Fresco Da Franco

4.5

1475 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Good for special occasions
Charming
Great for creative cocktails

With over a decade in business, Fresco Da Franco is renowned for its warm and inviting ambiance, coupled with the unmistakable aromas of homemade Italian cuisine. As you step through our doors, you'll be greeted by friendly staff and an atmosphere that exudes both elegance and comfort. Whether you're looking to enjoy a romantic dinner, celebrate a special occasion, or simply unwind with friends and family, our restaurant and bar provides the perfect setting.
Our menu showcases the rich culinary heritage of Italy, with a focus on traditional recipes passed down through generations. To compliment your meal, our Bar Franco has an extensive bespoke Italian drink list carefully crafted by world renowned Italian mixologist Luca Cinalli. Our mixologists hail directly from Italy and bring you an unforgettable bespoke experience of a lifetime.

We look forward in welcoming you and creating lasting memories of exceptional dining and warm hospitality.

Cin Cin

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(973) 337-5100
Website
http://www.frescodafranco.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Giuseppina Porporino
Private party facilities
For any occasion, we will create an event as special as the occasion. For large groups, there is the option to rent out the entire restaurant to have the complete private dining experience.Please email liz@frescomontclair.com

Location
15 Church St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Neighborhood
Montclair
Cross street
Between Bloomfield Ave and Park St.
Parking details
South Fullerton Parking Deck or Crescent Parking Deck
Entertainment
Friday and Saturday Night after 9 p.m. we raise the music to the sounds of Studio 54! Dancing is permitted at your own will!
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

ARANCINI Di CACIO e PEPE (3)$15.00
arborio rice, pecorino romano, cracked black pepper
FIORI DI CUCUZZA $24.00
stuffed zucchini blossoms, herb ricotta, lemon aioli
FRAGOLE E BURRATA$20.00
fresh strawberries, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, saba
CARPACCIO di MANZO$24.00
thinly sliced beef tenderloin, micro arugula, shaved parmesan, capers, e.v.o.o.
CHARRED PULPO$24.00
blistered cherry tomato, basil, e.v.o.o.
TUNA TARTARE$22.00
local yellowfin tuna, dijon vinaigrette, herbs and tonnato sauce
CALAMARI FRITTI$24.00
fried calamari, sweet vinegar peppers, pomodoro
MAMMA GIUSEPPINA MEATBALLS (2)$16.00
homemade mamma giuseppina beef meatball, san marzano tomato, ricotta

Insalata

Salads

INSALATA CESARE$16.00
little gem lettuce, parmigiano, lemon anchovy dressing, garlic bread crumbs
INSALATA VERDE$16.00
arugula, celery, herbs, fennel, lemon vinaigrette, hazelnuts

Pasta

Pasta & Risotto

SPAGHETTI POMODORO$24.00
italian tomatoes, basil, parmigiano
RIGATONI all'AMATRICIANA$30.00
guanciale, tomato, red onion, calabrian chile flakes, pecorino
GNOCCHI PESTO$28.00
sweet garden fresh pesto, pancetta Crisp
MAFALDINE di MARE$38.00
clams, mussels, shrimp, ragù, fennnel soffritto, white wine, bread crumbs
LUMACHE$36.00
shrimp, snail shaped pasta, spicy vodka cream sauce
RISOTTO DI FRANCO$36.00
diver sea scallop, lemon zest, mint infused risotto, prosciutto crisp

Secondi

Entrees

FLOUNDER FRANCESE$34.00
rhode island flounder, lemon-caper sauce. potato puree
BRACIOLA di MAIALE$38.00
stuffed berkshire pork chop, fontina cheese. prosciutto di parma, sage, marsala wine, mashed
DENTICE$36.00
semolina bead like pasta, florida red snapper. warm fregola, blistered cherry tomato, spinach, garlic
POLLA PARMIGIANO$32.00
bell and evans chicken, tomato, fresh mozzarella tomato, basil
BISTECCA$42.00
8 oz prime Buvette, balsamic cippolini, purple rosemary fingerling potato
SALMONE$34.00
faroe island wild salmon, blackened, mista salad, lemon e.v.o.o.

Contorni

Sides

BROCCOLI RABE$15.00
garlic, lemon, breadcrumbs
BRUSSEL SPROUTS AGRODOLCE$15.00
crispy brussels sprouts, spicy red wine-maple syrup, parmigiano

What 1,475 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Essex
Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Fresco Da Franco is celebrated for its "phenomenal" food and "outstanding" service. Guests rave about its delightful ambiance and creative cocktails. The Italian menu offers fresh, flavorful dishes like crab cakes and pistachio-crusted scallops. The charming Bar Franco next door enhances the experience. Despite minor service hiccups, its overall dining experience remains exceptional.

