Francesca's in Newcastle upon Tyne

I've been regularly eating at this restaurant for some 40 years since I was a child. The original owners have now moved on and it seems the restaurant has now lost it's way which is incredibly sad. The prices have rocketed up which in some ways is understandable due to the current economic climate but what I object to is the quality of the food is now also far poorer that what it was. The Calamari starter was always a francesca signature dish for me and it what I was presentes with yesterday was a sorry state of affairs. Cheap frozen calamari rings you would expect from a low end pub chain and although the mains were OK the cost no longer offers good value as far as I'm concerned. Everything seems to be an issue for the staff now, we were a party of 4 work colleagues and wanted to just split the bill 4 ways, this was refused with staff saying they will only split it down the middle. Who cares!! Just split it 4 ways and move on keeping people happy for christ's sake. They also have a cheek having a sign asking customers to smile at the queue point when the bar staff look like they have just been to a funeral. It is sad as I've been a frequent visitor for most of my life but unfortunately I will no longer be coming back. Everything is about the money these days and in this case they have compromised the quality.

Typical no nonsense honest Italian, great atmosphere and old charm ambience. No fancy food here just wholesome Italian, highly recommend the pizza and pasta half and half. Packed on a Monday night, had to queue for a table. Staffed by Italians who were very friendly and polite. Definitely will be back in the near future.

Fabulous restaurant, great food, great atmosphere. Every time I'm in Tyneside it's the best restaurant, you wont be disappointed.

Had a lovely family meal here tonight. There was 8 of us including 3 young children. 5. 3 and 1. Food and service were amazing. Our waiter ‘Thomas’ was one of the most friendly waiters I have had the pleasure of meeting. Nothing was of any bother to him. He was very attentive and made sure we had a great dining experience. I highly recommend you give this lovely Gem a visit. I will be back definitely. ❤️

The food was good however the service was awful, we waited only 20 minutes to be seated however there was a long wait to be asked for our drinks/meals, which we understood as it was a Saturday night . When ordering our meals, it felt like some of the staff were severely judgemental of us which made us feel uncomfortable aswell as being very curt. Although the food was good, we will not be returning due to the poor service

Our second visit to Francesca's. We are not local but have family living in Newcastle and this is their go to for Italian food. We ate early, with no facility to book, you need to queue and the early bird catches the worm or, in this case, a short wait for a table. The food is, in fact my soked salmon risotto was stunning - subtlely flavoured, softly coloured, nutty rice and just so unctuous. The profiteroles, on the other hand, were just okay and the sauce a bit overly sweet and thick. Whilst we had a lovely evening - good company - and enjoyed our meal, the environment was very noisy, which made it difficult to hold a conversation. My other half also felt that the staff were putting on a show of hospitality and that there was little depth to the welcome and service.

Poor attitude and rude staff, No manners in how to talk to customers throughout the evening. Disappointing and pricey.

It's an institution and for a reason - simple but reliable food, not too pricey, good atmosphere, efficient and friendly staff - well usually... We'd gone with friends who had not been before. Nice welcome, not too long a wait (you can't book in the evenings), well sited table. Didn't have to wait very long to order food and drinks. But all these positives were marred by surly table service bordering on the rude. Following a simple request for salad dressing, we were given a lecture on how long the place has been there, that dressing would come when it was ready and assumptions made about who was with who in our group which could, had we decided not to react to it, have been quite offensive. Very unusual occurrence but it did happen which was a real shame because it changed in the tone of our evening in an instant. I'm sure it won't be our last visit - as I say, it's got a lot to offer and, in any case, it's always so busy that any future custom from us wouldn't be missed if we didn't go again.

As always Francesca's was very busy which meant it was very loud and difficult to hear but that shows its popularity. The menu is extensive but it would be nice to have a kids menu. The food was tasty and very reasonable in price and it is good to have the ability to order things like half a pizza/pasta.

