent as it was not a cold day and the heaters were on so the ladies were comfortable.

Janice G.

Yelp

A nice and quaint restaurant . The service so far has been very good . The chef has been very accommodating to my allergy needs. I cannot eat sauce cooked with basil and even though they do , the chef makes my eggplant and pasta dish with fresh tomato sauce. I've been to several Italian restaurants and they will not accommodate my allergy needs and they have every time I go there. I'm very grateful that I can finally order an eggplant dish and enjoy it without having to worry about any food allergies. Kudos to Da Franco & Tony's Restaurant !!!!!!!

Thor G.

Yelp

Love this restaurant! The food and drinks are excellent. Perfect for meeting friends, family, coworkers, dates. Even when it's packed, it's still relatively quiet. I'm here all the time and the service is always amazing. Never a bad or even mediocre meal. Definitely a spot for locals, but bring your friends and family from out of town for a genuine Bronx experience.

Amy S.

Yelp

We always have a delicious meal and phenomenal service! We come back again and again and choose this restaurant to celebrate special events.

Jon R.

Yelp

Tired Da Franco & Tony for the first time tonight on a recommendation from someone my wife worked with. A nice neighborhood restaurant in The Bronx with an old world Italian ambiance. Classic Italian dishes (Chicken Parmigiana, Ravioli, Carbonara, etc.) but also upgraded twists on classic dishes. The staff are super attentive and extremely polite. Being a neighborhood place, Da Franco and Tony certainly have their regulars but us first timers were made to feel like regulars. Our dishes came out timely, hot and delicious. I had Chicken Parmigiana which turned out to be the best I've ever had! My wife had Chicken Martini with roasted veggies. Certainly a place to return to often, New favorite place

Dana M.

Yelp

Great atmosphere, attentive wait staff, and fantastic food. The pricing is reasonable.

Frances F.

Yelp

Everyone told me the food here was so good, and I ordered filet mignon and I was so disappointed that they gave me three thin slices of steak piled on top of each other. I wasn't even sure it was filet mignon.

william t.

Yelp

Stopped here on my way to JFK. Recommended by friends. We were a group of 3. Food was fair, lentil soup was bland my chicken dish was nothing like the menu. Chicken super tough and boring. Pasta was over cooked. The Bronx is an Italian food paradise. Sorry to say this place is not one of them

Ruth M.

Yelp

The service was great. Food was delicious. We sat in the back and it was sooo adorable. Super colorful and very cozy. My family and I had a great time.

Lenore F.

Yelp

Excellent restaurant!!!! My sister found our grandparents gravesite at the Old Saint Raymond's Cemetery. We had never been and they passed long before we were born. Since we planned on having lunch afterwards we wanted to find a good restaurant in the area. Well we scored big with Da Franco and Tony's. It was only 1 1/2 miles away, metered parking on the street, right in front of their door. They have an excellent "lunch special" which gives you a choice for an appetizer, entree, dessert and coffee. And the choices were great. I got the beets & mozzarella with balsamic dressing, the chicken martini, ricotta cheesecake and coffee. They also gave us a large basket of warm herb rolls which were yummy. I asked our wonderful waiter Mario if I could take the rest home and he said sure. He packed them up beautifully in bakery bags. I give them 5 stars and will definitely return.

Patrick R.

Yelp

Nice open but yet cozy restaurant, I think they have a back party room as well. When we walked in we were greeted by Alex and Mario the 2 servers, very Nice and friendly. They took our drink our right away, brought out bread along with a plate of cheese, olives and sliced sweet suprosat. A very nice touch We ordered the watermelon salad, with cheese and balsamic glaze. It was delicious. My wife ordered jumbo shrimp over spaghetti in a fra diavlo sauce. I ordered the branzino over spinach, and a few slices sautéed potato and garlic. My daughter had homemade Cavatteli. Everything was delicious and tasty. My wife had merlot with her meal and I had a vodka martini. Alex and Mario did a great job, fast and attentive. We highly recommend if you are ever in the area

Tracy K.

Yelp

Traditional Italian dining. Good service. Small intimate atmosphere. Good for a small group or romantic dinner. Tried gnocchi with pesto and lasagne. Good flavor all around. Nice wine list.

Selina M.

Yelp

Really delicious, best low tone Italian music in the background. Top notch waiter service.

Blanca P.

Yelp

Deliceous good and drinks. Wine suggestion would be the Lost Chapters Cab which is exceptional.

Yvelise S.

Yelp

This place brings you to a classic Italian New York restaurant. As soon as you walk in your are treated like part of the family and fed just like Nonna would feed you!

Dom C.

