I will probably get shot down in flames for this - but me and my girlfriend went to Francesca's for a nice, simple meal out, having eaten there many times before.We ordered the potato skins to start with, which arrived still frozen. The pizza we ordered came cold and had no flavour at all. When we asked about it to the waiter, he just shook his head and said nothing has changed. And then to top it off, they tried to overcharge us for the bill (double the price of the wine!) - I hear this is a regular trick of theirs. Watch your bill. We will never be going back. Sale Pepe, not too far away, is so much better.

Living locally, Francescas's has, or rather had, become a regular haunt, whether it be after work for a quick supper, a girlie lunch, or a family affair, but I must say, I'm rather over it. Francesca's is situated on Manor House Road, in Jesmond in a wealthy suburb of Newcastle upon Tyne. Jesmond mainly caters to the wealth, and there is a vast student population due to the close proximity of the Universities within the City. Francesca's had become a bit of a legend locally, and, by the regular queue's forming outside during opening hours it can be believed. I first started eating here over 10 years ago, and as of late, have noticed a decline in ...  Read the complete review

I needed a place to meet up for lunch with a friend I'd not seen in a year and Francesca's came to mind as being one of his favourite eateries. I'd been once or twice and it had been fine, busy atmosphere and OK-to-good food. I'd remembered about the no booking policy so we got there at twelve on the dot and were quickly taken to a table. My mate is a bit of a chilli fan so we started off with chilli garlic bread which was perfect - sizzling on the palate without freaking anybody out with enormous heat. We both opted for the cannelloni and were we glad we did. It was superb, the best I can remember ever having and the portion size was certainly generous. A glass of the ..  Read the complete review

I am aware that I am about to embark on a review that may have me run out of town by the local linch-mob. Francesca's is firmly rooted in the hearts of many a local resident and passing traveller, so I am sure that one not so positive review will do little to upset the apple cart. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: On arrival, we were greeted with the obligatory queues which are very much part and parcel of the reported Francesca's experience... and we were hard pressed to take offence by the oh so impersonable greeting from our evenings waiter. It was not until we had our menus thrust into our hands that the doubt started to creep in. I had been informed not to expect the ...  Read the complete review

One place we like to eat is Francesca’s, mainly because it has been there for years and is within our “comfort zone”, so it was to this little pizzeria that we adjourned last night. It was too cold to go walking around town, and there was a definite need for cosiness and some good food. GETTING THERE… The restaurant is situated in Jesmond, about 10 minutes from the bar lined Osborne road, so on warm evenings, it’s a great place to eat and then sample the delights of Jesmond! The area is residential and as such, it’s quite difficult to get parked- in fact, it’s chaotic; the restaurant is on a junction and everyone seems to be ...  Read the complete review