Franco's Ristorante

Name: Franco's Ristorante
Address: 300 W 31st St, Chicago, IL, United States, 60616-4963
Telephone: (312) 225-9566
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

584 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

If your preferred time is unavailable please call for possible openings.

Franco's Ristorante is the perfect combination of old world Italian classics and your new favorite pasta dishes. We've been around for over 27 years and have perfected our craft. Some of our most famous dishes include whipped ricotta tuffo, sausage and peppers, eggplant parmigiana and gnocchi.

Our great food and atmosphere helped us earn the honor of being named the Chicago Reader's 2016 "best place for a cheap date" and "best local restaurant."

You will be wowed when you step inside our bright, airy and modern restaurant. You can enjoy a drink at our new marble-topped bar or cozy up to tables with bright red-leather chairs and banquettes in the dining room. In the summer we are happy to offer outdoor seating that allows dogs.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Monday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm Friday: 11am-10pm Saturday: 4:00pm-10:00pm Sunday: 3:00pm-9:00pm
Phone number
(312) 225-9566
Website
http://www.francoschicago.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Catering
Let Franco's Ristorante bring your favorite dishes to you! Contact us to discuss our custom catering packages.
Private party facilities
Franco's Ristorante is the perfect place to host your next private event. Book Franco's for birthdays, anniversary parties, bridal showers, engagement parties, Christenings and holiday parties.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (312) 225-9566

Location
300 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616-4963
Neighborhood
Bridgeport
Cross street
31st and Princeton Ave.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Redline: Sox/35th<br />Greenline: 35th-Bronzeville-IIT
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Popular dishes

Grilled Calamari$14.00
Served with Mixed Greens, Balsamic Drizzle
Fried Calamari$12.00
Bruschetta$7.00
Sausage & Peppers$12.00
With Roasted Potatoes and Onions
Nonna's Meatball$11.00
Marinara, Parmesan
Whipped Ricotta Tuffo$9.00
Ricotta, Orange Marmalade, Honey, Crostinis
Stuffed Peppers$9.00
Sausage, Zesty Tomato Sauce
Salsiccia e Rapini Pizette$9.00
Sausage, Calabrian Chilis, Rapini, Mozzarella
Bruschetta Pizette$8.00
Homemade Bruschetta Mix with Mozzarella and Fresh Basil
Franco's Pizette$10.00
Sausage, Peppers, Caramelized Onions, Mozzarella
Baked Clams$16.00
One dozen per order
Soup of the Day
- Cup$3.50
- Bowl$6.00

Insalata

Caprese$9.00
Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Peppercorn Salad$9.00
Romaine, Tomatoes, Parmesan, Peppercorn Dressing
Roasted Beet Salad$9.00
Mixed Greens, Candied Walnuts, Goat Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Caesar Salad$9.00
Romaine, Croutons, Caesar Dressing
House Salad$8.00
Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Onions, Carrots, Balsamic Dressing
Nonna's Meatball Salad$12.00
Romaine, Carrots, Cucumbers, Red Onions, Italian Vinaigrette, Nonna's Meatball
Chopped Salad$11.00
Carrots, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Roasted Peppers, Pasta, Blue Cheese
Mario's Salad$12.00
Romaine, Mixed Field Greens, Olives, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Pepperoncini, Provolone, Salami, Italian Vinaigrette
Arugula Salad$9.00
Shaved Parmigiano Regiano Cheese, Italian Vinaigrette, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion

Pasta

Gluten free pasta options available

Jumbo Rigatoni$16.00
Nonna's Sunday Gravy
Pipette "Little Pipes" alla Vodka$14.00
Vodka Cream Sauce, Fresh Ricotta
Fettuccine alla Franco$16.00
Mushrooms, Chicken, Pesto Cream Sauce
Orecchiette$16.00
Chicken, Spinach, Tomatoes, White Wine Sauce
Shrimp Fra Diavolo$18.00
Linguini, Shrimp, Zesty Marinara Sauce
Fusilli$14.00
Red Peppers, Peas, Light Tomato Sauce
Pasta Marinara$12.00
Choice of Penne, Rigatoni or Capellini
Penne Buttera$15.00
Sausage, Peas, Tomato Cream Sauce
Housemade Gnocchi$15.00
Fresh Tomato Sauce
Tortellini Carbonara$15.00
Prosciutto, Peas, Cream Sauce
Bucatini$15.00
Calabrian Chilis, Crumbled Sausage, Roasted Garlic, Fresh Tomatoes
Rigatoni Arrabbiata$15.00
Zesty Marinara Sauce, Prosciutto
Cheese Ravioli$14.00
Fresh Tomato Sauce
Spicy Penne Pesto$15.00
Spicy Pesto Cream Sauce, Prosciutto, Capers
Daily Risotto
- MP

