Well its your sister’s birthday which just so happens to coincide with the final game of Leeds United’s promotion season there is no other option than to go for an early tea at Leeds 15 staple, Franco’s.
Sometimes when you have something on your doorstep it can be easy to take it for granted and also not to fully appreciate what you have got. It was pretty full for an early Wednesday evening so it would appear plenty do appreciate it for what it is – great food freshly cooked.
It is easy to underestimate an Italian restaurant especially this one as there is nothing special about Italian food – a bit of pasta and a few pizzas how hard can it be – that would do this and other superior Italians a major disservice based on the depth of the choice on offer.
I have to declare we go here a lot but also that it is never for the big family celebrations but more often for a quick tea. I have been thinking about this a lot (I know what is wrong with me!) and although the food is amazing it never makes the consideration set for those big family gatherings.
Why is that as the food is amazing. As I said I have given this some thought and the reason I think is because of the ambience/decor. The only criticism I can make of Franco’s is that it is a little bit like a service station and that is great for a quick tea but not so much for a signature celebration.
Its a shame because it is an absolute belter!
The Menu Choice
Problem no 1 at Franco’s is the choice – there is so much of it and from experience it is all really good.
All freshly made and cooked to order (always worth a chuckle when Franco (who is always there) does his rounds is to either ask if he has a microwave or if he has been to Gino’s restaurant in the Springs across the road – he never fails to bite!)
Wine ordered (not a massive selection but enough for a bit of choice) and Peroni’s lined up its time to order. I plump for my go to starter (mussels) whilst brother in law picks out the Gamberoni e Fagioli (tiger prawns with Italian beans and chilli). Talk about starter envy although the mussels were very good indeed the prawns looked amazing and the quantity for a starter was staggering.
For mains I picked out a crab pasta special as did birthday girl sister. Mrs K went for a spinach and mozarella ravioli whereas brother in law smashed it out of the park again with his choice of calfs liver. Luckily my puppy dog eye look got the required result and I can confirm the liver was sodding amazing.
Everything was washed down with four pints of peroni and a couple of bottles of rose.
The Damage
Total cost for four including drinks was £175, which is not the cheapest early tea but we did have a bit to drink and the mains and starters we ordered were at the higher end of the price range. We have been plenty of times before and had a couple of pizzas and drinks and the bill was less than £40. But once you have been a few times it is hard to go cheap when you know how nice everything is!
A rock solid Italian that has a wide variety of amazing food go you won’t be disappointed with the food I guarantee you might scratch your head about the surroundings and could they make it better and more in keeping with the quality of the food – absolutely but this is the best way round if you want style but no substance and microwaves galore Gino’s is over the road!
8.5/10 – go you will love it!