Fresco Da Franco

4.5

1487 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 8, 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails
Charming

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 Sun 11:30 am–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 kelly@bar-franco.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
Bar/Lounge, 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

Grilled Pulpo$26.00
blistered cherry tomato, basil pesto paint
Tuna Tartare$22.00
avocado, sesame oil, red onion
Eggplant Caponata Crostini$18.00
eggplant, gaeta olives, san marzano tomato compote, micro basil
Tavola di Salumi & Formaggi$26.00
imported fine italian cheeses & cured italian salumi
Mamma Giuseppina Meatball$16.00
beef, italian herbs, san marzano tomato, dollop fresh ricotta
Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio$22.00
stracciatella cheese, micro basilico, calabria oregano, e.v.o.o.
Fried Calamari$24.00
sweet vinegar peppers, sweet marinara sauce

Insalata

Panzanella Salad$16.00
tuscan day old bread, cucumber, heirloom tomato, oregano, red wine, e.v.o.o.
Pear & Arugula$16.00
gorgonzola, asiago, lemon e.v.o.o.

Pasta e Risotto

Lumache Nduja$26.00
a classic spicy pork spread in a sweet san marzano tomato sauce (a must try)
Zuppa di Pesce$38.00
little neck clams, shrimp, p.e.i. mussels, scallop, tomato fish broth, linguine
Spaghettini di Cucuzza$30.00
summer squash, basil pesto
Fettuccine Cartuccia$36.00
shallots, rock shrimp, vodka cream sauce
Paccheri Amatriciana$28.00
guanciale, red onion, san marzano tomato, basil
Penne L'estatea$26.00
sweet garlic, cherry tomato, burrata, fresh basil
Gnocchi Bolognese$30.00
our secret meat ragu, dollop fresh ricotta
Risotto Mare & Mondo$36.00
rock shrimp, porcini mushroom, shaved parmesan

Secondi

Diver Sea Scallop
black ink risotto, lemon zest, micro basil
- MKT
Red Snapper$34.00
lemon caper emulsion, spinach, cherry tomato, fregola
Angus Short Rib$44.00
boneless, ratatouille, natural reduction
Chicken Scarpiello$36.00
semi-bone in chicken, sweet sausage, roasted red pepper, mushroom, onion, natural jus
Veal Chop Parmigiana$48.00
san marzano tomato, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil
COSTOLETTE DI MANZO$45.00
slow braised boneless angus short rib. ciambotta, demiglaze, garlic mashed
BISTECCA DI FIANCO$48.00
flank steak, cipollini, balsamic reduction, mashed

Contori

BROCCOLI RABE$15.00
garlic, lemon, breadcrumbs
ESCAROLE & BEANS$15.00
garlic, focaccia breadcrumbs

What 1,487 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
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Fresco Da Franco offers an "absolutely incredible" dining experience with "amazing food" and a "great vibe." Known for its excellent service and delightful ambiance, this Italian restaurant highlights dishes like chicken Parmesan and gnocchi special. Although noise levels can be high on weekends, the culinary experience remains "unbelievable."

1,487 Reviews

T
Tamara
New York City
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food! Thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Fresco Da Franco!
Is this helpful?
M
Monica
New York City
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Felt like we were being rushed even though the restaurant was still pretty quiet. They told us that we had to place our appetizer and main dish orders at the same time because it was their policy. I was still eating my appetizer and they started clearing our plates. My son’s chicken dish was a little rubbery almost like it was previously frozen. My dish, which was the more expensive one on the menu, was the smallest compared to the other dishes ordered. I was not impressed. We will not be returning.
Is this helpful?
G
Gautam
New York City
40 reviews
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Decided to try the restaurant after visiting the bar many times. We were pleasantly surprised by how good the restaurant was from every aspect including the food. It’s the closest we have come to experiencing good Italian food outside of Italy and there’s no need to go to NYC. Will come back for sure and glad to have found this gem.
Is this helpful?
L
Lisandra
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food, Cesar salad was delicious along with the flounder and Risotto. The best service! I was impressed by how many times they folded my husband's napkin every time he got up. I had a great time and I loved the ambiance
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food! Will definitely come back again - everything was so delicious.
Is this helpful?
T
Tony
New York City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We love Fresca Da Franco. Food is excellent and we always have a great dining experience. Highly recommended !
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D
Daniel
VIP
New York City
85 reviews
4.0
85 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Came here for Christmas Eve dinner. We booked a table for five and arrived on time. Restaurant was 2/3 empty at 4:30pm. We were led to a 4 person table. Hostess realized it wouldn't fit and asked us to return to the front until she figure out where to seat us. It took some time to figure out where to seat us. But finally we sat down. Food was good, typical Italian. The appetizers were tasty. Entrees were mostly finer, but the seafood squid ink spaghetti was okay, not the best I have tasted. Service was also good; our waitress (an Italian girl) was friendly and attentive. Food arrived very fast; and empty plates were cleared out even faster. The holiday rush I guess.
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L
Lillian
New York City
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Servers are very nice and accommodating, pleasant atmosphere and good food.
Is this helpful?
A
Arthur
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great Service and food. Waiters and staff very professional and attentive to your needs. Top notch restaurant.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeanne
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The best Caesar salad I have ever had. The wait service is impeccable.
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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 1487 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 8, 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 5 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 Sun 11:30 am–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
Bar/Lounge, 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 kelly@bar-franco.com

Fresco Da Franco

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Gnocchi Bolognese

Paccheri Amatriciana

Fettuccine Cartuccia

Antipasti

Grilled Pulpo$26.00

Tuna Tartare$22.00

Eggplant Caponata Crostini$18.00

Tavola di Salumi & Formaggi$26.00

Mamma Giuseppina Meatball$16.00

Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio$22.00

Fried Calamari$24.00

Insalata

Panzanella Salad$16.00

Pear & Arugula$16.00

Pasta e Risotto

Lumache Nduja$26.00

Zuppa di Pesce$38.00

Spaghettini di Cucuzza$30.00

Fettuccine Cartuccia$36.00

Paccheri Amatriciana$28.00

Penne L'estatea$26.00

Gnocchi Bolognese$30.00

Risotto Mare & Mondo$36.00

Secondi

Diver Sea Scallop

Red Snapper$34.00

Angus Short Rib$44.00

Chicken Scarpiello$36.00

Veal Chop Parmigiana$48.00

COSTOLETTE DI MANZO$45.00

BISTECCA DI FIANCO$48.00

Contori

BROCCOLI RABE$15.00

ESCAROLE & BEANS$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