Frank's Restaurant and Mussel Bar in Tonbridge and Malling

Very slow service , not very tentative. Over priced for what we had . Was not wowed by the food , just average . Would I go back … no , there are far superior places to dine than Franks .

A group of 27 of us from a retirement association descended on the restaurant for an evening meal. A bit further away from our normal haunts (closer to Bexley) but to the organiser’s experience it was anticipated to be worth the trip. And it was. The vast majority of attendees had not visited the restaurant before, and from the positive comments on quality and service, there are at least six wanting to go back privately and some have indicated a repeat trip next year would be good too! We agreed a limited menu with the management so that we could pre-empt the otherwise high demands of a group, and avoid unnecessary over-stocking, or shortage causing some attendees to miss out on their first choices, and that worked out well. Having given the restaurant our main’s choices ahead of time, meals were conceptually partly prepared so there was no undue delay once we arrived and we were all served on a timely basis. We started at 7pm, and the group was clearly having an enjoyable time and it was difficult to get them away, so most stayed until 9:45. With some mobility issues for members, we stayed downstairs and took over the back part of the restaurant and spilled over slightly into the front… but we weren’t separated so none felt they were isolated from the rest. Well worth a visit.

A group of 27 of us from our retirement association descended on the restaurant for an evening meal. A bit further away from our normal haunts (closer to Bexley) but to the organiser’s experience it was anticipated to be worth the trip. And it was. The vast majority of attendees had not visited the restaurant before, and from the positive comments on quality and service, there are at least six wanting to go back privately and some have indicated a repeat trip next year would be good too! We agreed a limited menu with the management so that we could pre-empt the otherwise high demands of a group, and avoid unnecessary over-stocking, or shortage causing some attendees to miss out on their first choices, and that worked out well. Having given the restaurant our main’s choices ahead of time, it appeared that meals were partly prepared so there was no undue delay once we arrived and we were all served on a timely basis. We started at 7pm, and the group was clearly having an enjoyable time and it was difficult to get them away, so most stayed until 9:45. With some mobility issues for members, we stayed downstairs and took over the back part of the restaurant and spilled over slightly into the front… but we weren’t separated so none felt they were isolated from the rest. Well worth a visit.

Had a fab lunch on Saturday at franks again the lovely Grace served us again and was a pleasure as always!! 🎉

Somehow very popular when we bought property 7 years ago. First visit then we really enjoyed but recent visits have been met with the most banal waiting staff, no personality while taking orders, no attempt to build rapport with diners and worst of all, looks like they get their steaks from local Asda instead from local butcher’s and then overcharge for mediocre meal. And final nail in the coffin is them slipping 12.5% “service charge”, it was NOT optional. Will not return, twice is enough.

Met Frank, but his name was not Frank. Just added to a great night. Food and service top notch!

My favourite place for Steak and my husband for mussels Such a lovely family business ❤️

What a lovely place, absolutely fab! Found this place on Google after looking for places that serve mussels, as my partner and I have recently started enjoying them. I'm glad we came here. So much choice of mussels and their main menu also has a good selection. We will definitely come again, hopefully on a Monday or Thursday when they have their mussels nights!

Honestly shocking as soon as we arrived for my partners birthday meal walked in no greetings nothing very awkward arrival, We ordered starters and bread for the table and I had to ask how long as we where sat there for a whole hour with only drinks, Burger order for my son came with blue cheese when I asked for it to be plain and got questioned if I definitely did ask for plain (for an 8 year old common sense also that blue cheese wouldn’t be on his burger) No kids menu either according to the waiter Had to call over for drinks to which the waitress started walking off after one drink was said. So had to re ordered again staff seem young and inexperienced no social skillls Will not be returning

All ways good food and service nice place to eat. mussels come with different sauces it you choose

This was our third Saturday in a row eating in West Malling and this was by far our best dinner. Mostly the restaurants in WM are very good and the atmosphere in the village is great with lots of people around drinking and eating - a nice place to be. We went to Franks with friends and as expected on a Saturday night it was rammed with a lot of noise and people enjoying their evening. We ordered based on recommendations and was not disappointed. I had the Mussels in cream starter and I'm pleased to say that the Mussels were fresh, plump and very tasty. This was followed by their Halibut fillet which was amazing and included a very tasty sauce, potatoes and veg. My wife had the Sea Bass which was a good size and well cooked. As you can see from above we eat out regularly and usually expect a dip in quality on a busy Saturday night, however this was excellent. Yes the waiting staff are young but in our experience they were efficient and worked with a smile so well done to you. Will probably go back in a couple of weeks so hopefully it will be as good. Thumbs up to all of you at Franks.