Entrata

Chicken Giardiniera$18.00
Breaded Chicken Cutlet, House-Made Giardiniera, Roasted Potatoes
Breaded Veal Cutlet$20.00
Rapini, Fresh Tomatoes, Roasted Potatoes
Salsiccia e Rapini$16.00
Sausage, Calabrian Chilis, Rapini, Roasted Potatoes
Pan Seared Salmon$19.00
Spinach, Tomatoes, Garlic, Roasted Potatoes
Vesuvio
Bone-In, Peas, Roasted Garlic, Vesuvio Potatoes
- Bone-In Chicken$17.00
- Pork Chop$20.00
Marsala
Mushrooms, Sweet Marsala Wine, Served with Pasta
- Chicken$17.00
- Veal$20.00
Parmigiana
Served on a Bed of Pasta
- Eggplant$15.00
- Chicken$17.00
- Veal$20.00
Limone
Lemon Butter Sauce, Served with Pasta
- Chicken$17.00
- Veal$20.00
Milanese
Breaded Cutlet, Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, Italian Vinaigrette, Served on a Bed of Roasted Potatoes
- Chicken$17.00
- Veal$20.00

Contorni

Sautéed Vegetables$6.00
Choice of Rapini, Spinach, Mushrooms, Broccoli
Sausage$6.00
Pasta Marinara$4.00
Potatoes$6.00
Choice of Roasted or Vesuvio

Pannino

All Sandwiches Served with Italian Fries

Grilled Chicken$9.00
Chicken Breast, Mozzarella, Pesto Aioli, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Served on a Ciabatta
Chicken Parmesan$10.00
Breaded Chicken Breast, Mozzarella, Marinara
Meatball$10.00
Nonna's Meatballs, Mozzarella, Marinara
Breaded Pork$11.00
Breaded Pork Cutlet, Rapini, Provolone Cheese, Garlic Aioli
Hamburger$10.00
Half Pound Gourmet Steak Burger, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion
Italian Hamburger$12.00
Mozzarella, Garlic Aioli, Sautéed Peppers, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion
Caprese Sandwich$8.00
Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto Aioli, Tomatoes, Basil, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Served on Toasted Focaccia

What 584 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Best Value
Chicago
Best Value
Chicago
Italian

