Franco's

Visiting Franco’s this past weekend was a treat to say the least! I have been coming to this lovely restaurant for the past 30 years with my family. We live two hours away and when we visit Norfolk, we always stop in for a great dinner here. The piano player was playing his lovely music and seeing him was marvelous. A huge thank you to our waitress, Emily for getting us their famous house dressing to take home. You were so sweet to us and we will be back to see you! The food is incredible and so is the staff. I look forward to visiting your restaurant each time.

Quaint Italian restauraunt. The sauce was amazing. We had the calzones. They were great. Crust was just right. We were happy with our orders. The piano music made it a great experience.

Wow! We ran across this gem completely by accident, we live out of town. So glad we did! Feels like the little neighborhood restaurants from back home in Philly. The marinara was sublime! Highly recommend! And the price not bad either

We dined at Franco's by the Sea on Mother's day. Exquisite! I could not wait to go back on my birthday, for the piano bar. We had to sit near the door, and 2 gentlemen near us were very drunk and loud. We received our appetizer, calamari. It was very tough. We asked for another calamari, but it was nothing like we had at the Ocean View location. My eggplant parmigiana was good but my date's veal was tough. To add to it, the poor piano player was banging out tunes, hitting the wrong keys. I made the most of it, but I was embarrassed to have suggested dining there. Sorry. .

Family stopped by to eat there on our way to visit the botanical gardens not too far away. Parking is shared as it is a shopping center but no problems were experienced. Our waitress Lori did a great job. The inside is kinda of dated in appearance a dark but with its own charm. I give it a 4 simply because it needs some upkeep. We didn't see any heightchairs at first but they were hiding in the bathroom area. Not the most sanitary place and it was small, dark, and sticky back there. I hope it becomes more inviting maybe a new coat of paint or something or fix small tears in the upholstery. We had pizza and that tasted just fine.

Best italian food I’ve ever had in my life. Chicken parm cooked to perfection o only stopped here waiting for delayed flight to to kill time and so glad I did I will return with more people

We have eaten here since they opened in the 80’s. We eat at several other Italian restaurants around the area. Day in and day out I would take this over many of the others. I have tried many antipasto salads and this is by far the best, the dressing is the key, by far the best I have ever encounter. Same thing goes for the sausage. Never have I been able to find any as good at any other Italian restaurant I eat in. Now let’s talk about “Pizza Bread”…..you have to go and fine out for yourself:-) we are always happy here. Chairs are a might lumpy (some)….try it out January 2025.........Lets talk about French fries and steal & Cheese hoagie.........i know there are many kinds of commercial grade french fries available to restaurant to usr and i do not know what kind they are, but by far some of the best in Tidewater. Now the steak and cheese hoagie - rated the same as the french fries. my opinion only and i am 80 and have never eaten a steak hoagie in any other place , so i can not compare it, but i can tell you it is outstanding

Lives up to its historic record. Meatballs are excellent and pizza was delicious. Carafe of wine is a good value and service was fast (if you get the Sicilian pizza you may wait up to an hour, but enjoy the wine while you wait). Definitely worth the trip and if they will take a reservation, make one if going on a Friday or Saturday. They do close a little earlier compared to other restaurants.

Omg best food! Chicken Marcella with Angel hair pasta. I would get this dish if you like mushrooms. We have been to this restaurant a lot of times I get did dishes each time. I can not say enough good things about this restaurant. If you have never been there you should go.

Atmosphere is nice Greeted upon entry and was told to sit any where Our waitress was excellent This pizza place is one of my son's favorite we usually go once a month after school to grab something to eat and talk

The food here was pretty good I had the cheese ravioli and a side of meatballs the meatballs were incredible and the ravioli was alright. The service was incredible everyone was so friendly and fast. This a good family friendly spot and it wasn't too busy.

We usually frequent Oceanview and were told about the "original location". Cannot tell you how much better the "original" location was in food quality and taste, Atmosphere, and friendliness! Even the cooks were eager to great and welcome you!

Old-school neighborhood Italian eatery that honestly feels like stepping back into the 1980s. On a summer Friday night, I had a fine experience, first time trying Franco's. Decor is decidedly dated, with ancient plastic tablecloths and tables/chairs/booths that are past their prime. But what counts are food and service, and both were exceptional. I had Angel Hair pasta with sausage and a house salad. Fresh bread was brought out, hot with oil. There was a piano player tickling the keys in the corner of the restaurant and the perfect volume; kitsch but cute. Pricey overall ($32), but a solid B performance for Franco's.