Had a lovely waitress service was ok Food was microwaved! Steak was full of oil Felt sorry for the waitress’s no one even apologised for disgusting food! I won’t be returning

Food was excellent, every dish was enjoyed. Service was poor. Started off well but after the starters were put on the table service took a noticeable down turn. Had to call over for drinks to which the waitress started walking off after one drink was said. After mains were finished, dishes just stayed on the table, could see wait staff just hanging around or doing remedial jobs like drying glasses. After maybe 40 minutes from finishing our mains, we'd had enough and asked for the bill. By then we still had most of our dishes still on the table and never got asked if we wanted dessert. Wait staff seem young and inexperienced, restaurant didn't seem particularly busy for a Saturday night.

Slow service, mediocre food, even the mussels - their speciality - which were small and shrivelled, very junior staff who weren’t v happy to serve, no hello or goodbye as we entered and exited. Won’t return and don’t recommend. Sham as we had visited before some years ago and found the food delicious then.

Super food and friendly hard working staff. It got full and service slowed down, but still really enjoyed it.

Afraid our 1st visit to Franks last night was let down by really poor service for our table for 4. The waitresses serving us clearly had just started and not had any training before being let onto the floor to serve customers. I will say this is of no fault of their own, really the responsibility of the management. Took drinks order, after 10 minutes of waiting for them to be brought to the table (could see them on the bar), we were asked if we were ready to order food! Drinks came over, bottle of wine and 2 glasses plonked on the table in an empty wine cooler (that was not chilled) leaving it to me to open the bottle and pour. Waitress had to ask for advice on gluten free option, and what the soup of the day was. Starters came in good time but served without the rolls as stated menu. Mussel starter would say 10% of it was empty shells, never did get any bread to accompany the prawn salad. We had to flag attention for extra rounds of drinks all evening and nobody came to ask if everything was ok once. The main meals were lovely as was the quality, taste and quantities. Felt obliged to pay the service charge as it stated it went to the staff, and its not their fault they haven't been trained. Would have been a glowing 5 star review if the service was to the level expected of an eatery pitched as a top dining experience.

Brilliant took visiting Canadians and they raved about it, the service the food excellent

Great food & drinks available, went here in a group of 7 and have to say the food was delicious. The crispy lamb starter was lovely and then had the Hake for mains which was delicious. Price were good and service was great friendly staff and always a smile would definitely recommend and we will definitely be returning. 10/10

Food really good, not much atmosphere as lunch time. Waitress seemed miserable.

Staff and manager were so helpful, kind and caring. My sister and l had a lovely meal. Thank you x

The food was amazing. I loved the fact that the staff wore a uniform but were still able to express their individuality in what they wore. Staff were friendly and polite, service was quick and I ate more mussels than I've eaten in my entire life. I will definitely be back.

Their website states that they are open for lunch on Mondays so we booked a table for the exact time of our wedding 52 years ago - 1pm 29th April. The booking was accepted but then cancelled on the day with no reason given! We've eaten there many times before but never again.

Always have such a great meal here! This restaurant is quite small so would always recommend to book. We had Brie and crab to start both were the perfect portion size and delicious. For mains we both had mussels which were amazing! I always have the goats cheese and honey! so delicious! All the food was cooked to perfection. Desserts were great too - we had crème brûlée and chocolate brownie super yummy. Overall great service, superb food and great wine!!

Just left , staff lovely, I complained because mussels were tasteless and over cooked , he did offer to cook again, but I said no , because I could tell he wasn’t happy and irritated, he then said I was rude, never been called that in my life … .over priced Resterant anyway? but he waived the meal , apparently it was frank the owner I spoke too , how dare i complain !!

What a great place. We visited for the first time and enjoyed the Whitebait and the Courgette Fritters to start with. The Sea Bass was great and the Cajun mussels were amazing. We finished with Creme Brulé which was lovely. Would definitely recommend and will come back again soon.