Went on recommendation and quite rightly so!!! Small queue at 6pm Friday, good job we decided to stay then and not go somewhere for a drink first! The restaurant is a decent size and by 7pm was full, the time we left queue was out of the door and down the street! Food, service and everything else was excellent! One not to miss 👍🏼

This old gem is still ticking all the boxes although it isn’t your cheap Italians these days. Still unable to book its first come first served. We arrived just after 6pm on a Monday & although we were given a table immediately this cosy quaint restaurant was just about full. The food, service & ambiance was perfect. You can get your own 50/50 Pizza/Pasta combinations without having to share with someone else. If you visit at the weekend then expect to stand outside in the street with your bottle of wine or pint. Believe it or not this is a great experience. I recommend that you make this your next Italians.

I have been going to Francesca’s since my student years in Jesmond from 2000-2003, and I have returned many times since, and have taken family and friends to experience the absolute joy that Francesca’s gives everyone. The staff have always been lovely and the food is brilliant! This incredible restaurant can always bring a smile on my face and fill the holes in my stomach. I cannot recommend this place enough, good value, great food and scrumptious people ❤️

Sadly this time our visit was rather dulled. Wrong colour wine brought to table then large bottle when ordered half a bottle. Portions of salad, or chips was minuscule. Not that busy but everyone seated more in one area making it noisy for a 75th birthday. Sadly didn't recognise any of the staff. Ordered tirimasu for one and coffee for another. Tirimasu didn't arrive so sick of waiting just got up and paid the bill minus. Needs these areas sorting as we will return next month to see if improvements or for our last visit.

Food was amazing - 1/2 pizza 1/2 pasta = best of both worlds. The staff were super welcoming and the service was impeccable . Highly recommend. Busy and buzzing atmosphere.

Lovely meal. Very reasonable prices. Bustling atmosphere. There was nothing not to like! I’d highly recommend. Loved it!

Fabulous good ,great prices ,a lovely restaurant with friendly staff, Thomas was amazing! Always 5 stars Wonderful,varied choices on the menu, something for everyone.

We’d been up to Ponteland - ready to eat at another restaurant which actually wasn’t open - partner hadn’t checked, so headed back to Jesmond where my little dog was having a trial dogsit. “Francesca’s let’s go there”, my Partner hadn’t been for years and I’d been more recently. It’s so warm, welcoming, rustic and hasn’t changed since we both went there decades ago. Food - King Prawns filled by pizza and pasta to share - plenty to eat and take home. The dog’s trial dogsit went 100% and so did our lunch.

Second time dining and service really lets this venue down. Staff are short, rude and inattentive. Curt when placing orders, long gaps between food and the bill. To their credit one or two waiters really tried to pick up for the others shortcomings and redeemed the night slightly. Food and atmosphere nice enough, though other Newcastle Italians (uno’s, sambucas) make for a more relaxed and welcoming meal.

Dear Francesa. We went to your place tonight, to take away food (Special Pizza with chips), the food was not fresh, also the pizza was too salty,and the potatoes were not crispy and greecy. I calculated the price for these two items from the website and the cost is £14.40. When I paid at the reception. You charged me £16, Why!? My email is loltaylor1@googlemail.com

Fun and friendly. Good and decent price of pizza. Lots of choice and goid atmosphere. I can see why it’s popular!

Superb restaurant. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was great and the staff were really friendly. It’s a very big restaurant and is always busy, so sometimes have to queue, but it is worth it.

Authentic Italian pizzeria in the North. We love to go to dinner to taste some authentic pizza flavors. We are Italians and we like so much the interior and the atmosphere and the joyful. For us one of the best Italian restaurants in Newcastle!