Unfortunately, the Philly steak & provolone cheese was not as delicious as in the past. The sub roll was not fresh and there was less meat.

Our server was nice. BUT, we ordered mozzarella salad, and a Stromboli Combo. The mozzarella cheese was very dry. The Stromboli was awful. It had a hard, overcooked crust. it Wasn't good. We asked to see a manager. She came and was snooty from the first. There was no "customer is right" attitude. ...called my boyfriend a liar. There was no compensation for the poor quality. We won't be back.

Excellent taste, service and overall value! We will go back although it's a 30 minute drive from our house. It's well worth it!

Food at Franco's is consistently Wonderful! Bread- Salads- Chicken Marsala- Lasagna are always fabulous! My only suggestion would be the booths- tables are in need of a refresh/ repair. The booths are not all the same size- some have more room- seats are ripped in many booths. I've seen older customers struggle with getting their walkers in and into a table. Consider removing a few table and chairs for easier access for many of your aging and I bet very loyal customers. Same for booths- take a few out for easy access and replace the ripped booth seating. If you did that you would be in great shape for another 25+ years because your food is fantastic.

Hands down the best and most authentic Italian food in the 757. My dad first took me here about 10-15 years ago and I fell in love. I've eaten cannoli's at so many restaurants throughout the years and nothing compares to the chocolate chip cannoli here. The meatballs are 100% beef and I think the biggest secret is how they are so moist! Everything is fresh and incredible and I continue to come here over and over again.

This place is great. Never had a bad meal. The staff is friendly and efficient. We go to Franco's often.

By FAR! the best italian food and most authentic in the 757 area. I have been going here for about 15 years and it has always been the same! The waitresses are knowledgeable of all the menu items. On the weekends, there is someone who is at the restaurant and plays the piano during dinner service, how wonderful is that! Couldn't have had a better ambiance than this! We ordered the chicken marsala, and the franco trio. WONDERFUL veal! everything was an A+. Included is a delicious homemade cannoli to end the night, please take a chance and go here!!! Wonderful place!

We were immediately greeted and told to choose a seat. Service was quick. Dining area and restrooms were clean. Music was lively. Food was delicious. Overall an enjoyable experience. I would return. Be warned, they serve big, so bring your appetite.

I'm giving it 2 stars because customer service comes before anything!!! I was delivering food and landed an order here. I came in spoke and informed them of the order. they were rude and did not speak back. the food smelt amazing and I was willing to try it out. But I do not believe in paying for rude service. hopefully they better their service.

This restaurant is a hidden gem! Right by the airport- super convenient and the portions are HUGEEEEEE a small calzone could be split between the entire table of 3. The service was great and super quick! I'll be back soon!

Food was great, our server was great, and the atmosphere was nice until one of the other servers,kitchen staff, or management (what ever he was) decided to start telling crude jokes at the tables that were next to us with our 3 year old listening. One person can ruin a whole meal from feet away. Will not be returning.

If you are looking for some of the best authentic Italian food. Franco's is a must. The pasta, pizza and cheese steaks are all amazing. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The bread is made fresh for the cheese steaks and My God it is a blessing to your tastebuds!!'

Amazing food and a great piano player. The veal plates are wonderful. Spaghetti and meatballs is my go to for a test of every Italian restaurant. If it's bad, the restaurant is bad. Franco's was super!

The combo calzone it's awesome! The servers were super nice and the service was good.

This is a longtime favorite of my husband and I. The food is good and the friendliness is outstanding. This is the place we can be sure to get a good meal, no matter what we order.

The biggest problem I have with Franco's is I never know which of my favorites to order. I will start with my husbands favorite, The Cheesesteak Sub. This isn't your average cheesesteak. Franco's uses actual Steak, very thinly sliced. Great flavor, with the perfect amount of cheese. If you are like me your first thought may be "chewability" of the real steak; meaning, does it have tough Fatty spots? No, not at all. The lasagne is one of my favorites. If you want homemade lasagne, but do not feel like cooking, look no further. Guys, this is good lasagne. I highly recommend Franco's. Oh, their portion sizes are big, so save room. If you are a big eater, you will not leave hungry. If you are not a big eater, you will have enough for two meals. I included a pic of my ToGo lasagne. (Note that it got jostled around some in my car so the presentation is mine and not Franco's)

Excellent Italian cuisine, service, ambience. Also, delighted with piano player on beautiful baby grand.

