Quality meal out with Frankie and Benny's (Frankie & Benny's)

Member Name: Diamonds08

Product:	Frankie & Benny's
Date:	17/05/09 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great food, resonably priced

Disadvantages: Can be difficult to get a table, sometimes noisy

My partner is quite a fussy eater, therefore eating out is also a challenge. However with Frankie and Benny's we both win! I get to try different things off the menu, whilst my partner can stick with his burger and chips.


~~The food~~
Frankie and Benny's is a well know chain restaurant specialising in American and Italian food, great for those who aren't very adventurous when it comes to food!
The starters range from prawn cocktail to barbeque chicken wings, all reasonably priced at under £5. Sharers are available (which are very filling!) for two people, this is definitely our favourite as it gives you chance to sample a bit of everything off the starter menu at under £12.

Main meals in my opinion are served in huge portions, and I could quite happily share a main meal - not so sure that my partner would agree though!
The main meals are divided into main sections from which you can chose. These sections include; pasta, pizza, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, salads and house specials. Obviously prices for each main meal varies but expect to pay up to £11 for each meal.

We can very rarely manage a dessert because the main meals fill you up so much, but for those who can these are priced at around £5 each and include ones such as; brownies and ice-cream, cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding and sorbet (to name just a few!). This is the one thing that my partner is happy to share with me, because he knows we cant manage anymore than a few spoonfuls.

The food is delicious and fairly priced, we often both have a starter, main meal and then share a pudding, all for around £45. The portion sizes are also more than generous and food is served quickly.

I have been to a fair few Frankie and Benny's throughout the country and I have never been left disappointed with the service or food.


~~The Restaurant~~
The restaurants' are always busy, even on weekdays, but this does not affect the quality and service you receive. The staff are friendly and helpful, whilst the restaurants and tables are always clean and hygienic.

If your planning on going at the weekend I would advise booking a table as it does get very busy and you often have to wait up to half an hour for a table. If you don't book though, you are able to wait in the bar area and have a drink while you wait. On some occasions we have had to wait for a pre-booked table, but again this is not a problem as we were able to wait in the bar area.

The restaurants are all laid out in an American style, with American style diner chairs and tables. In my honest opinion I always find the whole atmosphere very friendly and inviting.

One of my favourite things about Frankie and Benny's restaurants is the open kitchen theme that is evident throughout most. You can see the chefs cooking your meals from your seat, the fresh ingredients that are used and impressive skills that are also used!

Now I just have to fit this in about the toilets, I originally thought it was just one of the restaurants that did this, but since visiting various restaurants it seems to be a theme throughout Frankie and Benny's. The toilets are another story!! Whilst always being clean, everything you would expect etc... you will also notice the Italian speaking woman over the speakers teaching you the language!! I'm not sure what the reason for this is, but I have to say it's a different experience when you visit the bathroom!


~~Overall~~
I am a big fan of these restaurants, I think they are great for both couples and families to enjoy (kids menus are also available), however because of the lively atmosphere I wouldn't recommend you go here if you are looking for a romantic and quiet meal!


More information is available at http://www.frankieandbennys.com/


Thank you for reading. This review will also appear on ciao under the same username.

Summary: Great value restaurant!