Before I start, I do want to mention I've been coming here with friends for over 8 years. Back in the day, we loved this place, couldn't fault it. The service was great, the food was great, the prices were great. Now unfortunately, I can honestly say I would must rather dine at Sambucas. Francesca used to be the place to go. They knew it was good, you couldn't reserve tables and the queues would ALWAYS without fail be out the door. It used to be a place where the food was cooked with care, the staff were fun but not too over the top, and the prices were great, but now unfortunately it's clear Francesca know they are getting a lot of business, and so the food is rushed so they can pack in more tables. The staff are rushed off their feet and the whole experience is just messy, loud and stressful. The prices also have nearly doubled over the last few years. I get inflation, but flipping heck, £8 for a bruschetta starter at a "rustic, family friendly restaurant"?! We're not at the Savoy!! My friend ordered a fillet steak. Again, back in the day, I thought these were better than a top steakhouse and for £17, I'd come back at least once a week for one. Now, at nearly £25, you may as well go elsewhere. Sambuca do 3 courses for £24.95!! And their steaks are 10x better. My friend ordered a fillet steak and had to send the first one back for being overdone and the second one was severely underdone and chewy. I am not a professional chef, but you'd expect one to be able to get a steak right the first time, let alone after 2 attempts, no? Now, I'm really not complaining because I like to complain, because this place used to be so great, but it really was very poor - I think that's the nail in the coffin for us now. Good luck trying to order additional drinks. You'll have to wear a cowbell to attract the waiters' attention as they speed past you at 20mph singing and shouting at the tables. Yeah it's meant to be fun and casual, but it's just too loud and quite frankly annoying when you want something. In summary, it's too busy, too stressful and too loud. The food is overpriced and has gone downhill a lot, and the whole experience feels rushed and messy. I really am sorry to post a bad review, because if you check my past reviews, you'll see the fantastic one I left them years ago. Never thought I'd say it, but from now on I'll be in Sambucas for a starter, a delicious fillet steak and a cheesecake for £24.95.

We come here all the time and every time the food is great, the staff are brilliant and so entertaining. Thomas went to extra efforts to make my friends birthday absolutely amazing. What an amazing worker to have on your team. We can’t wait to come back here:)

Best Italian ever! Bit of queque before we manage to get a table but was worth it the wait. Food was amazing, service from Val was even better. Great stuff great atmosphere. We will be back soon

Been to Francesca’s for 30years+ Eaten all over Europe and in uk,never found a Italian better than this for the price and the quality. The house wine to die for. Tony,yanni,matteuse, Carlo and all the staff are excellent. I would recommend this restaurant to the young,old and families as it’s never let me or my family down in all the years we have been going. This must speak volumes for their standards of cooking,service and care. Gracie

Great food. Great service. Great atmosphere. Noting negative to say about this place at all. A quirky place with authentic staff and food. Served quickly with a friendly waiter. So glad we found it.

Never been before but was advised to go. Well what a lovely place. Greeted by friendly staff and surprised by the content of the menu. Plenty of choice. Particularly liked the half pizza / half pasta option. Very friendly staff and very efficient service. Will definitely by returning.

Nice little restaurant bit expensive. Nicely decorated and the toilet was nice and clean. Close to local metro and buses run close by. Food was nice but my dish was prawn dish but it didn't look like prawns, didn't eat it all. Might return to see if a different meal might be nicer

Amazing food and even better service. Thomaso was so lovely and we enjoyed are private concert. We will definitely be back and hopefully this time he’s got his guitar :)

Nice atmosphere, surroundings and service, but can't believe all the rave reviews as the pizza was really quite poor. Strange base, overcooked topping and really greasy. I'll give this a 3 at best and won't be going back.

Been going here over 30 years and always really good, waiters are full of character. Good choice of food, king prawn starter’s amazing, good choice of food , happy hour 5pm to 6pm when menu cheaper for pizza and pasta, no better Italian in North East.

As the title says, the bloke who gave us the bill said he liked my trim and he used to have the same one back in the day. Love to see it what a guy

First time as a family we called in as in the area, a small wait the we got our table for 5, once ordered the starters arrived prompt, main courses followed with out delay, accompanied by smiling and helpful friendly staff, the food was top class, we were not disappointed, and we finished it off with a sweet, mind blowing !!!!