Amazing pizza tonight!! Never had a pizza with ricotta cheese on it. Dave Portnoy needs to come to Franco's. Unbelievable undercarriage, awesome crisp!

Wow! I have never had a better eggplant Parmesan and instead of noodles you can get a house salad. Get a house salad. It's wonderful too. Great service. I'll definitely be back.

Food was OK. I ordered chicken marsala and expected more than plain boiled looking chicken and canned mushrooms but everyone else in my party enjoyed their food. Very disappointed in the staff - there was a couple who sat right behind us and looked sick. Coughing constantly. The waitress came to them and asked if they were "doing better" (so obviously regulars) and the woman started talking about how she was recovering from COVID. I was very uncomfortable and got my family up and went to the register to pay before we finished eating. The waitress asked if we liked our food and I said it was fine but we were uncomfortable with the couple who admitted to having COVID behind us. She just shrugged her shoulders and said there wasn't anything she could do about it. So I guess if you're looking to pay high prices for mediocre food and potentially get sick from other patrons because no one has any respect for others, this is the restaurant to go to!

I ordered the scallops,meatball sub, and spaghetti. The scallops was burnt. The meatball sub was terrible,horrible,and, not edible, The spaghetti has a lack of sauce taste like you can make it from a garage. I'll call back to tell them that the scallops was Burnt they say they don't care, so I won't be going back there no more and I wouldn't recommend nobody else to go back

There Marsala chicken is sooo amazing. I'm about to order it again. They are so worth the money.

Had an early dinner with my brother yesterday at Franco's. The food was excellent and the service was outstanding. The restaurant is very clean, the atmosphere is relaxed and there was a piano player taking requests. It was a Saturday, not sure the piano player is there every night. My brother ordered Valentino with the zucchini appetizer which he proclaimed as the best he has ever had. Our waitress, Melony, was very attentive and went out of her way to make sure we enjoyed our dinner. Prices are very reasonable.

I really wanted to love this place since it's not a chain, is locally owned and has gotten some great reviews lately. Unfortunately, our visit doesn't merit any more than 2 stars. It's super cramped. You walk in the door right on top of tables. No one greeted us, so we weren't sure if we had to wait to be seated or should seat ourselves. The servers behind the "bar" just glanced up at us. Luckily, there was no one sitting at the tables near the door, or it would have been really awkward. Finally a server yelled out "anywhere" so we figured we'd seat ourselves. So much for any welcoming warm fuzzies. We chose a booth in the back, so we wouldn't be sitting on top of our neighbors. It was SO cramped. You can barely get in and out of them and the table is right up against your midsection - and we are not big people! But enough about claustrophobia. A server came up to take our drink order and when my Hubby ordered sweet tea, we were told they only have unsweetened. Um wow. We're in the south. I can't name one other place in the area that doesn't serve sweet tea. Maybe they are out there, but we've never run across one. We ordered entrees- rigatoni with meat sauce for him, stuffed shells for me. Guess what? Entrees don't come with a salad. How about mozzarella salad (it was even on their chalkboard as an appetizer and on the printed menu)? Nope. Didn't have any yesterday and still out. Ok, no worries, we ordered a side salad....and were charged $4.45 a pop for a house salad that was nothing more than romaine lettuce, huge chunks of raw onion, one slice of a Roma tomato and 3 slices of black olive. The slice of provolone and salami was a nice touch though, but the dressing tasted like it came out of one of those industrial size jugs. The shells were good, but pretty standard. Nothing to write home about. The meat sauce in Hubby's rigatoni tasted homemade, though he would have liked to have had some more sauce to go with the meat. The bread that comes with the entrees was yummy though! Warm and crusty on the outside and soft in the middle. Unfortunately, that's not enough to make us come back.

This is one of my favorite places, when I need a chicken Parm sandwich in my life, this is my destination. It reminds me of the little Italian restaurants where I grew up and people that work there are wonderful, its a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Franco's is delicious and open during COVID times for take out only! Highly recommend - they were fast and grateful! love this place and love supporting local businesses!

