Francesca's

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

Francescas is a relatively small, family run Italian restaurant in the suburb of Jesmond in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Situated at the end of Manor House Road furthest away from the Cradlewell it shys away from the big restaurants on nearby Osborne Road. It's well known by people living in Newcastle as the best Italian in the city, without question. Personally, i've never found a better Italian anywhere in England. Francescas is always heaving and there's never an empty table, on any day of the week (with the exception of sundays, when it's closed). It's only open until 9pm and you can't book but people are ready and willing to queue for a table. The food is ...  Read the complete review

I live in London and have done for the past 10 years. I have been to most of the top eateries in London, but have yet to find an Italian retaurant which comes even close to Francesca's retaurant. Situated in a mainly residential suburb - Jesmond - and only open until 9pm (closed Sundays) - this place really is one in a million. Queues start to form within 30 mins of the place opening, so get there early, but even if you do have to wait for a while, it isn't really a problem. Just order a carafe of wine and kick back and enjoy the atmosphere. When you (eventually) get to a table, do not expect silver service, but do expect really authentic and ...  Read the complete review