PICTURED: SAMIR AIT AFTIS (RESTAURANT MANAGER), STEFANO TURCONI (HEAD CHEF) ALEXANDRA ATHANASOULA-DUPRESSOIR (RECEPTION MANAGER) AND JASON PHILLIPS (DIRECTOR).
Jermyn Street’s Open Door Series will be honouring the brands and businesses that make our street the home of gentleman’s style, and the pinnacle of British craftsmanship, by spotlighting your favourite brands, and the people behind them, as we invite you through our doors once more!
Franco’s restaurant, a quintessential Jermyn Street establishment serving stunning Italian cuisine, has also recently opened its doors once again. Al fresco diners are now invited to enjoy coffees, lunch and dinners on heated outside tables, ahead of guests being able to eat inside from May 17th.
Franco’s first opened in 1945, and has been the go-to establishment in St James’s, and really for anyone passing through the area, for the past 75 years. Sitting proudly amongst Jermyn Street’s iconic stores, clubs and hotels, it is the perfect place to watch the world go by while enjoying some seriously good Italian food. It is believed that Franco’s was one of the first Italian restaurants to be opened in London, and it has stood the test of time due to its high-quality cuisine, welcoming ambience, and impressive wine cellar.
Franco’s is famous for its hearty breakfasts, particularly their English Breakfast which, although not being an Italian speciality, they recognise as a classic and bring their signature flair to traditional British cuisine. At lunchtime, they offer both al a carte and set menus, which you can enjoy from midday into the afternoon, making Franco’s a perfect spot for a long lunch with friends or colleagues. Lobster linguine with a glass of wine is a highlight of their al a carte menu and, with the pick of their extensive wine cellar, you will be sure to find a flawless pairing. Dinner at Franco’s is an elegant affair; they offer a canape selection (to be ordered in advance), a set menu, an al a carte menu, and vegetarian and vegan options. Their dessert menu is also not one to miss, with Italian classics like tiramisu and panna cotta. At every course, Franco’s triumphs with the classics, always elevating and highlighting the full flavours of Italian cuisine.
With so many returning, loyal customers, it is advisable to book a table in advance if you wish to dine. When the restaurant opens inside from May 17th, you will be able to once again enjoy the elegant interior, which matches the food and the charming ambience of a restaurant that is sophisticated but never stuffy. For those just popping in for an afternoon aperol or one of Franco’s famous negronis, sip your beverage under the outside canopy and watch the world go by.
This is a restaurant that really encapsulates the charm and sophistication of Jermyn Street, and we are so glad to see their doors opening once more. This is THE place to watch spring return to our city, as you sip a delicious glass of wine and tuck into some truly exquisite Italian cuisine.