Such a disappointing visit this past weekend. One server told us to take a seat to wait, then another came over and said "find a table". So we found a table. Then no one gave us menus or came over to us. They were busy with a birthday party and we were completely ignored. I think they were relieved when we walked out. Won't be going back. Too bad because our earlier experience was more positive.

Not gonna lie Francos does not look like much as you walk up and even as you walk in, its very small with too many tables very close together, the booths are old and the lighting is horrible. The service is just okay my waitress had moments where she was friendly and moments where she was just kinda cold. The menu is simple very to the point but I will say the food is delicious. I got the chicken parm and it was absolutely fantastic. They make the breadcrumbs in house as well as the sauce. It was delicious so good I had to use the bread to soak up the leftover sauce. I will be back for more food, plus I wanna try their pizza.

Franco's is an amazing Italian restaurant, their meatballs are insanely good (but don't go here expecting to get any kind of white sauce). They always start you off with fresh hot bread that you could eat the whole loaf of! I've eaten everything from there salads, to calamari to chicken dishes. I haven't had anything bad there except their wine list. I really hope in the future they will look at expanding their wines especially with Italian food and wine pairing so well.

First time here. Came in at 6pm for dinner. I had an event at 7pm. Well, it's now 7:30 and we still don't have food. I've never been late to anything in my entire adult life and now I'm missing my event. My waitress forgot to put in our food order. I don't eat after 7pm, because it makes me feel sick. I'm trying not to be upset, but here we are.. now it's 7:45 and my kid still doesn't even have her spaghetti. We're leaving with no dinner and no event. I can't believe they made us pay for our soft drinks even.

I have adored Franco's Italian Restaurant for several decades. The food is always fabulous. The veal marsala is the dish by which I judge all other versions. I've ordered it all over the US and never had a better version than Franco's. Everything is always fresh and I've never been disappointed with a meal at Franco's, be it lunch or dinner. However, I was very disappointed with my last visit, as the restaurant just looks and feels tired. The food is great and the service was wonderful, but the restaurant itself is just fallen into a depression. It is definitely time for the ownership to invest in a refresh so that the atmosphere will be on par with the food and service. Dining is an overall experience and this one fell a little short for me.

This is the best-kept secret for Italian restaurants in Norfolk. From the outside, you will easily drive past it not thinking much. The shopping center itself is kind of ran down. but that adds to the magic of Franco's you get in there and you feel very intimate and the music is playing. Still feeling laid back because the staff is non-chalant so it keeps it from feeling too formal. One of my favorites.

Started off by seating ourselves which was interesting because we had a party of 6 and all the open tables only fit 4. Figured that out then got met with an attitude which is super. After ordering we wait for which seemed like an extraordinary amount of time (I do understand it was fairly busy but I don't give a shit I'm hungry!) our food came out but we had to wait an extra 20 MINUTES for a small cheese pizza for a 6 year old which is amazing! Well the pizza took so long our 6 year old ate all the table bread so we got the pizza to go minus 1 pice of pizza. Pay the bill and find out gratuity was automatically added ( would have been nice to know BEFORE) so we ask for the pizza to go. Should be a fairly simple task, but wouldn't you know someone dropped the whole pizza. Take the pizza off the bill right? FUCK NO, let's make a new ass pizza and make us wait around another 20 MINUTES. Let's just say I don't think I'm gonna be going back. I DO recommend go and listen to the piano man absolutely slay Christmas songs, about the only thing tolerable at this joint!

I grew up not too far from this establishment and as a kid this was the standard for what Italian food should taste like. I've grown up and have since tasted Italian food from other restaurants and locales that have done an even better job than Franco's. But obviously this place set my standard and I don't think that will change. Service has always been good and I've never had any problems with anyone. Considering the environment (read below), they have to be good since it's usually so crowded. There are many regulars who frequent the place, but regardless the staff does a great job of making you feel at home. That being said, there are always drawbacks. Franco's is a great environment and in spite of that the place is pretty tight. So tight that there will be times when you'll have to shift and adjust to make room for other patrons at other tables. It takes a little getting used to - I grew up used to this, so it's not a big deal for me. But anyone venturing here for the first time looking to kick back may come away upset. The tight quarters may be the only drawback, in my opinion, but I love the staff there and I'm pretty good with the owner, John, and his family. JV

