Franco's Cafe & Restaurant in Swansea

If I could rate this place a 1 star I would ! Went for some lunch and the waitress was lovely, friendly attentive and overall a pleasure. But the man standing around all day correct me if I’m wrong his name is Franco. He wasn’t doing anything while the restaurant was packed and only 1 girl serving he just stood there being really rude to the waitress and bossing her around when she was doing a great job as she was. He seemed really inappropriate with her also I heard him saying things a man of his age should not be saying to a 16/17 year only girl, disgusting. Over all the 1 star Is for the young blonde lady and as for Franco SHAME ON YOU !

I had a great breakfast on Monday morning here. Plenty of available tables around 10am, even ones to sit outside if you're brave enough to face the Welsh weather. The young staff were super friendly, I ordered the largest breakfast and it was no trouble to substitute one item that I don't like for an extra hash brown. The portions were large (just what I wanted!) it was everything a full English breakfast is expected to be from a traditional cafe. The complimentary cuppa goes a long way too, as many places charge extra for this lately. My only suggestion, I didn't see fried bread on the menu which isn't something I go for, but my friend who usually goes for breakfast with me will always ask for it (the staff were so obliging, I'm sure they'd fry some bread if requested) thanks for a great start to my week, guys

Service was horrendous. I ordered the pasta and when it came it was SWIMMING in a bowl of oil. Sent it back and the whole kitchen staff and servers were awful staring and laughing at the table we were sat at. If you can't handle criticism when the food was inedible don't have a cafe. Expensive for wbat it is and staff are immature and rude. Should've gone to greggs. DO NOT GO HERE.

First time eating at Francos. The best roast beef dinner I've had in a long time. All our meals were cooked spot on. The service was outstanding I will definitely be going back again. Thank you Francos 😊

Waited hour and 20 minutes for food ! Would have been ok if owner had apologised instead of getting waitresses to do so and offered discount on food. But no nothing so will not go back.

My go-to recommendation for Italian food in Swansea. I’ve been to francos several times now, and every time has been phenomenal. Amazing food, friendly staff, and cosy atmosphere. Can’t ask for much more from an Italian restaurant in Swansea!

As soon as we walked in the manager or the owner (i’m not sure) treated us with contempt as though we were an issue. Ignoring our personal experience, a man walked in and sat at a table, whether he wanted a cup of tea or food i don’t know but either way it shouldn’t matter. He was tapped on the shoulder by this ‘manager’ and told it was his cafe, he can’t sit there and should go. In the end the man walked out because he wouldn’t stop being rude and aggressive toward him. You could tell it seriously shook the man who ended up going to tiffany’s around the corner. The food was actually quite poor too. This man doesnt deserve to run a business and i will never recommend nor go back

Best pasta and garlic bread I have ever had !! Looking at the other food coming out , looks awesome …. I had the Pasta Boscaiola 🤗

The staff are so friendly and food is brilliant even joke about my passion for hot sauce on my breakfast

love this place....small restaurant tucked away near Swansea Market. Excellent home cooked Italian food....bellissimo 👌

Lovely food, reasonably priced, not long to wait, friendly staff.

absolutely great experience from all staff they were lovely and helpful, the food i cannot even begin to describe how great it tasted, we have been looking for a new place for pasta and this exceeded our expectations, will be revisiting in the future!

Great food with a good atmosphere and central location.

First time going to Franco's, and it won't be the last. Lovely food, lovely people, and lovely service will definitely return 😊

As always great welcome fabulous hot food and staff always happy and friendly

Awsome Italian/Welsh Cafe. Great food with a family Vibe, when I'm in Swansea I eat here.

Muy rica y abundante la comida. Soy de Argentina y el dueña es fanatico de Maradona, me hizo sentir como en casa.

Good food, unpretentious, good value! Came for lunch after a show at the Grand Theatre, wasn't disappointed. Staff are friendly too!

I would highly rate Franco's. Fabulous food, which is also great value for money. Altogether great, professional experience. I would say, over and above. Would go there anytime I am in town, and recommend it to anyone. C

Visited frankos today for a quick bite to eat with my daughter before we went to see a show in the grand theatre. The service was great and we really enjoyed our meals. I had the pasta bolognaise and garlic bread which was delicious and a good portion. My daughter had a ham sandwich which she also enjoyed. Reasonably priced too! Owner is very welcoming, chatty and very attentive. Will definitely visit when we’re in Swansea for our next show!