Lovely Food, good and quick service. Would definitely return here, and will do.

Never had a bad meal here and been so many times. You must try the mussel platters!

Great food , Great Service and a lovely atmosphere 👍

Food excellent, very good selection for all tastes from fish to burgers , delightful selection of deserts, waitress service very attentive & helpful.

Wonderful food, nice atmosphere, service could have been a little... Smilier. 😁

Haven't been here in years, mainly because I was out of the country for 10 years. Had the crab cocktail and Thai green curry mussels. My friend had the same starter and the New Orleans mussels. I thought the crab cocktail was going to be like a prawn cocktail, but it was still nice. The mussels were delicious, the heat was nice not too much, just the right amount of kick. My only gripes were the tables for are far too close together, one guy at another table pushed his chair back and even commented 'I nearly ended up in your lap'. I also had a glass of white wine and it wasn't very cold at all. And I did unfortunately find a hair in my mussels at the end. I would still recommend this place as the food is good and the service was excellent, very friendly staff.

If you like Mussels then you will really like it here as there is a huge variety of different flavours. Our table went for the house flavour and the verdict was that it was excellent. There are other choices on the menu which were not quite as good. The atmosphere is traditional with friendly service. Car parking nearby in Tescos.

Great selection of mussels. Friendly staff.

Another fantastic meal. Had the moules night offer! Italiano was my choice this time 😳 mmm absolutely the best I’ve had! Followed by waffle but that cherry 🍒 beer 🍺 was fabulous

Found this little gem at Christmas.. Local and food was amazing the mussels were very nice and loads of choices. The lemon pancakes were a very good dessert option.. Loved them

Great food and service, never been disappointed.

Really lovely food Staff are very good

The manager/ owner seemed a right tosser. My friends and I could hear him shouting at the staff in the kitchen, not long after the poor waitresses all left the kitchen looking as if they were about to cry bless them. Made sure to tip well for having to deal with such a horrible boss. I will not be going back which is a shame because the food was good. Frank needs to chill the hell out and learn how to treat his staff correctly it seems.

Ooh, hands down the best mussels I've had.. love Franks. They have a great selection of tasty goodness. Great service and staff, we'll be back as soon as we can 😋🥰

Stunning food, beautiful cosy restaurant, lovely staff, highly recommend the lobster thermidor, courgette fritti and crepe suzette, sublime! Perfect for a special occasion but not keen on the McDonalds style paper sauce pots for the price of the food I think you should stretch to china pots and laundered serviettes rather than paper.

My favourite restaurant. Food is amazing. Enough said.

Had a great evening, can't rate the food highly enough. We were a table of 8 and all had the Christmas menu everything was cooked to perfection. The service and all the staff were top notch! Well done Frank's

The food is very tasty. I chose whitebait starter. The chicken in a sauce for my main dish and The Waffle for pudding. All extremely tasty and filling.

We have been to Frank’s before and now being diagnosed with gluten intolerance was really pleased to see that they offered this on the menu. Therefore we decided to book on a Thursday - mussels night. When we came to order the food I was told that despite clearly stating on the menu gluten free mussel options - the chips were fried in oil with flour. When I said I would not be able to have this it was met with surprise. I said gluten free bread would be lovely instead ( the other option to have with the mussels) I was told they do not stock this. I was tempted to walk to Tesco and buy some gluten free bread. I totally understand some restaurants are not able to offer gluten free options - but feel that the menu should not say gluten free if they are unable to offer this. The food we did have wss lovely, but let down by misleading menu.

Found this place on line as we were trying out a new dog sitter in the area. Courgette fritti gorgeous, crispy, nicely seasoned and the octopus was succulent. Mussel platter with garlic, couldn’t fault it (have the bread, not the fries, for the sauce). Husband had the New Orleans version and was equally satisfied. Would recommend highly. Only downturn is the mayonnaise comes in McDonalds style paper cup things. A little china pot please!

Well priced food with a large variety of mussels. We each ordered something different and the flavours were great.

What a wonderful place. The food is delicious and cooked to perfection too. I have been here many times and will always keep going back

Superb food, great atmosphere and great value for money. Always visit when I can , best in the area

The best ..but then it always has been ..in many guises or disguises ..

