Pizzeria Francesca in Newcastle upon Tyne

Great food, polished off with gusty renditions by waiters of some typical English songs.

Possibly the best pizzeria in Newcastle is Pizzeria Francesca or as the locals refer to it, simply Francesca's. Francesca's is always busy and if you do not book you may find yourself queuing however the food is well worth it and the prices are very low despite the quality.

Really, just what you want from an Italian. Friendly, Efficient service. Great food. And always a good atmosphere. Top place.

Well known place, but I'm from out of town, I live 40 miles away. I accept this place gets ques out the door and happily ready to give it a go. They are clearly doing something right. Have been at least 5 x now and love it.

Have loved this place for years. Great atmosphere ! Good food , value for money.

Good meal. Very crowded and noisy. Unfortunately the prices have gone up a great deal since my last visit.

Still the best Pizza and Pasta out there !!

A proper Jesmond institution. Great food served in a lovely atmosphere. A firm family favourite.

Always a high standard of Italian food with very friendly and helpful staff. Lovely place to visit

Really very good food, at very reasonable prices. Brilliant atmosphere, the queuing is an important part of the experience. The staff can seem a little stressed and flustered at busy times, but they are generally very friendly and polite.

Nobody should have to queue for Italian food. “Just a like a mama used to wait!” 👵🏼🤌🏻

Amazing restaurant, fantastic staff, love to go here all the time!

Been going for almost 10 years... never had a bad experience. Great staff, great food, great prices.

Delicious and reasonably priced lunch. Service was outstanding. Everyone seemed to know about this place except me. Definitely will return.

Good service lively atmosphere. The food while still ok is not as good as it used to be.

A fantastic Italian restaurant. The food is great and good value for money. The place is popular, when we got there we had to queue for a bit which is always a good sign.

This place has gone down hill. We had high hopes after not visiting for a few years, but please don’t go here if you want authentic Italian food. Staff were very friendly when greeting us, but, the food did not impress. Pizza was very greasy, tasted like it had been fried. Pasta was awful it had no flavour and just tasted like grease. Disappointed as such it’s such a popular restaurant.

Couldn't cater for a nut allergy ,even though there is signs saying to inform your waiter/waitress which I did I was then told I could not have anything i wanted to order due to the oils they use and trays for other items /Cross contamination was too much of a risk for them.....seems pointless having a sign regarding allergy info/requests to then not be able to provide the service....paid for the drinks we had already ordered and had to leave and go somewhere else

If you’re within 50 miles of Newcastle and want an Italian restaurant then you have to go. Honestly been over 50 times and would go every week if I could. Birthday song was a lovely unique addition from our waiter. Mushroom starter and the muscles were brilliant. Forza Francesca.

As always , never disappointed

Only had a takeaway pizza but could tell its a lovely place to sit and eat. from the quality of the pizza, the rest of the food needs to be tried

Certain Staff member not very welcoming. First time I went to dine in by myself staff suggested i get take out instead despite the restaurant not being busy and the second time i came in to get takeout he ignored me at first and had a look of distain on his face when I asked to pick up my food. Pizza was also not the best.

Incredible. It was my first time here but will definitely be back. I was with a group of 10 and I saw a few dishes I would like to try 😁

Absolutely brilliant, magnificent meal thanks again.

Lovely food. Staff friendly and welcoming.

Felt like authentic Italian food, we had to wait for 40 minutes in the queue but it was absolutely worth it !

We had Thomas as our server he was very attentive, made a fuss of my mother for her birthday and was very talkative and making our baby girl smile all the time. We Will definitely be back.

Fabulously decorated interior, cosy seating that was not loud despite the place being busy. Lovely, very warm and welcoming staff - which when paired with the faultless food, was an excellent evening. Will return when I am next in Newcastle!

Francesca's Pizzeria serves up an excellent selection of pizzas and pastas, along with an array of amazing desserts. The restaurant itself brings a delightful old-school vibe with retro decorations, making the whole setting very welcoming. Do note that you can't box your orders here, and there's typically a queue, but fortunately, it moves quickly. The staff are incredibly warm and hospitable, which makes the dining experience even more pleasant. A minor downside was the payment process, as they prefer a single payment for the group rather than separate transactions, which was a bit of a challenge since our party didn't know each other well. Despite this, the quality of food and service makes me eager to return. Highly recommended!

Delicious food with great service and brilliant atmosphere 👌 😀

Best Italian restaurant I have ever known. The food and the staff were amazing. Overall atmosphere just make you to come back there again and again. Highly recommended to friends and family. This restaurant doesn't need to advertise once you visit you will do the job for them. We will definitely go back there with my family.

I’ve been a couple of times it’s a beautiful restaurant and not only is the food great but the staff are out of this world and so friendly. We had Thomas our last visit, he really made our day and went out of his way for us.

Lovely Italian restaurant with quality food and service. We’ll be coming back for sure. Strogonoff and sea food pasta were amazing. And don’t forget to get profiterol it’s delicious and the portion is huge!

Always excellent, an institution

Worth the wait. Food is fantastic at a very cheap price. Great atmosphere and really interesting decorations.