Yelp

Always great! Best Italian restaurant in the Bronx! Its our favorite. Service is always warm and welcoming as well. The specials are to die for!

Daniel H.

Yelp

Never disappointing. Read my previous reviews and add the following --- my Chicken Parmigiana main course was huge and tender, the sauce amazingly delicious. My wife had a penne dish that was out of this world. For an appetizer we shared a special dish --- a baked artichoke dish --- which was quite good. Cappuccinos were awesome and hot and foamy and we split a flan for dessert. The owner checked in on us and the server was awesome and saw to our every need. his place should be packed every night, it's just THAT good.

Raymond R.

Yelp

Great place to eat. Went with my wife to celebrate our anniversary. Treated us like family. Good food and service. Definitely will be returning.

Monica T.

Yelp

Came here on a date shortly after dining in was allowed in NYC again. Definitely a hidden spot in the Bronx that I'd have never known about as someone who's had limited experience in the area. Food was delicious, service was amazing, and I got to go with someone who seemed to be a regular so no complaints here.

Glenn K.

Yelp

Great little Italian Restaurant, excellent service from waiter and his assistant. Good choice of wines and full bar. Table next to us ordered 2 dirty martinis and they looked delicious. Some different types of entrees, like chicken martini that was delicious and tender and what an amazing sauce, I had the veal Sorrentino which is one of my favorites but I have to say I should have ordered the veal cognac.... Sorrentino was very good not great. What was great was the stuffed Artichoke appetizer special, tender leaves and heart and once again a great chicken stock broth. A complimentary cheese, salami, and olives to go along with a hot bread basket. We ended with a pistachio layered cake slice that was light and nutty. There were only 3 other couples in the restaurant that were regulars, I know this because the owner came out to say hello to all those 3 couples and walked right past us without saying a word.... not cool. I would recommend this restaurant , but for me been there and done that , so many more to try and enjoy. Ciao

Elizabeth S.

Yelp

I love this place! Food is amazing! Service is always great and it's ver quant!! Highly recommend

John V.

Yelp

We were in the Bronx for an event and we wanted to grab dinner. We selected Da Franco & Tony for it's proximity to our hotel, and are glad we did. This is a "neighborhood" restaurant, small and with local character. The staff was very attentive, service was great. The food was outstanding. We had Martini Chicken and a Skirt Steak special. Followed this up with Flan for dessert. I love it when "just grabbing dinner" turns into a truly enjoyable meal. Definitely on our repeat list! I

Bret B.

Yelp

Wow! Pulled in for 3:30pm lunch on whim and so enjoyed the food. Tri-colore, bread service, gratis small anti pasta, lemon chicken. Simple and so good. Not surprised after the fact checked yelp and 4.5. I give it *****

Ony N.

Yelp

Went with cousin to the restaurant on an early Decenbet Sunday around 1 pm. The restaurant was empty (but not for long). We were greeted warmly and chose a window adjacent table. We had appetizer, drinks, main meal, dessert and drinks. We enjoyed it alll. I had the spinach and egg soup for appetizer which I loved its delicate flavor. My cousin had an octopus appetizer, I wish I old remember the name, that was robust, savory. Delish all around! We both ordered from the specials and shared dessert. It was a warm and cozy setting that had a great family feel. Shortly after we arrived other patrons came and the place was nearly full. Seemed like the place were filling up with people who were catching up with family or close friends. It was great a great vibe.

Gregory F.

Yelp

Nice, clean and cozy Italian restaurant. Food was great. Service was great. Had the lamb shank. It was fabulous. I recommend this place!

Alp P.

Yelp

Seriously great food. Fresh ingredients, perfectly prepared. An unexpected gem. Will post some more detailed review next time I'm there. I was too busy enjoying the food!

Linda D.

Yelp

First time dining in. I had ordered an order to go, once. That was the real test, if an order to go is good, then the dine in is even better. Tonight they started us with some wonderful bread and butter. And alittle antipasto, filled with lots of favorites! Olives, dried sausage, cheese! Then we ordered the polenta, with mushrooms and truffle oil! I had the filet of sole franchese. My husband had the chicken martini. All the food was good. Service seemed a little slow, but I think they had a large crowd going on in the back room. Over all, food was very good!

T R.

Yelp

My mother and I were very good customers here. The staff knew us and we always had a great experience. One day I stopped by to place a take- out order and when I was given the bill, I noticed the bill was higher than it should have been. I asked the waiter who assisted me about the bill and he said the cost of the items had gone up. I said he should have told me that before I placed the order and he shouldn't have given me a menu to order from with incorrect pricing. I asked if he would honor the pricing on the menu and he said no. I left the food, refused to pay the bill and will never go back there again.

erika c.

