Mercedes Wilson-Villaseñor
+4
Even though the fries needed salt, I REALLY enjoyed my muffuletta and conversing with Frank and Brenda. Brenda really made me feel like family, and her personality just sparkles. Frank was personal and answered all my questions about his family and business. It was really fun hanging out with them; and my muffuletta was warm, toasty, and soft. It didn’t need mayonnaise, ketchup, etc. so don’t mess it up by putting those things on there. Great job, y’all, and thank you for an awesome time!
Frank's is Italian with some items being a fusion of Italian with a Cajun French flair. It's a family owned restaurant in a good location that's easy to find, but parking might be a bit of a challenge as it is for many places in the Big Easy. The food was great, the service was exceptional, there's a lot to choose from on their drink menu, and the serving portions were generous. My only complaint was that the music was turned down so low that I heard more noise from the ambient foot and motor traffic outside than the good time music in the restaurant.
We enjoyed a muffaleta' shrimp and corn chowder and a beer on the balcony. The food was great, as was the service. What a great way to have lunch and people watch.
While the Frank’s Restaurant on Decatur is a very good Italian Restaurant our personal favorite is the muffuletta sandwich. This is a specialty of theirs and possibly their own creation. The restaurant is very casual but in a nice way. The upstairs and gallery seating are also great. The staff are friendly and always ready to discuss football or local issues. This is a great old school restaurant.
We sat upstairs on a slow Tuesday lunch and had a young, new server. She was very friendly and we liked her very much. She was not well trained in the menu. We are 45 year restaurateurs and asked intelligent, but basic, menu questions. She said she had to ask the chef every time, which made for a long while before ordering.
The place desperately needs a makeover. WE LOVE the "old world charm", but it came across as very dirty.
That's the only negative...
We had the Muffaletta and Ravioli. I had a beer, which was not very cold. The food was absolutely outstanding. Great seeded bread and fabulous olive tapanade inside with fresh meats and cheese. The Ravioli was 100% house made with a wonderful pomodoro sauce. It really was outstanding and we owned 3 Italian restaurants over a 45 year period.
We met the owners downstairs as we were leaving who is originally from NYC, as we are. They were very cordial.
We recommend this place highly, for the food, and will return on our next trip to NOLA.
I liked this place as soon as we walked in. It reminded me of a place I frequented when I was growing up. The service is excellent. Brenda chatted with us about being from NY and was very entertaining.
Food is very tasty and perfectly prepared.
Fried shrimp and shrimp/crawfish over angel hair pasta were the entrées we ordered. The gumbo was spiced nicely, but I prefer a bit of heat, so I splashed some Tabasco on it. Stop in when you roam around Decatur st. You won't be disappointed.
It was a little odd to find Red Beans & Rice on the menu in an Italian restaurant, but perhaps less odd when you're in New Orleans. And even less odd still that it ended up being very good. The staff are also quite friendly and accommodating, and the restaurant is very convenient to the French Quarter.
Ran into Frank’s on my walk along the shoppes! Glad we made the stop! I was able to sit on the rooftop and over look the passersby! A bit of wind almost ruined it for me! Lol The chicken Marsala was SOO GOOD! The Gumbo was tasty as well! The waiter was very attentive and pleasant! Such a hole in the wall but definitely with the try!
Italian Cajun fusion is my best description and it's a delicious Mashup. Crayfish & Shrimp Pasta is so good. Anything with the gagliana sauce. Garlic bread was so-so.
Waitstaff could be a little friendlier but we were there near closing time so they could have just been worn out. The food was incredible! The seafood pasta was Devine and the Muffaleta was the best we had in town! A definite must see when in NOLA.
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