584 Reviews

n
nick
Chicago
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Maybe the best italian restaurant in the city. The owner was really sweet. You can tell he has a really kind heart
Is this helpful?
SL
SherryL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A neighborhood gem with great food, ambiance & friendly knowledgeable staff. Terrific for business meetings or any social gathering. 5 stars
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Authentic Italian and great service. Cozy environment with an old school flair.
Is this helpful?
c
croman
Chicago
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service. Great atmosphere, quaint but welcoming.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quaint neighborhood feel but a sophisticated operation. Anytime I’m running a race in Chicago, this is my night before pasta ritual but honestly, it’s date night too with my wife as the atmosphere is fantastic.
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SR
StephanieR
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had an amazing experience and most definitely will be back
Is this helpful?
m
mbluvsne
Chicago
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
My husband and I came in for dinner and I had a special pappardelle with veggies and shrimp in white wine sauce, and he had the gnocchi with a side of Nonnie’s meatballs. Both were wonderful, as expected. We weren’t hungry enough for appetizers but the stuffed clams are stellar. This neighborhood place is worth the drive if you don’t live in or near Bridgeport. Welcoming to children too.
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KD
KelliD
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my first visit, but it won't be my last! We had a girl's night out dinner, and this was the perfect, intimate setting. The service was excellent. The restaurant is very small, maybe 15 tables and about 8 seats at the bar, so reservations are probably best. There were 4 of us. We shared 2 peppercorn salads(delicious!!), 2 people split the pasta with vodka sauce, one had eggplant parm, and I shared a Flatbread pizza with the table. Everything was delicious! Sharing portions is ideal because the portions are rather large. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious. The red sauce on the Flatbread pizza 👨‍🍳 💋🤌. We are already planning our next dinner there!
Is this helpful?
J
Junior34
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service is amazing! Perfect neighborhood spot
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience4
Good food. Average service. Nice ambiance. Will definitely return
Is this helpful?
DM
DeniseM
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing from start to finish. One of the best restaurants around and certainly the best in Bridgeport.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was outstanding. The menu and specials provided great choices. The food is delicious. Great overall experience.
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MB
MichaelB
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Franco's never disappoints. Small cozy restaurant. Excellent service, wine list and drink menu are solid and the dishes are outstanding. They have daily specials that are always excellent and everyone at the table wants to taste. Appetizers, salads, pasta, meat dishes, always an experience. Highly Recommend.
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WE
WayneE
Pittsburgh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice small place. Food was good and able to talk without loud ambience.
Is this helpful?
V
Vsoto
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great experience, delicious food and good customer service.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect night! Great service and everyone in our family of 4 was happy with their meal. No complaints!
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AD
AddisonDiner
Chicago
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorite places. I always seem to stop there on my way to another event, so I count on their fast, friendly service & great food.
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D
Dawnne
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The ambiance and service are great. The food and cocktails are even better. We can never go wrong with the baked pork chop.
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DS
DanS
Sacramento
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Very friendly! Favorite Italian restaurant in the city.
Is this helpful?
VS
VictoriaS
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Franco’s is a fabulous Italian restaurant. The food is amazing. The cocktails and wine are superb. Also save room for dessert. Book early so that you can get a table. Enjoy!
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JR
JoshR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious and fresh. The service was great. Servers were very informative. They have a great selection of wines. We will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Naples
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a great dinner! My food was delicious!! And my husband’s diavolo pasta was the best one!!
Is this helpful?
M
Matt
Anchorage
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great neighborhood restaurant just south of downtown Chicago. Four of us ordered different dishes and all were good. Waiter was very helpful in recommending dishes and describing what's good.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our experience at the restaurant was excellent overall! Only issue we had was that we made an online reservation for 9:15 because we were attending the White Sox game. They called us on our way to the game and said we needed to move the time up because they close at 10:00. So why do they offer a 9:15 reservation if they don’t want to have people coming in that late. Only issue we had. But we love the restaurant
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GL
GregL
Phoenix
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always enjoy a great meal when we stop into Franco's.
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BG
BradleyG
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Shrimp fra dia Ali. 🥵 waitress was friendly. Food was served hot.
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MJ
MJOakPark03
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
I enjoyed myself there for dinner/lunch. I lucky enough to fine a good sit-in restaurant before gong to a Sox's game yesterday. I heard this place has good reviews and not too far from Guaranteed rate Field.
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D
Dawnne
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious. We had the braised pork chop and the rigatoni with gorgonzola cream sauce. Cant wait to return.
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MA
MarissaA
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My partner and I love Franco’s! We’ve probably tried everything on their menu and have not been disappointed. The espresso martini’s are incredible, probably my favorite!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience1
The service was horrible. Wasn’t attentive to us at all, because of the color of our skin. We know they for a fact, because of watching them give way better service to the white patrons around us. I asked for a strawberry lemonade, & she told me they didn’t have that. & it ended there. Meanwhile, a white guest behind me asked about strawberry lemonade, and she explained they didn’t have that, but they had other options and flavors of lemonade. I was upset to see she didn’t give me those same options. They barely came to the table to ask us if we needed anything, and our food had no seasoning. Only our appetizer was delicious, the bruschetta. That was the best part of the entire trip there. Very disappointed otherwise.
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GT
GoodTipsForGoodService
Chicago
94 reviews
vip
5.0
94 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Italian restaurant in the city. (With the possible exception of their sister restaurant, Il Culaccino.)
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A
Amanda
Chicago
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Definitely worth it. Has a meatball salad very fast service.❤️
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d
dineout
Chicago
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is truly a neighborhood gem!! NEVER had a bad meal!
Is this helpful?
DC
DonnaC
Chicago
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love going to Franco's before a White Sox game! Love the food and atmosphere!
Is this helpful?
PP
PaulaP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely delicious. Each of us enjoyed a different dish. So very good. Attentive and friendly staff.
Is this helpful?
B
Busia
Chicago
86 reviews
vip
5.0
86 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service is always outstanding! Best Marsala whether I get the chicken or veal. Always delicious! Chopped salad was amazing
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful dining experience! We sat outside and enjoyed the ambiance of a neighborhood restaurant. The food was exceptional, the wait staff courteous and helpful, and the the desert with coffee was the perfect end to a fantastic meal!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great lunch with my sister. Waitress was excellent
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service is remarkably and the food is absolutely amazing!!
Is this helpful?
LS
LorenS
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Too many excellent dishes on the Franco's menu. Stop!
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Franco's Ristorante using the Order Online button. Franco's Ristorante also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Franco's Ristorante also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 225-9566.