Lovely atmosphere, however the food was rather disappointing; bland and quite oily. Very busy and popular spot.

It’s been a while since we have been here as we don’t live close but we will definitely be back. We had a fantastic meal and the service was great. A special thanks to Thomas for making our evening special as it was my aunt’s birthday and he had everybody singing happy birthday. Thank you we will be back soon. 🍷🍷

Decided to give this Italian restaurant a try and boy we were not disappointed it was absolutely amazing food was delicious service was wonderful try it and you will not be disappointed you will probably have to queue to get in it’s that good

Was disappointed with the food. No taste and very plain.

Pizzeria Francesca in Newcastle is an absolute gem of an Italian restaurant. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with warmth and hospitality that instantly makes you feel at home. The ambiance is charming, with cozy seating and a delightful aroma of freshly baked pizza filling the air. But what truly sets Pizzeria Francesca apart is its impeccable service, led by the outstanding server, Thomas. Thomas goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest has a memorable dining experience. His attentiveness, knowledge of the menu, and genuine enthusiasm for the cuisine are evident in every interaction. As for the food, it's nothing short of sensational. Each dish is crafted with care and precision, showcasing the authentic flavors of Italy. Whether you're indulging in their wood-fired pizzas, mouthwatering pasta dishes, or delectable desserts, you can taste the passion and expertise that goes into every bite. In conclusion, Pizzeria Francesca is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine in Newcastle. With its welcoming atmosphere, exemplary service, and exceptional food, it's sure to leave a lasting impression. And with Thomas leading the way, you're guaranteed a dining experience that exceeds all expectations. Buon appetito!

Always queue but worth the wait.

Amazing italian restaurant with an original decoration and a great variety of meals. You can also enjoy a half pizza + half pasta at a good price. The restaurant is located in Jesmond area and it's usually full so dont forget to book in advance. The food is delicious and the staff very professional. 100% recommended

Great meal but you cant prebook and are likely to have to queue

What a lovely place so charming and old world. The food was really good and the service very good and the prices are so reasonable. Definitely worth a visit.

Quick service and very friendly staff. The Italian staff make it feel very authentic. Be prepared to queue, but it will be worth it

Wasn't sure about waiting in a queue to get a table but it was worth it for the food & the service.

This is a great restaurant in Jesmond. Lovely food, lovely staff and a great atmosphere.

Very nice a great place to eat.

Sooo I come to Newcastle for the football I ended up here for dinner on the first night, it was one of the best Italians I've ever been too, the food was so rich as hearty it was perfect ❤️ the atmosphere was amazing the food was just perfection

Old school family vibe Italian restaurant. The service is great. They make you feel very welcome. You get bread and can ask for balsamic vinegar and olive oil. I went for the bbq ribs which were spare ribs. The sauce was a bit tangy for me but I cleaned the ribs. The pepperoni pizza is £11.60 at dinner or £9.35 at lunch. It had lots of cheese but wasn’t my style of pizza.

Fabulous food ,great service and a lovely atmosphere

Warm,hospitable,value for money,great place

Excellent restaurant with an authentic Italian ambiance. I really appreciated the originality of offering plates with half pizza and half pasta, which allows you to discover a variety of flavors. The Francesca pizza was particularly delicious. Recommended !

Haven't been for a while. Went a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed our meal there. My daughter asked if we could go back no brainer yes. Went in not that busy happy days quick service orders taken all very good starters came Very nice then the main course arrived two chose Pennie pasta dishes got tagatellie the other order pizza looked ok but raw how do you possibly under cook a pizza. At first I thought I was imagining it. But no I could taste the flour and with closer inspection soft and elastic under cooked . Also asked for an extra side of chips didn't arrive and told the waiter still didn't arrive although it was on the bill but they didn't charge for them. Go to any restaurant place and order you would reasonably expect to get what you ordered not what they want to give you and your order to be cooked. Sad to say we won't be rushing back ever .

Great Restaurant, reasonably priced and quick service with great food. Atmosphere for a Wednesday night in January was really good.

This place deserves to be called Italian, fantastic food and great services.

This is an institution of the area and is widely regarded as a great venue. Honestly I think the atmosphere and service can't be faulted but the quality of the food (I ordered half and half pasta pizza, potato skins and an affogato) for the price is dismal. £5 for potato skins seems very expensive. The pasta had very little to no flavour to it, the pizza was okay though for the price certainly not as good as newer pizzerias such as Flint. I did enjoy the affogato though. I would recommend going once for the experience and avoiding the pasta

Fantastic place for families, groups or a meal for two. Huge menu and generous portions. Service was quick and the food delicious.

I visit here every time I'm in the UK

The best Italian restaurant in Newcastle, fantastic atmosphere and food.

We came here tonight for our friend’s birthday, the food was absolutely fab and our waiter Thomas was especially great even serenading the whole restaurant with us singing happy birthday and xmas songs. Thanks so much to all the staff and especially Thomas you babe.

Good value, family friendly, local neighbourhood Italian. Fast friendly service. Would return again but not a destination place for us. Seems ideal for local families.