Amazing food for a very reasonable price. I went there with my friends and we were so impressed by the variety of foods served there. so many types of pasta which I struggle to find elsewhere. We had pesto pasta, pasta pizzaiola and chicken mayo ciabatta and we all recommend. Lovely staff, can’t wait to go back.

Been going to Franco's since 2015 - two or three times a week - breakfast, lunch and dinner - never had a bad meal..............and "You'll never starve at Franco's".

Yesterday, 12th June, 2023, I had breakfast at the establishment Franco's, 12 Nelson St, Swansea SA1 3QE. I had the large breakfast with a coffee around 10am and sat at table 5 by the window. I was given a coffee and a pot of cream. On pouring the cream, it formed tiny blobs and didn't mix with the coffee. The cream was clearly off on sipping it and then on sniffing the little pot it came in. The waitress kindly got me a new cup of coffee and some cream that wasn't off, however, the coffee was undrinkable, as it was majorly strong. I love strong coffee, but even I couldn't drink it! The breakfast came. For a breakfast, it looked good on the surface, but on tasting it, it was just awful. The mushrooms tasted off and were rubbery and inedible. The black pudding didn't taste nice and the bacon wasn't of the best quality. However, I found one sausage delicious and the beans were fine. On tasting the other sausage, it tasted definitely off, and I had to spit it out back on to the plate. The general experience of the cafe and atmosphere didn't feel comfortable. I asked for the bill from a waiter and to use their toilet facilities. On using the one available toilet room, there was the tiniest bit of paper available and no spare rolls in the room. It didn't look the cleanest or smell very nice. All in all, it was the worst breakfast I've ever endured and I left hungry and thirsty and disappointed. If I had been with someone else, I might have complained there and then, but the owner made me feel uncomfortable and was constantly hanging by the entrance, almost needing attention from customers! I'm not looking to get my money back and I hate complaining. It could have been an off day for the establishment, but it did seem that some of the items on my plate were cooked the day before and rewarmed or saturated in boiling fat that didn't taste the best either. I will never go there again and waste my time or money. The waitress and waiter were fine, but the general experience left me with a bitter taste in my mouth and my pocket. I would suggest a spot check on the establishment's health and safety standards or a mystery diner perhaps. The sausage I spat out was definitely not fit for consumption, the mushrooms tasted off and the coffee was undrinkably, too strong. All in all, the worst breakfast in Swansea.

We had our lunch shortly after arriving into Swansea. A very friendly host and proprietor welcomed us, we felt very much at home. Friendly service and good food. Don’t miss it.

Very , very expensive for average greasy spoon Breakfast. It’s not enough that they tuck u up with the breakfast … Says drinks(coffee and tea ) are free with breakfast but are not , they charge you . Pure greed Do yourself a favour and go somewhere else! Plenty to choose from in Swansea

Lovely little Italian cafe with friendly staff. Lovely quality food. I had a large cooked breakfast and latte, really enjoyed. 😋

Lovely meal, served by waitress who was very pleasant.

Good service in a busy cafe. The food is nice.

Myself & 2 of my friends were with a coach trip on Sunday 21st. We only had 2 hours so we were in need of somewhere to eat. We stumbled across Francos by sheer accident but we are so glad that we did. The menu was extensive, extremely good value & when the food arrived it was fresh & piping hot. Highly recommend, you won't regret it & if we are ever in Swansea again Francos will be the 1st place we will head for.

Great little café. A bit chaotic but nice place as it is very busy. There is a person there helping people to find seats.

Only tried the breakfast, happy with it. 😊

Great food,fast service all home cooked. Friendly staff. Definitely recommend.

Very pleasant to call on this eatery food outstanding staff excellent . At times you would think you were on the continent.

Absolutely love the place its my go to in swansea. Amazing staff and food. My son loves francos and knows all the staff

Honestly one of the best roast dinners I have had!! And the owners are such a a friendly and welcoming couple. Such a lovely family run business with such a good atmosphere!

I had visited a number of times but sadly not again. Had to decline my friends invitation to meet there on Wednesday. I was half an hour early and my friend was a little late. I was asked to move tables twice which was fine however Sadly customer service for me was not so positive, my meal was late even though I'd ordered before my friend and when I went to pay for my meal as I was told bluntly that next time I shouldn't be early. There won't be a next time!