I have eaten at Franco's for years at each time it is only gotten better from Norview to Ocean View

Five of us stopped in for lunch at 12:30 on a weekday. As soon as you walk in the door you walk into a table of patrons trying to enjoy their meals. It's freaking cramped and packed in here. No one greeted us so we weren't quite sure what to do. Eventually someone looked up from the kitchen and I held 5 fingers in the air. Some shuffling of chairs around a round table happened and we excused ourselves between diners to get to it. Very uncomfortable and tight. It took a good bit of time before our beverage order was taken and we were given menus. We placed our orders and waited.... Fortunately it was the first time the five of us have met outside of our volunteer job so we had a lot to talk about. Meals came out...1,2,3,4. Our server seemed to be avoiding our table so I wasn't able to inquire about meal #5, mine. It didn't come out until 3 of my friends had finished! I ordered eggplant parmesan! Maybe they had to walk over to the grocery store to get some eggplant, I don't know but I wasn't a happy person. No apologies, no explanations, nothing. By the time I had eaten half of it everyone else was done with their meals. I took it home for dinner. Overall the food was good but the tightness of the room combined with very poor service will make me think twice about coming back.

I have been here numerous times, and I've never had a bad meal or a bad service experience. This is an old school family restaurant that makes you feel like you are home. Tonight we had an antipasto, mussels and fried calimari appetizers, and all were excellent. The main course was rigatoni with the putanesca sauce, the servings are huge, so we always order apps, and share the entree, the portions are more than generous. With a side of meatballs and a carafe of wine, the night was made. We brought a couple of friends visiting from NYC, and they didn't leave a crumb on their plate. Now the service...it is always pleasant, and each wait staff that we have had has been amazing, and friendly, and more importantly, attentive. We never feel like we weren't taken care of. Franco's is best when you bring friends and family, this is my go-to place for good food and good conversation with friends. Also, they make an amazing brick oven pizza. If you enjoy heaping portions of fresh, family style Italian food, you really must visit Franco's, it's so good.

This place is a hidden gem in Norfolk. Located in a small shopping center on the corner you might miss it. We go here often since it is close to home. Their salads and subs are great, that's all I've tried so far.

I just would really like to thank the very arrogant, and yes rude waitress who triggered me to walk out of here and travel back across the water to Anna's on Big Bethel Road where I was served by a very friendly and attentive waitress and had this DELICIOUS plate of spaghetti and meatballs for only $5.99! (Pictured below). Just THANK YOU again rude and arrogant Franco's employee! Never been so pleased to walk out!

Love this place and have been going for many years. Food and service is consistently outstanding! Eggplant parmesan is a must.

Always great good and great service! I go to Franco's on Military Hwy whenever I go to the airport or pick up family/friends from airport!

Called in a reservation for 15. Seated promptly at two tables- cool. Had a different server assigned to both tables. One of them was great. One of them had an attitude and generally sour demeanor. I guess service doesn't really matter for a party since you get charged a 20% gratuity anyways. Food was just ok- nothing to write home about. Save your money and go to Olive Garden, at least the food is better for the same price. Our reservation was at 5:30 and the restaurant was basically empty when we were seated. They were also out of all seafood except for shrimp. Bathroom is single room with no changing table. Ordered white zin and got something pink. When we asked the waitress about it she said huffily, "Well, I didn't bring you the first one." Waitress was rude enough that the other half of our party at the other table noticed it and asked what her problem was.

The Eggplant parm is excellent!!! I have to take the skin off myself, but, it's worth it! And I'm picky about mr eggplant Parmesan!

I have been going to Franco's for 15 years.. The service has always been good the food excellent. I just ordered a pizza and it was horrible. The crust was terrible it didn't rise and there was no cheese. Usually there is so much cheese and toppings it slides off the end. Not this time, no cheese barely any toppings. I called to let them know and a girl named Josie answered and her tone made it clear she could care less. When I asked to speak to her manager she said they didn't have a manager. I asked for the owners name and she said he was unreachable and I couldn't talk to him. She finally put on the other waitress and her tone was the same, she was bored. She finally out of the goodness of her heart said I could get another pizza, I have a week to redeem. Francos's needs to retrain their staff on customer relations and the kitchen needs to be consistent with what they put out.