Best Pizza! Best desserts! Best beer! Best service! Grazie molto!!! Original Italian pizza! And delicious desserts (just trying to reach my 100 characters)

Extremely tasty Italian with a great location and plethora of options on the menu. Tasty food, quick and friendly service makes this a great place to go!

Very long wait for a table - but it’s clearly a very popular place but completely worth it I was eating alone and was given a lovely table great food and very good service - there’s a chain pizza place nearby you could walk in...

First time here as wanted to try it for so long, was a que when we arrived but it did go down pretty quick, staff were friendly potato skins were very good, main course was half pizza half pasta, thought the portion of pasta could...

Lovely food and staff. Feels very authentic. Looks very Italian in its design from the outside and inside. Love that you can have half pizza half pasta on a plate for the same price as a pizza. Because of all these things, this place is...

Fab lunch time meal at Francesca's today - both had 1/2 tonno pizza and vegetarian ravioli pasta followed by tiramasu and oreo cheesecake. Great price and hustle bustle atmosphere and the service was excellent. Will deffo return and recommend, many thanks x

Visited last week, food was lovely as usual. Excellent friendly service from Thomas. We will be returning at some point soon!

Disappointing cold main course special. Use this restaurant a lot but the meal was tasteless and more important cold. Should have sent back, but was in a group and did not wish to fuss. This was there Tagliatelle meat special. Will try again but will...

This restaurant is the best Italian food that I have ever had. On top of that, the atmosphere and the staff are amazing, especially Carlo. Could not recommend any more and the price is great.

Food was enjoyable but spoilt by waiter Carlo, although that is unusual as being going there for years without a problem. He was dismissive and offhand. All others were pleasant and attentive but he took the edge off what a special day out for my...

Was a little apprehensive coming to Francesca's after reading reviews of the formidable staff, not sure if we caught them on an especially good day but we never encountered a staff member who was not lovely!! Having quick chats with us, checking the wine was...

Went for a nice lunch on Saturday! Food was good but rude waiter made me feel uncomfortable. When ordering food asked me to speak up, gave us the bill while we were eating our mains still and slammed the card machine at us when we...

Great food, great service (mostly) and me and my sister are fab tippers (usually but not today) . We were having a lovely catch up, ate well and were buying a lot of prosecco to enjoy our evening and then after our meal. We noticed...

Look, i love Francescas we all do, but there comes a time when people need to learn a bit of respect. As of this day, CARLO is my enemy, 23/02/2023. A licence to serve? or a licence to kill and offend. that man took the...

Went with my family. Amazing service, top quality food . Bruschetta for a starter and half pizza and arrabbiata for main. Was absolutely delicious. Would highly recommend.

This place has been around forever and I hadn’t been for a good few years so was intrigued to see how things were in 2023. Place was very busy early on with plenty of students and families dining. Service was decent, quick and efficient. Had...

Been visiting this place for many years but hadn't been for a couple. We went as a party of 9 for a birthday and we couldn't have been happier. The place is always busing and buzzing with people and staff (who are very friendly and...

Food was average, came almost too quick within 10 minutes so assume everything was just heated up not very fresh- my partner's pasta was cold when he got it. Got food and drink within 10 mins yet bill took over 30 minutes to arrive so...

5 adults and 3 children enjoyed a great meal in a friendly, fun atmosphere. We don’t know Newcastle well so took a chance and guessed locals who queued outside the night before must know something good was on offer. We weren’t disappointed. We have a...

I visited Francesca's to celebrate my brothers birthday with my family on a Friday evening. We waited in a queue for almost 1 hour until we were finally seated at a table. (Francesca's do not take bookings, it is walk-in only.) After ordering our meals,...

Luckily didn’t have to wait too long as I was meeting friends who were already in the queue. But as soon as we sat down, our waiter was acting very strange, making uncomfortable jokes and comments. We were a group of female students and we...

First of all I would like to say I've been going here on and off here for 20 years. I know how this system works. Everyone queues regardless unless it's a celebrity! Myself and my family chose here for our sons birthday only having to...