Really responsible and respected place with family friendly waiters and host

Very good food. We both had the pork loin chop with peppercorn sauce. The meat was tender and not overcooked, plenty of sauce and the chips were good. Friendly attentive staff

Excellent food and excellent service. Might be my new cafe when going to Swansea

Had breakfast there. Service is good and attentive. Food was ok with room for improvement. E.g. Scrambled eggs over cooked and baked beans slightly bitter

Food is undeniably good. But, the man owner is making so much unnecessary chat noises- talking over people’s food and blocking the way. Could he be professional and allow people eat in peace. You can’t even hear yourself talk with people on your table.

Since I went there last, the food and presentation has gone down hill, it was okay to eat but I used to enjoy it more before

Had a lovely sunday dinner here, would highly recommend the breakfast too, brilliant service and lovely staff.

Been coming here for a few years now. Mostly for late breakfast and a cuppa. The staff are friendly and recognise their regular customers. Would definitely recommend visiting here for a meal.

Had breakfast and lunch here on different days was always busy (in the good way) food was fantastic staff very friendly and helpful and the prices make it extremely good value

What can I say,food is genuine proper Italian pasta

My absolute fave place to eat in Swansea. The staff are so friendly, the Owner comes and speaks to everyone and makes you all feel welcome. Their food, most importantly, is the best Italian I have eaten in Wales. The prices are very reasonable. Highly recommend to everyone to come here. 10/10 service 👌

Quick service very polite staff.

A taste of Italian home cooking. The foods were hot and tasty and well presented. This establishment is very busy which is an indication of how good the foods are....well worth waiting for a table

Tastiest food you can get in swansea! Even the English breakfast is way better at this Italian Cafe than a British one! We recommend it 1000%.

Great place! Food hot and good quality. Good service!

Went today as seen there photos of there Christmas roast dinners online. I had the beef, best dinner iv had in Swansea, can't wait to go again every week over Xmas 😁

Lovely little cafe. Staff are very friendly and great service. Never had a bad brekkie from there

We ended up in this little Italian restaurant by accident and we were pleasantly surprised by the authentic Italian tastes and Franco and the rest of the team that in a true Italian fashion were very friendly.

I just had the best breakfast ever,and I'm not a breakfast eater but absolutely everything has taste. Will definetley come back!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Right in the centre of Swansea City centre, this family run cafe is all you would expect from dedicated Italian hosts. Brilliant food, friendly service and reasonable prices. What more could you ask for?

At Francos you get a warm welcome - the staff are friendly and accomodating. The food is just like mama used to make. The variety and quality of the food is excellant and generous,portion size and value for money - Licensed too, so what is not to like. Highy recommend Francos.

went in for breakfast with the family it was was excellent fresh, tasty and fantastic coffee and service.

As visitors to Swansea we were looking for a convenient and inexpensive brunch stop. This place ticked all the boxes. The menu was decent enough, with an Italian influence. Service was fine and we thought it was value for money especially for a city centre establishment.

I took my two children to Franko's for lunch this afternoon. I ordered 3 drinks and 3 meals, the 3 drinks arrived quite quickly. Two of our meals arrived (mine and my daughter's) after about 45mins of waiting, but the third meal was nowhere to be seen. The waiting staff didn't return to our table at all, and didn't make any eye contact, pretty much ignored us. I gave my meal to my other child to eat as she was hungry and when the children were finished I went to the counter to pay, telling them that the third meal had not arrived and so I'd like it taken off the bill. The waitess was lovely and really apologetic, I paid and I went to leave with my children. The owner followed us outside asking if we had enjoyed, and I was honest and explained that a meal hadn't arrived. Infront of my children and the people sat outside he became hot headed, blaming me for not coming to find him to ask for the meal, repeatedly saying I should have asked, talking over me when I tried to explain that the staff didn't stop so I could ask them, he became loud and argumentative in front of my children. He said I was not welcome back and should go next door next time. While he continued to rant at me I walked away with my kids and could hear him bad mouthing me to the customers sat outside. Feeling humiliated and embarrassed in front of strangers doesnt bother me too much, but feeling humiliated in front of my children feels awful thanks Franko's

Visited franco’s takeaway for the first time today and was blown away by the amount of vegan options and the depth of knowledge in the vegan items by the lovely gentleman behind the counter. The chips are the best I’ve had in years and the Irish curry sauce is to die for! Stop what you’re doing and head to franco’s for the best chippy tea!