Franco's Ristorante is rated 4.8 stars by 584 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

300 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616-4963

Additional information

Cross street
31st and Princeton Ave.
Neighborhood
Bridgeport
Hours of operation
Monday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm Friday: 11am-10pm Saturday: 4:00pm-10:00pm Sunday: 3:00pm-9:00pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Redline: Sox/35thGreenline: 35th-Bronzeville-IIT
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.francoschicago.com/
Phone number
(312) 225-9566
Catering
Let Franco's Ristorante bring your favorite dishes to you! Contact us to discuss our custom catering packages.
Private party facilities
Franco's Ristorante is the perfect place to host your next private event. Book Franco's for birthdays, anniversary parties, bridal showers, engagement parties, Christenings and holiday parties.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (312) 225-9566

Franco's Ristorante

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Kid Pasta

Nonnas Meatball

Gnocchi

Antipasti

Grilled Calamari$14.00

Fried Calamari$12.00

Bruschetta$7.00

Sausage & Peppers$12.00

Nonna's Meatball$11.00

Whipped Ricotta Tuffo$9.00

Stuffed Peppers$9.00

Salsiccia e Rapini Pizette$9.00

Bruschetta Pizette$8.00

Franco's Pizette$10.00

Baked Clams$16.00

Soup of the Day

Insalata

Caprese$9.00

Peppercorn Salad$9.00

Roasted Beet Salad$9.00

Caesar Salad$9.00

House Salad$8.00

Nonna's Meatball Salad$12.00

Chopped Salad$11.00

Mario's Salad$12.00

Arugula Salad$9.00

Pasta

Jumbo Rigatoni$16.00

Pipette "Little Pipes" alla Vodka$14.00

Fettuccine alla Franco$16.00

Orecchiette$16.00

Shrimp Fra Diavolo$18.00

Fusilli$14.00

Pasta Marinara$12.00

Penne Buttera$15.00

Housemade Gnocchi$15.00

Tortellini Carbonara$15.00

Bucatini$15.00

Rigatoni Arrabbiata$15.00

Cheese Ravioli$14.00

Spicy Penne Pesto$15.00

Daily Risotto

Entrata

Chicken Giardiniera$18.00

Breaded Veal Cutlet$20.00

Salsiccia e Rapini$16.00

Pan Seared Salmon$19.00

Vesuvio

Marsala

Parmigiana

Limone

Milanese

Contorni

Sautéed Vegetables$6.00

Sausage$6.00

Pasta Marinara$4.00

Potatoes$6.00

Pannino

Grilled Chicken$9.00

Chicken Parmesan$10.00

Meatball$10.00

Breaded Pork$11.00

Hamburger$10.00

Italian Hamburger$12.00

Caprese Sandwich$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Franco's Ristorante offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Franco's Ristorante restaurant rated?

Is Franco's Ristorante currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation