Fresco Da Franco

4.5

1496 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 20 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 11:30–15:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00 Sun 17:00–21:00
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
Area
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
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Popular dishes

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

Insalata

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

Pasta e Risotto

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

Secondi

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

Contori

BROCCOLI RABEUS$15.00
garlic, lemon, breadcrumbs
ESCAROLE & BEANSUS$15.00
garlic, focaccia breadcrumbs

What 1,496 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

Diners' Choice Awards

Essex
Great for fine wines
Essex
Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Fresco Da Franco in Montclair offers "amazing food" and a "lovely ambience," creating a delightful dining experience. Guests rave about the "excellent service" and "authentic Italian flavors," with standout dishes like gnocchi and chicken Parmesan. Though sometimes "noisy," the vibrant atmosphere and "attentive staff" make it a must-visit spot.

1,496 Reviews

A
Amit
VIP
New York City
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was an amazing experience including food, service and ambiance.
Is this helpful?
J
Jim
New York City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food, service was outstanding. Great experience.
Is this helpful?
A
Alex
New York City
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Note: we went for Valentine’s Day so take it with a grain of salt. They added lots of extra tables and the seating felt cramped. It also seemed like because of the increased volume in customers, the kitchen was very behind and we were waiting more than 30 minutes for our appetizers, entrees and desserts (each). Our server was apologetic and friendly. It just seemed as though the staff was scrambling and having trouble keeping up. The food was good, but not the best in the area.
Is this helpful?
L
Lourdes
New York City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The tuna tartare was exquisite. Our table ordered the bolognese, DA MARE, CAMPANELLE SCAMPI and chicken with mashed. The Campanelle scampi was disappointing as I was expecting at least 5 full shrimp but the dish came with very little shrimp and they were chopped into very small pieces. My party however had no complaints with their dishes. Would definitely revisit to try other dishes.
Is this helpful?
S
Steve
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 7 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful dinner at Fresco Da Franco. We let them know we were seeing a show later in the evening and they made certain to bring our dishes promptly. Sienna provided excellent service. The food was equally outstanding. And I enjoyed the quiet ambience. We will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
M
Melissa
VIP
New York City
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 26 January 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Great food & specialty cocktails, nice vibe, poor service.
Is this helpful?
J
Joe
New York City
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on 25 January 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I have to tell you , this restaurant has turned into one of our favorites in Montclair . The adjoining g Bar Franco is a great place for a drink. Appetizers at Fresco and mains were fantastic . My wife loved the gnocchi special . Only downside is how packed and loud it was . Services was slow …
Is this helpful?
J
Jim
New York City
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 15 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Overall, it was an extremely pleasant experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the attentive service and the lovely ambience. To top it off, the food was so tasty and very well presented. We can highly recommend this establishment.
Is this helpful?
J
Jacqueline
Indiana
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on 12 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible all around - excellent service, food and ambiance! it was our first time there and will love to return. We were seated right away when we arrived and our server was attentive and great all around. The flavors were delicious, we enjoyed the meatballs, tuna tartar, Lamb ragu pasta and Da Mare!
Is this helpful?
K
Kathy
New York City
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on 11 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A NYC restaurant in Montclair. Food was delicious and service A+. We will 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 1496 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

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.
Area
Montclair
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 11:30–15:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00 Sun 17:00–21:00
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
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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 booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Gnocchi Bolognese

Fettuccine Cartuccia

Paccheri Amatriciana

Antipasti

Grilled PulpoUS$26.00

Tuna TartareUS$22.00

Eggplant Caponata CrostiniUS$18.00

Tavola di Salumi & FormaggiUS$26.00

Mamma Giuseppina MeatballUS$16.00

Heirloom Tomato CarpaccioUS$22.00

Fried CalamariUS$24.00

Insalata

Panzanella SaladUS$16.00

Pear & ArugulaUS$16.00

Pasta e Risotto

Lumache NdujaUS$26.00

Zuppa di PesceUS$38.00

Spaghettini di CucuzzaUS$30.00

Fettuccine CartucciaUS$36.00

Paccheri AmatricianaUS$28.00

Penne L'estateaUS$26.00

Gnocchi BologneseUS$30.00

Risotto Mare & MondoUS$36.00

Secondi

Diver Sea Scallop

Red SnapperUS$34.00

Angus Short RibUS$44.00

Chicken ScarpielloUS$36.00

Veal Chop ParmigianaUS$48.00

COSTOLETTE DI MANZOUS$45.00

BISTECCA DI FIANCOUS$48.00

Contori

BROCCOLI RABEUS$15.00

ESCAROLE & BEANSUS$15.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

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 bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information