Fresco Da Franco

4.5

1482 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 20 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 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 1,482 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

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Fresco Da Franco offers a charming dining experience in Montclair with "absolutely incredible spot, service was outstanding." While there are occasional service hiccups, the staff is attentive, and the atmosphere is delightful. The menu features standout dishes like grilled octopus and mafaldine seafood pasta, making it a must-visit for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.

1,482 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
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?
D
Daniel
VIP
New York City
85 reviews
4.0
85 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
L
Lillian
New York City
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
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 5 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
S
Sheila
VIP
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The new menu item, chicken saltimbocca, was excellent. Including marsala sauce was perfect. Had it as leftover the next day and it’s still delicious. My new favorite dish.
Is this helpful?
J
Joseph
New Jersey
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 1, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food was very good… staff friendly, but everything slow to get to the table. Finished appetizers before wine arrived…
Is this helpful?
A
Anca
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
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! A very nice surprise with the tonato sauce, paired with micro greens and freshly toasted bread and olive oil on the table. We continued our meal with two seafood dishes and the shrimp and mussels were cooked beautifully. The restaurant offers a nice cozy atmosphere and did we mention that the service and the staff were amazing? Mr. Franco Porporino (the owner) seems to care very much about his restaurant and customer satisfaction and that left us very impressed. All the best and happy holidays, Anca & Liv
Is this helpful?
J
Jill
New Mexico
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2024
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
VIP
New York City
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
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?

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 1482 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 20 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
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

LUMACHE

Gnocchi Bolognese

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

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