Yelp

The best chicken parm in the Bronx lol. Nice and thin, good flavor, and cuts like butter!

Achille G.

Yelp

For a restaurant connected to a pizzeria on middle town road near the strain station. I was really surprised by the decor and atmosphere of the restaurant. They put a small antipasto on the table with the bread that I was really surprised and impressed with it. I ordered baked clams and there special of a stuffed artichoke as our appetizers. The baked clams were kinda expensive and not the worst that I have ever eaten but far from The best. The artichokes were stuffed with breading, in my opinion it could have used more stuffing..The appetizers camr fairly quick but the entrees took long to come to the table , I had to ask the waiter what was taking so long. But the food was hot and very good. Definitely a nice place to take Someone on a date if looking to stay local. I would go back.

Mercedes C.

Yelp

I want to extend a special thank you to my Yelp Friend, Jason M., who has dined here a few times. I've read his reviews, and in doing so, has made me want to give it a try...... I really enjoy awesome, well made Italian cuisine. I'm not Italian, and may not know a lot, but, I've had my share of inadequate Italian food in the past. I also know this much, that Da Franco & Tony Ristorante, definitely stands out as a really good Italian restaurant in The Bronx. Compared to other restaurants on the same street, Da Franco & Tony, has a nice look both inside and out. What I also liked, is that Da Franco & Tony Is the only restaurant of its kind (that I noticed) that popped in style in that area. Da Franco & Tony is inviting and comfortable. Walls on one side are brick, then paintings on the opposite wall. My sisters, Mumsy and I were immediately and attention after that was amazing. Prix fixe menu, has several delicious-sounding appetizers, entree and dessert for $18.95 to choose from. For that dollar amount, you'd think that selections might be on the low end in taste, but Da Franco & Tony came on top. Although portions are small, flavors were definitely incredible. As part of the dessert portion in their prix fixe menu, a choice of Tiramisu or Italian Cheesecake were offered. I went with neither. Bypassed those desserts on the menu, just because Tiramisu has coffee in it and the Italian Cheesecake, well......I wasn't in the mood for. However, our server brought out the "Viennese Table" with other desserts to choose from. One of my sisters though, had the Tiramisu, while the other, had the Italian Cheesecake- and both enjoyed theirs and I had the Chocolate Lava Cake. Hands down to the service at Da Franco & Tony: the spacing between our meals was excellent and our dishes were promptly brought out. In the end, the two servers were on top of everything. My family's lunch experience was wonderful and so satisfying, and will eventually make reservations for dinner- sometime.

Jay J.

Yelp

All I can say is, What a Find!!! The service was great, the food was fabulous. If you are ever in the neighborhood, you have to check this place out. They have an amazing menu, for a restaurant this size.

Chris M.

Yelp

Hidden gem. Excellent food, all the appetizers were delicious, had the chicken parm which was THIN, as it should be, and delicious. Waiter was excellent, attentive and accommodating to special requests.

Jason M.

Yelp

Dined again at Da Franco & Tony's tonight and felt the need to upgrade my review to a 5 - the food and service totally warrant it. We started tonight with the fried calamari app - they also had a stuffed artichoke on special so my dad ordered that. The calamari was good - not overly crispy, served with their marinara sauce on the side. Squeezing some fresh lemon on the calamari and dipping it in the marinara added a nice bite to it. For my main I had the chicken special - topped with mozzarella and spinach served with roasted potatoes. It was simple but very tasty and fresh. I decided to go with fruit topped with whipped cream and a cappuccino for dessert - perfect finisher. While the food was very good, the service is what really wowed me. Everyone was friendly, the pace of the entire meal was perfect, and they even offered us complementary after-dinner drinks. Looking forward to many more dinners at Da Franco & Tony's =)

Alfredo K.

Yelp

This place always has great food and great service. They have a new dessert menu and the staff is always friendly with perfect service. I had the chicken parm and my wife had the salmon with mustard sauce. Both dishes were delicious and expertly prepared. The place follows all covid related regulations. There is hand sanitizer in the entrance and on each table. The tables are spaced far enough apart and the staff wears masks. There are also a few tables outside the restaurant for outdoor dining.

Saadia W.

Yelp

Love this place, we go so much the staff knows us. Small, homey, great food, great wine, great desserts. Highly recommended

John Q.

Yelp

1 word: Outstanding Service is wonderful, the food is creative while still traditional, the environment is intimate, and portion sizes ample. Go here and you won't be disappointed.

The Best Italian Restaurants in The Bronx