If you wanna try a typical Italian lunch/breakfast or dinner come here and you will not be disappointed!! We left the restaurant rolling up. Amazing food and very friendly people!!! Many compliments to the Chef!!!!

Two large beef dinners ordered by myself & wife which were brought fresh to us in a timely fashion fresh & hot.Ample slices of beautifully roasted meat, pigs, in blanket parsnips & potatoes. Sprouts, Cabbage, Swede & Mash accompaniment was plentiful. The nice sized Yorkshire pud was filled with a nice balanced portion of stuffing. Both meals went down a treat & the plates were literally returned empty

That's what we call a proper place 🙂👍👌. Everything is just lush. Very tasty food with a brilliant service. Keep on going the good work. Definitely will come back.

We thought we would try somewhere new for lunch whilst out shopping. We decided to sit outside. The owner recommended the lasagne. 2 of us had lasagne and I had a chicken pesto pasta. The lasagne had quite a few layers and I had a good sized amount of pasta. However, we could only choose chips or garlic bread. One of us chose chips and two of us chose garlic bread. The chips were less than a bowl full and we had one small slice of garlic bread each. Considering that we were paying nearly £10 each for our meals the portion size was a bit stingy. And I think that a cafe asking £10 for a meal is too much especially when there's cafes around who would charge less for a lasagne and have chiosv and fralc bread included. To me they are trying to charge restaurant prices. The food was very nice and we all enjoyed. One of us who had the lasagne did say it was a bit greasy though. I don't know if I would go again since the whole menu was expensive for what it was and the portion sizes were not the best.

Friendly staff. Upon entrance, we were told that there would be no items served under the “warm meals” segment. I ordered a quarter pounder. I was then told these were also unavailable, and I asked for a chicken burger instead. They then checked, returned, and said this was unavailable. Finally, they asked if I would eat the BLT, which they then told me I cannot have.I won’t return.

Another visit and yet again superb quality food at a great price served by professional and friendly staff.

Stumbled across this cafe whilst looking for a breakfast. What a gem, fantastic value and tasty breakfasts. Our daughter rated the breakfast as " Excellent" and the milkshake as "Awesome". Think we,ll be back on our next visit to Swansea.

We are now regulars at Francos after long layoff because of Covid, Franco is always there with a warm typical Italian welcome along with his great staffWe always have the small or medium breakfast with tea or coffee, and always taste great and never have to complainYou can now eat outside the menu have a great range including a roast dinner Staff are very friendly and great value foodThere not really any suitability for people in wheelchairs and definitely the toilets are not disable friendly only because of the size or the room and where the the toilet is situatedI have recommended this restaurant before because it one the best for a stop when shopping and great value

My partner and I intended to have a meal in Franco's Cafe and Restaurant having been encouraged by what appeared to be a friendly proprietor inviting us in to his establishment.After being seated we were asked to provide our details as part of the NHS track and tracing system. We had no issue doing this in principle, but were concerned to be presented and left unattended with an A4 notebook of people's details who we presume had also been asked to provide their details. When we politely communicated concerns to our waitress - regarding GDPR legislation, and the fact that the restaurant shouldn't be presenting us with private contact details of other patrons, the owner who had earlier been so cordial when soliciting our custom, became aggressive and impolitely told us to leave his establishment. Never before have my partner and I been treated so rudely.If you wish to have your details shared with all and sundry, to allow an owner who has no understanding or respect of data protection to have access to your details, then by all means visit this eatery. Otherwise, there are several better and more polite places to eat within a stone throw of Franco's.We subsequently visited Bertie's across the road. There, options were given to complete forms privately or log onto the NHS app. Additionally, at Bertie's we had an enjoyable meal of decent size portions at a very reasonable price.We certainly would not go back to Franco's as the service proffered by the owner was simply atrocious and rude. If it was possible, we would award zero stars to Franco's. It's an absolute no brainer which of the two restaurants we would revisit!!!.