1,475 Reviews

A
Anca
Washington DC
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Let me start by saying that service was impeccable! Starting with the hostess being very attentive and nice, to our server that was 10/10! Food wise, we ordered the tuna tartare which was good. Not a classic tartare but really good! The other two dishes were a bit disappointing. We had both my husband and I, pasta dishes and it was just okay. They used the same base lemony sauce and if you'd have closed your eyes you couldn't tell they were actually two different dishes. The shrimp was cooked great but the pasta texture was very mealy and odd. My husband's seafood pasta exactly the same, the seafood was yummy but the squid ink pasta just meh... Then we had a tiramisu to share and its was hands down one of the most lackluster dessert we've had in a long time. It was not sweet enough and it missed the mark by not having that expected espresso kick. It's was just bland. It's was a great atmosphere and great service and ok food. Maybe we'll return and try something else at some point but definitely not a memorable meal.
Is this helpful?
J
Jill
New Mexico
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great Thanksgiving experience. Food, service and ambiance were amazing.
Is this helpful?
J
Jacob
New York City
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It’s extremely loud in the restaurant. Sound absorption panels would do wonders
Is this helpful?
J
Jayme
Charlotte
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Appetizers were amazing and flavorful which meant that when we received the main course expectations were high. However they fell flat. Almost like the apps were the focus and the main dishes were an after thought. Not bad, just “meh” compared to the apps (except the lamb dish, which our waiter highly recommended). This was the consensus from our entire party. For the prices, we expected to be amazed throughout the courses. If I came back here, it would only be for the appetizers. Also, the volume of the crowded place was so loud we could barely hear each other at the dinner table. Also didn’t help that the tables were so close together you could barely walk by. Honestly, the overall experience was not worth the huge bill.
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R
Ruth
New York City
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food, cocktails and services. Can be a little noisy on weekends but overall a great spot.
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B
Barbara
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was dry. The service was excellent. We’ll definitely return.
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V
Victoria
New York City
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service was fantastic. Our waiter was extremely kind and gave great recommendations. The food was not worth the price. I had the gnocchi cacio e pepe and my boyfriend had the chicken parm. The gnocchi was nothing special and was actually kind of cold. The chicken parm was also quite cold and tasted cheap. The food was the biggest let down.
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N
Nancy
New York City
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a treat! Unbelievable authentic Italian food. Service was top notch. Great mood!
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R
Ruby
New York City
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Highly recommend! The food, the service…excellent!!!
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C
Cedric
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The food was great met wife and I enjoyed our experience food was very fresh.. and the staff was very friendly. We will definitely be back
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FAQs

Fresco Da Franco offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (973) 337-5100.

Fresco Da Franco is rated 4.5 stars by 1475 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

15 Church St, Montclair, NJ 07042

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Between Bloomfield Ave and Park St.
Neighborhood
Montclair
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
South Fullerton Parking Deck or Crescent Parking Deck
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Giuseppina Porporino
Entertainment
Friday and Saturday Night after 9 p.m. we raise the music to the sounds of Studio 54! Dancing is permitted at your own will!
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.frescodafranco.com/
Phone number
(973) 337-5100
Private party facilities
For any occasion, we will create an event as special as the occasion. For large groups, there is the option to rent out the entire restaurant to have the complete private dining experience.Please email liz@frescomontclair.com

Fresco Da Franco

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

LUMACHE

Gnocchi Bolognese

Fettuccine Cartuccia

Antipasti

ARANCINI Di CACIO e PEPE (3)$15.00

FIORI DI CUCUZZA $24.00

FRAGOLE E BURRATA$20.00

CARPACCIO di MANZO$24.00

CHARRED PULPO$24.00

TUNA TARTARE$22.00

CALAMARI FRITTI$24.00

MAMMA GIUSEPPINA MEATBALLS (2)$16.00

Insalata

INSALATA CESARE$16.00

INSALATA VERDE$16.00

Pasta

SPAGHETTI POMODORO$24.00

RIGATONI all'AMATRICIANA$30.00

GNOCCHI PESTO$28.00

MAFALDINE di MARE$38.00

LUMACHE$36.00

RISOTTO DI FRANCO$36.00

Secondi

FLOUNDER FRANCESE$34.00

BRACIOLA di MAIALE$38.00

DENTICE$36.00

POLLA PARMIGIANO$32.00

BISTECCA$42.00

SALMONE$34.00

Contorni

BROCCOLI RABE$15.00

BRUSSEL SPROUTS AGRODOLCE$15.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Fresco Da Franco offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Fresco Da Franco restaurant rated?

Is Fresco Da Franco currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information