Franco's - Norfolk: Authentic Italian Dining Experience

We have eaten here since they opened in the 80’s. We eat at several other Italian restaurants around the area. Day in and day out I would take this over many of the others. I have tried many antipasto salads and this is by far the best, the dressing is the key, by far the best I have ever encounter. Same thing goes for the sausage. Never have I been able to find any as good at any other Italian restaurant I eat in. Now let’s talk about “Pizza Bread”…..you have to go and fine out for yourself:-) we are always happy here. Chairs are a might lumpy (some)….try it out January 2025.........Lets talk about French fries and steal & Cheese hoagie.........i know there are many kinds of commercial grade french fries available to restaurant to usr and i do not know what kind they are, but by far some of the best in Tidewater. Now the steak and cheese hoagie - rated the same as the french fries. my opinion only and i am 80 and have never eaten a steak hoagie in any other place , so i can not compare it, but i can tell you it is outstanding

Family stopped by to eat there on our way to visit the botanical gardens not too far away. Parking is shared as it is a shopping center but no problems were experienced. Our waitress Lori did a great job. The inside is kinda of dated in appearance a dark but with its own charm. I give it a 4 simply because it needs some upkeep. We didn't see any heightchairs at first but they were hiding in the bathroom area. Not the most sanitary place and it was small, dark, and sticky back there. I hope it becomes more inviting maybe a new coat of paint or something or fix small tears in the upholstery. We had pizza and that tasted just fine.

Visiting Franco’s this past weekend was a treat to say the least! I have been coming to this lovely restaurant for the past 30 years with my family. We live two hours away and when we visit Norfolk, we always stop in for a great dinner here. The piano player was playing his lovely music and seeing him was marvelous. A huge thank you to our waitress, Emily for getting us their famous house dressing to take home. You were so sweet to us and we will be back to see you! The food is incredible and so is the staff. I look forward to visiting your restaurant each time.

Quaint Italian restauraunt. The sauce was amazing. We had the calzones. They were great. Crust was just right. We were happy with our orders. The piano music made it a great experience.

Lives up to its historic record. Meatballs are excellent and pizza was delicious. Carafe of wine is a good value and service was fast (if you get the Sicilian pizza you may wait up to an hour, but enjoy the wine while you wait). Definitely worth the trip and if they will take a reservation, make one if going on a Friday or Saturday. They do close a little earlier compared to other restaurants.

Wow! We ran across this gem completely by accident, we live out of town. So glad we did! Feels like the little neighborhood restaurants from back home in Philly. The marinara was sublime! Highly recommend! And the price not bad either

Old-school neighborhood Italian eatery that honestly feels like stepping back into the 1980s. On a summer Friday night, I had a fine experience, first time trying Franco's. Decor is decidedly dated, with ancient plastic tablecloths and tables/chairs/booths that are past their prime. But what counts are food and service, and both were exceptional. I had Angel Hair pasta with sausage and a house salad. Fresh bread was brought out, hot with oil. There was a piano player tickling the keys in the corner of the restaurant and the perfect volume; kitsch but cute. Pricey overall ($32), but a solid B performance for Franco's.

Best italian food I’ve ever had in my life. Chicken parm cooked to perfection o only stopped here waiting for delayed flight to to kill time and so glad I did I will return with more people