Excellent first visit to Frank's mussel bar after being told about it by my colleague. Huge lover of seafood and never heard of Frank's before so thought I'd give it a try. Booked for their Thursday mussel night and wasn't expecting it be so busy. Mussels were some of the largest I've seen and very tasty, there was only 1 downside and that was service was slow but this was most likely due to the restaurant being full and not staggering their bookings as everyone seemed to order at once. We will definitely be back.

Lovely restaurant, food was cooked to perfection and service was fast.

Food as nice as ever. Service was good. Brilliant accommodating my dietary needs. Excellent, all six of us thoroughly enjoyed our experience thank you. We’ll be back.

Very nice evening. Good food, service and atmosphere

Excellent choice of mussel dishes and extensive Belgium beer menu. Friendly and efficient service

I love this restraunt for special occasions. The food never disappoints, the ambience is exceptional and the staff are very friendly. The only downside is that the parking is a short walk away. I was able to pull up outside to drop my disabled mum before parking.

Wonderful unique restaurant with lovely staff.

Fantastic food but Beer is terrible, no real choice and warm

Amazing steak… my go to for a reliable meal.

Been here many times, and the food is always great 👍🏼

Nice place, good food with friendly service. The prices are reasonable.

Food very poor have been several times over the years but this is the worse Not fresh scallops Mussels sauce tasteless water Waste of money

Food was not good this time we have been there several times So don’t know if have new chef Have also messaged them Direct with no response very poor

Delicious food served quickly by friendly professional staff, in a lovely cozy environment with a great atmosphere.

Married to a Mussel lover this fantastic restaurant offered not only 22 different types of mussel dishes but also a great starter and main course range and a dessert menu we were too full to test. We attended in a Wednesday lunch and hadn't booked but were treated pleasantly upon arrival. The building is beautifully kept and provides a great atmosphere for a meal and chat. We took a table next to the window so we could also people watch. The portions were very generous but quality also exceptional. I would definitely return many times and would highly recommend.

Had a lovely family meal at this brilliant restaurant. The muscle menu is something I haven’t seen anywhere else and everyone enjoyed the uniques flavours. It is extremely busy so book before you go.

One of my favorite restaurants food is always great.

Although I wasn't a massive fan of the scallops the muscles were out of this world. Will definitely be returning

Had a very nice meal at the weekend. Very impressed with the quality of the food and there was plenty of it. Waitress was very efficient but after giving us the dessert menu she disappeared and didn't come back to take our order. As it was getting late and all other diners had left we decided not to bother with dessert. Will definitely visit again but perhaps book the early sitting. Those of us who had mussels all agreed how good they were.

Wonderful resteraunt with cozy atmosphere - although it's trade mark is mussels I opted for 8oz fillet and was on eod the best steaks I've eaten In A long time - highly recommended - very attentive and knowledgeable serving staff

A favourite of mine!!! We're working our way through the mussel menu each time we come, however there's only one problem.... They're all so good!

Not as good as we have experienced in many visits previously. The same items on the menu are not the same quality as previously and the explanation given by staff was weak.

Absolutely fabulous food. We were table of 4 all had great food. Waitress was exceptional. Took great care regarding one of our allergies. Highly recommend

The lobster was small at a cost of £50. Not best value for money. Mussels where good but mussels are not difficult to cook and present.

I don't like fish but my husband does and we loves it there, I can say they do a great steak!

Food here is the best!!! Franks 1st St.Leonarfs then Desh, All very different but spoilt for choice nice variety on the menu to choose from. 10/10

Such a lovely restaurant. Brilliant service. Darcy was our waitress and she was magnificent.

Good food, good size portions, attentive and friendly staff

Not the first visit to Franks but always a pleasure to eat there. Good to still have a proper restaurant for a special occasion, too many have closed. Staff were great and a good variety on the menu.

Went to franks for the first time this weekend, the food was outstanding. I loved the whole atmosphere myself and husband had a lovely time , the staff was all very helpful with any questions we had about the menu. We shall both be back again. Lovely hidden gem restaurant

Been here a few times usually excellent. Tonight not so much, the poor waiter made a mistake with our starter and that took ages, no problem we all make mistakes but the manger/owner maybe, Frank (not sure) did not look happy. Came to our table we thought to say something but no he just put two plates down ready for the main course with such a scowl on his face. Could have said sorry for the mistake but didn’t say a word. Too bad really as we do like the place. When dealing with customers one needs to put your feelings aside especially when they’ve done nothing wrong!