This coffee shop - collocated with Swansea's waterfront museum services up amazing Welsh baking, including an outstanding scone served with clotted cream and jam, then dusted with powdered sugar with added single cream on the side, Coffee was a bit mweh but fine.

On the first day that “lockdown” eased and we were allowed to “sit in”, Monday 17th May, we visited Franco's for lunch. Really had a huge meal, a delicious beef dinner then bread & butter pudding with glasses of red wine and espresso coffees.On Monday 24th May we called in for breakfast. My wife and I both had omelettes (without chips) and lattes.Then on Friday 4th June we called in for lunch and had pasta and shared a sticky toffee pudding with custard.Always have a great welcome and an enjoyable time and the wide variety of food on offer should meet anyone’s needs.

Had an excellent “Christmas” dinner in Franco’s today (Sunday 22nd Nov). My wife had a small dinner and I had a large dinner. Everything was first class with a huge variety of seven vegetables along with turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets, Yorkshire pudding and roast and boiled potatoes. We both had a glass of red wine then I had tiramisu, my wife had mince pies and custard finishing with espresso coffees – Delicious!!

August 3rd was the first day, in Wales, that restaurants & cafes were allowed to open for indoor dining with the “Eat Out to Help” scheme coming into operation. Our first call was to “Franco's”, a lovely family run Italian cafe with a great atmosphere. We had beef dinners, glasses of red wine, tiramisu, apple crumble and espresso coffees to finish. Very enjoyable.We returned on Thursday afternoon and had lasagne which was delicious.

Just what was needed after a day of drinking watching wales lose - 2 freshly cooked full English breakfasts, cooked to perfection , great service , friendly efficient staff - highly recommend

Called in (Sat). As I am on a diet I wanted a chicken salad , which was on the menu. It was way too pricey for what it turned out to be as it was very small. I had to send it back after taking one mouthful, because the lettuce was brown. I didnt notice this when it arrived because the brown lettuce (iceberg lettuce) was at the bottom and was covered over with other salad leaves which were fresh. It seemed strange that all the brown stuff was covered over ? When I pointed it out, the waitress had to put her face very close to look at it, whereas the brown lettuce was plainly visible and very plainly brown! I dont see how the kitchen could serve brown lettuce -somebody in the food prep process must have seen it ! I was gutted as I was with my grandaughter who I had told how great it used to be. Not cheap but I wouldnt have minded that, if it had been worth it.

We as a family regularly visit Francos on Saturdays when we go shopping, I either have the small or larger full English my daughter has either the same or burger, or Lasagna my wife Burger or omelette, and even full English. but no matter what we have we have never been disappointed, always very tasty, always hot, never in the couple of years we have been going there have we had a problem, Franco and his staff are alway delightfull, and cheerful, One major thing I have noticed unlike other similar cafe's is we never have an upset stomach after unlike some others we may go to, This is very busy around lunch times saturday with often ques out side there is tables out side for smokers or those who just want to sit outside and have a hot drink and chill I highly recommend this place, but be prepared to wait for a table its very popular, which speaks for itself I should add that Franco is open in the evenings from April 3 as a proper Italian restaurant

Never had a bad meal here - the service is brilliant too. We've only tried the homemade lasagne on the menu though because it's so good that we have it every time :-)

On our latest visits to Franco's we have really enjoyed the Christmas menu. Yesterday (18th Dec) my wife and I both had “small” turkey dinners which were very generous portions and great value. A large serving of turkey and numerous vegetables with roast an boiled potatoes. There is also the usual wide ranging menu to choose from.

Very disappointed! Went into Francos for a meal we had to wait outside in the freezing cold for about 10 minutes to be seated when we were eventually seated we ordered a jacket potato with cheese and ham and a toasted sausage sandwich with chips and egg sausage and chips after about 35 minutes we finally had our meals after asking the waitress who didn’t even apologise!!!!!When the food came the jacket potato was dry and from the microwave which costed £6.50!!!!! My toasted sandwich came without the chips and the egg sausage and chips came without the sausage!!

a busy , well staffed retaurant, with a good menu and speedy service, great toasties and mains as well

Lovely visit on Sunday morning for brekkie, lovely staff, fast service and lovely food. Highly recommend for a post or pre shopping chill out. Great value for money compared to others in the vicinity.