Tuesday night and it was heaving. Superb food, lovely staff and a warm atmosphere. Highly recommend

This is such a cool place. Great food, great service. It's very popular, so expect to wait, but it's well worth it.

Had the best meal here for my daughter's birthday, fabulous food ( large portions, now need a sleep 😀)and service. Staff were amazing 🤩 they even brought Ice cream with candles for her. Thank you 👍😁😁

Great atmosphere, food and service!

Been going here for over 20years, amazing food, amazing staff, one of Newcastle upon Tynes hidden gems

Thomas had excellent service and sang happy birthday for my friend, great energy. -Kieran

My daughter lives in Newcastle and highly recommended Francesca,s . We were not disappointed . Gorgeous food , fast friendly service. We loved it . Will definitely be eating here again on our next trip to Newcastle.

Absolutely amazing food and service! Could not recommend this place any more. Complementary bread basket is a nice touch to start, and the food is always fresh and comes out really quickly. Good sized portions too so definitely worth the money! Usually have to wait 20-30 minutes, depending on time, but that’s not an issue, as the food is definitely worth the wait! Relatively good pricing too, spending around £20pp for 2 courses and drinks!

I have been here twice now and it is beautiful. the atmosphere is perfect and the food is spectacular. and no matter were u sit its always a great spot

Really, really don't get the hype about this place. Starter was pretty tasteless, But edible. Pasta was falling apart, sauce tasted like nothing, and the smoked salmon that was in it, was properly fishy - then the pasta dish had been sweetened with something, honey or sugar, but just a super strange way to do the recipe. Pasta was sent back, fair enough, but nobody seemed to care.

Decent food, decent value, cracking service, good atmosphere

Make sure you get there in good time to queue (no booking) especially if you have a big party. Thoroughly enjoy every visit. You're in for a treat!

Very good food and friendly staff. But when you sit there to enjoy a glass of vino they become quite unfriendly and make it uncomfortable to finish your glass of wine by bringing you the bill without being asked for it and look at you angrily:/

Absolutely superb as always Never fails to please 👍

Best Italian in the North East bar none.

First time visit and wasn’t disappointed. Food was delicious and matched by the service, especially Thomas who was tremendous and made us feel like family. Will definitely be back!

Good food & reasonably priced + friendly staff 👍

As good now as it's always been. Thank you Thomas for the great service and the seranade

Meal here tonight after dropping my daughter off at Uni. Food was amazing, staff very attentive especially Thomas. Atmosphere was brilliant. Very popular place, highly recommended.

very good food, great pizza / pasta half and half option! Get there early as they don't take booking and you'll have to queue

Ate here last night as a solo diner and cannot fault this place, was recommended to me by a local and my god it was just so good! Atmosphere, food and staff were all outstanding. If you see a queue, do yourself a favour and wait for a table, you will not regret it! Really reasonable too, I just went town on drinks and food.

Absolutely amazing. Food and service were great

Great experience and the service was fabulous with a great musical piece by Thomas. Food was fabulous although sad that we could have the potato skin but overall, was an amazing evening there.

One of the best Italian restaurant in whole UK. We came to visit our son and he took us for dinner, Mr Thomas and all member of the team made our evening very joyful. My whole family including little one also enjoyed this place and 100% recommended 💖

The kind of place that has been putting out solid, dependable Italian basics for decades, with an interior that looks it. You can't book ahead, which gives it the most efficient throughput and seemingly doesn't diminish demand - we went on a Monday evening and queued for about 45 minutes. If you're in Jesmond, you're not getting much better - do yourself a carby favour and pop in for a half pizza and pasta combo.

Fantastic food, amazing atmosphere, staff were funny, goodrecommendations for food and great value for money! Get there early to avoid a queue but it is 100% worth the wait.

Great Service, Great Atmosphere, fantastic Food ....if you've not tried francesca's I recommend you do....you won't be disappointed!

Good food, good prices. Decor a little dated and we were put in a dark spot near the kitchen. - no choice given.

Great staff, great food, great prices whats not to like

Lovely atmosphere, friendly attentive staff. Prices were reasonable, queue was going down the street to get in , in the rain!

The closest Italian dining experience without shelling out for the airfare! It is the only place to enjoy "bella atmosfera italiana" because in Italy food is about more than mere nourishment. Molte grazie, Pizzeria Francesca!

The best Italian ever! I have had so many lovely times and meals here throughout my time at university. All the staff are so friendly and full of craic and the food is unreal. I really recommend the half pizza half pasta. Thank you Francesca's!

If you have never been you need to go, I returned from Spain where I now live and the atmosphere and people continue to be the best around. Love you guys see you at Christmas

Awesome atmostphere and hospitality. Big thanks to Thomas for looking after us and providing us with a great time. 10/10, we will be back

Gone expensive but then everything has still great food and service!

Absolutely gorgeous food! Staff we're amazing and made it a birthday to remember! Thank you ❤️

Always a great experience. Atmosphere brilliant.

Great food, great environment. Our server Thomas is so cool and funny. He made our graduation celebration dinner just perfect.