Really nice place to have dinner

Have been coming to Franks for a number of years, and the 5 stars alone are for the amazing service we received tonight from Darcy. An assets to the restaurant they are lucky to have her.

A charming and welcoming restaurant with very friendly staff and amazing food.

Great choices on the menu, mussels fantastic, very attentive staff, this would have been our second visit, the first one pre Covid, we will go back next time in the area

Lobster and baked mussels dinner, Excellent food, wine and beer selection. Great staff also

Wonderful experience at Frank's Restaurant in West Malling, very nice atmosphere, excellent food, friendly attentative staff , one small point could do with a larger selection of soft drinks & beer.

Bad people owning this restaurant, food and quantity and quality rubbish small portions , be careful if you leave a deposit they forget to take it off the bill, the waitresses don’t talk English , we are awaiting a £35 refund due to bad service on Saturday night, we have been told 6 times it is coming back on our credit card what a load of rubbish, very very disappointing would never go there again, main course we asked 3 times for the chips and bread the food and service were very poor wish we had gone for a curry

Fantastic place for mussel selection... lovely seafood & full of history.

First visit, booked to go back next week!! Food excellent, service excellent and lovely old building!!

Have heard about this restaurant and have only heard good things so thought we would try it. Extremely welcoming staff and very nice restaurant. We went on a Thursday when do a special deal. We had prawns and prawns and avocado to start. Very tasty. For mains we had mussels I had green thai curry my partner had cheese and bacon. Really nicely cooked and served. Waitress was extremely helpful. Food was cooked fresh and arrived hot. There is plenty to choose from if you don’t want mussels. They have a good selection of desserts too. Of course we had to have one. It’s worth going we will be going back soon. Thank you to all the staff who made it a very nice evening

Over priced and over rated had muscles in places before that were better and not as expensive the food was nice but not priced correctly

The little angry owner “middle Frank” I think he called himself. Is some what a disgrace. If my son or daughter worked in this place and I was to hear him speak to the way to them he did this evening, (on three separate occasions), I would knock the fella clean out. As a table of 5 (not busy) staff and food was amazing, but when I challenged frank on his management skills his reaction was just as unsavoury. I urge not to let your sons or daughters work here the geezer is a grade “A Bell End” I won’t be coming back as it’s a shame because food and service was good .

We went there for my Sons Birthday it was his choice. We have never been there before. It seemed nearly everyone there last night was celebrating a Birthday. The service was very good and the staff were very attentive. My youngest son is vegetarian and he enjoyed his meal and our food was really good and the presentation of the food was pleasing to the eye. I would definitely recommend this place and hopefully we will revisit it sometime in the near future.

Me & my husband went for the first time , my husband was having to be on quite an awkward diet so I called up in advance and Frank was so accommodating. The next night we went in for the muscle night where you choose your muscles with either fries or bread and desert. I had the bacon and leek in a creamy garlic sauce and my husband had the indian one. It was absolutely fantastic! The staff were on point, very accommodating and the price was super. Just sad we don’t live local.

Lovely lunch. Didn’t think I’d get full on sea food but I sure did. Lovely place. Great service. Quick and efficient. Not overpriced either.

Really nice place. Very friendly staff and no music blaring out! Food and service was fantastic.

Use this restaurant often throughout the year, always good service and tasty food. As for the review below, we were sitting next to them and they polished off the entire platter. Even the wife wanted to swap her pot of muscles for a platter, after...

I ordered the baked platter (advertised as half shell mussels in a platter with garlic sauce and breadcrumbs). I was served steamed mussels in their full shell in a pile on a platter plate with thick non-garlic cream and some bread crumbs sprinkled over it...

There were a lot of young staff members who felt slightly under prepared. The taps didn't work in the toilets and when I asked about it I was given a wet wipe instead. The food was okay, some dishes were better than others. We went at a busy time of year so perhaps it'd be better at less busy times

Many times we have visited here and never left unsatisfied. Been coming here years and have never been recognized as a regular lol. Very good restaurant, get the mussels.