Perfection. Everything on the breakfast menu tastes better than other cafe's. The lunch dishes are excellent.Thank you Franco's Cafe.

We visit Franco's frequently and I have written many reviews. Our visit on Sunday 29th September was our first on a Sunday. As well as the usual comprehensive menu, there was a wider selection of Sunday dinners, beef, lamb and pork. I had a very enjoyable pork dinner and my wife had a small beef dinner. There is always a great family atmosphere and the staff are very friendly.

Will never step foot in there again after being a regular for 14yrs. The way the owner spoke to me was disgusting. Nice food, great staff. Even talks to staff rudely. Quite a few people hav also said the same. Shame really but ifld rather eT where I can RELAX

Happened to call into Franco’s for brunch today whilst shopping in Swansea. This is our second visit and still very happy with the service and the quality of the food. I’d love to return but later in the afternoon one day so I can try out the pasta dishes as I Love Carbonara and the likes. Affordable prices and lovely food!

We enjoyed a great pizza each followed by delicious tiramisu. Very efficient, friendly staff, Franco overseeing everything with good burn homie. Thank you, a lucky find on our first visit to Swansea.

Went for Sunday lunch today but was disappointed by the meagre sized Sunday roast.We ordered two small beef dinners costing £8.45 each and what came on a children's side plate was one very thin slice of beef and a few small spoons of veg one roast potato one boiled potato,one Yorkshire pudding and a small covering of gravy the owner directed us to a very small table and sat looking miserable for the time we were there.not the best of atmosphere or food today.We are not likely to call for lunch there again.

We visit Franco's regularly and I have written a number of reviews. On Saturday 25th May we had one of the daily specials – chicken in a pepper sauce which was delicious. Also had a glass of red wine. There is always a very friendly atmosphere but on Saturday there was an air of celebration as it was Franco and Angelina's 42nd wedding anniversary so Congratulations – Again.

Puedes hablar con el dueño y ver sus fotografias en la pared; el ambiente es y la sazon es realmente deliciosa; no puede perderse este sitio al visitar Swansea

We had Good brunch. V hot coffee. Delicious ice cream. French fries was tasty . Fish & chips was delicious. Cheese sandwich was ok, it would be better if they had toast it.

Service can be a little slow at peak times but that's too be expected, excellent food at good prices.

MY little family and i came here whilst staying in one of the bb along the seafront for a night and happen to come across this family run cafe whilst looking round the city centre

Lovely family run Italian cafe in the city centre. I've been here a few times and have always enjoyed. Tasty home cooked meals and excellent welcoming service. The meatballs were massive in the meatballs and spaghetti and the steak in the steak and mushroom pie was very tender.

If you are looking for an authentic Italian food, then you can visit Franco's.

good atmosphere, great tasty food and the staff are really nice and friendly and the staff point out what's on the specials board and nothing is ever too much trouble for them

We visit “Franco's” frequently and I have written a number of reviews. I felt that I should write about the current “Traditional Christmas Dinners” which really are excellent. The “Large”, which I had first was an enormous meal with a huge range of vegetables (I think that I counted nine!!). A few days ago my wife and I had “Small” Christmas dinners which were plenty for us; especially with a glass of wine. Always a great atmosphere and staff are very friendly.

Visited last night before going to see ‘Awful Auntie Live’ at the Grand. Nice and simple cafe with a Italian twist. Staff always welcoming and a big menu with a lot of British and Italian choice. All you need, tasty and quick. I had an Italian pasta dish very nice. We will visit next month as we do every year on our way to the Panto at the Grand. Can’t wait. Thanks

This is one of the best cafe meals we have eaten. We have visited many times but have not reviewed our visit. On this occasion we had the roast dinner,lamb for me,beef for my husband,it was delicious,the meat,veg,gravy ,well done to the cook. We have tried several selections from " cawl " pizza,paninis and something with chips from the excellent menu all tasty.t The staff are so welcoming ,like family really. Real little jewel in Swansea .

One of our regular visits to Franco's today, Monday 22nd October. Felt that I had to say that my traditional pork dinner really was delicious. My wife had a lamb dinner which she really enjoyed. Franco's is an Italian family restaurant with a great atmosphere, everyone is very friendly and it is noticeable that they have a lot of Italian customers – high recommendation indeed. A very wide menu from traditional British to Italian pizzas and pastas.