Franchino, San Francisco

I live in the Monterey Bay area and wandered into this mom and pop restaurant over 5 years ago. My first introduction to Franchino was when he was outside looking at me gaze at his menu. Much like the description of the person who feels he was treated badly by Franchino, I had to look at Franchino to see if he was serious or joking around with the banter going on between us over the menu. All I had to do was look at Franchino's eyes and I could see the spark of life in him and I knew then that it was just a part of the ambiance of the place. Each and every time I have an opportunity to go to San Francisco or any where near the place, I will find a reason to stop by for dinner. I am picking up a very important person in my life tomorrow night at SFO and will be taking a side trip to pick up her daughter from a local school in Moraga as a surprise. I am planning on taking her daughter to Franchino's so she can experience the fantastic food and to meet Franchino and Josephina. If the plane were not coming in so late, I would be taking everyone there. I love it, the food is fantastic and the atmosphere is one that lets you feel as if you are part of the familia. No matter how much time goes by in between visits. I highly recommend Franchino's to anyone and will always be going there by myslef or with family and friends.

Excellent! Had dinner here last June while on vacation with our two 12 year old grandsons. Wonderful food, intimate atmosphere, warm friendly staff and owners. Our grandson who is a very fussy eater and never tries anything new almost licked his plate of Chicken Parmesan clean.

Been here twice, and both times the experience was fantastic. Food is fabulous, setting very intimate. One of my favorites of all time.

While the prices were about average for San Fran(higher than we're used to), it was amazing food. If you like tortellini soup, you have to have their's; special ingredient is limoncello. The seating area is very small and I can imagine that at times it would be very difficult to get a seat but we got right in and enjoyed the coziness of the ambiance.

A nearby shop worker recommended Franchino's to us. We only wish we'd found out about it earlier in the trip. We were able to squeeze in two visits before our vacation was over. (If the restaurant was open Mondays, we'd have been able to make it three.) The owner and his family are warm, inviting, entertaining and genuine. The ambience is enough to warrant multiple visits, meaning the fantastic food is just an added benefit. The menu is expansive, and the specials are just as tasty. The service is prompt and personal. You will not be just another customer. With a bill similar to that of a chain Italian restaurant, you can have heaping plates of spectacular pasta, drinks and homemade dessert in a spot that's even better than home. Come hungry and happy and ready to love life as much as the restaurant's owner does. You'll likely end up striking up a conversation with nearby diners and may be treated to an impromptu mini concert. This is not to be missed

Upon entering this Mom and Pop bistro in the North Beach section of San Francisco, you are greeted like part of the Family by owners Franco and Josephine. All the food is fresh and expertly prepared under Josephine's supervision. While waiting for your meal Franco will occasionally break into song. Everything on the menu is homemade. I would recommend that you let Josephine select your meal. I did this with some co-workers. We started out with hot antipasto, followed by a calamari salad. Our entree' was an expertly prepared cavatelli with diced veal and chicken in a light tomato cream sauce. The desert was warm Zabalione with melon slices. With a couple of glasses of house wine, the bill ran around $54 with gratuity.

We live in Folsom, CA about 120 miles from SF and we went into his restaurant the first time by chance. We were hustled in by the chief, Franchino. We were pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere, food & the hospitality of his family. We went back twice more but he has had the same excellent foods. My favorite is salmon pasta & my daughter likes lasagna. We went there last night but we could not wait to go back there again

As my wife and I were walking up Columbus after a drink at Vesuvio's bar, we were beckoned into the restaurant by Grandpa. This is a great family restaurant. Franchino is the chef and he and his wife made us feel welcome. When the chianti we asked for was out of stock, Franchino suggested a Sicilian wine for the same price, and kept pouring even after the bottle we paid for was gone. The food was some of the best Italian we have ever had, and the desserts were incredible. You must eat here!

I have been to this restaurant twice. The first time was great. However, we were waited on by the owner's daughter. On the second visit I took a group of people to celebrate my birthday. The previous reviews came to life and the owner was drunk and we were unable to figure out if he was kidding in his remarks or serious. It was obvious that he was drunk, did not bring the food we requested and my friends thanked me for the offensive dining. I have never been back and will search for another intimate Italian setting in North Beach before going back.