What can I say? Excellent old time Italian food, great service by young and older staff alike! Real buzz about the place, definitely going back . Tell them you support Milan and the service will be even better! NB. There was quite a queue, but...

Decent food, good portions and prices, however the service is horrendous. We had two very rude and dismissive waiters(older man in particular )- couldn’t even crack a smile the entire time and were clearly in an rush to get us out of the restaurant. There...

Really sorry i didn't take a photo of the food that was served to us. This place is amazing, you don't book a table just turn up and be prepared for a wait to get seated as it is always busy but trust me, it...

Awesome Visiting family in Gosforth and Francesca’s is always a must. Great food, service and family atmosphere!

Went last night with some friends. Francesca is by far my favourite Italian ever. Food was delicious and staff super friendly. The waitress with glasses on is just so pretty and funny! Shame she said she only work weekends 😂 i will be back very...

Food was really nice but was spoilt with an attitude of one waitress can’t say they were all like that as the one with the curly blonde hair was absolutely amazing. Think she either didn’t want to be there or needs retraining as never smiled,...

Chilling around the Jesmond area my better half was telling me about an Italian place nearby, sat in the middle of residential streets, that gets huge plaudits on social media. I whacked on the old Google Maps and we were a mere 0.3 miles away...

Always high quality food and extremely good service. I’ve actually been in here few times but always forget to review! Authentic Italian cuisine!

You cannot fault the food here, however, the service really lets the place down. I find one of the waiters in particular to be very perverted and as two girls trying to enjoy a meal I felt very off-put. The waiter in particular was old...

Been coming here most of my life and for good reason! Pizza is always excellent, I love the half pizza half pasta option. Make sure you leave plenty of time as there are often queues outside. Very reasonably price; service can be slow at busy...

Had a mixture of pizzas, risotto & pasta and all were delicious. Staff are so friendly and went the extra mile to make a birthday very special. Will always visit whenever we come to Newcastle

This was not our first visit to Francesca’s. We normally come in the evening, but now that we are retired, thought that we would try a lunchtime. At 12.00 we were one of the first in, but later a queue was developing which mirrored what...

Went last night with a couple of my mates. Food was delicious as always. My favourite Italian restaurant in Newcastle since I was a bairn. Very nice and smart italian waitress served us. Big up for Francesca!

Havent been here in many years, this place use to be a que of waiting. This time, we got our table when entering. Food was nice and staff are still very friendly.

Lovely restaurant with great menu. Warm welcome by staff. Friendly quick service. Large portions of pasta and pizza, though they offer half portions as well. Especially enjoyed the fresh sardines with lemon. Fresh and delicious. Definitely visit again.

Called in for an impromptu lunch today and it was just as expected. Like going into an authentic Italian Trattoria. The smell of garlic in the air, the waiters speaking Italian and the huddle and bustle of a decent punting service. We had the Marinara...

We enjoyed our visit on a bank holiday afternoon. Stood in the queue for about 30 mins waiting for a table which was fine as this is expected here. They where very busy but very efficient and we all really enjoyed the food that we...

I love Francesca’s and it’s a must every time I visit the city. Great food, great prices and more than anything a fantastic buzzing atmosphere. I love bringing people to this place for the first so they can share the joy.

So the reason it’s not a 5 is that it was really cold, as in unpleasant cold. If it wasn’t for that it would be a definite 5! Francescas is one of these places I’ve always knew of in Jesmond but didn’t really know where,...

Very good as always. The pasta is very good, the pizza is very good. The best in the area. Is a must try.

I ordered two main course pasta dishes and one pizza between two. The food was excellent but they got my order wrong and started to bring out half pasta and pizza dishes which they quickly fixed. They also billed me incorrectly by nearly £10 extra...

Second time we had visited with son/sons. As before lovely food, buzzy venue and cracking staff - not in any way a "high-end" Italian restaurant but all the better for it.

Walked in and it smelt like urine. Didn’t judge and went in anyway, was sat down straight away at a table in the middle of the restaurant. Not very private at all. Only wine you could have by the glass was the house wine? The...

