It's how Mamma said it should be! (Frankie and Benny's (Guildford))

Member Name: Rainbow232

Product:	Frankie and Benny's (Guildford)
Date:	18/05/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good service, great food, good value for money

Disadvantages: Better pre-book a table!

=== History of Frankie & Benny's ===

Frankie Giuliani was 10 years old when he left Sicily with his parents
and moved to New York in 1924. They moved in with relatives in 'Little Italy', a predominantly Italian neighbourhood. Within a year his father opened a restaurant, the family eagerly supported him, contributing their favourite dishes to the menu. His mother's idea of home cooking was paramount to the business.

When at high school, Frankie met Benny who was American. In 1953, Frankie's father retired and Frankie and Benny took the opportunity to run the business, changing it to combine the best of Italian and American.


=== The Restaurant ===
The restaurant has an American & Italian style and atmosphere. It is has booths like a diner, but also has tables too. I love the round booths available for larger parties. There is always cheerful old American music player (The hippy shake, Fly me to the moon etc). The walls are full of pictures and sports trophies etc. Some of the photos look like family photos which really does give it a homly feeling. Go to the bathroom and you will learn some Italian! lol

=== Menu ===

The main menu is large with lots of traditional amerian dishes, traditional italian dishes and some contemporary ideas too! There is certainly something for everyone, from fussy eaters, to children, to people who look some special cuisine. In my opnion the food is affordable and very good value for money. I will give some examples from the menu to justify my opnion:

Appetisers:
Soup of the Day £2.95
Chicken Wings £2.95
Prawn Cocktail £3.95
Crispy Coated Chicken Strips £4.75.

I have tried all of the above and they are all amazing

The Mains are spilt in to sections: Pasta, Pizza, House Specialities, House Steaks, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads and Sides. There really is soooo much to choose from. For example:

Sticky Chicken Pasta £8.55
BBQ Chicken bake £8.95
Chicken Carbonara £8.55
BBQ Chicken pizza £8.45 (all pizza's available in 9" for around £8.50 and 15" for under £13).
Mediterranean veg risotto £9.25
Lamb Shank £10.95
Sticky Salad £8.45
Various steaks - £9.95 - £16.95
Various Burgers £7.95 - £10.75

The above are example to demonstrate the many options available and to give an idea of the cost of a meal. Of course there are also desserts which range from £3.45 - £4.25, in my opionion a good price for a wonderful home baked fresh dessert. A sharing dessert costs £6.95

In addition to the main menu there is a children's menu which csots £3.95 for a main meal. Options include regulars on a children's menu such as fish fingers of burgers, but also healthier options such as a filled jacket potato or spag bol.

Breakfast Menu includes tradition english or scottish breakfasts, but also amazing american breakfasts such as muffins, pancakes, waffles. Prices range from £2.95 (toasted muffin with eggs) to £6.95 Full English Breakfast.

In addition there is an EXCELLENT lunch menu which is available from Mon-Fri 11am-5pm (INCLUDING bank holidays). This menu offers a selection of favourites from the main menu at discounted prices. customers choose to have 1,2 or 3 courses and pay accordingly (1 course £5.95, 2 courses £7.25, 3 courses £8.45). You can also purcash a free-refill drink for £1.95. In my opnion the lunch menu is excellent and you can save yourself a lot of money - especially in times like these!!!


=== Recommendations ===
Starter's - my fav is crispy coated chicken strips
Mains - BBQ chicken pizza, Sticky Chicken Salad, Cesear Salad, Double BBQ Cheeseburger.

=== Promotions ===
Mondays (excluding bank holidays) there is 25% off your bill available from 5pm-10pm.
Vouchers are often issued to customers for £5 off their next visit or Buy one get one free on main meals.

=== Extra Information ===
If you like the music, you can buy 2 cds for £19.95. Gift Vouchers are also available.
There are a great selection of cocktails available, there is normally an offer of a cocktail for £1.95 - bargin!!

=== My Opinion ===
I love Frankie & Benny's, the service is always very quick even in busy periods. I have visited more than 5 different branches and found the quality and service to be of the same high standard. The food is always amazing, I have never had a bad meal and I would consider myself a regular who has almost tried every dish!!!! I think it's good value for money and I especially recommend the lunch menu!
There is a great atmosphere for parties or special occasions and it is also very family friendly with the children getting balloons. I would recommend booking a table unless you don't mind waiting at the bar. The restaurants are always well cleaned and maintained.

Enjoy!

Summary: YUMMY