We have been going here for quite a few years. The food is simple but very nice and the staff are friendly. The atmosphere is traditional Italian and makes for a great night. Definitely will be going back.

good prices but the food is very average (i had better pasta for my school dinners!) and staff are incredibly rude and standoffish. won’t be returning.

My friends and I went as a very last minute decision to grab some food. We did appreciate it was last minute and they were due to stop service in the next 10 minutes. Firstly, it was very kind of them to give us a...

The food did not warrant the wait You cannot book ( and they are always busy so it’s not in their interest) but we were unlucky and waited 40minutes in the queue. We were then forgotten at the table and had to ask to order....

My favourite Italian restaurant. There is often a queue but it is definitely worth the wait. Love that it offers half pizza and half pasta aswell!

Arrived at 5pm and there was no queue! Good, simple food that arrived quickly but we didn’t feel rushed. Used to go regularly years ago and it was nice to see nothing had changed.

I have been going to this place for many years. It’s safe to say I won’t be going back. We waited an hour and 20 minutes to queue which is standard for this place and as it was a Saturday night we totally understood (this...

Queued for about 20 mins - no fuss. In for great food, fresh, tasty and plenty of it. Mussels starter enough for a main and as good as you will get. King prawns with rice for a main and first class. Half pizza and half...

First time visit. Won’t be the last. Food was lovely and plenty of it! Service was excellent. Loved the ambiance of the place

Have been here a few times and really lives up to its reputation. Food is cheap and delicious with good sized portions. Quick service and food always quick to arrive. Just be prepared to queue!

If you want posh Italian don’t go here. But, if you want great food served in big portions and fast service this is great Italian food. Basic but great.

Well worth the queue for a table. The food was incredible, the best aubergine parmigiana I’ve had in years! The service was warm and friendly and the atmosphere was as close as I’m likely to get to visiting Italy for a while.

Well, this place lived up to its reputation. Been planing to visit for years and for a number of reasons including not being able to get parked and the queue being too long, we finally got there for lunch. Great food, nice vibe and all...

Hadn’t been for over a year.. starters were bland … garlic prawns with no taste of garlic… mmmm the picante prawns with a sauce not dissimilar to a mix of ketchup and Mayo… Mains of pizza pasta good.. not spectacular .. also do not appreciate...

The best pizzeria in Newcastle is back after the lockdowns. They have made some subtle changes to comply with the safety requirements to help prevent the spread of the virus. This is reassuring and no less than i would expect from the owner of this...

Delighted to be back! Without doubt one of the best pizzerias around. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. A proper family run restaurant, food is excellent as is the huge choice on menu, I have so many favourite dishes.

As good as it was 30 years ago - since my first visit , slightly bigger, but well worth the queue ( arrive early ) no booking.

Last went in September, can’t wait to go again. The food and service were fantastic. Loved the garlic prawns starter

Great food. Sardine grigliate, mussels in white wine, king prawns piccanti, what treat. Excellent attention payed to Covid guidelines, felt safe.

¡GUAUU! Ya SABES que se trata de Francesca's en Jesmond. Puede obtener lo mejor de ambos mundos aquí y por un excelente precio. No vayas a ningún otro lugar por comida italiana (a menos que quieras sentirte decepcionado).Mi favorito personal es, por supuesto, mitad pizza y mitad pasta (agradecimiento a mis opciones favoritas pizza especial y penne arrabiatta). La comida siempre se sirve rápidamente y está muy caliente, con una buena selección de opciones de formas de pasta y variaciones de pizza y pasta.Créame, vale la pena hacer cola afuera en cualquier clima.

Comida fantástica, servicio fabuloso y excelentes precios. Todo el personal lleva máscaras y el distanciamiento social entre mesas es su prioridad. Nos hizo sentir muy seguros y bienvenidos. Son estrictos con sus reglas COVID que creemos que son muy importantes en este momento. ¡Siéntete seguro y ve a esta 'joya' en Jesmond!